Amalfi City Guide
How to Get from Naples to Amalfi: Ferry, Train, Bus & Transfer Guide
Covering roughly 65 kilometers, planning your transit from naples to amalfi is the first critical logistical hurdle when visiting Amalfi through our visitor index, because the town has no railway station or airport. Travelers must choose between a 35-minute high-speed train to Salerno followed by a scenic ferry, direct seasonal hydrofoils from Naples Beverello port, the winding SITA bus network, or a private door-to-door car transfer. This guide compares transit times, ticket costs, luggage handling, and seasonal schedules so you arrive relaxed and ready to explore.
Quick answer The absolute best way to reach Amalfi from Naples in brief
The smoothest, most reliable route from Naples to Amalfi is taking a 35-minute high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) from Napoli Centrale to Salerno, walking 8 minutes across to Salerno Concordia Pier, and boarding a 35-minute Travelmar ferry directly to Amalfi harbour. It avoids all Amalfi Drive traffic jams, costs around $20 total, and provides breathtaking coastal arrival views.
Key takeaways
- Route 1 (Best Overall): High-speed train Naples → Salerno (35 min) + Travelmar ferry Salerno → Amalfi (35 min). Total time: ~85 min.
- Route 2 (Direct Sea): NLG/Alilauro ferry from Naples Molo Beverello → Amalfi (approx. 1 hr 45 min, operating June to late September).
- Route 3 (Cheapest): Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (€4.20) + SITA 5070 bus to Amalfi (€3.40). Expect heavy crowds and hairpin turns.
- Route 4 (Door-to-Door): Private Mercedes sedan/van from Naples Airport directly to your Amalfi hotel (1 hr 30 min in light traffic).
Comparing the 4 Main Routes from Naples to Amalfi
### 1. The Train + Ferry via Salerno (Recommended Choice)
This is the secret weapon of experienced Amalfi travellers. Unlike the road via Sorrento, the southern approach via Salerno bypasses 90% of coastal traffic bottlenecks. Trenitalia high-speed Frecciarossa and Italo trains connect Napoli Centrale to Salerno in just 32 to 38 minutes (running multiple times per hour, tickets from €9.90 to €15.00). Upon arriving at Salerno Stazione Centrale, walk out the front doors, head straight toward the seafront (Corso Garibaldi to Piazza della Concordia), and reach the Travelmar ferry ticket booth in under 8 minutes.
From Salerno Concordia, modern twin-hulled Travelmar catamarans depart roughly every 45 minutes from 08:40 until 19:30 between April and late October. The ferry glide to Amalfi takes 35 minutes, costs €10.00 to €12.00, and drops you right on Amalfi's Molo Pennello, steps from Piazza Duomo and flat beachfront hotels.
### 2. Direct Hydrofoil from Naples Molo Beverello
During high summer (typically early June through September), ferry operators Navigazione Libera del Golfo (NLG) and Alilauro run limited daily direct hydrofoils departing from Naples Molo Beverello (below the Castel Nuovo) directly to Amalfi, occasionally stopping in Positano or Capri. Tickets range from €26 to €32 per person with luggage surcharges (€2–€3 per bag). While convenient if you are already staying in downtown Naples near the port, note that sea swells can cause morning cancellations.
### 3. Circumvesuviana Train + SITA Bus via Sorrento
For budget-conscious backpackers, taking the local Circumvesuviana commuter train from Napoli Piazza Garibaldi to Sorrento (1 hour 10 minutes, €4.20) followed by SITA bus 5070 from Sorrento station to Amalfi (1 hour 40 minutes, €3.40) is the cheapest option. However, during peak summer, the queues at Sorrento bus stop can stretch for 100 meters, forcing you to wait for 2 or 3 buses before boarding. Furthermore, if you are prone to motion sickness, the 500 hairpin bends along the SS163 will be grueling.
### 4. Private Car Transfer from Naples Airport (NAP)
If arriving at Naples Capodichino Airport with heavy luggage or young children, booking a pre-arranged private Mercedes transfer is the most comfortable option. Licensed NCC (Noleggio Con Conducente) drivers monitor your flight, meet you at arrivals with a name card, and take the A3 motorway past Mount Vesuvius to the Angri or Vietri sul Mare exit, continuing along the coast to Amalfi. Expect travel times of 1 hour 20 minutes in off-peak hours and up to 2.5 hours on summer weekend afternoons.
Is there a direct train from Naples to Amalfi?
No. The rugged limestone cliffs of the Amalfi Coast prevent railway lines along the coast. The closest railway stations with direct connections from Naples are Salerno (to the south, 35 minutes away) and Sorrento or Vietri sul Mare.
How much does a taxi or private transfer from Naples Airport to Amalfi cost?
A licensed private NCC transfer costs between $140.00 and $180.00 (€120.00–€160.00) for a standard sedan (1–3 passengers) and $200.00–$250.00 (€180.00–€230.00) for a Mercedes van (up to 7 passengers). Standard street taxis from Naples operate on fixed municipal tariff sheets (approx. €140–€160 including toll charges).
Can I bring large suitcases on the Travelmar ferry from Salerno to Amalfi?
Yes. Travelmar ferries accommodate standard and oversized suitcases easily on the main boarding deck luggage racks at no additional fee or a nominal €1.50 baggage fee. Porters with luggage trolleys are available at Amalfi pier to haul bags up hotel staircases for €5–€10 per bag.
What happens if ferries are cancelled due to bad weather?
If rough seas cancel ferries, SITA bus line 5120 operates hourly between Salerno railway station and Amalfi (1 hour 15 minutes, €2.60–€3.40), ensuring you can still reach Amalfi regardless of sea conditions.
Is it worth renting a car at Naples Airport to drive to Amalfi?
For most travellers, renting a car is not recommended. Traffic jams on the SS163 are severe in summer, parking in Amalfi costs up to €10/hour, and strict alternate license plate rules restrict tourist driving on summer afternoons.
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