Navigating the Amalfi Drive: Complete Transportation Guide to Italy's Scenic Coast

Most Amalfi Coast journeys begin in Naples, whether you're flying into Naples International Airport (NAP) or arriving by train at Napoli Centrale station. This gritty, chaotic city is your gateway to paradise, but don't rush through—Naples deserves at least a day of your time for its incredible pizza alone.

From Naples, you have several options to reach the coast. The most straightforward is taking the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento (about €4, running every 30 minutes). It's not luxurious by any means—think crowded cars with minimal air conditioning—but it's efficient and offers glimpses of Mt. Vesuvius along the way.

If you're arriving with luggage and want to avoid the hassle, a private transfer directly from Naples to your Amalfi Coast destination might be worth the splurge. During my last trip, I booked a driver who met me at the airport, handled my embarrassingly heavy camera equipment bag, and delivered me straight to my Positano hotel. At around €100-120, it's not cheap, but after a long flight, that stress-free arrival set the perfect tone for my week.

Alternatively, you can rent a car at Naples airport, but I'd only recommend this if you're an extremely confident driver and have booked accommodation with guaranteed parking (a rare luxury on the coast). My first Amalfi adventure involved a rental car, and while the freedom was wonderful, finding parking was a daily nightmare that often cost €25-30 per day.

The SITA bus network is the public transportation backbone of the Amalfi Coast, connecting all major towns from Sorrento to Salerno. At roughly €2-8 per ride depending on distance, it's by far the most economical option. During my second visit, I relied almost exclusively on these blue buses and saved hundreds of euros.

Here's the reality check: during summer (June-August), these buses transform into sardine tins on wheels. I'm talking standing-room only, with passengers packed so tightly you'll become intimately familiar with your neighbor's sunscreen choice. The buses follow a timetable that's more suggestion than rule, often running late or occasionally passing your stop if already full.

Despite these challenges, the SITA system offers unbeatable value and views. The front seats on the right side (heading from Sorrento to Salerno) provide million-dollar panoramas for pocket change. I've captured some of my best coastal footage from these windows, stabilizing my compact travel tripod against the window frame.

To use the system effectively, purchase tickets before boarding at tabacchi shops (look for the black 'T' sign), bars, or news stands. You cannot buy tickets onboard. For frequent travelers, the 24-hour (€10) or 3-day (€20) passes offer excellent value. Always validate your ticket in the small yellow machine when boarding, or risk a hefty fine.

Pro tip: download the official Unico Campania app for real-time schedules and disruption alerts. Last summer, a landslide near Positano caused major route changes that weren't reflected on the printed schedules, but the app saved me hours of waiting.

If there's one transportation tip I share with everyone visiting the Amalfi Coast, it's this: take the ferry whenever possible. While the SITA buses battle traffic and hairpin turns, ferries glide across the Mediterranean, offering unmatched views of the vertical towns from their most photogenic angle.

From April through October, frequent ferry services connect Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Maiori, and Salerno. Less frequent services reach Capri and Naples. Tickets range from €8-20 depending on distance, making them pricier than buses but infinitely more pleasant.

I'll never forget my first approach to Positano by sea—the pastel buildings stacked impossibly up the cliff face, fishing boats bobbing in the foreground, and the dome of Santa Maria Assunta gleaming in the morning light. It was a scene straight from a Slim Aarons photograph, and worth every euro of the fare.

The main ferry companies are Travelmar, NLG, and Alilauro. During high season, I recommend booking tickets a day in advance for popular routes like Positano-Capri. I always carry my portable power bank for ferry journeys, as I inevitably drain my phone battery taking hundreds of photos and videos.

One important caveat: ferry services are weather-dependent and can be canceled with little notice when seas are rough. Always have a backup plan, especially if you're traveling to catch a flight. I learned this lesson the hard way when winds picked up during my stay in Positano, canceling all ferries and forcing me onto a packed bus to make my connection in Naples.

Nothing screams 'La Dolce Vita' quite like zipping along the Amalfi Coast on a Vespa, wind in your hair, Mediterranean vistas unfolding around every bend. Scooter rental is popular for good reason—it offers unmatched freedom to explore hidden corners and stop for impromptu photo ops at those perfect viewpoints.

During my most recent visit, I rented a scooter in Sorrento for three days to explore the less touristy villages above the coast. The rental cost about €45 per day from a reputable shop, plus a €100 refundable deposit. The price included a helmet (mandatory in Italy) and basic insurance.

Let me be crystal clear: riding a scooter along the Amalfi Drive is not for beginners or the faint-hearted. The roads are narrow, the traffic aggressive, and the consequences of a mistake potentially severe. You should have previous scooter experience and a valid international driving permit alongside your regular license.

That said, if you're comfortable on two wheels, the experience is magical. I discovered tiny lemon groves, family-run restaurants without an English menu in sight, and panoramic viewpoints where I could set up my camera tripod for long-exposure shots of the coastline at sunset.

The best strategy is to start early (before 8am) or ride during lunch hours (1-3pm) when traffic is lightest. Avoid weekends entirely during summer if possible. Always secure your belongings in the under-seat storage or wear a small backpack, and never leave valuables with the parked scooter.

For couples seeking romance without transportation stress, hiring a private driver is worth every euro. This premium option eliminates the hassles of public transport while providing insider knowledge from locals who've navigated these roads their entire lives.

Expect to pay €300-450 for a full day with a professional driver, which typically includes pickup from your accommodation, a customized itinerary along the coast, and insider recommendations for restaurants and viewpoints. While not budget-friendly, split between two people and considering what you're getting—comfort, efficiency, and personalized service—it can be justified as a special splurge.

On my first Amalfi trip, I splurged on a driver for one day to capture sunrise footage in multiple locations. My driver, Giovanni, turned out to be a photography enthusiast himself who knew exactly when and where the light would be perfect. He took me to a family-owned limoncello factory that wasn't in any guidebook and waited patiently as I interviewed the 80-year-old owner about sustainable farming practices.

If you're celebrating a special occasion, many drivers offer premium vehicles like convertibles or vintage Fiats for an additional fee. There's something undeniably magical about cruising the coastal road in a classic Italian car, headscarf billowing in the breeze.

For those planning day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, or the less-visited towns of the Sorrentine Peninsula, a private driver becomes even more valuable, as public transportation to these areas can be complicated and time-consuming.

While not traditional 'transportation,' the ancient footpaths connecting Amalfi Coast towns deserve special mention. These historic trails offer a completely different perspective on the region—one that most visitors miss entirely while shuttling between the main tourist hubs.

The most famous path is the 'Path of the Gods' (Sentiero degli Dei), connecting Bomerano to Nocelle (above Positano). This 7km trail follows ancient mule routes along the mountainside, offering eagle-eye views of the coast that no road vehicle can access. I hiked it last June, starting at 7am to avoid the midday heat, and encountered only a handful of other hikers despite it being high season.

What many travelers don't realize is that an extensive network of these paths connects villages throughout the region. The trails between Ravello, Atrani, and Amalfi are particularly stunning and much less frequented. For these adventures, proper footwear is essential—I rely on my hiking sandals for their grip on limestone paths and comfort in the Mediterranean heat.

Before attempting any hike, check current trail conditions at local tourist offices. Landslides occasionally close sections, particularly after heavy rains. Carry plenty of water, sun protection, and a paper map as backup—cell service is unreliable on the mountainsides.

The beauty of incorporating these walks into your transportation strategy is that they're completely free and often connect you directly with bus stops or ferry ports. I've structured entire days around morning hikes down to coastal towns, followed by ferry rides back to my accommodation—combining exercise, sightseeing, and transportation in one perfect package.