Wondering the closest airports to the Amalfi coast? The Amalfi Coast is a prime tourist destination in southern Italy, a 50-km stretch of coastlines on the Sorrentine Peninsula dotted with beautiful, pastel-colored communes and rugged beaches. Thousands of tourists flock to places like Ravello, Positano, Maiori, and, of course, the town of Amalfi.
Travel arrangements to the Coast can confuse first-timers since there is no Amalfi Coast Airport, no direct trains to the outer coastal towns, and the usual route go through the winding and narrow SS163. Many often wonder where the closest airport to Amalfi is since that would be the ideal place to start. We’ve got just the answer for you and more options on how to get to Amalfi Coast after landing.
The Nearest Airports to Amalfi Coast
Tourists usually arrive in Italy via airports on direct or international flights from farther inland or outside the continent. Choosing the right airport based on strategic needs is crucial in making your trip to the Amalfi Coast as easy as possible. One of these strategic needs is your choice of transportation after arriving. Will you take a direct train, then a private car transfer? Or would you prefer to take public transport like SITA buses and high-speed trains? Or do you want to try going to the coast via ferry?
Naples Capodichino Airport is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast
Naples is the nearest major city to the Amalfi Coast, and there lies the Naples International Airport. The airport caters to international flights and is the preferred choice for most travelers, as it is the closest international airport to Amalfi Coast. Several other modes of transportation, like regional trains and ferries, pass through Naples, making Napoli Capodichino International Airport the perfect starting point for your journey.
Rome Fiumicino International Airport
Some people prefer to take an international flight to Rome, the capital of Italy, and another prime tourist destination. Perhaps they want to spend a few days in the Eternal City. The airport there is the Rome Fiumicino International Airport, also known as the Fiumicino-Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Once there, make your way to Roma Termini station to take a high-speed train or, if you prefer, take the cheaper regional trains to get to Naples. We have a handy guide on how to get to Amalfi Coast from Rome here if you want more information.
Salerno Costa d’Amalfi
Another way to get to the Amalfi Coast is to touch down at Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport in the city of Salerno, in southern Italy. This is the second closest airport to Amalfi Coast. You can take a train to Vietra sul Mare or a bus straight to Amalfi and arrange different transport to the rest of the Amalfi Coast towns.
How to reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples International Airport, Rome Fiumicino International Airport, and Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport by train and bus
Take advantage of Italy’s excellent public transport system and save money and time on your way to the Amalfi Coast. We will review your options for getting to the coast from the three airports discussed above. But first, we need to answer a few questions.
Is there a train from Naples to the Amalfi Coast?
Unfortunately, there are no direct trains from Naples to Amalfi. However, getting a train ride from Naples to Sorrento—the gateway to the Amalfi Coast—is possible. Travel time usually ranges from an hour and a few minutes to one and a half hours on the local train. You can find trains traveling this route at Napoli Centrale train station.
Is there a bus to Amalfi Coast from Naples?
Once you land at Naples Capodichino International Airport, you have several options. There is a direct bus line from Naples to Amalfi, with schedules varying from two to three times a day. Routes from Naples to Vietri sul Mare are more numerous. You can find buses at Naples Capodichino Airport or Napoli Centrale train station.
Is there a train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
Unfortunately, Rome does not have a direct train to the Amalfi Coast. If you are coming from Rome, your best option is to get to Naples and explore your options. Getting from Rome to Naples via train usually takes an hour and fifteen minutes.
Is there a bus to Amalfi Coast from Rome?
Like with trains, you are better off getting a ride to Naples before exploring your options for bus rides to the Amalfi Coast. Also, remember that taking a bus ride from Rome to Naples will take about three hours, which is significantly longer than train rides.
Is there a train to Amalfi Coast from Salerno?
There is no direct train from Salerno to Amalfi, but you can get a train ride to Vietra sul Madre, then ride a bus to Amalfi, Positano, and other places on the coast.
Is there a direct bus to Amalfi Coast from Salerno?
SITA bus and SITA SUD operate most of the bus lines to and from Amalfi Coast. You can find SITA SUD buses at Salerno station. As usual, you can purchase tickets from booths or newsstands. Travel time takes about one hour and fifteen minutes to one and a half hours.
[PREFERRED] Naples Airport to Sorrento via public transportation (train and bus)
Most travel guides agree that starting from Naples International Airport and traveling to Sorrento on the coast is the better option, as it affords tourists better sights and the opportunity to stop at various locations like Positano and Praiano and then settle at its final destination at Amalfi town.
You can start by leaving Naples Capodichino Airport and traveling to Napoli Centrale, Naples’ biggest train station. You need to look for the Circumvesuviana line, where the route that takes you directly from the city to Sorrento can be found. Bus tickets can be purchased from ticket booths or self-service stalls. Make sure you get your ticket verified before starting your journey.
From Sorrento, you can reach Positano and Amalfi
Once you reach Sorrento, disembark and head out of the train station to Piazza Giovanni Battista De Curtis nearby. Don’t be afraid to ask for directions. You are looking for the departure stop of the SITA bus, which will take you directly to the charming town of Positano on the Amalfi Coast or to Amalfi town itself, which is its final destination. This route will skip Vietri sul Mare and other towns on the way, but you can take the time to visit them on your way back to Naples if you decide to take the train at Vietri sul Mare.
Positano is one of the more well-known Amalfi coastal towns. It’s notable for its steep hills and winding streets. You will have a bird’s-eye view of the Tyrrhenian Sea here and a great taste of Italian coastal sights and architecture. It’s an excellent place to stop and enjoy the scenery.
You can choose to ride the bus to its final destination, Amalfi. Then, you will walk in Ruga Nova Mercatorum, the town’s famous shopping district, just outside the iconic Cathedral of Saint Andrew.
Reach Amalfi Coast by Car
If you have the time, energy, and resources, getting to Amalfi Coast by car is a great option. You can hire a taxi or a private car driver that can bring you directly to your destination in town, whether it’s a hotel or a friend’s place. Rental drivers for private car transfers can be a bit pricey, ranging from €100 to €200 — there are no fixed rates, and it fluctuates depending on season, demand, and weather conditions. Taxi fares go from €85 upwards and are sensitive to the same factors as private car transfers.
You can also hire your own car. However, you will need an Italian or International Driver’s License. It’s also preferable if you have experience driving on the SS163. The highway is notorious for its snaking paths, narrow roads, blind curves, and less-than-friendly drivers. Rockslides can also hamper your trip, so better check your route information before renting a car and driving to Amalfi on your own.
Since you’ll be driving, starting from Naples or Salerno is a better option, as theirs are the closest airports to Amalfi Coast. Driving straight from Rome is not advised, as taking the high-speed train to Naples significantly cuts costs and effort.
Driving Directions from Naples to the Amalfi Coast
This is one of the routes you can take from Naples to the town of Amalfi near the southern edge of the Coast. I suggest taking this route as it allows you to circle back easily on the SS163 toward Naples, passing Ravello, Positano, and other communes.
- Start by heading north on Corso Giuseppe Garibaldi toward P.za Giuseppe Garibaldi.
- Turn right onto P.za Giuseppe Garibaldi.
- Continue onto Corso Arnaldo Lucci.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit onto Via Galileo Ferraris.
- Turn left onto the ramp to A3.
- Take the exit at Angri Sud.
- At the roundabout, take the second exit.
- Continue onto Nuova SC Angri.
- At the roundabout, take the first exit.
- Turn right onto Viale degli Aranci.
- Take the first exit onto Via Orazio/SP2b at the roundabout.
- Turn left onto Via Ettore Padovano/SP2b.
- At the roundabout, continue straight onto SP2a.
- Turn right onto Via G. Sclavo/SP2a.
- Turn right onto Via Giovanni Amendola/SS163.
- Finally, turn right onto Via Duca Mansone I.
Drive from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast
Driving from Salerno is straightforward, unlike when coming from Naples up north. Follow these directions for an easy trip to the Amalfi Coast.
- Start by heading southwest on Via del Carmine towards Via Gaspare Mosca.
- Continue straight onto Via dei Principati.
- Continue straight onto Via Adolfo Cilento.
- Take a right turn onto SS 18 Tirrena Inferiore.
- After a while, turn left onto SS163.
- Then, take a right turn to stay on SS163.
- Next, turn right onto Via Costiera Amalfitana/SS163 and continue following SS163.
- Finally, turn right onto Via Duca Mansone I.
Things to Consider When Choosing to Drive to Amalfi Coast
The road to Amalfi can suffer from heavy traffic, especially during peak season. Towns along the way also tend to have narrow streets, busy areas, and a lot of pedestrian traffic. SS163, the main highway you’ll travel on, can be treacherous to new and inexperienced drivers, with its narrow roads and occurrence of landslides that can block the route. Once you get to your destination, there is parking to consider. Many places are full up, forcing you to park far from your intended destination.
However, you can balance out these negatives with the option of stopping whenever you like, traveling whenever you want (day trips or night drives, the choice is yours), and being allowed to explore more than the usual tourist attractions on the usual routes.
[PREFERRED] Sign up for a Tour — the Easiest Way to Experience the Amalfi Coast
Vacations are supposed to be relaxing, and the most stress-free way of getting to the coast is by signing up for a guided tour. You’ll no longer need to worry about finding the closest airport, choosing which transportation to take, or the effort you’ll need to expend to drive to the Amalfi Coast. Tours are available from Rome or Naples, or any nearby major cities. Depending on your chosen tour, you’ll spend time with like-minded tourists or on your own transportation with a private driver, and you can sit back, relax, and enjoy the sights without hassle.
If you have any other questions, feel free to drop a comment below. We also have a lot of blogs featuring the many beautiful cities and destinations in Italy, so feel free to browse!