Rome to Amalfi Coast: Your Practical Guide to the Best Travel Options

If you’re planning to travel from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, you’re in the right place.

I’ve done this trip myself—swapping the buzz of Rome for sea breezes, sunshine, and cliffside towns that feel straight out of a postcard.

This guide breaks down all the best ways to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast—based on what works, what’s worth it, and what I’d personally recommend after doing it myself.

Let’s get into it!

Rome to Amalfi Coast: Choosing the Best Way to Get There

There’s no single “best” way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast—it really depends on your travel style, budget, and how much time you’ve got.

Some options are quick and efficient, others are slower but more scenic, and a few are all about comfort and convenience.

I’ve done this myself and weighed the pros and cons of each.

You’re flying solo with a backpack? Traveling as a couple? Or wrangling kids and suitcases with a group?

Let’s break down your best travel options—from budget-friendly routes to smooth private transfers.

I’ve included average travel times and price ranges so you can quickly see what works for you:

1. By Train (Rome → Salerno → Amalfi Coast)

💶 Budget: €20–€40 | ⏱️ Travel time: 2.5–4.5 hrs

This is one of the easiest ways to reach Amalfi or Positano without multiple transfers. Take a high-speed train from Rome (Roma Termini) to Salerno (just under 2 hours). From Salerno, you can either:

• Hop on a ferry from Salerno Concordia (seasonal) for a stunning coastal ride straight to Amalfi or Positano.
• Catch a Sita bus if ferries aren’t running or if the weather is rough.

This route is faster and less hectic than going through Naples and Sorrento since you skip the regional Circumvesuviana train.

2. By Train (Rome → Naples → Sorrento → Amalfi Coast)

💶 Budget: €15–€35 | ⏱️ Travel time: 3.5–5 hrs

This is how we kicked off our trip. A high-speed train from Rome to Naples (Napoli Centrale) takes just over an hour—fast, smooth, and super comfortable.

From Naples, you’ll transfer to the Circumvesuviana, a no-frills regional train to Sorrento. You’ll find it on the lower level of Napoli Centrale, down the stairs (no elevators or escalators). Tickets are €3.60, sold at the newsstand or ticket window.

The ride is about 1 hour and 10 minutes (or 50 minutes if you upgrade to the Campania Express, which has A/C and luggage space).

From Sorrento, you’ll need to take a Sita bus or ferry to Positano or Amalfi. The bus winds through dramatic cliffside roads, while the ferry gives you gorgeous coastal views—perfect in summer.

🧭 All in, this route takes around 3.5 to 4.5 hours door to door, depending on your connections.

3. By Bus

💶 Budget: €10–€25 | ⏱️ Travel time: 6–7 hrs

If you’re on a tighter budget and don’t mind a longer journey, long-distance buses (like FlixBus) can get you from Rome to Naples, then onward to the coast. It works, but summer traffic can be brutal.

4. By Rental Car

💶 Mid-range: €80–€150/day (plus fuel/tolls) | ⏱️ Travel time: 3.5–4.5 hrs

Renting a car gives you freedom and flexibility—but narrow roads, limited parking, and hairpin turns can be challenging. The views, however, are spectacular.

5. Private Transfer

💶 Premium: €300–€500+ | ⏱️ Travel time: ~3.5 hrs

If you want zero stress, a private transfer is the most seamless option. You’ll be picked up directly from your hotel, airport, or train station in Rome and dropped off at your Amalfi Coast destination—luggage, kids, and all.

6. Day Trip from Rome

💶 Mid-range to premium: €120–€200 | ⏱️ Full-day

Short on time? A guided day trip from Rome is perfect for hitting the highlights without juggling train or bus connections.
Check this full-day tour to Amalfi and Positano if you want everything sorted for you.

7. By Ferry

If you’re already in Naples, Salerno, or Sorrento, ferries to Amalfi and Positano are a fantastic (and scenic!) option. Just remember—they’re seasonal (usually April–October).

• Salerno Ferry: TravelMar
• Sorrento Ferries

Rome to Amalfi Coast: Travel Options Compared

Route	Cost Estimate (€)	Travel Time	Transfers Required	Seasonal?	Best For
Train via Salerno	€ 20–40	2.5–4.5 hrs	Yes (train + bus/ferry)	Ferry only	Scenic + budget-friendly option
Train via Naples & Sorrento	€ 15–35	3.5–5 hrs	Yes (2 trains + bus/ferry)	Ferry only	Budget with more transfers
Direct Bus	€ 10–25	6–7 hrs	Yes (bus changes)	No	Lowest cost but slow
Rental Car	€ 20–40	3.5–4.5 hrs	No	No	Flexible road trip
Private Transfer	€ 300–500+	~3.5 hrs	No	No	Door-to-door comfort
Guided Day Trip	€ 120–200	Full day	No (guided)	No	Convenience in one day
Ferry (from Naples/Sorrento/Salerno)	€ 15–30 (seasonal)	Varies by departure point	Yes (depends on location)	Yes	Scenic ride (spring-fall)

When to Go to the Amalfi Coast: My Sweet Spot

I visited at the end of May through early June. Pure bliss. Warm weather, weddings in the piazzas, flowers everywhere—and it wasn’t packed.

Capri was a bit busier (it always is), but the rest of the coast felt relaxed and dreamy.

• April to June: Gorgeous and mild.
• July–August: High season, high prices, high crowds.
• September–October: Still lovely and a bit calmer.
• November–March: Quiet, but many places shut down.

PRO TIP: May or early June is chef’s kiss.

Rome to Amalfi Coast Travel Tips You’ll Be Glad to Know

👉 Pack light—you’ll thank me when you’re hauling your suitcase up the stairs in Positano.

👉 Don’t over-plan. Leave space for wine, sea breezes, and a little spontaneous wandering.

👉 Ferries and cliffside roads can be weather-sensitive, so always check schedules the night before.

👉 And if you’re hopping on a boat tour, bring a light jacket—it can get breezy out on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

Got questions about getting from Rome to the Amalfi Coast? Here are the ones you’re probably thinking—and the answers you actually need.

Is a Day Trip From Rome to Amalfi Coast Worth It?

Yes, if you play your cards right. Early start, fast train, private transfer or ferry—you’ll get a good taste.

I stayed 1 week in Positano and can tell you: a day gives you the flavor of the coast, but a few days lets you breathe it in.

Can you do a day trip from Rome to Positano? 

You can. It’s ambitious but doable if you’re organized.

If you want to skip the stress of planning and connections, this full-day guided tour from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is a great option—it covers transport and gives you time to explore towns like Positano or Amalfi without rushing.

Is 1 day enough for Amalfi Coast? 

Enough for a sun-kissed espresso, a seaside lunch, and a stroll. But if you have time, stay at least two nights.

Is Amalfi closer to Naples or Rome? 

Definitely Naples. That’s why most people stop there first.

The Wrap-Up: Rome to Amalfi Coast

You’ve got the tips. You’ve got the options. Now it’s time to make your Amalfi dream happen.

Yes, it takes some time and effort to get there—but once you arrive, every bit of it feels worth it. The Amalfi Coast is hands down one of the most breathtaking places I’ve been to in Italy.

Trust me, you’ll want to keep coming back to this coastline. I know I do. Enjoy and safe travels!