Amalfi City Guide
Day Trips from Amalfi: Positano, Ravello, Capri & Trails Compared
The best day trips from amalfi take advantage of Amalfi's central geographic position on the peninsula: ferries depart west to Positano (20 mins) and Capri (50 mins), buses climb inland to mountaintop Ravello (25 mins), and mountain trails lead along the legendary Path of the Gods. This guide compares DIY public transport against small-group guided excursions. Town sights are indexed on the things to do hub and the Amalfi day trips index homepage.
Quick answer Top day trip picks based on transport ease and trip duration
For an effortless half-day, take the 20-minute ferry to Positano or the 25-minute bus up to Ravello. For a full-day adventure, book a boat excursion to Capri or hike the cliffside Path of the Gods.
Key takeaways
- Always take scheduled ferries to Positano instead of the coastal bus to avoid severe summer highway traffic.
- Visit Ravello on a warm afternoon: its 350m elevation delivers cooler breezes and fewer crowds in the gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
- Capri requires a full day; reserve your return hydrofoil or all-day boat cruise in advance.
Amalfi Day Trip Destinations Compared
Compare journey times, public transit fares, and guided excursion options from Amalfi, verified on 10 September 2026.
| Destination | Best DIY Transport | Transit Time & Cost | Guided Tour Option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Positano | Travelmar Ferry | 20 min, $11.70 (€10.00) | Boat Tour with Swimming $75 |
| Ravello | SITA Sud Bus | 25 min, $1.75 (€1.50) | Guided Villa Rufolo Tour $48 |
| Capri | High-speed Hydrofoil | 50 min, $32.80 (€28.00) | All-Day Capri Boat Cruise $129 |
| Path of the Gods | SITA bus to Bomerano | 45 min, $2.80 (€2.40) | Guided Cliffside Trek $55 |
from $75.00
Amalfi to Positano & Emerald Grotto: Coastal Boat Cruise with Swimming
4-hour small-group boat cruise from Amalfi Molo Pennello past Furore Fjord to Positano with swim stops, snorkeling masks, and chilled prosecco.
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from $129.00
Full-Day Capri Island Cruise & Blue Grotto from Amalfi
Full-day small-group cruise from Amalfi around Capri island: Faraglioni, White & Green Grottoes, swim stops, and 4 hours of free time on the island.
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from $55.00
Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei) Guided Cliffside Trek
4.5-hour guided hike along the world-famous cliff path from Bomerano to Nocelle with certified alpine guide, walking poles, and shepherd snack stop.
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from $48.00
Ravello, Villa Rufolo & Historic Cliff Gardens Guided Tour from Amalfi
3-hour guided discovery of hilltop Ravello with entrance ticket to Villa Rufolo, licensed art historian guide, and round-trip transport from Amalfi.
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How to Choose Between Positano, Ravello, and Capri
If you have limited time and must choose just one or two excursions from Amalfi:
- Choose Positano if your dream is the quintessential cliffside postcard: colourful tiered villas, chic linen shopping, beachside spritzes, and arriving by sea past dramatic coastal cliffs. - Choose Ravello if you appreciate classical music history, aristocratic gardens, romantic views without crowds, and quiet pedestrian alleys away from ferry ports. - Choose Capri if you want an iconic full-day island voyage: sea caves, sailing past the Faraglioni, chairlifts to high mountain summits, and world-class island glamour.
Regional Day Trip Map
Destinations accessible directly by ferry, bus, or trail from Amalfi.
Transport & Planning References
Key guides to keep your day trips running on schedule.
Ferry Guide
Detailed schedules, pier locations, and seasonal timetables for coastal ferries.
Transport guideGetting Around
Navigating buses, taxis, ferries, and parking rules along the Amalfi Coast.
Practical transit guideFrequently Asked Questions about Day Trips from Amalfi
Which day trip from Amalfi is the easiest?
Positano is the easiest day trip: modern passenger ferries depart frequently from Amalfi's pier and reach Positano in just 20 minutes with no traffic.
Can I visit Positano and Ravello on the same day?
Yes, because Amalfi is the central hub between them. Take an early morning ferry to Positano (09:00–13:00), return to Amalfi for lunch, and take the afternoon bus up to Ravello (14:30–18:00).
Is it worth renting a car for day trips on the Amalfi Coast?
No. Driving on the SS163 highway involves heavy traffic, tight switchbacks, and severe parking shortages with garage rates often exceeding €8 to €10 per hour. Ferries and buses are far less stressful.
How do I reach the Path of the Gods from Amalfi?
Take the public SITA bus from Amalfi up to Bomerano (Agerola) in about 45 minutes (€2.40). The trail ends in Nocelle, from where you can take local buses or stairs down to Positano and catch a ferry back.
Are day trips to Pompeii possible from Amalfi?
Yes. Take the SITA bus or ferry to Sorrento or Salerno, then transfer to the Circumvesuviana or regional train to Pompeii Scavi (approximately 2 to 2.5 hours each way).
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