I will be staying in Positano in October and want to travel to Sorrento and Pompeii for the day. I am thinking that I should take the bus to Sorrento to board the train for Pompeii. Upon my return to Sorrento, I would like to walk around the area, perhaps have late dinner, and then take the ferry back to Positano. Does this sound reasonable, or should I just purchase a RT ticket for the bus and after dinner walk back to the station to take the bus back to Positano? Or should I take the ferry back to Positano?
Thanks in advance for any advice.
Posted by
Calgary, Alberta, Canada
5220 posts
I would always pick the ferry over the bus in that region, however I'd check the October ferry schedule to confirm there will be evening boats.
Posted by
Ontario, Canada
6385 posts
It looks like the last ferry to Positano is at 1940. That's too early to have dinner before hand since most places won't even open til 1900. The last bus appears to leave at 2130.
Posted by
San Diego, California
6552 posts
Shoulder seasons don't exist in that area anymore, so expect crowds, even in October. The weather can still be hot. And transportation takes time and patience, as things just don't work very well, due the neglected infrastructure. As a result, many people use expensive private drivers, altho one still has the traffic congestion.
Positano is a difficult area for transportation. The ferry dock is small, and frequently closed due to weather and high winds.
The SITA buses are jam-packed, and you may have to wait in a long lines for a long time.
The Circumvesuviana train between Pompeii and Sorrento is similar to a NYC subway- often SRO, and no air conditioning.
So- don't try to plan too much, as just moving about will take much time and energy.
That being said, knowing the realities on the ground, plan accordingly, and have a great trip!
Posted by
Bay Area SF & Uppsala Sweden
1381 posts
I'm wondering if you would consider staying in Sorrento instead of Positano? You could find a nice hotel or BnB with views of the Bay of Naples. You can easily travel RT to Pompeii on the train & take ferries down the Amalfi Coast. I love the area, but the logistics can be quite challenging and it's not fun being stuck in a hot bus in a traffic jam! Good luck whatever you decide....
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
8408 posts
An hour to board and ride the bus, 15 minute average wait for train, just over an hour on the train. I doubt there is a ferry after dinner-Make sure you are looking at an October schedule, hard to do. Look up sunset for your week in Positano. No boats in the dark. Also affects Pompeii closing time, if you extend your visit because it is so big and good.