How to get from Naples to Positano (2023 Guide)
About traveling from Naples to Positano
Naples and Positano exemplify the best the Italian coast has to offer: the birthplace of pizza, otherwise known as Naples, and the relaxed coastal village of Positano with its colorful coastline and gorgeous sea views. In each you can enjoy rich culture, beautiful architecture, and of course, fantastic food!
The journey between Naples and Positano is rich in both beauty and history. Whether you decide to visit Pompeii, the city famously frozen in time, or stop at the Cantine del Vesuvio for a glass of local wine, this trip has a little something to offer for everyone. By booking a private transfer with Daytrip you can take in all these sights and enjoy a leisurely ride to make this journey truly unforgettable.
How to get from Naples to Positano
If you find yourself in the Metropolitan hub of Naples, you’re likely going to gorge yourself on its countless culinary and cultural delights. However, if the hustle and bustle of the city gets to be too much, you likely going to want to set your sights on a destination elsewhere on the sunny Italian coast.
If you are travelling from Naples to Positano, you have several travel options. The cheapest way to travel from Naples to Positano is by public transport. However, there isn’t a direct route from Naples to Positano by bus or train, so you’ll have to take the train from Naples Central Station to Sorrento and then hop on a bus or a ferry to Positano. To avoid annoying transfers and overcrowded buses, the best way to travel from Naples to Positano is by car.
Naples to Positano by train
There is no direct train from Naples to Positano. In fact, there is no train station in Positano. The first thing you need to do is to get to Sorrento. If you are coming directly from the Naples Airport, you can use the Curreri Viaggi shuttle service, which departs from the P1 parking area at the Naples Airport every 2 hours from 9:00 AM to 7:30 PM everyday.
Most people traveling in Naples will at some point become familiar with the main train station, Napoli Centrale. From here, the Circumvesuviana train heads to Sorrento every half hour during the day in the high season. You can check our detailed guide on How to get from Naples to Sorrento by train.
Once you reach Sorrento, you are only a short bus or ferry ride away from Positano. We cover both options in detail below.
Naples to Positano by bus
Similar to trains, no buses go directly from Naples to Positano. Thus you will need to get to Sorrento first. However, this option is only feasible if you will be coming from Naples Airport. The Curreri Viaggi shuttle service offers buses from the P1 parking area at Naples Airport to the main station in Sorrento for 10 euros. Please check our detailed guide on How to get from Naples to Sorrento by bus.
The Sita bus company runs from Sorrento Railway Station along the coast, all the way to Amalfi with stops in Positano and Praiano. The bus runs daily, in the peak season leaving every 30 minutes from 6:30 AM until 7:30 PM and takes about 45 minutes, give or take. Tickets cost between 10 and 12 EUR and can be purchased at local cigarette shops, newspaper stands, or the Circumvesuviana station. However, a ticket doesn’t necessarily guarantee you a seat as these buses are often extremely sold out.
Naples to Positano by Ferry/Hydrofoil
Like every other public transport option, there is no direct ferry from Naples to Positano. You can, however, catch a ferry from Naples to Sorrento. The Ailauro Hydrofoil will take you from the Moro Beverello Pier in Naples to Sorrento for just 13.10 EUR. The Hydrofoil runs regularly between Naples to Sorrento but the schedule is dependent on the season, so make sure you check their website before the trip. [table id=42 /]If you’re travelling in the high season, there are ferries from Sorrento to Positano, which will set you back about 20 EUR. You can buy your ticket at the ticket office of the Sorrento port, or you can book tickets online to avoid long lines and waiting times.
Naples to Positano by Shuttle
While there are no public transportation options directly from Naples to Positano, Daytrip offers a shared shuttle for budget-minded travelers. Meeting locations are at the Naples International Airport (NAP) and Napoli Centrale Train Station. The first shuttle from Naples to Positano departs at 6:50 AM, and the last leaves at 17:50.
Here’s the full departure schedule:
On certain departures during the season, it’s even possible to add a sightseeing stop at Pompeii. Prices for the Naples to Positano shuttle start at €24 per person depending on the size of your group. Tickets can be booked in advance to guarantee a seat.
Naples to Positano by Private Car Transfer
If reading through the many steps of travelling from Naples to Positano by public transport has you stressed out, don’t worry! For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Naples to Positano. You will be picked up at your accommodation and the driver will take care of your luggage. No crowded trains or sea sickness is necessary! You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Positano, and can even add sightseeing stops along the way!
Book a Private Car Transfer from Naples to Positano
Going the other direction? Check our guide on How to get from Positano to Naples