Getting There & Away: Praiano

Air Travel

Major Airports

Most international travelers arrive in Italy by air. The choice of airport often depends on your origin and flight preferences.

Nearest & Largest:

Naples International Airport (NAP): Approximately 65 km (40 miles) from Praiano. The closest major airport to the Amalfi Coast, a common entry point.
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO): About 280 km (174 miles) from Praiano. Italy's largest and busiest airport, a major international hub with extensive global connections.
FCO frequently offers more direct long-haul options.

Airlines & Routes

A variety of airlines service Italy's major airports, with seasonal variations in routes and pricing.

Air Carriers:

NAP: Serviced by major European carriers (Lufthansa, Air France, British Airways) and low-cost airlines (easyJet, Ryanair). Direct flights from North America are limited.
FCO: A premier international airport with direct flights from numerous global cities (e.g., New York, Toronto). ITA Airways uses FCO as its main hub.
For flight deals, explore Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner.

Flight Availability High Season

June-August sees the highest flight frequency and most direct routes. Prices are at their peak. Book 6-9 months in advance for best rates.

Flight Availability Shoulder Season

April-May, September-October. Good flight availability and lower prices than peak summer. Good balance of weather and value.

Flight Availability Low Season

November-March. Reduced flight frequencies, lowest prices, but travel options may be more limited with more connections.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airport Amenities

Naples (NAP): Car rental agencies, taxi stands, Alibus shuttle (to Naples Centrale train station/port), currency exchange, duty-free shops, cafes.
Rome (FCO): Multiple train connections (Leonardo Express to Termini), car rental, currency exchange, vast dining and shopping options.
Praiano has no train station; onward travel from major transport hubs is a condition.
Transfer options: Private transfer, taxi, train+bus, train+ferry, FlixBus+SITA bus.

Transfer Options Overview

Private Transfer/Taxi: €120-€180 (NAP to Praiano). Quickest, most comfortable.
Train + Bus (NAP to Praiano): Alibus (€5) to Naples Centrale, train to Salerno (€15-€30), SITA bus to Praiano (€2-€4). Approx. 2.5-4 hrs.
Train + Ferry (NAP to Praiano): Alibus, train to Salerno, ferry to Positano/Amalfi (€5-€10), local bus/taxi to Praiano. Seasonal (April-Oct).
FlixBus + SITA Bus (NAP to Praiano): FlixBus to Sorrento (€5-€15), SITA bus to Praiano (€3-€5). Approx. 2-3 hrs (to Sorrento).

Transfer Time & Cost Snapshot From Naples NAP

Private Transfer / Taxi

1.5 - 2 hours. Cost: €120 - €180. Door-to-door, comfortable.

Train + Bus

2.5 - 4 hours. Cost: €22 - €39. Cost-effective, multiple transfers.

Train + Ferry Seasonal

3 - 5 hours. Cost: €25 - €45. Scenic, avoids road traffic.

Land Transportation

Train & Bus Services

Beyond airport arrivals, land transportation within Italy offers various ways to reach Praiano, notably if you are combining your visit with other Italian cities.

Train & Bus Notes:

Train Stations: Praiano has no train station. Nearest major stations are Salerno (high-speed trains to Rome, Florence, Naples) and Naples Centrale (high-speed, regional, Circumvesuviana for Pompeii/Sorrento).
SITA Sud: Main public bus company on the Amalfi Coast. Connects Praiano to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, Sorrento, Salerno. Buses can be crowded; buy tickets from "tabaccherias" in advance.
FlixBus: Intercity bus company connects major Italian cities to Sorrento or Salerno. From there, connect to Praiano via SITA Sud.

Self-Driving Considerations

Renting a car offers flexibility but brings specific challenges on the Amalfi Coast.

Driving Info:

Requirements: Valid driving license. Non-EU licenses need an International Driving Permit (IDP). Minimum age 18 (21-25 for rental companies, with fees). Major credit card for deposit. Compare car rentals at DiscoverCars.com.
Road Conditions: SS163 (Amalfi Coast road) is narrow, winding, congested, with blind turns and steep inclines. Challenging for inexperienced drivers.
Parking: Extremely limited and expensive (€20-€40/day at hotels). Street parking scarce (paid blue lines, resident-only yellow lines). Fines are high.

Sea Travel Ferries

Ferry services offer a scenic alternative to road travel, especially during peak season congestion.

Ferry Information:

Ferry Ports: Praiano has a small pier at Marina di Praia. Direct services to Praiano are limited. Most travelers use Positano or Amalfi piers.
Companies: Travelmar, NLG, Positano Jet, Alicost operate along the coast.
Seasonality: Services typically run April-October and are weather-dependent.

Departure Information

Plan your departure smoothly by understanding exit procedures and recommended timing.

Exit Notes:

Exit Fees/Taxes: Italy imposes no specific exit fees for departing travelers.
Timing: For Schengen flights, arrive 2+ hours before departure. For non-Schengen international flights, 3+ hours. Factor in Amalfi Coast road traffic delays.
Facilities: Airports and train stations offer check-in, security, duty-free, dining, and lounges.

Driving & Parking Challenges

The Amalfi Coast road is narrow, winding, and often congested.
Driving can be stressful, especially for inexperienced drivers.
Parking is extremely limited and expensive throughout Praiano and the coast.

Many towns have ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) with camera enforcement, leading to steep fines.
Motorcycles and scooters are prevalent and may drive aggressively.
Sidewalks are often non-existent or very narrow, calling for pedestrian caution.

Sea Travel Overview

Ferry Services

Praiano itself has a small pier at Marina di Praia, but direct ferry services there are limited compared to larger towns.

Ferry Details:

Most travelers use more frequent ferry services from Positano or Amalfi.
From these towns, connections extend to Capri, Sorrento, Salerno, and Naples.
Ferry services are seasonal, typically operating from April through October.

Cruise Ship Arrivals

For those arriving by cruise ship, the closest major ports are Naples and Salerno.

Cruise Traveler Information:

Passengers from cruise ships typically arrange private transfers to Praiano.
Public transport (train, bus, or ferry combination) can also facilitate access.
Standard immigration procedures for international arrivals apply upon disembarkation.

Seasonal Operation

Ferry services generally operate from April through October. Check schedules seasonally.

Weather Dependent

Rough sea conditions can cause ferry cancellations. Check conditions before travel.

Onward Connections

Ferry terminals in Positano and Amalfi are close to SITA bus stops and taxi stands.

Departure Preparation

Exit Procedures

Italy imposes no specific exit fees or taxes on travelers departing the country by air, land, or sea.

Timing for Departure:

Airports (NAP/FCO): For Schengen flights, arrive 2+ hours prior. For non-Schengen international flights, 3+ hours.
Factor in potential traffic delays on the Amalfi Coast road, especially during peak season.
Train Stations (Salerno/Naples): 30-45 minutes before departure for high-speed trains; 15-20 minutes for regional.

Airport & Station Facilities

Major airports and train stations offer a full range of facilities for departing travelers.

Traveler Amenities:

Check-in desks and security screening points.
Duty-free shops for last-minute souvenirs.
Various cafes and restaurants.

Takeaways for Departure

Airport Choice

Naples (NAP) is the closest; Rome (FCO) has more direct international flights.

Transfers

Private transfers are quick but costly. Public transport (trains, buses, ferries) are budget-friendly.

Driving

Driving on the Amalfi Coast is challenging due to narrow roads, traffic, and limited, expensive parking.

Final Departure Note

Ferries present a scenic way to travel and help avoid road traffic, but they are seasonal and weather-dependent.

Getting There & Away