The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most dramatic destinations, and also one of the trickiest to reach. No train line runs to Amalfi, Positano, or Ravello — the steep cliffside terrain made rail construction impossible. The good news is that the journey from Rome is entirely manageable: a Frecciarossa gets you to Naples in just over an hour, and from there buses, ferries, and transfers reach every village on the coast. Here is every option, with realistic times and costs for 2026.
The fastest route: Frecciarossa to Naples, then SITA bus
This is the standard combination used by most independent travellers.
Step 1 — Rome Termini to Naples Centrale by Frecciarossa
Frecciarossa high-speed trains depart Rome Termini for Naples Centrale every 30-40 minutes from around 06:00. Journey time is approximately 65-75 minutes. Advance fares start from approximately €19 in Standard class as of 2026; walk-up fares on the day are typically €35-55. Book in advance at trenitalia.com or via Omio to compare with Italo.
Step 2 — Naples to the Amalfi Coast by SITA bus
SITA buses depart from Piazza Municipio (near Naples Molo Beverello ferry terminal) and connect to Positano, Praiano, Amalfi, and Atrani. The journey from Naples to Amalfi takes approximately 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours depending on traffic. In peak season (July-August), this road is heavily congested and buses can run 30-45 minutes late. Fares are inexpensive — approximately €3-4 per person.
Via Salerno (faster for Amalfi itself)
An alternative second leg uses the train to Salerno (around 30 minutes from Naples on a regional train) and then the SITA bus from Salerno to Amalfi, which takes approximately 1 hour and faces less congestion than the Naples-side coastal road. Salerno is also served directly by Frecciarossa from Rome Termini (approximately 2 hours 15 minutes), removing the Naples change entirely.
| Route | Approx. total time | Approx. cost |
|---|---|---|
| Rome → Naples (FR) → Amalfi (SITA bus) | ~3h 30min | ~€22-30 |
| Rome → Salerno (FR) → Amalfi (SITA bus) | ~3h 15min | ~€25-35 |
| Rome → Naples → Positano (ferry + bus) | ~4h | ~€30-50 |
Ferry option: Naples or Salerno to the coast
From April to October, ferries connect Naples Molo Beverello to Positano (approximately 1 hour 10 minutes) and Amalfi (approximately 1 hour 30 minutes). From Salerno, ferries run to Amalfi (approximately 35 minutes) and Positano (approximately 1 hour 15 minutes). Ferry fares typically run €15-25 per person.
Ferries operate on a seasonal timetable — fewer services in May, June, and September, reduced further in October. In July and August the service is most frequent. Always check current timetables and book ahead in peak season.
Private transfer from Rome
A door-to-door private transfer from a Rome address (or Fiumicino airport) to your hotel on the Amalfi Coast takes approximately 3 to 3 hours 30 minutes by car. The route follows the A1 south from Rome and the A3 past Naples to Salerno, then the SS163 coastal road. This last section — the famous clifftop corniche — adds 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic and your final destination.
Private transfers remove the stress of bus connections and suit groups, families with luggage, or early morning or late evening arrivals. Book a Naples-area transfer with door-to-door service via Welcome Pickups Naples.
Typical private transfer prices from Rome to the Amalfi Coast: approximately €150-220 for a standard vehicle, €200-280 for a minivan. Prices vary by provider and season.
Driving from Rome
If you have a hire car or prefer to drive, the journey from Rome to Amalfi takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes in light traffic via the A1 and A3 motorways. Tolls total approximately €12-15. The A3 runs past Naples and continues south to Salerno, where you join the SS163 coastal road.
A note on driving the SS163: the coastal road is narrow, winding, and single-lane in places, with heavy tourist traffic in summer. It is scenic but not relaxing. Parking in Amalfi town itself is limited and expensive — most visitors park at the lower car park and walk into the village. Positano has almost no parking. If driving, consider staying slightly outside the main villages.
For car hire from Rome: rental cars in Italy.
Reaching Positano specifically
Positano has no car access to the lower village and no bus terminus — buses drop on the SS163 above and passengers walk or take a local taxi down. From Naples by ferry, Positano is the first major stop and the most dramatic sea approach. From Amalfi, local SITA buses run frequently along the coast. Many visitors stay in Amalfi (more affordable) and day-trip to Positano.
What to do once you’re there
The Amalfi Coast rewards time. At minimum, allow two nights — one to explore Amalfi itself (the 9th-century cathedral, the Valle delle Ferriere gorge walk), one to get along the coast. Guided boat tours of the coast and the sea caves around Conca dei Marini are one of the best ways to see the landscape from the water: Amalfi Coast tours and experiences.
Where to stay
Accommodation on the Amalfi Coast ranges from budget guesthouses above the main road to clifftop five-star hotels with private beach access. Amalfi town and Praiano offer better value than Positano. For a searchable list: hotels on the Amalfi Coast.