How to Get to Positano: All Transport Options Explained

When we first started looking into how to get to Positano, we honestly expected a logistical nightmare. Between ferries, buses, trains, private transfers, and wildly different prices, it felt like one of those destinations where you’d only figure it out after making an expensive mistake.

But after visiting Positano in both high season and low season, we realised something surprising: once you understand the system, getting there is actually very straightforward.

We’ve done it the simple way — by bus — and it worked better than expected. It was affordable, predictable, and gave us a real feel for the coast instead of just being rushed from A to B in a taxi.

Since Positano is usually part of a bigger itinerary — whether you’re coming for the views, the beaches, or planning what to see from our Best things to do on Amalfi Coast guide and choosing accommodation using our where to stay on Amalfi Coast article — getting there smoothly really sets the tone for the whole stay.

In this guide we explain every realistic way to get to Positano, how much each option costs, when to use which route, and what we personally recommend based on our own trips.

Best Ways to Get to Positano (Our Recommendation)

The fastest way to get to Positano from Naples is by taking a ferry along the coast. The journey usually takes around 1.5 hours and is both comfortable and scenic, with prices typically between €25 and €40 per person.

The cheapest option from Naples is the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento followed by a local bus to Positano. This route takes about 2 to 2.5 hours in total and costs roughly €10–15, but comfort is basic and crowds are common in high season.

By Train + Bus (the way we traveled)

1. From Naples to Sorrento

When travelling from Naples to Positano, the first step is getting to Sorrento, since there’s no direct long-distance bus from Naples to Positano.

From Naples Airport

You can board Curreri Bus at Terminal 1 directly to Sorrento. The ride takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes and tickets currently cost 13€. We recommend booking them online before departure.

From Napoli Garibaldi (city center)

We personally started our trip to Positano from Naples city centre. Once we arrived at Napoli Garibaldi, we simply followed the signs to the Circumvesuviana local train platforms, which are clearly marked inside the station.

We bought our tickets right before departure from the ticket machines. There’s no need to book them in advance, and they aren’t tied to a specific departure — you can use them on any train on that route.

Since trains run frequently throughout the day, it’s easy to fit this leg into your schedule. For the most up-to-date timetables, it’s best to check Sorrento Insider.

The train ride itself takes just over one hour. Comfort-wise, it’s very basic. These are older trains mainly used by locals for daily commuting, and based on our experience, there were no toilets on board. Ticket costs 4.6€.

Trains can also get crowded during rush hour and in peak summer, and it can feel quite warm inside, especially on hot days.

2. From Sorrento to Positano

As soon as we got off the train in Sorrento, it was easy to find the right bus. The platforms are located directly in front of the station, and there’s a small kiosk nearby where you can buy your bus tickets.

In the off season, we didn’t have to wait long and only a handful of other passengers were travelling with us. In summer, however, the situation was very different. Long lines formed for the buses, and since departures are only about every 30 minutes, missing one meant waiting for the next and hoping there would still be space once we reached the front of the queue.

One thing worth noting is that the queue is in an unshaded area, so waiting in the heat can get tiring, especially during peak summer hours. For the latest departure times, it’s best to check the current schedule on Sorrento Insider. Buses on this route are operated by SITA.

At the time of our visit, tickets were sold as a 24-hour pass for around €10, which can be used on multiple routes along the coast. We’re not certain whether one-way tickets are available, as we only saw the day pass option being sold at the kiosk.

By Ferry (most comfortable)

Travelling to Positano by ferry is one of the most scenic and comfortable options, especially in good weather. Ferries run from Naples (Molo Beverello) directly to Positano during the main season, and the journey usually takes around 1 to 1.5 hours depending on the operator and sea conditions.

It’s a much more relaxed experience than road transport, with open decks, fresh air, and views of the coastline instead of traffic.

Tickets are more expensive than the train-and-bus combo, but still reasonable for the comfort you get. Prices typically range from €25 to €40 per person, and seats are usually assigned. In high season, ferries can sell out, so booking in advance is a good idea if you already know your travel date. We recommend booking via Omio.

Arriving by ferry also means you’ll dock right at Positano’s small harbour, which is one of the most iconic first impressions of the town.

That said, ferries are seasonal and weather-dependent, so they don’t run as frequently in winter, and rough seas can cause cancellations.

By Car (Scenic but not for everyone)

Driving to Positano is undeniably scenic, but it’s not an option we’d recommend to everyone. The coastal road offers incredible views, but it’s also narrow, winding, and very busy, especially between late spring and early autumn.

Travel time from Naples is usually around 1.5 to 2 hours without traffic, but in high season it can easily take much longer.

If you do decide to rent a car, we recommend using DiscoverCars, which we use ourselves in every country to compare prices and find reliable rentals with clear insurance options.

That said, having a car in Positano can be more of a burden than a benefit. Parking is limited, expensive, and often located outside the main centre, meaning you’ll still be walking a lot once you arrive.

Final Thoughts

Getting to Positano may look complicated at first, but once you understand how the routes work, it’s much easier than it seems. We’ve travelled this way ourselves, and while the train-and-bus combo takes a bit of patience, it’s reliable and budget-friendly, especially if you don’t mind basic comfort.

If you’re visiting in high season and want the smoothest experience, the ferry is hard to beat for both comfort and views. Driving, on the other hand, is something we’d only suggest if Positano is part of a longer road trip and you’re confident behind the wheel.

No matter which option you choose, planning ahead — especially in summer — will save you time and stress. And once you arrive, the effort feels worth it, because Positano really does live up to the hype.