Quick Answer
To get from Naples International Airport (NAP) to the hilltop town of Ravello on the Amalfi Coast, there is no direct service. The best overall method for most travelers is a combination of train and bus: take a taxi/bus to Napoli Centrale train station, a train to Salerno, then the SITA bus to Amalfi, and finally a local bus or taxi up to Ravello. The total journey takes 2.5 to 3.5 hours and costs roughly â¬25-â¬40 per person. For utmost convenience, a pre-booked private transfer (1.5 hours, â¬130-â¬180+) is recommended, especially for those with luggage or traveling in a group.
Option 1: Train + SITA Bus (The Most Balanced Choice)
This is the most popular and practical public transport route for independent travelers. It balances cost, scenery, and relative efficiency.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Airport to Napoli Centrale (Naples Central Station):
- Alibus: The official airport shuttle. Runs every 20-30 mins. Takes ~15 mins. Costs â¬5. Buy ticket from driver or kiosk. Official ANM Alibus Info.
- Taxi: Fixed fare of â¬23 to the station. Takes 10-15 mins. Good if you have heavy bags.
- Campania Express Bus: Seasonal direct service to Sorrento, but not the first choice for Ravello-bound travelers.
- Train from Napoli Centrale to Salerno:
- Regional Train (Regionale): Cheap (â¬4-â¬6) but slower (~1h 10m). No seat reservations needed.
- Frecciarossa/Italo High-Speed Train: Faster (35-45 mins) but more expensive (â¬12-â¬20 if booked in advance). Departs from the same station.
- Pro Tip: Salerno is a better gateway to Ravello than Sorrento for this route, as the bus ride from Salerno is more direct.
- SITA Bus from Salerno to Amalfi:
- Depart from Salerno Station (Piazza Vittorio Veneto). Look for orange/blue SITA buses.
- Journey: ~1 hour 20 minutes along the stunning Amalfi Coast road.
- Cost: ~â¬2.50 - â¬3.50. CRUCIAL: Buy your ticket *before* boarding at the tabacchi inside Salerno station or nearby. Drivers may not sell tickets if the bus is full.
- Frequency: Approximately hourly, but check SITA Sud official timetable.
- Amalfi to Ravello:
- Local SITA Bus: Frequent service from Amalfi's main bus terminal. Journey: ~25 minutes of sharp uphill twists. Cost: ~â¬1.30.
- Taxi: Wait at the Amalfi taxi stand. A fixed fare of approx. â¬25-â¬35 for the uphill trip to Ravello.
Total Estimated Time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours. Total Estimated Cost per Person: â¬25 - â¬40.
Option 2: Bus Only (The Most Economical Route)
This is the cheapest but slowest and most complex option, involving multiple local buses. Recommended only for very budget-conscious travelers with light luggage.
The Route & Challenges:
- Step 1 (NAP to Naples City): Take the Alibus (â¬5) to Naples Piazza Garibaldi (next to the train station).
- Step 2 (Naples to Sorrento/Amalfi Coast): Walk to the Metropark Bus Station. Take a Curreri Viaggi bus to Sorrento (~â¬10, 1.5 hrs) or a SITA bus directly to Amalfi (less frequent, ~2 hrs).
- Step 3 (Amalfi to Ravello): As above, take the local bus or taxi.
Major Drawback: This route subjects you to Naples city traffic twice and involves finding multiple bus stations. Luggage space on long-distance buses can be very limited.
Total Estimated Time: 4+ hours. Total Estimated Cost per Person: Under â¬25.
Option 3: Taxi & Private Transfer (Door-to-Door Convenience)
This is the premium solution, ideal for families, groups, those with lots of luggage, or travelers seeking a stress-free arrival.
Taxi from Airport Ranks:
- You can find official taxis directly outside Arrivals.
- The journey to Ravello is not on a meter; it is a fixed fare.
- Official Fixed Fare: Approximately â¬130-â¬180+, depending on the time of day (higher at night), size of vehicle, and exact destination in Ravello.
- Always confirm the fixed price clearly with the driver before getting in.
Pre-Booked Private Transfer (Highly Recommended):
- Book online in advance with companies like Welcome Pickups, Booking.com Transfers, or local operators.
- Advantages:
- Fixed, Agreed Price: No surprise charges.
- Meet & Greet: Driver waits for you in arrivals with a sign.
- Direct Service: Takes you straight to your Ravello hotel's doorstep.
- Comfort & Space: Vehicles are clean, modern, and have guaranteed luggage space.
- Cost: Similar to or slightly higher than airport taxis, but with more reliability and service guarantees. For groups of 4-8, a minivan can be excellent value per person.
Total Time: 1.25 - 1.75 hours. Total Cost: â¬130 - â¬250 for the vehicle.
Ticket & Cost Comparison: Naples Airport to Ravello
Use this table to quickly compare your core options. Times are door-to-door estimates.
| Transport Method | Approx. Total Travel Time | Approx. Cost (Per Person) | Key Advantages | Key Disadvantages | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train + SITA Bus | 2.5 - 3.5 hours | â¬25 - â¬40 | Scenic, good balance of cost & efficiency, reliable schedule. | Multiple transfers, luggage hassle on buses, can be crowded. | Solo travelers, couples, budget-conscious explorers. |
| Bus Only | 4+ hours | < â¬25 (Cheapest) | Absolute lowest cost. | Very slow, complex, subject to city traffic, limited luggage. | Extreme budget backpackers with very light luggage. |
| Pre-Booked Private Transfer | 1.25 - 1.75 hours (Fastest) | â¬130 - â¬250 (for the vehicle) | Door-to-door, no transfers, luggage handled, stress-free. | High cost for solo travelers. | Families, groups, luxury travelers, those with heavy luggage. |
| Airport Taxi | 1.25 - 1.75 hours | â¬130 - â¬180+ (for the vehicle) | Immediately available, door-to-door. | Price can be ambiguous/unregulated, potential for overcharging. | Urgent travel, late arrivals (when pre-booking isn't possible). |
Essential Traveler Tips & Insights for the Journey
Luggage is Your Biggest Challenge
The SITA buses on the Amalfi Coast have extremely limited under-bus storage. During high season (May-September), space fills up instantly. If you have more than a small suitcase/backpack, consider these solutions:
- Baggage Forwarding Service: Companies like Napito Baggage or Stow Your Bags will pick up your luggage at Naples Airport and deliver it directly to your Ravello hotel, usually within 24 hours. Cost: â¬25-â¬40 per bag. This is a game-changer.
- Pack Light: Seriously consider if you need that large roller bag.
Navigating Salerno Station for the SITA Bus
Exiting Salerno train station, you'll be in a large square (Piazza Vittorio Veneto). The SITA bus stops are along the curb to your right. The bus for Amalfi is typically labeled "Amalfi via Vietri". The ticket office (tabacchi) is inside the station buildingâbuy your bus ticket here before you exit.
Seasonal Considerations & Booking
- Peak Season (June-August, Easter): Buses are packed. Start early in the day. Book private transfers weeks in advance.
- Shoulder Season (April-May, Sept-Oct): The ideal time for this journeyâpleasant weather and fewer crowds.
- Off-Season (Nov-March): Some SITA bus schedules are reduced. Ferry services are minimal. Private transfers remain reliable.
The Road Itself: Motion Sickness & Delays
The SS163 Amalfi Drive is a winding, narrow cliffside road. Traffic jams are common in summer. If you're prone to motion sickness, take medication beforehand and try to get a seat on the mountain-side (left side when traveling from Salerno towards Amalfi).
FAQs: Getting from Naples Airport to Ravello
Is there a direct bus or train from Naples Airport to Ravello?
No. There is no single direct service. The journey always requires at least one transfer, typically in Naples Central Station (for trains) or Salerno (for buses). A private transfer is the only "direct" door-to-door option.
What is the cheapest way to get from Naples Airport to Ravello?
The cheapest option is a combination of public buses: Alibus to Naples, then a bus to Sorrento/Amalfi, then a local bus to Ravello. Total can be under â¬25 per person, but it is the slowest (4+ hours) and most cumbersome, especially with luggage.
What is the fastest and most convenient way?
A pre-booked private transfer is the fastest and most convenient, taking about 1.5 hours directly to your hotel. While expensive (â¬130-180+ for the car), it eliminates all transfers and handles luggage seamlessly, which is crucial for the hilltop destination of Ravello.
How do I get to Ravello if I arrive at Naples Airport late at night?
After about 11:00 PM, public transport options cease. Your only reliable options are: 1) A taxi from the airport rank (very expensive, â¬150+). 2) A pre-booked private transfer (recommended for a fixed price and guaranteed service). 3) Spending the night in Naples and continuing your journey the next morning.
Is it difficult to travel with luggage on this route?
Yes, it can be very challenging. SITA buses have strict, limited luggage space. During peak season, space fills instantly. We strongly recommend using a luggage forwarding service (like Napito Baggage) to send your bags ahead, allowing you to travel lightly on the buses.
Should I buy tickets in advance?
It depends:
- Trains: Not necessary for regional trains. For high-speed trains (Frecciarossa/Italo), advance purchase online saves money.
- SITA Buses: Buy tickets at a tabacchi or newsstand before boarding. Drivers often only sell tickets if there is capacity, and it's more expensive.
- Private Transfers: Always book in advance.
Where do I catch the SITA bus to Amalfi/Ravello?
If coming by train, get off at Salerno Station. The SITA buses depart from the square directly outside (Piazza Vittorio Veneto). For Ravello, you first take a bus to Amalfi, then transfer to a local Ravello bus from Amalfi's main bus terminal.
Is the Amalfi Coast road scary?
The SS163 Amalfi Drive is famous for its narrow, winding cliffside roads. If you are prone to motion sickness or have a fear of heights, be prepared. Sitting on the mountain-side can help. Local drivers are highly skilled, but the route is not for the faint of heart.