Our plan for touring the Amalfi coast in October was to take a SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano, visit there awhile, then take the SITA bus to Amalfi. To return we were going to take a ferry from Amalfi to Positano so we could see both towns from the water, and take a SITA bus back to Sorrento.
BUT I have been reading terrible accounts of the SITA bus on another travel forum. People have said that it is practically impossible to get a window seat for the view (the best part of the trip) and that it is crowded and miserable. They are strongly urging people to take taxis or book private tours. Also there is concern about boarding the bus in Positano for the trip back to Sorrento because sometimes the bus is filled up in Amalfi and doesn't even stop in Positano.
Does anyone have any practical experience? I know the earliest SITA bus from Sorrento is 6:30AM but I doubt that I can get my crew (6 of us) up and ready to take that one - So is it really so crazy crowded at 8:30? How early should we arrive if we want window seats?
Also- in order to avoid getting passed by in Positano on the return trip, should we instead take our ferry trip from Positano to Amalfi and then board our bus home in Amalfi? The disadvantage of that plan is that we would miss good scenery from the bus from Positano to Amalfi (assuming we could get window seats).
We are budget travelers and are getting the Campania ArteCard so the cost of the SITA buses are covered. We thought the ferry would be worth the cost but we don't want to hire a driver unless it's really necessary.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Because you’re traveling in October, you shouldn’t encounter overcrowded buses. I traveled from Sorrento to Amalfi by SITA bus in September, and it wasn’t bad. If you arrive soon after the bus before the one you want departs, you’ll likely be near the front of the line and should get a window seat (right side going to Positano). There are 2 bus stops in Positano. If you get off at the first stop, you’ll need to walk down several hundred steps to the main part of town. It’s a beautiful walk, but also a bit strenuous. To avoid it, get off at the second stop, which lets you off very near the main part of town. Also remember that the later you go in October, the more likely the Amalfi Coast ferries will be on a reduced schedule or will have stopped running for the season. Be sure to check the ferry schedules as part of your trip planning. If the ferries are running, an option you might consider is ferry from Positano to Amalfi and then bus back from Amalfi. I took the bus back from Amalfi and had no problem getting a seat.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Jennie,
You should have no problems with the busses being overly crowded in October.
Here is the bus schedule. http://www.sitasudtrasporti.it/public/tpl/campania/5070.pdf
The ferries are seasonal, and may not be running at this time.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
I always take the SITA bus from Sorrento to Amalfi and usually take the 8:30 bus. Make sure you have your tickets and try to be at the front of the "line".
The return bus is often crowded, I would take the ferry.
Posted by
Mexico
162 posts
I just used bus transportation from Sorrento to Positano this last February and we had no problems at all. (I know, it was February, but the bus was almost full at noon) . I can imagine it getting really crowded in summer, but in October...get there early (but not 6:30 early!) , try to get seats on the opposite side of the driver, and just enjoy the beautiful scenary!. Happy travels
Posted by
OP
63 posts
Thanks to all - I feel much better about taking the bus now. Some people are just complainers, don't you think? Thanks for filling me in. We will enjoy the bus and use the ferry for part of the trip, maybe on the way back as suggested if it doesn't leave too early from Amalfi.
If we stop for awhile in Positano, is there any problem finding seats back on the bus from Positano to Amalfi? Is that stretch not to be missed because of the views from the bus, or would it be a good plan to take the ferry from Positano to Amalfi then take the bus back to Sorrento?
Posted by
2 posts
I have a related question - should I buy the SITA 5070 bus tickets in advance? Or do you buy them on board the bus? And if in advance, how far in advance can you buy them and where from in Sorrento or Amalfi/Atrani?
Posted by
Dallas, United States
707 posts
jennie,
We took the 8:30AM bus on the first weekend in October, last year. We were lucky they put on a second bus for that time otherwise we wouldn't have gotten on. The line was very long and both buses were very full with folks standing in the aisles. We went all the way to Amalfi and didn't have a problem getting on a return bus in early/mid-afternoon. Point is that even in early October there is the potential for crowded buses.