How to Get to Positano. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Naples International Airport (NAP) is the closest major airport. Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is an alternative with more direct international flights, but farther away.

Air Hubs

NAP is ~60-70 km from Positano (1.5-2 hrs drive).
FCO is ~280 km from Positano (3.5-4.5 hrs drive).
Highest flight prices & frequent schedules are in peak season (June-August).

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Both NAP and FCO have standard airport facilities. Transfers to Positano from Naples Airport offer varied options, from private cars to bus and ferry combinations.

Transfer Methods

Private transfer: Most convenient (approx. €100-€150 from NAP).
Bus + Ferry/Bus: Budget-friendly (Curreri Viaggi bus to Sorrento).
Ferry from Sorrento to Positano (seasonal, scenic).

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Flight Comparison

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Car Rental Comparison

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Rome FCO to Positano Transfers

Train + Bus/Ferry Combination

Leonardo Express from FCO to Roma Termini.
High-speed train to Napoli Centrale.
Circumvesuviana or Campania Express to Sorrento.
From Sorrento, take SITA Sud bus or ferry to Positano.

Private Transfer from FCO

Direct private transfer from FCO to Positano.
Very expensive (approx. €300-€400+).
Journey takes 3.5-4.5 hours.
May be preferable for groups or high comfort needs.

Airport Facilities & Tips

Duty-Free & Dining

Both NAP and FCO offer duty-free shops and various restaurants/cafes.

Connectivity

Free Wi-Fi access is available at both airports.

Financial Services

Currency exchange and ATMs (Bancomat) are present.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Positano has no direct train service or train station. The closest major station is Naples Centrale. From there, local trains lead to the Sorrento Peninsula.

Train Travel Notes

From Naples Centrale, take Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento.
Circumvesuviana can be crowded, hot, and prone to pickpocketing.
From Sorrento, continue by SITA Sud bus or ferry to Positano.

Bus Services

No direct long-distance bus services connect Positano to major Italian cities. The main local service on the Amalfi Coast is SITA Sud, connecting coastal towns.

SITA Sud Bus Experience

Connects Positano with Sorrento, Amalfi, Ravello, and Salerno.
Winding routes on narrow coastal roads.
Can be very crowded, especially in high season; standing room is common.

Self-Driving Considerations

For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally needed in Italy in addition to your national license. Driving the Amalfi Coast is extremely challenging.

Driving Challenges

Narrow, winding, and often congested roads (SS163).
Parking in Positano is difficult to find and very expensive (€40-€80+ daily).
Not recommended unless comfortable with aggressive driving.

Road Conditions & Safety

The SS163 Amalfi Coast road offers stunning views but is notorious for its narrowness, many sharp turns, and blind spots. Traffic can be very heavy.

Driving Safely

Traffic is heavy, especially on summer weekends.
Scooters and local drivers are often aggressive and fast.
Drive defensively and exercise extreme caution.

Driving on the Amalfi Coast

Roads are extremely narrow and winding.
Expect heavy traffic and delays, especially in peak season.
Parking in Positano is very limited and expensive.

International Driving Permit (IDP) needed for non-EU citizens.
Scooter accidents are common due to road conditions.
Self-driving is generally not advised for first-time visitors.

Sea & Departure Information

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Positano's pier directly serves passenger ferries, a scenic way to travel along the coast. It is not a cruise ship port, with larger ships docking in Salerno or Naples.

Ferry Route Details

Seasonal service (April-October) connects to Sorrento, Capri, Amalfi, Salerno.
Companies include Travelmar, Positano Jet, NLG, Alicost.
Ferries avoid road traffic and offer unique coastal views.

Departure Procedures

Any air departure taxes are typically included in airfare. No separate exit fees apply. Plan to arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before international flights.

Departure Tips

Allow ample time for transfers from Positano to airports/train stations.
Pre-book private transfers for early morning flights for reliability.
Arrive at the ferry pier 15-20 minutes before departure in peak season.

No Exit Fees

Departure taxes are typically included in airfare; no separate fees.

Road Congestion

Traffic on SS163 can cause significant delays; plan accordingly.

Scenic Alternative

Ferries are often a more reliable and scenic option than buses for connections.

Sea & River Arrivals

Ferry & Boat Taxi Services

Positano has a pier directly at Spiaggia Grande, serving passenger ferries and boat taxis. These offer convenient and scenic travel along the coast.

Pier & Services

Pier at Spiaggia Grande serves ferries and boat taxis.
Boat taxis for short transfers or reaching other coastal points.
Gain unique views of Positano from the sea.

Immigration & Connections

For ferries within Italy or Schengen, no specific immigration procedures are needed. The pier connects to the village via a pedestrian street.

Arrival Logistics

Standard immigration checks apply if arriving from outside Schengen.
Walk up the main pedestrian street to reach the village center.
Local electric vehicles may offer luggage transport for a fee.

River Transportation & Pro Tips

No River Transport

Positano, being a coastal town, has no significant rivers for transportation.

Cruise Ship Docks

Larger cruise ships typically dock in Salerno or Naples, not Positano.

Sea Travel Tip

For efficiency, consider taking a boat taxi or ferry for at least one leg of your journey.

Travel Planning Insight

Opting for ferry travel between coastal towns frequently proves faster and more enjoyable than relying on buses, as it bypasses road traffic congestion and offers splendid views.

How to Get to Positano