Amalfi City Guide
Positano Day Trip from Amalfi (Ferry vs. Bus vs. Boat Tour)
A positano day trip from amalfi is the most popular excursion along the coast: just 20 minutes across the water by scheduled ferry ($11.70 / €10.00), or a leisurely half-day boat cruise with swim stops in limestone coves. Positano's vertical amphitheater of pastel houses, wisteria-hung staircases, and pebbled beach at Spiaggia Grande make it an unforgettable counterpart to Amalfi. Transport options are also outlined on our ferry guide, while broader excursions sit on the day trips hub and the Amalfi coastal town guide homepage.
Quick answer Best transport route, journey times, and beach realities
The scheduled passenger ferry is the best way to travel between Amalfi and Positano: 20 minutes on the water for $11.70 (€10.00) one way, completely bypassing heavy highway traffic. Small-group boat tours offer swimming in coves along the way.
Key takeaways
- Take the ferry over the SITA bus: the bus takes 50 to 70 minutes on winding cliff roads and is frequently standing-room only in summer.
- Consider a coastal boat tour from Amalfi to Positano for swimming stops beneath the cliffs and chilled prosecco on board.
- Wear flat, supportive walking shoes: Positano consists almost entirely of steep staircases (scalinatella) and cobblestone ramps.
Key facts
Opening hours
| Daily daylight / ferry service hours | 08:30–19:00 |
|---|
Closed Ferries operate April to October; winter connections rely on SITA buses
Admission
- Adult
- $11.70 (€10.00) ferry / $2.80 (€2.40) SITA bus
- Reduced
- $7.00 (€6.00) children on ferries
Planning it
- Time needed
- Half day to full day
- Book ahead
- Recommended — a few days
- Address
- Piazza dei Mulini / Spiaggia Grande, 84017 Positano SA, Italy
Transport and tour options between Amalfi and Positano, verified with maritime carriers on 10 September 2026.
| Option | Price | Duration | Departure Hub | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Passenger Ferry (Travelmar) | $11.70 (€10.00) | 20 minutes one way | Molo Pennello, Amalfi Port | Official site |
| Public SITA Bus (Costierasita) | $2.80 (€2.40) | 50–70 minutes | Piazza Flavio Gioia, Amalfi | Official site |
| Amalfi to Positano Boat Cruise with Swimming | $75.00 (€64.00) | 4 hours round-trip | Amalfi Port (Molo Pennello) | Check Availability |
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.
Check AvailabilityPrices, ratings and details are the platform's own; dollar figures are the listed prices — the platform bills in your account's currency.
Why Ferry Outperforms the Coastal Bus
While the SITA bus between Amalfi and Positano is cheap (€2.40), the road journey is notoriously grueling during the high season. The SS163 coastal highway is narrow, heavily congested with tour coaches, and features sharp blind turns. Buses frequently fill to capacity at Amalfi's terminal, forcing waiting passengers to watch full buses drive past.
By contrast, the Travelmar ferry departs from Amalfi's Molo Pennello every 30 to 45 minutes, gliding across deep blue water with sweeping panoramic views of the cliffs of Conca dei Marini, the suspension bridge over Fiordo di Furore, and Praiano. Arriving in Positano from the sea is widely considered one of the great visual arrivals in Europe.
What to Do in Positano in Half a Day
Begin at Spiaggia Grande, taking in the iconic view of the town's pastel houses stacked against the sheer rock face. Step into the Church of Santa Maria Assunta to admire its colorful majolica-tiled cupola and 12th-century Byzantine Black Madonna icon.
From the beach, climb the winding pedestrian alleyways past linen clothing boutiques, lemon-perfume shops, and art galleries up toward Piazza dei Mulini. For a quieter escape away from the crowds, follow the scenic coastal path Via Positanesi d'America around the cliffhead to Fornillo Beach, a relaxed cove with casual seafood trattorias.
Positano Coastal Route Map
The ferry connects Amalfi Port directly to Positano's Spiaggia Grande pier across the Gulf of Salerno.
Related Day Trips & Links
Excursions easily combined with an Amalfi Coast itinerary.
Day Trips Hub
Compare day excursions from Amalfi to Positano, Ravello, Capri, and the Path of the Gods.
Excursion directoryRavello
Perched 350 meters above Amalfi, renowned for panoramic cliff gardens at Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone.
25 min bus / transfer uphillFrequently Asked Questions about Amalfi to Positano
How long does the ferry from Amalfi to Positano take?
The ferry takes between 15 and 25 minutes depending on sea conditions. It is the fastest and most scenic way to travel between the two towns.
How much is a ferry ticket from Amalfi to Positano?
A standard one-way adult passenger ticket on Travelmar costs $11.70 (€10.00). Tickets can be bought at the ticket kiosks on the pier or online.
Do ferries run between Amalfi and Positano in the winter?
Scheduled coastal ferry services operate from April 1 to October 31. From November through March, passenger connections operate via SITA buses.
Can I drive from Amalfi to Positano?
Driving is not recommended due to narrow roads, severe traffic jams, and astronomical parking rates in Positano (€8.00–€10.00 per hour with limited spaces).
Is Positano suitable for people with mobility challenges?
Positano has very steep topography consisting largely of stairs. Exploring beyond the main beach and lower street requires considerable stair climbing.
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