Naples to Positano Transfer

We took the Circumvesuviana from Naples (same train station that you will arrive at on the train from Rome to Naples) to Sorrento and then bus to Positano (sit on the right side of the bus for the views). A more detailed description is spelled out in the RS guidebook.

We took a ferry from the Naples marina to Positano. It was fairly quick but a bit loud. A nice trip though, you go between the mainland and Capri.

We used the "Blue Porter" to get our luggage up the hill to the hotel.

Go to positanoshuttle.com. You can schedule a shared ride or a private ride. Then you can just get to your hotel.

The least expensive way is noted in Rick's book - Walk down the stairs in the Naples train station to the Circumvesuviana train which takes you right into Sorrento. As soon as you leave the Sorrento train station, the Amalfi coast bus will be right across the street. Pay for the bus as you get on and ride it right into Positano - find out which of the bus stops - there are 2 - that is closest to your hotel.

We have used both and it truly depends on your level of adventure and your desire to get to your destination without doing much thinking !

I've been doing some research on this for myself and I've found the cheapest is the longest (train and bus) and it also seems it could be the most crowded and inconvenient with luggage. The fastest/most comfortable is the most expensive (private driver). The private drivers I've found ranged from 90-120euro (and you'll probably need to tip) which seems reasonable for a 1.5 hour drive in a nice private car door to door. I'd splurge on the private driver (especially for your honeymoon!) since any regrets I've ever had traveling in the past has always been not splurging on the quickest route on travel days.

llana,

First of all, congratulations!

As the others have mentioned, the cheapest way will be the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento, and then Bus to Positano. You could use a "combination approach" by taking the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento and then springing for a Taxi or private transfer to Positano.

If this is your first time in Italy and you'll be making this trip in a jet-lagged state after a long international flight, I'd suggest using a private transfer from Naples to Positano. One that you could look at is the Monetti Taxi listed in the guidebook. The Circumvesuviana may be too much of a "culture shock" for new travellers, and keep in mind it has a reputation as a haven for thieves and pickpockets. If you'll be travelling with luggage, that's something to think about.

Once you're recovered from jet lag and a bit more familiar with the area, taking the Bus or a Shuttle from Positano to Sorrento and then the Circumvesuviana to Naples shouldn't be as much of an issue.

Hi llana,

My husband and I are also leaving shortly for our honeymoon in Positano - I have coordinated flights into Naples and then hired a private driver to take us from the airport to our B&B in Positano. I found them on Tripadvisor and they've had great reviews - the company is Positano Drivers (approx 150 Euro for both of us and luggage).

Good Luck!

May I know how long is the trip from Naples to Sorrento using train? How is the experience of the train ride?

May I know how long is the trip from Naples to Sorrento using train? How is the experience of the train ride?

colin,

The trip from Naples to Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana is "officially" 1H:06M. The "experience of the train ride" will probably be memorable, as the Circumvesuviana has somewhat of a colorful reputation as a haven for thieves and scammers. Many people ride the train and have no problems, but it's prudent to at least be aware of the situation. At some times of the day, it can be very hot and crowded (no A/C).

Ilana, I am sharing my opinion with you again. One thing I have come to learn at my age, is there are things worth splurging on, and things worth skimping. Safety, time, and convenience are worth the splurge. We considered flying Allianca to Naples from Rome, but the flight was either too early or late in the day. After flying into Rome, I did not want to deal with multiple transfers, schlepping luggage, and time wasted. After much researching, I found Seahorse private car transfers out of Sorrento to pick us up at Fiumicino Airport in Rome and drive us right to the port in Naples to then take a ferry to Capri. Two and 1/2 hours after arriving in Rome and 275 euros (probably less money than you will pay for one night at a hotel in Positano), we were on our way, with no worries about pickpockets. Even though we flew business class to Rome and slept on the plane, my husband was able to nap comfortably in the sedan as we were driven down the highway. Friends of ours who could have well afforded the car service, took the cheap way on the train from Rome, and afterwards said, "never again". Seahorse has a website and I think they offer shared shuttle service too. There are reviews on Trip Advisor. Happy Honeymooning!