How best to see the Amalfi coast?

I stayed in Sorrento (via the train from Naples) and took the bus to visit Positano, Amalfi and Ravello. You can also take the same train from Naples to visit Pompeii. And various boats from Sorrento, Amalfi and/or Positano can take you to Capri.

Logistically, Sorrento is the most convenient base to see all of these places. But it isn't on the Amalfi Coast itself. Some prefer Positano for this reason.

Rick's Italy as well as his Naples & The Amalfi Coast books have all the details of how to get between these places. Note that boats on many routes are seasonal and can also be weather dependent. Look at one of these books and know what's involved in getting from place to place, before deciding where to stay.

The best, most convenient home base to see the Amalfi Coast is Sorrento. From Sorrento by boat to Capri takes 25 minutes, to Naples or to Positano takes 35 minutes. The private commuter train line, the Circumvesuviana (has more of a metro feel than a train), connects Naples and Sorrento as well with many stops along the way, including Herculaneum and Pompeii. Total travel time takes about 70 minutes. Bus connections are also available from Sorrento.

If you have a shorter trip I’d stick to sleeping in Sorrento. With more time, I’d also spend a few nights in one of the Amalfi Coast towns like Positano or Amalfi town. Positano is also a 25 minute boat ride to Capri so you can visit the island easily from there or Sorrento.

Ferry to capri.

http://www.capritourism.com/imgg/download/collegamenti_marittimi_capri_orario.pdf.

Ferrys on Amalfi coast.

http://www.coopsantandrea.com/en/servizidilinea/servizi.asp

Busses along the AC.

http://www.theamalficoast.net/orari_sita_bus_timetables.html

Circumvesuvian timetables.

http://www.eavcampania.it/web/content/orario-ferroviario

Metro map Naples.

http://www.unicocampania.it/files/mappe/rete_metro.pdf

We like this hotel in Sorrento.

http://www.ilnido.com/

In Naples try:

http://www.orsini46.it/index_en.html.

great location close to the port.

http://www.bbbellini.com/eng/bellini.html.
In the old city center.

http://www.flipkey.com/napoli-condo-rentals/p657621/
Harder to get to, you need to take the funiculare, but views are WONDERFUL