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What is the better route from Florence to Praiano?

What would be the better option, train to Naples and taking a private car transfer to Praiano,
or train to further away Salerno and either a bus, boat or car transfer to Praiano?

Second question is the return trip-Praiano to Rome,-again which it the better
route (traveling from Salerno or Naples) for time, cost, and conveniece considerations???

Just read in Rick's book about the idea of going to Salerno. We initially assumed the
way to go was stopping at Naples and using a car transfer, but the car is expensive.

Posted by
35 posts

I just returned from Praiano to CA two nights ago and I loved my stay. I took the train from Rome to Salerno. Once in Salerno I took the short( about three blocks) walk to the ferry terminal. I purchased the ticket to Praiano at the ferry terminal to Amalfi and then got the bus to Praiano. I returned the same way. It was very easy. I didn't have many crowds as was still a little early in the season. If you want to see Pompeii you must stop in Naples but I got tired traveling so I decided to skip that visit and do that perhaps another trip. I'd skip the entire car rental; I think you can book the ferry tickets online. I really liked the views from the ferry and not a crowded bus the entire Amalfi to Praiano. Be ready to walk steps as that is the only way around Praiano. Might I also suggest a water taxi vs. the bus to get around once there. I used Frankie, at Frankiesboattours.com. He is local and you won't find him in tour books. I used his water taxi to get around and he is less expensive than the tours. He was very safe, fun and local. There are water taxis everywhere but he will know if you say the lady from California made the recommendation. We talked a lot about the Oddesey and he will remember that. Give it a try and I think you will be happy with this plan. Rita

Posted by
35 posts

If you have any other questions just let me know. I also hiked up to the Path of the Gods.

Posted by
270 posts

Thanks for the advise Rita.

In looking at the web sites, and I'm not seeing ferry service to Praiano?

I also see ferry service from Naples? Any reason that you selected Salerno?

Does the ferry service operate in all weather conditions? Need reliable transport..going to be a long travel day.

Thanks for Frankie! Does he do tours, only? Or does he shuttle tourists between towns, as well?

Thanks for all.

Posted by
35 posts

Hi, No the ferry service is from Salerno to Amalfi and then the SITA bus from Amalfi to Praiano. I have been home now five days and on reflection am truly glad I did it that way. I went to Salerno because I had intended to stop in Naples and visit Pompeii but I was just too tired. The ferry was so easy and I had one piece of luggage and a carry on. Yes, Frankie will help with anything you want and he picked me up at ONE Fire( down a ton of steps) each day. I wrote to him today and he is really appreciative of any guests and helpful with all your water activities. I had him take me snorkeling, swimming and we visited a few ancient caves. I cannot find him on the internet except when I was there. I will also try to get his phone number as I called to book an entire afternoon with him. I may have left off '[email protected]" Now I think I have it all there. Honestly, after a day and half with him taking me in caves I cancelled Capri because I was getting to swim in some beautiful caves. He can even transport you to Salerno but I was on a budget and I could never have gotten my bags down all the steps. Seriously, the steps are brutal if you are not expecting them in Praiano. I wasn't but I had been doing some hiking so was okay. Write anytime and I will share more if you need something about that area. Rita

Posted by
35 posts

It's a bit exciting to share after a great trip. About your return from Praiano to Rome. The Sita bus begins its morning route in Positano. It was crowded and the few mornings I tried to catch it it just went right on by because it was already full. So on the morning of my return I booked a private taxi to Amalfi where I caught the ferry back to Salerno. Then I caught the train back to Rome. I see in one of your posts you are in an airbnb. So was I. There is a little supermarket and ATM access right in the middle of town. One Fire is the popular bar, beach and a bit more exclusive area. There is the Marina which is more of a public beach but small swim area. One Fire wasn't exactly my thing but the swimming was beautiful so that is where I ended most of my days. Lounge Chairs with umbrellas were 20 euro a day and the Marina was 10 euro a day. There is a beautiful church right in the center of town.

Posted by
270 posts

Hi Rita,
Tried sending Frankie an email and it did not go through using the link above.
Hoping to get in contact with him.
Thanks.