Amalfi City Guide
Getting Around Amalfi: Ferries, SITA Buses, Taxis & Driving
Understanding how to succeed with getting around amalfi is the single most important skill for a smooth holiday: scheduled passenger ferries run like maritime subways between coastal towns without road traffic, public SITA buses climb to mountaintop villages like Ravello, and rental cars run into severe parking shortages and alternate-day license plate bans. Detailed ferry timetables sit on our ferry guide, and town highlights are on the Amalfi transit guide homepage.
Quick answer Transport hierarchy: which mode to use for which town
Use passenger ferries for coastal town hops (Amalfi to Positano, Minori, Maiori, and Salerno). Use SITA buses to climb into the mountains (Ravello and Bomerano for Path of the Gods). Avoid driving.
Key takeaways
- Ferries bypass all coastal road traffic: Amalfi to Positano is 20 minutes on the water versus 50+ minutes of nauseating switchbacks on a bus.
- Buy SITA bus tickets before queuing at Piazza Flavio Gioia; bus drivers do not carry or sell tickets.
- Alternate-plate driving regulations (targhe alterne) restrict rental cars during peak hours from June through October.
Amalfi Coast Transport Modes Compared
Compare costs, travel times, and practical reliability across all regional transport options, verified on 10 September 2026.
| Transport Mode | Cost / Ticket | Speed & Traffic | Best Used For | Critical Rule |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelmar Ferry | $11.70 (€10.00) Positano / Salerno | Fast (20–35 min), 0% traffic | Coastal hops (Positano, Capri, Salerno) | Operates April to October only |
| SITA Sud Bus | $1.75–$2.80 (€1.50–€2.40) | Slow (25–70 min), heavy traffic | Mountain towns (Ravello, Agerola) | Must buy ticket before boarding |
| Licensed Taxi | €40–€140 fixed tariff rates | Medium (subject to traffic) | Late night returns, heavy luggage | Verify regulated rate card first |
| Rental Scooter (125cc) | $65–$95 (€55–€80) / day | Fast through traffic, easy parking | Experienced two-wheel riders only | Requires motorcycle experience |
| Rental Car | $60–$120/day + €8/hr parking | Slow, gridlocked, stressful | Not recommended on coast | ZTL cameras & alternate-plate rules |
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.
Check AvailabilityPrices, ratings and details are the platform's own; dollar figures are the listed prices — the platform bills in your account's currency.
Mode 1: The Passenger Ferry (Travelmar)
Operating between April 1 and October 31, the Travelmar ferry service is the backbone of Amalfi Coast travel. Modern fast catamarans and motor vessels depart from Amalfi's Molo Pennello, connecting Positano (20 mins), Minori (10 mins), Maiori (15 mins), Cetara (25 mins), and Salerno (35 mins).
Tickets can be purchased at the pier ticket booths or booked online in advance. Unlike road transit, ferries are never stuck in traffic, provide sea breezes, and offer spectacular photography angles of the cliffs.
Mode 2: The SITA Sud Bus System
Public buses run by SITA Sud connect Amalfi to inland destinations that ferries cannot reach, most notably mountaintop Ravello (25 mins) and Bomerano/Agerola (45 mins) for the Path of the Gods trail. Buses depart from the central seaside terminal at Piazza Flavio Gioia.
The Crucial Bus Rule: Tickets cannot be purchased from the driver. You must buy tickets in advance at tabacchi shops, newsstands, bars displaying the SITA logo, or digitally via the MooneyGo app. Tickets must be stamped in the validation machine immediately upon boarding.
Why You Should Avoid Driving on the Amalfi Coast
Driving the SS163 'Strada Statale Amalfitana' is notoriously stressful. The two-lane highway is carved into sheer rock faces, with hairpin turns where two buses cannot pass each other without reversing. Parking in Amalfi is confined to the Luna Rossa cavern garage or the port lot, charging €5.00 to €8.00 per hour with zero guaranteed availability in summer.
Furthermore, ANAS enforces alternate license plate restrictions (targhe alterne) from June to October: vehicles with odd-numbered plates cannot drive on odd dates between 10:00 and 18:00, and even-numbered plates are barred on even dates.
Transit Hubs in Amalfi
Ferry docks and bus departure zones located side-by-side along the Amalfi shore.
Complementary Planning Modules
Deepen your logistical preparation.
Ferry Guide
Complete seasonal timetables, ticket pricing, and pier directions for all Amalfi ferries.
Ferry directoryWhere to Stay
How to select accommodation based on transit convenience and luggage porter services.
Accommodation guideFrequently Asked Questions about Getting Around Amalfi
Can I buy bus tickets on the bus in Amalfi?
No. SITA bus drivers do not sell tickets. You must buy your ticket before boarding at a tabacchi shop, newsstand, or via the MooneyGo app.
Is the ferry better than the bus on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes. For coastal towns like Positano, Minori, and Salerno, the ferry is far superior: it is faster, guarantees a seat, does not suffer from road gridlock, and avoids motion sickness.
How do I reach Ravello by bus?
Take the direct SITA bus from Piazza Flavio Gioia in Amalfi up to Ravello. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes and costs $1.75 (€1.50) one way.
Are taxis expensive on the Amalfi Coast?
Yes. Local taxis operate under fixed municipal tariffs that are relatively high: expect €40 to €50 between Amalfi and Ravello, and €90 to €120 between Amalfi and Positano.
What are the alternate-plate driving rules on the Amalfi Coast?
During peak season (June–October), cars with number plates ending in odd digits are prohibited on the SS163 on odd dates from 10:00 to 18:00, and even digits are barred on even dates.
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