Getting to the Amalfi Coast, especially in summer, can sometimes be difficult if you’re traveling by car or bus, as you may have to wait for the bus under the sun or find traffic jams on the road.
By taking advantage of connections by sea, you’ll not only avoid the traffic, but also enjoy a different and exciting experience, immersing yourself in the dolce vita of the Amalfi Coast right from the start. There’s nothing better than getting to Positano and Amalfi from the sea. After all, it was the only way to reach these towns for hundreds of years before roads were dug into the mountains.
Ferry service has improved considerably in recent years and is a more reliable alternative to the often congested road traffic. Ferries to the Amalfi Coast, with their numerous daytime departures, allow travelers to choose the most exciting itinerary. For the duration of the crossing, which varies according to the itinerary chosen, never very long and always pleasant (sometimes as short as 35 minutes), passengers can enjoy every comfort.
The following towns on the Amalfi Coast have ferry and hydrofoil services: Amalfi, Positano, Maiori, Cetara, Minori. Amalfi and Positano are the best connected and served. Maiori and Cetara are also well connected to Amalfi and Salerno. Minori also has links to Sorrento and Capri.
There are direct ferries from Naples to the Amalfi Coast in summer. Otherwise, you’ll have to go via Sorrento or Capri. There is no ferry to Ravello, this leaves the option of a private helicopter transfer to get to Ravello in style. You can get to Amalfi by ferry, from where you’ll need to take another form of transport (bus or cab). Ferry and hydrofoil services on the Amalfi Coast start at the end of March, with most companies in full operation from mid-April to the end of October.
Anyone traveling by ferry on the Amalfi Coast can enjoy the scent of the sea and the splendid panorama from the comfort of their seat on the outside deck. It’s not possible to take a vehicle on board, which makes a vacation on the Amalfi Coast even more carefree and relaxing. At the start of the tourist season, ferries to the Amalfi Coast are a fast and pleasant way to reach the most beautiful resorts such as Salerno, Amalfi and Positano, as well as the beautiful Sorrento in the Gulf of Naples and the islands of Ischia and Capri. Connections to the Amalfi Coast are entrusted to four shipping companies: Alilauro, Caremar, NLG and Positano Jet.
The ferry service is quite efficient. Here’s some information on the most popular routes:
- Ferry journey from Amalfi to Positano, approx. 20 minutes
- Trajet du ferry de Positano à Capri, environ 30 minutes
- Ferry journey from Positano to Capri, approx. 30 minutes
- Ferry journey from Salerno to Amalfi, approx. 35 minutes
- Ferry journey from Sorrento to Positano, approx. 40 minutes
You can take your luggage with you on the ferry, but bear in mind that you may have to pay a few extra euros for it (around € 2,00 per suitcase).
Where to buy tickets
Securing your ferry tickets in advance is a vital step for a stress-free journey, particularly during the peak summer months of July and August. To ensure your spot on the water, you can check timetables and book your ferry tickets online, where you will find the most current schedules for all major hydrofoil and ferry routes.
This platform covers the main ports of the Amalfi Coast, including Amalfi, Positano, Maiori, Minori, and Cetara, while also providing essential connections to Sorrento, Salerno, Ischia, and Capri. Booking through this service allows you to compare different operators and departure times in one place, helping you to avoid the long queues at the pier and providing the peace of mind that your coastal itinerary is fully organized before you even arrive at the dock.
Where to sit on the ferry
If you are taking the ferry to enjoy those iconic cliffside views, you definitely want to be on the side of the boat that faces the land. It sounds like a small detail, but getting it right ensures a front-row seat to the colorful houses and hidden grottos.
- Choose a seat on the Left: This is the best side when traveling from Sorrento toward Positano or Amalfi, or if you are heading from Positano and Amalfi toward Salerno. It is also the correct side for the return trip from Capri back to the coast.
- Pick a spot on the Right: You should sit here when traveling from Salerno toward Amalfi and Positano, or when heading from the Amalfi Coast back toward Sorrento. This is also the side to choose when you are departing for a day trip to Capri.
Being on the shore-facing side allows you to fully appreciate the vertical beauty of the coastline without having to move around once the ferry is underway.