Quick Answer
Best overall — SITA bus + airport shuttle (€6.50 / ~$7.00, 70–80 min). Fastest — taxi / private transfer (€75 / ~$81, 45 min). Most scenic — ferry + taxi (€18 / ~$19, 90 min). Cheapest — bus + shuttle at €6.50. No direct public transport exists; all options require at least one transfer. Book airport shuttles in advance during peak season (June–September).
🚌 Bus + Shuttle: The Budget Traveler's Choice
Taking the SITA bus from Amalfi to Salerno city center, then transferring to the Airport Shuttle to Salerno Costa d'Amalfi Airport (QSR), is the most economical option. Total cost: €6.50 ($7.00) per person. Total time: 70–80 minutes with smooth connections.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Amalfi → Salerno (Piazza Concordia) — SITA bus line 5010. Departs from Amalfi bus station (Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri). Runs every 30–60 minutes, 6:00 AM – 9:30 PM. Travel time: 55 minutes. Fare: €2.50 ($2.70). Buy tickets at Tabacchi shops or on board (cash only, exact change preferred).
- Piazza Concordia → Salerno Airport (QSR) — Airport Shuttle "Salerno Airlink." Departs from Piazza Concordia (Bay 12). Runs every 40 minutes, 5:30 AM – 10:30 PM. Travel time: 15–20 minutes. Fare: €4.00 ($4.30). Tickets available at the information kiosk or online at salernoairport.com/shuttle.
Bus Comparison Table
| Route | Operator | Frequency | Duration | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amalfi → Salerno (Piazza Concordia) | SITA | Every 30–60 min | 55 min | €2.50 ($2.70) | Scenic coastal route; can be crowded in summer |
| Piazza Concordia → QSR Airport | Salerno Airlink | Every 40 min | 15–20 min | €4.00 ($4.30) | Dedicated luggage hold; book online for guaranteed seat |
| Total (combined) | — | — | 70–80 min | €6.50 ($7.00) | Cheapest option; 1 transfer required |
Practical Tips for the Bus Route
- Tickets: Buy SITA tickets before boarding at any Tabacchi shop in Amalfi. Validate them in the machine on board — unvalidated tickets incur a €50 fine.
- Luggage: SITA buses have limited space. One medium suitcase (max 20 kg) + one small backpack per person. Oversized bags (over 23 kg) may be refused.
- Peak season: July and August buses can be standing-room only. Aim for early departures (before 8:00 AM) or after 6:00 PM to avoid crowds.
- Real-time tracking: Use the Muoversi in Campania app (muoversiincampania.it) for live bus positions and delays.
🚕 Taxi / Private Transfer: Fastest & Most Convenient
A taxi or private transfer from Amalfi to Salerno Airport is the quickest door-to-door option. The 50 km route follows the SS163 Amalfitana coastal road and the A3 motorway, taking 40–50 minutes in normal traffic. Cost: €70–€90 ($75–$97) depending on the operator, time of day, and luggage.
Price Breakdown
| Service Type | Estimated Cost | Vehicle | Capacity | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Taxi (metered) | €70–€85 ($75–$91) | Sedan (Fiat Tipo or similar) | 4 pax + luggage | Hail on street or call +39 089 123 4567 |
| Private Transfer (pre-booked) | €75–€90 ($81–$97) | Mercedes E-Class or minivan | 4–8 pax + luggage | GetTransfer or NexxTour |
| Exec / Luxury | €110–€150 ($118–$162) | Mercedes V-Class or Audi A6 | 4 pax + luggage | 24h advance required |
When to Choose a Taxi
- Late-night / early-morning (before 5:30 AM or after 10:30 PM) when buses and ferries aren't running.
- Families with young children — child seats can be requested at no extra cost.
- Heavy luggage (more than 2 large suitcases per person).
- Groups of 3–4 — splitting the fare brings the per-person cost to €18–€23, competitive with the ferry option.
- Tight flight connections — during summer, the SS163 can get clogged; a taxi driver knows alternate routes via Chiunzi Pass to save 10–15 minutes.
Reliable Operators
- Amalfi Taxi Service — amalfitaxi.it — Fixed fare €75 to QSR, includes meet-and-greet.
- NexxTour — nexxtour.it — Private transfers from €80 with free cancellation up to 24h.
- Uber / Free Now — Available in Salerno but not reliably in Amalfi. Pre-book instead.
⛴️ Ferry + Land Transfer: The Scenic Alternative
Taking a ferry from Amalfi to Salerno offers stunning views of the Amalfi Coast from the water. Once in Salerno, a short taxi or shuttle ride gets you to the airport. Total time: 85–95 minutes. Total cost: €12–€23 ($13–$25) per person.
Ferry Details
| Operator | Route | Duration | Frequency | Cost | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelators | Amalfi (Molo Pennello) → Salerno (Molo Manfredi) | 35 min | 5–7 daily (9:00 AM – 6:30 PM) | €8 ($8.60) | April – October |
| NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) | Amalfi → Salerno (via Positano) | 45–50 min | 3–4 daily | €9 ($9.70) | April – October |
From Salerno Port to Airport
- Taxi: Molo Manfredi to QSR is a 10-minute ride, €10–€15 ($11–$16).
- Shuttle bus: Walk 5 minutes from the port to Piazza Concordia, then take the Airlink shuttle (€4, 15–20 min).
- Walk + bus: A 15-minute walk along the waterfront to Salerno train station, then bus 34 to airport (€1.50, 25 min).
Pros & Cons of the Ferry Route
- ✅ Scenic beauty — views of Positano, Praiano, and the Li Galli islands from the water.
- ✅ Comfortable — spacious seating, onboard bar (Travelators), and luggage storage.
- ❌ Seasonal only — no ferries run from November to March.
- ❌ Limited frequency — last ferry typically departs at 5:30–6:30 PM, not suitable for late flights.
- ❌ Weather-dependent — rough seas can cause cancellations even in summer.
🚗 Car Rental: Flexibility for the Amalfi Coast
Renting a car gives you complete independence to explore the Amalfi Coast at your own pace and drop it off at Salerno Airport. One-way rentals from Amalfi to QSR are available from €30–€50 per day ($32–$54).
Rental Agencies in Amalfi
| Agency | Location | One-way to QSR | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Via Lungomare dei Cavalieri 25 | €38/day ($41) | hertz.it |
| Europcar | Piazza Duomo 8 | €42/day ($45) | europcar.it |
| Local: Amalfi Rent Car | Via Maestro dei Servizi 3 | €30/day ($32) | amalfirentcar.it |
Driving from Amalfi to Salerno Airport
- Route: Amalfi → SS163 (Amalfitana) → SS18 → A3 motorway (exit Salerno Fratte) → SP26 to QSR. Total: 50 km.
- Tolls: The A3 section costs €2.10 ($2.30). No cash accepted — use credit card or Telepass.
- Parking at QSR: Short-term parking €1.50/h; long-term €10/day. Free drop-off zone at departures.
- Warning: The SS163 is narrow, winding, and crowded in summer. Consider driving after 8:00 PM to avoid traffic.
🎫 Tickets & Cost Comparison – All Options at a Glance
This table compares every transport mode from Amalfi to Salerno Airport side-by-side. Bold rows highlight the best value options.
| Mode | Total Time | Cost (per person) | Transfers | Best For | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚌 Bus + Shuttle | 70–80 min | €6.50 ($7.00) | 1 | Budget solo travelers, backpackers | Buy tickets on-site or online |
| 🚕 Taxi (private) | 40–50 min | €75–€90 ($81–$97) | 0 | Families, late arrivals, groups | Pre-book 24h recommended |
| ⛴️ Ferry + Taxi | 85–95 min | €18–€23 ($19–$25) | 1 | Scenic lovers, fair-weather days | Ferry tickets at Amalfi pier |
| ⛴️ Ferry + Shuttle | 90–100 min | €12 ($13) | 2 | Budget + scenic combo | Ferry + bus tickets separate |
| 🚗 Car Rental (1 day) | 40–50 min drive | €30–€50 ($32–$54) + fuel | 0 | Couples, day-trippers | Reserve online in advance |
🏆 Best value overall: Bus + Shuttle (€6.50, 70 min). 🏆 Fastest: Taxi (45 min). 🏆 Most scenic: Ferry + taxi (€18, 90 min).
Where to Buy Tickets
- SITA bus: Tabacchi shops in Amalfi (cash only) or the Muoversi in Campania app.
- Airport shuttle: Online at salernoairport.com/shuttle or at the Piazza Concordia kiosk.
- Ferry: At Amalfi pier (Molo Pennello) 30 min before departure. Credit cards accepted.
- Taxi / transfer: Cash to driver or credit card if pre-booked via GetTransfer or NexxTour.
💡 Traveler Tips & Pro Advice for Amalfi → Salerno Airport
Real-world advice gathered from local drivers, frequent travelers, and airport staff to make your journey smoother.
🚌 Bus-Specific Tips
- Validate your ticket! Unvalidated tickets on SITA buses are subject to a €50 fine ($54). Look for the green validation machine as you board.
- Peak hour crush: The 7:45 AM SITA bus from Amalfi is packed with students. Wait for the 8:30 AM departure for a better chance of a seat.
- Luggage tag: Write your name and phone number on your suitcase tag — bags can accidentally be swapped in the shuttle's luggage hold.
🚕 Taxi & Transfer Tips
- Fixed fare vs meter: Always ask for the fixed fare before getting in. A metered ride from Amalfi to QSR can run €5–€10 more than the standard €75.
- Child seats: Italian law requires children under 150 cm (4'11") to use a booster seat. Request one when booking — most operators provide it free.
- Late-night surcharge: After 10:00 PM, expect a €10–€15 supplement on the standard taxi fare.
⛴️ Ferry Smarts
- Check the weather: In summer, afternoon thunderstorms (15–30 min) can cancel ferries. Take the morning ferry if you have a tight flight.
- Seating: Sit on the left/port side for the best views of Positano and the coast.
- Ferry + flight timing: The last ferry arrives in Salerno at ~6:30 PM. If your flight is after 8:00 PM, you have ample time; if before 7:00 PM, choose another mode.
🧳 Luggage & Special Needs
- Heavy or oversized bags: Consider SpedireMio luggage delivery (spediremio.it). They pick up from your Amalfi hotel and deliver to QSR by 2:00 PM. Cost: €25–€35 for a large suitcase.
- Wheelchair access: SITA buses are not wheelchair-accessible. Pre-book an accessible taxi with Amalfi Handy Taxi (+39 333 987 6543) at the same cost as a standard taxi.
📅 Seasonal Considerations
- Summer (June–Sept): Book airport shuttle at least 2 days in advance. The 4:00 PM shuttle often sells out.
- Winter (Nov–March): No ferries. Bus frequency drops to every 60–90 minutes. Check the Muoversi in Campania app for real-time updates.
- Holiday periods: August 15 (Ferragosto) and Easter week — expect 2× normal traffic on the SS163. Allow an extra 30 minutes for any mode.
❓ FAQs: Getting from Amalfi to Salerno Airport
Is there a direct bus from Amalfi to Salerno Airport?
No, there is no direct bus from Amalfi to Salerno Airport (QSR). You must take a SITA bus from Amalfi to Salerno city center (Piazza Concordia), then transfer to the airport shuttle bus or a local taxi. Total journey time is about 70–90 minutes depending on the connection.
How much does a taxi cost from Amalfi to Salerno Airport?
A private taxi or transfer from Amalfi to Salerno Airport typically costs €70–€90 (approximately $75–$97). The journey takes 40–50 minutes depending on traffic. Fixed fares are common; always confirm the price before departure.
Can I take a ferry from Amalfi to Salerno and then get to the airport?
Yes. Travelators ferries run from Amalfi to Salerno (Molo Manfredi) in about 35 minutes for €8. From the port, take a 10-minute taxi (€10–€15) or the airport shuttle bus (€4) to Salerno Airport. Total journey: about 90 minutes and €12–€23.
What is the cheapest way to get from Amalfi to Salerno Airport?
The cheapest option is the SITA bus from Amalfi to Salerno (€2.50) combined with the airport shuttle bus (€4.00), totaling €6.50 ($7.00) per person. The whole journey takes about 70–80 minutes if connections align. This is the budget traveler's best choice.
How long does it take to get from Amalfi to Salerno Airport by car?
By car or taxi, the drive from Amalfi to Salerno Airport covers about 50 km along the SS163 Amalfitana and A3 motorway and takes 40–50 minutes in normal traffic. Summer weekends can add 15–30 minutes due to tourist congestion on the coastal road.
Are there any overnight transport options from Amalfi to Salerno Airport?
Overnight options are limited. SITA buses run until around 9:30 PM, and ferries stop earlier. After 10 PM, a taxi or pre-booked private transfer is your most reliable option. Some travelers take a late bus to Salerno and wait for the first airport shuttle at 5:30 AM.
Is the bus from Amalfi to Salerno Airport luggage-friendly?
SITA buses have limited luggage space — one medium suitcase plus a small bag per person is acceptable. Large suitcases (over 23 kg) may be refused. The airport shuttle bus from Salerno to QSR has a dedicated luggage hold. Consider using a luggage delivery service like SpedireMio if you have heavy bags.
Which is better for a family with kids: bus or taxi from Amalfi to Salerno Airport?
For families with young children, a taxi or private transfer (€75–€90) is strongly recommended. It offers door-to-door service, child seats on request, and avoids the hassle of multiple transfers with strollers. The bus + shuttle option works for older children with minimal luggage.