How to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
Last updated on June 1st, 2026.
One of the most frequently asked travel questions is: how do I get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
These two iconic Italian destinations are high on many travelers’ bucket lists and getting between them can seem tricky.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best, fastest and cheapest ways to make the journey—whether by car, train, bus or ferry.
Use this comprehensive travel guide, written by a local, to plan your ideal trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast with ease.
Ideal places for your Italy bucket list use this travel guide to help plan your trip to Italy.
Quick Rome geography
Feel free to skip this part if you’re familiar with Italy’s geography. If not, carry on reading.
Rome is the capital of Italy and is located in Lazio, a region in central Italy.
Further south is the Amalfi Coast, around 173mi (278km) from Rome in the Campania region. The picturesque coastline stretches about 31mi (50km) and is filled with pretty towns like Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Ravello.
Though Rome is technically in central Italy, it, and the Amalfi Coast, are considered part of southern Italy.
Jump to:
How far is the Amalfi Coast from Rome?
The driving distance from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is around 173mi (278km), which takes 3.5 to 4hrs by car depending on traffic.
By train and ferry, the journey can take as little as 2.5hrs if connections run smoothly.
4 best ways to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
There are several options to reach the Amalfi Coast depending on your budget, travel style and time constraints.
| Transport method | Time | Best for | Estimated cost |
| 🚗 By car | 3.5-4 hrs | Flexibility, scenic stops | €50+ (fuel, tolls, parking) |
| 🚆 By train + bus/ferry | 2.5-3 hrs | Fastest, most comfortable | €30 - €70 |
| 🚌 By bus | 4-5 hrs | Budget travelers | €13 - €25 |
| 🚤 By tour/transfer | 2.5-3.5 hrs | Convenience, guided experience | €90 - €200 |
Rome to the Amalfi Coast by car
Driving is the most flexible way to reach the Amalfi Coast. Taking a road trip in Italy is one of my favorite ways to see the country plus it allows the freedom to stop wherever, and whenever, you want.
Though the journey from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is long the scenery more than makes up for it.
If renting a car, the drive approximately takes around 3hrs and 40mins to drive from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. This doesn’t factor in any service station breaks, traffic or roadworks along the way.
Route and directions
- From Rome, take the A1 highway south toward Naples.
- Exit near Naples to take the E45 toward Salerno. Continue until you see the exit for the SP2b local road.
- From Salerno, follow signs to Vietri sul Mare, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. After a series of winding curves and a drive through some hilly terrain you’ll eventually reach your destination.
Speaking from personal experience, reaching the Amalfi Coast by car is the best way to explore the area. The Salerno to Sorrento coastal drive is probably one of the prettiest, though most challenging (see my Amalfi Coast travel guide) that I've experienced.
But, ultimately, driving is more convenient and gives you more flexibility.
Pros and cons of driving to the Amalfi Coast
✅ Pros:
- Flexibility to stop at other destinations like Naples, Pompeii or Caserta
- No need to deal with bus or ferry schedules
- Ideal if planning a day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
❌ Cons:
- Traffic congestion (especially in summer)
- Limited parking in Amalfi Coast towns
- Costly tolls, gas and parking fees
Best for: travelers who want to explore multiple stops along the way.
Places to visit from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
Unless you plan to head straight to the Amalfi Coast, you may want to detour on your Italy road trip.
There are several places of interest to visit from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, some well known and others less so.
The following places are located near to or around the A1 highway. It should make it easier to get back on course for your Rome to Amalfi Coast trip.
Tivoli
Head to the ancient town of Tivoli just outside Rome. Visit Hadrian’s Villa (Villa Adriana), Villa d’Este and enjoy the scenic views of the hills and Lazio countryside. This combined entry ticket gets you into both villas.
Montecassino
A medieval monastery 520m (1706ft) on a hilltop in Cassino, Lazio, the location was an important battleground during World War II.
Sant’Angelo in Formis
Home to an ancient Benedictine monastery, the building site dates to the 8th century. A remarkable blend of Romanesque and Byzantine architectural styles, it’s a beautiful find in the town of Capua.
Caserta
The city, about 25mi (40km) north of Naples is best known for being home to the Royal Palace of Caserta (Reggia di Caserta). A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s often compared to the Palace of Versailles due to its Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.
Naples
The home of Neapolitan-style pizza, incredible churches and a championship football team, consider spending one day in Naples.
Pompeii
The former Ancient Roman city buried under ash and volcanic debris, which today are well-preserved ruins, is unmissable. Visiting Pompeii from Rome is another straightforward journey worth doing. Save time when you visit Pompeii by booking your tickets in advance.
Map: how to get the Amalfi Coast from Rome
Rome to the Amalfi Coast by train
The fastest and most convenient way to travel is by train and ferry or bus.
Taking trains in Italy, for the most part, are a reliable and scenic way to travel across the country.
Riding trains in Italy is also quite affordable. Granted, this depends on several factors such as the destination, day and time of travel.
Less straightforward
While there is a Rome to Amalfi Coast train route, it’s not as straightforward as visiting by car. The closest (main) train station is Salerno and from here you still need to take a bus/ferry to reach the coast.
The length and duration of your journey all depends on where you’ll be staying on the Amalfi Coast.
Is there a direct train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
There is no direct train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. You must take a train from Rome to Naples Central or to Salerno. From here, you have the option of taking a bus or a ferry to reach the Amalfi Coast.
Fastest train route 🚆
- Take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa or Italo) from Roma Termini to Salerno (1hr 45mins, from €30-60 )($31.39/£25)($63/£50).
- From Salerno, take either:
- a ferry to Amalfi or Positano (35-50mins, from €10-15) ($10.46/£8.30)($15.70/£12.46)
- a SITA bus (public bus) to Amalfi (1hr 10mins, €2.60*) ($2.72/£2.16)
Alternative route (via Naples)
- Take a train from Rome to Naples (1hr 10mins, from €15-45). ($15.70/£12.46)($47/£37)
- From Naples:
- Take a ferry to Amalfi (1hr 45mins)
- Or, take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento then a SITA bus to Amalfi (3hrs total)
Best for: travelers looking for speed, comfort and affordability.
More train routes from Rome to the Amalfi Coast
There are other routes that will take you from Rome to the Amalfi Coast by train. For the following examples, I’ll use the town of Amalfi as the destination.
Route 1:
Roma Termini-Napoli Centrale-Vietri Sul Mare-Amalfi-bus-Amalfi
This route involves taking two trains and a bus. The approximate journey time is 3hrs 23mins.
From Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, the Frecciarossa train (high-speed train) takes you there the fastest. The journey time is around 1hr 10mins.
Once you reach Napoli Centrale, it’s a short walk to Napoli Piazza Garibaldi (9 minutes). Here, take the regional train service to Vietri Sul Mare-Amalfi for approximately 1 hour.
Upon arriving, it’s another short walk, this time to the bus stop. Look for the 5120 Sitabus that serves Salerno-Maiori-Amalfi. Sitabus tickets start from €2.60* ($2.86/£2.20) from Salerno to Amalfi. Around 1hr and 13mins later, you’ll arrive at Amalfi.
Route 2:
Roma Termini-Salerno-bus-ferry
This route from Rome to the Amalfi Coast involves taking a train, a bus and a ferry.
Take the Frecciarossa train service from Roma Termini to Salerno. The journey time is around 1hr 49mins. At Salerno, walk to Garibaldi Barrella bus station and take bus number 5 or 6 to Pertini Scuola Barra.
From here, it’s around a 6-minute walk to the ferry port. The ferry carrier, Travelmar, will take you from Salerno to Amalfi in 35 minutes. A one-way ticket per person costs €10 ($11/£8.56).*
🎥 Watch: is a day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast worth doing?
How much do train tickets cost in Italy?
Like air travel, prices of train tickets in Italy depend on the day and time of year you travel.
Prices will also differ depending on whether you choose the fast Frecciarossa service or the regional service.
Tickets that involve a station change tend to be much cheaper. It adds extra time to your journey but it’s a good option if traveling on a budget.
Cost of train tickets from Rome to Naples
To give you an idea of Italian train ticket prices, the below are the same direct Rome to Naples service.
- A one-way ticket (departing on Saturday at 13:00): starts from €79* ($87/£68)
- A one-way ticket (departing on Monday at the same time): starts from €56* ($62/£48)
In comparison, the lowest ticket price I saw for a regional train service from Rome to Naples started from €13.10* ($14.40/£11.20).
Check the Trainline website to see the best price comparisons for Trenitalia and Italo services.
Rome to the Amalfi Coast by bus/coach
For budget-conscious travelers buses are cheaper but slower.
Direct bus routes 🚌
- Marozzi bus: direct from Rome Tiburtina → Amalfi/Positano (5hrs, from €25) ($26.24/£20.85)*.
- FlixBus & Itabus: Rome → Salerno (3.5hrs, from €13-€37) ($13.65/£10.84)($38.84/£30.86)* then a local bus or ferry.
Best for: budget travelers who don’t mind a longer journey.
Taking a bus/coach is the cheapest way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. There are several options available, several of which I’ve listed below.
Option 1
Rome Tiburtina bus station to Amalfi Piazza Flavio
The cheapest coach option I found was with the company Marozzi. The journey time for this trip is approximately 5 hours and a coach ticket starts from €25* ($27.50/£21).
Marozzi also has a direct coach service that goes from Rome Tiburtina to Positano bus station. The journey time is around 4hrs 30mins and tickets cost the same as above.
Option 2
Rome Tiburtina bus station to Salerno Piazza Concordia
A second option is with Itabus. The journey time for this trip is approximately 3hrs and 45mins and tickets cost €37* ($41/£32).
However, while the journey time is shorter, this route only brings you to Salerno. You’ll still need to take a bus or ferry to reach the Amalfi Coast.
The low-cost company, Flixbus, also offers the same route but at much lower prices. I found prices starting from €3.90* ($4.29/£3.30) to €9.99* ($10.99/£8.56).
Option 3
Rome Tiburtina to Cava de’ Terrini (Salerno)
Operator Leonettibus has a coach service that takes you from Rome Tiburtina bus station to Cava de’ Terrini in Salerno. Prices start from €16.90 ($19/£14.50) for a one-way ticket with a journey time of around 2hrs 50mins.
Like option 2, Cava de’ Terrini bus station is also a distance from Amalfi at 7.3mi (11.8km).
Leonettibus offers other coach destinations in Salerno when visiting from Rome. They are:
- Cavaliero (9.2mi (14.8km)) from Amalfi)
- Scafati (8.3mi (13.4km) from Amalfi) and
- Nocera Inferiore (7.6mi (12.3km) from Amalfi)
Option 4
Rome Anagnina to Nocera Inferiore
Another company, Express Bus, operates a coach service from Rome Anagnina to Nocera Inferiore bus stop. Please note that Rome Anagnina is around 37 minutes by car or 23 minutes by metro from Roma Termini station.
Like Leonettibus, the bus stop in Salerno is still a distance from Amalfi. Prices start from €18 ($20/£15) for a one-way ticket with a journey time of around 2hrs 35mins.
For reference, I used trainline.com and checkmybus.it to check the services and prices.
Rome to the Amalfi Coast by tour
If you prefer hassle-free travel, consider joining one of the Amalfi Coast guided tours from Rome.
Adding a tour to your Rome to the Amalfi Coast itinerary is ideal if you plan on visiting without a car. What's more, they're led by friendly and knowledgeable locals who know the best spots to take you to.
There are tons of great tours to suit different time-frames and budgets. Below are some tours that I would personally book:
⏩️ From Rome: Amalfi Coast group day trip: a packed day trip that includes transportation and visits to Pompeii, Amalfi and Positano.
⏩️ From Rome: Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano day trip: see the Amalfi Coast plus enjoy a skip-the-line ticket to the ruins of Pompeii.
⏩️ Rome to Amalfi Coast tour with limoncello tasting and cruise: explore the Amalfi Coast by land and sea and sip on some homemade limoncello
⏩️ Transfer from Rome to the Amalfi Coast with private tour in Herculaneum: enjoy the sights of the Amalfi Coast and a tour of the Ancient Roman town of Herculaneum.
⏩️ 3-day tour from Rome to Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast: enjoy slow travel to the region and take your time exploring the towns and attractions.
Make sure to read the full descriptions so you’re aware of timings and what is/isn’t included in the tour price.
Best for: those wanting a stress-free experience with guided insights.
Rome to the Amalfi Coast with kids
If traveling with kids to the Amalfi Coast you’ll want a route that is:
- fast (to avoid long travel times)
- easy (minimal transfers and walking)
- most comfortable (space for strollers and luggage)
Because of this the best option is to take the high-speed train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast and then a ferry.
- Take a high-speed train from Rome Termini to Salerno (1hr 45min).
- Walk across the street to the Salerno ferry terminal (5 minutes).
- Take a ferry to Amalfi or Positano (35-50 minutes).
Why this route works best for families:
- It involves one easy transfer (train to ferry)
- There’s no need to navigate crowded buses
- Ferries have open spaces for strollers and luggage
- Kids will love the scenic boat ride
What about driving?
- Driving from Rome to the Amalfi Coast with kids offers flexibility and convenience. On the flip side it can also be problematic.
- There are long travel times in the car plus traffic .
- Parking can be difficult to find in town centers.
- There are many curves in the roads that can cause motion sickness.
Tips for families traveling to the Amalfi Coast from Rome
- High-speed trains in Italy have luggage racks but local buses don’t.
- Avoid buses and opt for ferries when possible.
- Best time to travel with kids to the Amalfi Coast? Spring (April-May) and fall (September-October (see 'Italy in September' and 'October')) typically has milder weather and fewer crowds.
Additional travel tips
Train ticket prices and booking
- Prices range from €13 ($13.65/£10.84) for regional trains to €70 ($73.48/£58.34) for high-speed trains.*
- Book in advance on Trainline, Trenitalia or Italo to secure cheaper prices.
Ferry schedules
- Ferries from Salerno → Amalfi/Positano run from April to October (from €10-€15 ($10.50/£8.34) ($15.75/£12.50).
- Check Travelmar for up-to-date ferry schedules.
New Amalfi Coast airport terminal
- A new airport terminal opened in Salerno Costa d'Amalfi in July 2024. More companies like Volotea, Ryanair and Easyjet will likely be running more direct flights making travel times shorter.
- This is set to become a faster alternative for future travel.
FAQs: Rome to Amalfi Coast travel
Is there a direct high-speed train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
No, you must transfer in Naples or Salerno.
What is the cheapest way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
Taking a bus to Salerno (€13 ($14/£11)) and then changing to a local bus is the cheapest option.
What is the fastest way to reach the Amalfi Coast?
For first-time visitors, taking a high-speed train to Salerno and then a ferry (2.5hrs) is the quickest option.
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
- Spring (April to May) and fall (September to October) offer great weather with fewer crowds.
- Summer (June to August) is busy and more expensive.
Should I rent a car in the Amalfi Coast?
If you plan to explore multiple towns a car provides flexibility but parking is limited.
Can I bring luggage on the train to the Amalfi Coast?
Most high-speed and regional trains allow large suitcases. However, local buses from Salerno have limited luggage space.
Which of these routes from Rome to the Amalfi Coast would you take? Let me know in the comments below.
*Prices correct at time of publishing.
Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click a link and purchase something that I’ve recommended. Thank you for your support.
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We did this almost both xays. First we drove from the airport to Sorrento, visited Pompeii and went back up to our basé in Lazio, east of Rome and travelled by train to Rome. Didn't know about all the other options available. Love train travel but the coach sounds doable, too!
That's great! Yes the coach is really a good and affordable option too
It's funny - I was thinking about going to Napels today. It's been so long since I have visited and the surroundings are just so beautiful. I need to squeeze in a long weekend as soon as possible. I'd also love to go back to Pompei and finally visit Sorrento. By the way, you don't have to convince me to take the train in Italy - I'm a back fan of trenitalia 😉
I know Renata! It does work really well (so far for me anyway). Naples is a very fun city
We have never driven the route from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. Once we had an amazing driver who took us an unusual route but most time we went by train. One day we will have to try the train route to Salerno. But I love all the spots there are to visit along the route if we choose to drive.
Thanks Linda. Train is a great way to travel from Rome to the Amalfi Coast and it can be very reasonable too
Sounds like car is the more efficent and easier way to get there - thank you for this break down and these tips!
You're welcome
I absolutely loved the picture you took of the Colosseum in Rome! It's a place I've always dreamt of visiting since Rome is steeped in so much history and adorned with beautiful architecture. Your post was a very interesting read!
Thank you Ann, it's a really incredible structure. I really hope you get to see Rome one day 🙂
I've been to Rome, but never visited Amalfi. Your photos look gorgeous. I wanna try the fried pizza. Looks tasty for sure. Thanks for sharing this helpful guide!
It's very good and huge too! Definitely a must try in Naples
I've been to Italy a few times but never actually visited Amalfi coast, I wannna go nowwwww.....The place is gorgeous.
It's really a must see region 🙂
We are going to Italy in a month (our first time!), flying into Rome and then taking a train to Naples before taking a train and ferry to Positano. 😊
That's wonderful Kelly! Have a wonderful time here 😀
Great post!
Thank you
Gosh the coast is absolutely stunning! What a beautiful spot...I don't think I'd ever want to leave! Lovely feature ^_^
Thank you!
Your article on the 4 best ways to travel from Rome to the Amalfi Coast was incredibly helpful and informative. The transportation options presented were well-explained, making it easier for readers to choose the best mode of travel for their trip. Thank you!
I'm happy to read that 🙂 I'm glad it's helpful
Wow, this post is a lifesaver! 🙌 I've always dreamt of exploring both Rome and the Amalfi Coast, and now I can finally plan my trip with these fantastic tips! 🗺️✨ Thanks a million for sharing the 4 best ways to get there. Can't wait to tick these Italian gems off my bucket list! 🇮🇹💕 #TravelGoals #ItalyWanderlust #RomeToAmalfi #AdventureAwaits #GratefulForThisGuide
You're very welcome Sue. I really hope you visit us one day 🙂
The idea of road tripping along the coast sounds lovely, although the idea of driving abroad does scare me. We have been to Rome, Naples and Pompeii before (along with a few other places). But I'd love to spend more time at the amalfi coast x
It's a beautiful but busy area. Really worth visiting at least once 🙂
We were in Rome but we didn't get to go to the Amalfi Coast. I'd love to return.
I hope you do one day
That region looks absolutely amazing! I love this guide because it helps me get there and experience the best parts of the area!
I'm glad you enjoyed it 🙂