Quick Answer
For most travelers, the best overall way from Naples Airport (NAP) to Amalfi is a pre-booked shared shuttle (â¬20-â¬30 per person, ~1.5-2 hours). The cheapest option is public transport via train to Salerno and then bus (~â¬11-â¬16 total, 2.5-3.5 hours). The fastest but most expensive option is a private transfer (â¬130-â¬180 per car, 1h 15min-1h 45min). There are no direct trains; all routes involve at least one change, often onto the coastal SITA bus.
Option 1: Train & Bus (The Budget Public Transport Route)
This is the most affordable method but requires multiple changes. The core decision is your intermediate hub: Salerno (generally recommended) or Naples + Sorrento.
Recommended Route: Naples Airport â Salerno â Amalfi
- Airport to Naples Centrale (Garibaldi): Take the Alibus shuttle (â¬5, every 20 min, 15-20 min ride) to the central train station.
- Train to Salerno: From Napoli Centrale, take a Trenitalia Regionale or Regionale Veloce train to Salerno. Journey time is 35-55 minutes. Tickets cost â¬4.40 - â¬8.90 if bought in advance online or via app (Trenitalia or Italo).
- Bus to Amalfi: From Salerno's train station, walk 5 minutes to the SITA Sud bus stop (Piazza della Concordia). Take bus 5120 to Amalfi. The scenic coastal ride takes 1h-1h20m. Buy tickets (â¬2-â¬3) at the tabacchi shop inside Salerno station.
Total: ~â¬11-â¬16 | ~2.5 - 3.5 hours
Alternative Route: Naples Airport â Sorrento â Amalfi
This route is less efficient and more prone to summer traffic jams on the coast road from Sorrento to Amalfi.
- Airport to Sorrento: Take the Curreri Viaggi bus (â¬10, ~1h 30min) directly from NAP to Sorrento.
- Bus to Amalfi: In Sorrento, take the SITA Sud bus 5070 to Amalfi. This bus stops in Positano and can be extremely crowded. Journey: 1h 30min+ (highly traffic-dependent).
Total: ~â¬12-â¬15 | ~3+ hours (can be much longer with traffic).
Key Considerations for the Train/Bus Route
Luggage: Manageable on the Alibus and train, but challenging on SITA buses. Storage is minimal, and you may need to hold bags in crowded aisles.
Tickets: You cannot buy SITA bus tickets on board. Purchase them at tabacchi (tobacco shops, marked with a âTâ), newsstands, or bars before boarding.
Best For: Budget-conscious solo travelers or couples with light, wheeled luggage who don't mind navigating public systems.
Option 2: Shared Shuttle & Direct Buses (The Balanced Choice)
This category offers the best compromise, providing door-to-door service without the high cost of a private taxi.
Pre-Booked Shared Shuttle Van
Companies like Positano Shuttle, Amalfi Shuttle, or Booking.com's transfer service operate comfortable vans that collect several passengers from the airport and drop them at their respective hotels along the coast.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Door-to-door service (meet at arrivals). | You may have to wait for other passengers or make several stops. |
| Fixed, reasonable price (â¬20-â¬35 pp). | Must be booked in advance (often 24-48 hours). |
| Driver handles luggage. | Limited schedule; may not run very late at night. |
| Faster than public transport (direct route). |
Journey Time: 1.5 - 2 hours to Amalfi.
Direct Scheduled Coach Services
Some companies run larger coaches on a fixed schedule. For example, Marozzi VT runs a direct bus from Naples Airport to Amalfi/Sorrento several times a day. You'll have a central drop-off point (e.g., Amalfi's bus terminal), not individual hotels.
Cost: Around â¬15-â¬20. Travel Time: ~2 hours. Best For: Travelers who want a direct, scheduled service but don't mind a short walk or taxi from the drop-off to their final hotel.
Why This is Often the #1 Recommendation
After a flight, the convenience of being met at the airport, having your bags loaded, and being taken directly to your accommodation without managing multiple tickets and transfers is invaluable. The per-person cost is only marginally higher than the complex public transport route, offering excellent value for the time and hassle saved.
Option 3: Taxi & Private Transfer (The Door-to-Door Premium Option)
For maximum comfort, speed, and convenience, a direct taxi or pre-booked private car is the solution.
Official Airport Taxi (Fixed Rate)
Authorized taxis at Naples Airport operate on fixed rates to destinations on the Amalfi Coast, as set by the local government. This prevents price haggling and surprises.
- Fixed Fare to Amalfi: Approximately â¬130 - â¬180, depending on the time of day (night rates are higher), the exact location of your hotel in Amalfi, and the number of passengers (typically up to 4).
- Process: Go to the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Always confirm the fixed fare with the driver before getting in. Ensure the meter is set to the agreed fixed tariff.
- Travel Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes, heavily dependent on traffic on the SS145 and Amalfi Coast Road.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer
This is often a better and more reliable option than a rank taxi. You book online with a reputable company (Welcome Pickups, SunTransfers). A driver meets you in the arrivals hall with a name sign.
| Pros vs. Rank Taxi | Cons |
|---|---|
| Price Guarantee: You pay online in advance, no surprises. | Slightly higher base cost than a rank taxi (but often includes meet & greet). |
| No Wait/Language Barrier: Driver is waiting, speaks English. | Requires advance booking (usually 24+ hours). |
| Vehicle Choice: Can select sedan, van, or minibus for groups. | |
| Peace of Mind: Licensed, insured, and reviewed service. |
Cost Range: â¬140 - â¬220 for a standard sedan/van for up to 4 people and luggage.
When is a Private Transfer Worth It?
Consider this option if: You are a group of 3-4+ (splitting the cost makes it reasonable), arriving late at night or very early when other services don't run, have lots of luggage or mobility issues, or simply value a stress-free, seamless start to your vacation and are willing to pay a premium for it.
Option 4: Via Ferry (The Seasonal Scenic Route)
Traveling by sea offers stunning views of the coastline from the water. However, this option is highly seasonal (generally April to October) and depends on weather conditions.
The Route: Naples Airport â Salerno â Ferry â Amalfi
- To Salerno: Follow the first two steps of the train route above to get from Naples Airport to Salerno.
- To the Port: From Salerno train station, it's a 15-minute walk or a short taxi ride (â¬5-â¬8) to the Salerno Maritime Station (Stazione Marittima).
- Ferry to Amalfi: Companies like TravelMar or Alicost operate hydrofoils and ferries to Amalfi. The ferry ride takes about 35-50 minutes.
Total Cost: ~â¬20-â¬30 (Alibus + Train + Ferry). Total Time: ~2.5 - 3 hours.
Critical Considerations for the Ferry
- Schedule: Ferry schedules are reduced outside peak summer (July-August) and may not run at all in winter. Always check the operator's website for the current timetable.
- Weather: Services are cancelled in high winds or rough seas.
- Luggage: You must carry your luggage on and off the ferry and store it onboard. Much easier than a bus if you have wheeled cases.
- View vs. Time: While beautiful, the total journey time is often comparable to or longer than a direct shuttle when you factor in connections. It's chosen for the experience, not pure efficiency.
Best For: Travelers visiting in late spring, summer, or early autumn who want a memorable, scenic entry to the Amalfi Coast and have checked the ferry schedule in advance.
Cost & Time Comparison: Naples Airport to Amalfi
Use this table to quickly compare the key metrics of each transport option.
| Transport Method | Approx. Cost (Per Person)* | Travel Time | Key Advantage | Key Disadvantage | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | â¬35 - â¬45 (if split 4 ways) | 1h 15m - 1h 45m | Door-to-door, fast, comfortable | Very expensive for 1-2 people | Groups, luxury travel, late arrivals |
| Shared Shuttle Van | â¬20 - â¬30 | 1h 30m - 2h | Great value, door-to-door, no changes | Multiple stops, must book ahead | Most travelers (BEST OVERALL) |
| Direct Scheduled Coach | â¬15 - â¬20 | ~2h | Direct, fixed schedule, affordable | Central drop-off only | Travelers near the Amalfi bus terminal |
| Public Transport (Train+Bus via Salerno) | â¬11 - â¬16 | 2.5h - 3.5h | Cheapest option | Multiple changes, luggage hassle | Solo/duo budget travelers with light bags |
| Ferry (Seasonal, via Salerno) | â¬20 - â¬30 | 2.5h - 3h+ | Breathtaking scenic route | Seasonal, weather-dependent, connections | Summer visitors prioritizing views |
| Airport Taxi (Fixed Rate) | â¬130 - â¬180 (per car) | 1h 15m - 1h 45m | Immediate, direct, available 24/7 | Most expensive for 1-2 people | Urgent travel or when other services are closed |
*Private Transfer & Taxi costs are per vehicle but shown per person based on a 4-person split for comparison. Public transport costs are per person.
Traveler Tips & Practical Advice for Your Transfer
Luggage Strategy is Crucial
- Pack Light if Using Public Transport: The golden rule. A single carry-on-sized spinner suitcase is manageable. Large suitcases are a major burden on SITA buses.
- Consider Luggage Forwarding: Services like BagBNB or MyBaggage can ship your bags directly from Naples Airport to your Amalfi hotel for â¬30-â¬50 per bag. This liberates you to take any transport option easily.
Booking & Timing Wisdom
- Book Shuttles/Transfers in Advance: Especially during peak season (May-September), weekends, and Italian holidays. Last-minute availability is rare and prices surge.
- Allow Extra Time for Traffic: The SS163 Amalfi Coast Road is infamous for traffic jams in summer. A 1.5-hour transfer can easily become 2.5 hours. Never plan a tight connection to a flight or tour.
- Arrival Time Matters: If you land after ~8:00 PM, your options shrink. Public transport connections become unreliable, and shared shuttles may not run. A pre-booked private transfer or taxi becomes almost essential.
Navigation & On-the-Ground Tips
- Download Offline Maps: Cell service can be spotty on the coast roads. Have your hotel's address and location saved offline on Google Maps or Maps.me.
- Cash for Buses: While some tabacchi now take cards, always have euros (including small bills and coins) to purchase SITA bus tickets. The driver does not sell tickets.
- Validate Train Tickets: If you buy a paper regional train ticket, you must stamp it in the green or white validation machines at the station entrance before boarding to avoid a fine.
FAQs: Naples Airport to Amalfi Transfer
Is there a direct train from Naples Airport to Amalfi?
No. There is no direct train. Amalfi does not have a train station. The journey always requires at least one change to a bus, ferry, or taxi. The most common public transport route involves a train to Salerno followed by a SITA bus.
What is the cheapest way to get from Naples Airport to Amalfi?
The absolute cheapest way is public transport via Salerno: Alibus (â¬5) â Train to Salerno (â¬4-â¬9) â SITA Bus to Amalfi (â¬2-â¬3). Total: ~â¬11-â¬16. However, this takes 2.5-3.5 hours and involves managing luggage through multiple changes.
What is the best and most convenient way from Naples Airport to Amalfi?
For most travelers, a pre-booked shared shuttle service (â¬20-â¬30) is the best overall. It offers door-to-door service, a fixed price, and saves you the stress of navigating multiple changes with luggage, offering excellent value for money.
How long does the transfer from Naples Airport to Amalfi take?
- Private Transfer/Taxi: 1h 15min - 1h 45min (traffic-dependent).
- Shared Shuttle: 1.5 - 2 hours.
- Public Transport (Train+Bus): 2.5 - 3.5 hours.
- Ferry (via Salerno): ~1 hour ferry + 1.5-2 hours to reach Salerno port.
Always add buffer time for summer traffic.
Can I take a taxi from Naples Airport directly to Amalfi?
Yes. Official airport taxis offer fixed-rate trips to the Amalfi Coast. The fare to Amalfi is approximately â¬130-â¬180 for the vehicle. Always confirm the fixed price with the driver before departure.
Should I go to Amalfi via Sorrento or Salerno?
For public transport, Salerno is generally the better and faster route from Naples Airport. Trains to Salerno are more frequent and comfortable than the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento. The coastal bus from Salerno also often avoids the worst traffic congestions found on the Sorrento-Positano stretch.
Is it difficult to travel with luggage on public transport to Amalfi?
It can be very challenging, especially on the SITA buses. Space is extremely limited. During peak times, you will likely need to stand in the aisle holding your bags. If you have large suitcases, strongly consider a shuttle/transfer or a luggage shipping service.
Do I need to book my transfer from Naples Airport to Amalfi in advance?
It is highly recommended. Booking a shuttle or private transfer in advance guarantees your ride, locks in the price, and saves significant stress upon arrival. Only taxis and public transport (buses/trains) can be used spontaneously, but for public transport, you cannot book bus seats.