Here’s How To Get To The Amalfi Coast From A Cruise

Unforgettable experiences await with the things you can do on the enchanting Amalfi Coast
Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated March 4, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  1. The best time to visit the Amalfi Coast on a cruise is from late spring to early fall, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
  2. Travelers can reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples cruise port via cruise line excursions, buses, trains, taxis, or self-driving along the scenic A3 motorway.
  3. When visiting the Amalfi Coast, essential items include comfortable shoes, sunscreen, snacks, a camera, and a sense of adventure to explore the charming coastal towns.

Are you set to visit the cruise port in Naples and wonder how to get to the Amalfi coast? Rick and I have visited Naples several times from a cruise, and while we love the city, getting to Amalfi is not easy – unless you know what you’re doing; and it’s for that reason I put this article together. In this article, you’ll learn how to get to the Amalfi coast from the cruise port in Naples, what to see on the Amalfi Coast, and the best time to visit.

What is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy’s most beautiful and popular destinations. In fact, the coast gets an estimated 5 million visitors annually. However, many tourists are unsure when it is best to visit the Amalfi Coast on a cruise. There is no wrong time to head to this place., but some times are better than others.

The best time to experience everything this region offers is from late spring to early fall. This is also when you can expect the most pleasant breezes from the Mediterranean Sea. Additionally, there are fewer crowds during these months, and many local businesses are open. Of course, it is essential to remember that summertime in Italy can be pretty hot and humid, so make sure to pack appropriately!

Amalfi Coast Christmas is a magical time to visit; you can expect it to be hectic. Consider visiting during Christmas or Easter if you want a more festive atmosphere. These are the peak times for tourism on the Amalfi Coast, but they offer some of the most amazing decorations and celebrations.

But if you’re wondering when not to visit the Amalfi Coast, the answer is during winter.  It’s not the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast when the weather is cold, freezing, and wet. Moreover, many businesses like shops, restaurants, and hotels will be closed.

What is the easiest way to get to the Amalfi Coast?

Common transportation hubs to reach the Amalfi Coast are Naples, Sorrento, and Salerno. Public transportation options include Sita buses year-round and passenger ferries in summer. For travelers coming from the north, Positano marks the beginning of the Amalfi Coast towns.

How to get to the Amalfi Coast from a cruise

If you’re cruising in the Mediterranean, a stop on the incomparable Amalfi Coast is a must. Here’s how to get there from your cruise ship:

Cruise line excursion

Most major cruise lines offer excursions that will take you from the port town of Naples or Salerno to the Amalfi Coast. These tours typically include transportation by bus or boat and a guided area tour.

Bus, trains, taxi, or drive

Plenty of taxis and buses are available in Naples if you’d rather explore alone. This service typically costs €150-200 per vehicle and is a much shorter journey time of 2-3 hours.

A better option is to take the Circumvesuviana train from Naples to Sorrento then transfer to a bus or taxi for the final leg of the journey. Sorrento is a charming town with the best restaurants in town and shops, and from there, it’s just a short ride to Amalfi. The train ride is beautiful, winding through the mountains and villages of Campania. This option costs around €25 per person and takes approximately four hours.

Another way to reach the Amalfi Coast from Naples is by driving via the A3 motorway. The road to Amalfi is spectacular. You’ll drive through Sorrento and Amalfi, Positano, Ravello, Castellamare di Stabia, and Salerno.

How long does it take to get there?

When you’re on a cruise, the world is your oyster. There are many fascinating locations to explore and many things to see. One popular destination for cruisers is the Amalfi Coast in Italy. Those looking to explore the Amalfi Coast may wonder how long it takes to get there from a cruise.

From Naples to Amalfi Coast is about an hour and a half drive, but with all the twists and turns, it feels like it takes much longer. It also depends on the amount of traffic on the road, infact during peak season, traffic on the Amalfi Coast road could be really intense. The views are worth exploring along the way, as the coastline is one of the most beautiful in the world. You can stop at several cities and towns along the way, so make sure you have plenty of time to enjoy this scenic drive.

Once on the Amalfi Coast, tourists will find plenty of activities and sights to keep them busy. From exploring the town of Amalfi to hiking along the coastlines, there is something for everyone in this area.

If you’re seeking a calming beach getaway after your cruise, the Amalfi Coast is the place for you. This part of Italy is just beautiful!

Things to take to the Amalfi Coast

The stunning 50-km Amalfi Coast is a breathtaking must-see destination for travelers, boasting picturesque villages, colorful houses, and postcard views. If you’re visiting from a cruise ship, here are some things to take with you: 

  • Comfortable shoes – The terrain can be rocky and steep in some areas, so sturdy shoes are a must. Keep the flip-flops for the beach!
  • Sunscreen and hats – The sun is intense on the coast, so be sure to protect yourself. 
  • Snacks and water – There aren’t many places to buy food or drinks along the way, so pack a few snacks and bottles of water to stay hydrated. 
  • Cameras – If you don’t already have a late-model smartphone with a good camera, you’ll want to take a digital camera to capture the stunning views of the coast for memories that will last a lifetime.
  • Money – Of course, you need to bring money. Budget around $221 per day for an Amalfi Coast vacation.
What To See And DoWhere To StayHow To Get ToThings to TakeWhat to Do on the Amalfi Coast
– Explore charming towns– Various options– Cruise line excursion– Comfortable shoes– Dip in the ocean
– Admire scenic coastlines– Coastal hotels– Bus, train, taxi, drive– Sunscreen and hats– Enjoy views from above
– Visit picturesque churches– Boutique resorts– Scenic train ride– Snacks and water– Stroll through villages
– Savor Italian cuisine– Coastal villas– Drive on A3 motorway– Camera– Explore local churches
– Experience local culture– Quaint B&Bs– Sense of adventure– Indulge in Italian meals

What to do on the Amalfi Coast

amalfi coast

Now that you have arrived on the Amalfi Coast, you’ll have seen that it boasts some breathtaking scenery. Its cliffs, deep blue waters, and cute coastal towns are well known.

The coastline stretches from Naples in the north to Salerno in the south. The Amalfi Coast is home to some of the most beautiful towns in Italy, including Positano, Ravello, and Amalfi (town). The entire area is filled with charming restaurants, shops, and churches.

Here are a few things you can do on your visit:

  • Take a dip in the ocean: The water is apparent and refreshingly cool, so it’s the perfect way to cool off on a hot day.
  • Enjoy the views from above: One of the best ways to take in the beauty of the Amalfi Coast is from high up in the sky. There are plenty of opportunities for paragliding or helicopter rides.
  • Stroll through the towns and villages: Amalfi Coast has 13 towns and villages in total. Each village has its unique character, so be sure to explore them all! Look for small gift shops that sell local trinkets and crafts while you explore the area.
  • Look for a church: The churches on the Amalfi Coast are all famous for their picture-perfect architecture and impressive frescoes, which you can see from the outside. You’ll find a church almost every 20-30 minutes.
  • Eat an Italian meal: The food is fresh and delicious!

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are several ways to get to the Amalfi Coast. My personal favorite is to take the cruise line excursion, as you’re guaranteed to get back to the ship. However, you may also do so by airplane since there are airports near the Amalfi Coast. Whatever way you choose, be sure to plan so that you make the most of your trip.