Visiting Amalfi Coast from Salerno (by ferry/boat)

What time of year?

It’s pretty simple
I believe you will have to transfer in Amalfi to the ferry to Positano
Then return by ferry to Amalfi, maybe head up to Ravello if you wish

The problem with Positano is it has a small dock and ferries cancel more frequently there if weather conditions dictate that
I would hate to get stuck in Positano-you would have to climb all the way up to catch a bus

(I would skip Positano and just visit Amalfi and Ravello)

Here are the current ferry schedules/prices. if your trip is next year, you'll want to reference schedules when 'up' for the 2026 season; use the dropdowns to choose your departure/arrival ports.. Buy your tickets at each town's port the day of your travel or the day before. Do be aware that ferries do not travel to Positano in the winter season and will be scarce to other locations.

https://www.naplesbayferry.com/en/index

Thanks Christine and Kate! Trip is coming up soon - first stop in Southern Italy will be in Naples 2-4 Oct and then onto Salerno 5-6 Oct before going onto Tropea, Siracusa & Taormina, flying back from Catania. All by train. Interesting comment about getting stuck in Positano - I've watched youtube videos of people on those docks and lining up for buses. Looked like a nightmare to me so I opted for staying in Salerno and visiting Amalfi by ferry/boat. Kate, the attachment will come in handy for Naples too as I will be visiting Capri (and Pompeii) from there. Do either of you have preferences for the various ferry operators or are they pretty much the same?

I think they are pretty much all the same
Use whichever fits your schedule

I hope you are planning to visit Paestum while in Salerno? IMO way more worthwhile than Positano

Yes, i hope to....my train from Naples gets into Salerno about 12:20 and there's a train to Paestum at 13:33. Hopefully I'll be able to check my luggage at the station in Salerno, otherwise I'll need to drop it off at the hotel. Staying at the Hotel Montestella which I believe is a short distance from the station. Do you recall how much time you spent at Paestum?

As Christine said, it doesn't really make a difference which ferry you book, although I'd opt for one taking less versus more time.

We stayed at Montestella-it’s quite nice, small room but completely modernized and just a quick walk from station
According to Google there is baggage storage at the station

We spent several hours at Paestum-visited museum first then the site, then had lunch

Be sure to buy your return ticket in Salerno as there is no manned window at Paestum

Best gelato in Salerno is Bar Nettuno
We had a great meal at Mythos-in keeping with the Greek theme ;)

Ahhh yes, Christine, now I remember...you were the one that recommended the Hotel Montestella to me about a month ago when I started planning this leg of my trip. I'd made a note of the hotel and gelato place, which of course I won't miss! Thanks to you and Kate for your help.