Quick Answer
The best way from Naples Airport (NAP) to the Amalfi Coast depends on your priorities: Private transfers offer the best balance of door-to-door convenience and fixed cost (€100-€150, 75-90 mins). Public bus is the cheapest option (€10-€15, 2-2.5 hours). There are no direct trains. For most travelers, a pre-booked private transfer is the most recommended and stress-free choice, especially with luggage or after a long flight.
Private Transfer: The Most Convenient & Recommended Option
A pre-booked private transfer is the optimal solution for most travelers seeking a seamless start to their Amalfi Coast holiday. Your driver meets you in the arrivals hall, assists with luggage, and takes you directly to your hotel.
Why Choose a Private Transfer?
- Door-to-Door Service: No navigating buses or train stations with bags.
- Fixed, Agreed Price: No surprise metered fares, especially in traffic.
- 24/7 Availability: Crucial for late-night or early-morning flights.
- Local Driver Knowledge: They know the best routes and traffic patterns.
- Comfort & Space: Ideal for families, groups, or those with lots of luggage.
Cost & Booking Details
| Destination | Approx. Price (Sedan, 1-3 pax) | Travel Time | Recommended For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sorrento | €95 - €110 | ~75 minutes | All travelers, especially first-timers. |
| Positano | €110 - €130 | ~90 minutes | Those staying in central coastal towns. |
| Amalfi | €130 - €150 | ~100 minutes | Travelers heading to the eastern end of the coast. |
How to Book: Use reputable platforms like Welcome Pickups, Booking.com, or SunTransfers. Book at least a few days in advance, especially in peak season (May-September).
Direct Bus: The Most Economical Public Transport
Taking a direct bus is the most straightforward and budget-friendly public transport method. Two main companies operate this route: Curreri (to Sorrento) and SITA Sud (to Amalfi via the coast).
Option A: Curreri Bus to Sorrento
This is the primary direct bus from NAP to Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast.
- Route: Naples Airport (NAP) → Sorrento (Corso Italia).
- Schedule: Runs approximately every 60-90 minutes from ~6:30 AM to 11:00 PM. Check the official Curreri website for the latest timetable.
- Travel Time: About 80-90 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Cost: €10 one-way. Tickets can be purchased on board (cash) or from the driver/kiosk at the airport.
- From Sorrento to other towns: You must then take a local SITA bus to Positano, Amalfi, etc., from Sorrento's Circumvesuviana train station area.
Option B: SITA Sud Bus to Amalfi (Less Frequent)
A seasonal, less frequent direct service that travels along the scenic coast road.
- Route: Naples Airport (NAP) → Positano → Amalfi.
- Schedule: Limited service, typically 3-4 departures per day. Always verify current schedules.
- Travel Time: Around 2 hours to Positano.
- Cost: Approximately €12-€15. Tickets from the SITA ticket office at the airport.
Tip: For real-time bus info and planning within Campania, consult the Moovit App or the SITA Sud website.
Train + Bus Combination: The Scenic Local Route
This option involves two legs and is more of an adventure, immersing you in local transport. It’s cheaper than a private transfer but more complex than the direct bus.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Napoli Centrale (Main Station):
- Take the Alibus shuttle (€5) or a local taxi (€15-€20 fixed rate) from NAP to Napoli Centrale train station. Journey: 15-25 mins.
- Train to Sorrento or Salerno:
- To Sorrento: Take the Circumvesuviana train (Linea Sorrento). It's a commuter train; buy tickets at the station (€3.60). Travel time: ~70 minutes. Be mindful of your belongings.
- To Salerno: Take a Trenitalia regional train from Napoli Centrale (€5-€8). Travel time: ~35-50 minutes. This is better for towns like Amalfi or Ravello.
- Bus Along the Coast:
- From Sorrento or Salerno, take a SITA Sud bus (€2-€3 per ticket) to your final destination (Positano, Amalfi, etc.). Buses can be very crowded in summer.
Total Cost: €10-€15. Total Time: 2.5 to 3.5 hours, heavily dependent on connections and bus queues.
Taxi: On-Demand but Expensive
Official white taxis are available outside Arrivals. While convenient, they are the most expensive on-demand option.
- Fixed Rates: By law, taxis from NAP to the Amalfi Coast must use fixed fares. Example: NAP to Sorrento is ~€100-€120. To Positano ~€120-€150.
- Critical Rule: Always confirm the fixed price ("prezzo fisso") with the driver before getting in and starting the journey. Ensure it aligns with the official rates posted at the taxi stand.
- When to Use: If private transfers are fully booked, for very late arrivals, or for small groups where the cost can be split. A pre-booked private transfer often offers better service at a similar price.
Rental Car: Generally Not Recommended
While renting a car offers freedom, it is strongly discouraged for a stay on the Amalfi Coast itself.
- Driving Challenges: The SS163 Amalfi Drive is narrow, with hundreds of hairpin turns, sheer drops, and constant scooter/bus/tourist traffic. It's stressful for inexperienced drivers.
- Parking Crisis: Parking is extremely limited and astronomically expensive. Hotel parking can cost €40-€50 per day. Public lots fill up by 9 AM.
- ZTL Zones: Many town centers are Limited Traffic Zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato). Unauthorized entry results in automatic, heavy fines sent to your rental company (and then to you).
- Alternative: Consider renting a car after your stay on the coast to explore inland regions like Puglia or Sicily, and return it before arriving at the coast.
Source: Official Amalfi Coast Tourism Board - Driving Guide.
Cost & Time Comparison Table
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (One Way) | Travel Time | Convenience / Key Consideration | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | €100 - €150 | 75 - 100 min | Door-to-door, fixed price, 24/7. | Most travelers, families, groups, those with luggage. |
| Direct Bus (Curreri/SITA) | €10 - €15 | 80 - 120 min | Cheapest. Limited luggage space, subject to traffic/queues. | Solo travelers, couples, budget travelers. |
| Train + Bus Combo | €10 - €15 | 150 - 210 min | Very cheap but complex with multiple changes. | Adventurous budget travelers without heavy bags. |
| Taxi (On-Demand) | €100 - €150+ | 75 - 100 min | Immediate but most expensive on-demand option. | Late arrivals, small groups splitting cost. |
| Rental Car | €50+/day + parking/fuel | 75 - 100 min | Not recommended for coast stay due to driving/parking stress. | Exploring regions outside the coast. |
Traveler Experience & Essential Tips
Luggage Strategy
If you have large suitcases, a private transfer is worth every euro. On packed SITA buses, luggage is stored in often-overflowing compartments. Consider the NaviBag luggage delivery service to send your bags directly from the airport to your hotel.
Timing is Everything
- Peak Season (June-Sept): Book everything in advance – transfers, buses, accommodation. Traffic jams can double travel times.
- Bus Queues: At Sorrento or Amalfi bus stations, queues for SITA buses can be over an hour long in summer. Arrive early.
- Flight Arrival: Factor in time to clear passport control, collect baggage, and find your transport.
Ticket Purchasing
For SITA buses, tickets must be purchased before boarding from tabacchi (tobacco shops), newsstands, or station ticket offices. You cannot buy them from the driver (except on Curreri). Fines for riding without a pre-purchased ticket are steep.
Final Destination Matters
Choose your transfer hub wisely: Sorrento is best for Positano and western towns. Salerno is better for Amalfi, Ravello, and eastern towns. This can save significant backtracking time.
FAQs: Getting from Naples Airport to the Amalfi Coast
What is the cheapest way to get from Naples Airport to the Amalfi Coast?
The cheapest way is to take the Curreri or SITA bus. A one-way ticket costs around €10-15, making it significantly more affordable than private transfers or taxis.
What is the fastest way to get from Naples Airport to the Amalfi Coast?
The fastest way is by pre-booked private transfer or taxi, taking approximately 1 to 1.5 hours to towns like Sorrento or Positano, depending on traffic. Public transport (bus+train) can take 2.5-3.5 hours.
Are there direct trains from Naples Airport to the Amalfi Coast?
No, there are no direct train services. The Amalfi Coast towns are not connected by a main train line. You must take a bus or a combination of train (to Sorrento or Salerno) and then a SITA bus along the coast.
How much is a taxi from Naples Airport to Sorrento or Positano?
A fixed-rate taxi from Naples Airport to Sorrento is about €100-€120. To Positano or Amalfi, prices range from €120 to €150 or more. Always agree on a fixed price before departure. Private transfers offer similar rates but with pre-booking advantages.
Can I use a regional travel pass for the journey to the Amalfi Coast?
Partially. The Campania ArteCard covers the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento and local transport in Naples, but not the Curreri bus from the airport or the SITA buses along the Amalfi Coast road. You must buy separate tickets for those segments.
Is it difficult to travel with luggage on public transport?
It can be challenging, especially on buses during peak season. Airport buses have luggage compartments. SITA buses along the coast have limited space, and large suitcases can be problematic. Consider a private transfer for large groups or multiple bags.
What is the best option for a late-night arrival at Naples Airport?
For arrivals after public buses stop running (typically around 11:00 PM), a pre-booked private transfer is highly recommended. Taxis are available but can be more expensive and less reliable for fixed pricing at night.
Should I rent a car at Naples Airport to drive to the Amalfi Coast?
Not recommended for most tourists, especially in summer. The coastal road (SS163) is narrow, winding, extremely busy, and parking is scarce and very expensive (up to €40-€50 per day). Local traffic (ZTL) zones can incur heavy fines.