We are planning a day trip to each of Capri and Positano, from our base in Sorrento in early August. I was wondering if we need to book our tickets in advance, and if so, which ferry service/website is most reliable? Is there a preferred ferry company that I should consider? I would think that the ferry to Positano would provide some gorgeous views of the coastline...is that true? I am a bit nervous about the white-knuckle bus ride I keep reading about, from Sorrento to Positano :) so the ferry sounds like a good option! Thanks for any tips you can provide!
Posted by
3 posts
We absolutely loved traveling by ferry around the Amalfi Coast. We went in October and needed no reservations. There is a posting of the ferry times at the docks in Sorrento. One day we spent on Capri.
Another day we went by ferry from Sorrento to Positano, spent a few hours there, then went to Amalfi for a few hours. In Positano and Amalfi you also buy tickets at the docks. We returned to Sorrento by ferry at the end of the day. The name of the ferry was SNAV.
The boat ride was beautiful. We were able to see the entire Amalfi coastline, and close up views of the Faraglioni Rocks of Capri.
It was also great to see the views of Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi ,and Capri from the water. We returned with gorgeous pictures of the cities and coast. We really enjoyed being outside on the sea versus being closed up in a bus on a winding road for hours.
We also left Sorrento by ferry at the end of our stay and travelled to Naples. The ferry docks in Naples are close to town. We enjoyed a day there before heading north again by train.
Posted by
OP
52 posts
Thanks! I think we will definitely take advantage of the ferry service to Positano and Naples! It will be a nice change from being cooped up in a vehicle, and I know that my kids will love being on the water. So I won't need to book any of these ferry rides in advance? There should be enough service and availability each day?
Posted by
OP
52 posts
Since I'll be travelling with my family of 5 in the peak summer season, I am really wondering if I should book my ferry tickets in advance. I am worried that we will end up waiting for hours on the dock in Sorrento for the next boat that may be an hour from the previous boat!!
Which service is most recommended for service from Sorrento to Positano and for Sorrento to Naples? Can someone suggest a good ferry company for each of these routes that also provide online advance booking?
If I buy my ferry tickets in person on the day of, do they accept cash only, or are credit cards ok?
I am also interested in visiting Amalfi ...should we plan to take the local bus there from Positano? How long does this bus ride take? And are there ferry companies that provide service to Sorrento from Amalfi?
Thanks in advance!!
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
August is high season, but also has the most departures. Buying on the spot is standard procedure and we think that booking tickets just a day ahead at the dock would be enough in advance. Ferry schedules change frequently, but the departures posted at the dock should be up-to-date; right now, departures are about every half hour, see also http://www.capritourism.com/en/ship-timetable. Two faster ferries whose web sites you could check for Capri tickets are www.caremar.it and www.gescab.it.