Positano is beautifully situated between the mountains and the sea on the Amalfi Coast. The town is vertical, with buildings and streets winding their way up steep cliffs. The main road, Strada Statale Amalfitana, passes through the town high above. And from here there is only one road suitable for cars leading down into the town. This road winds its way down in one direction only, back and forth, to Piazza dei Mulini, a small square, and then back up to the main road.
During the summer season, a ferry dock, or pier, is also used to accommodate passenger ferries and small boats. This dock is closed during the winter season. The sea can be brutal here in winter, and the dock usually undergoes major repairs before reopening for the summer season. Positano undergoes a lot of changes throughout the year. During the summer season, you can find many restaurants, hotels, shops, and ferries. In winter, almost everything closes down. Residents and business owners go on vacation, and maintenance and preparations for the next summer season begin.
How to travel to Positano
BY BOAT
In the summer season, it is a great experience to arrive in Positano by boat. There is a network of passenger ferries in the Bay of Naples and along the Amalfi Coast.
From the airport or train station in Naples:
If arriving by train or plane in Naples, we recommend taking a bus or taxi to Molo Beverello in Naples and taking ferries from there. The ferries from here to Positano often stop at either Capri or Sorrento, and take about 1 and a half hours. A lovely boat trip where you can sit back with a cold drink and enjoy the sight of the coast and the islands. But remember that it will take some time to travel by taxi from the airport, and there may also be some waiting time at the port before the next ferry departs.
From another city or island on the Amalfi Coast:
There are good ferry connections between Positano and Amalfi, Sorrento, Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Getting around between these places is done by passenger ferries. There are also car ferries to the larger islands, but as a tourist, you are not allowed to bring your car to the islands. These ferries are also great for day trips, whether you're staying in Positano and want to visit Amalfi or Capri for a day, or vice versa.
You can find the most up-to-date timetables for the boats at naplesbayferry.com, but if you want to be completely sure of getting updated information, we recommend stopping by the small ticket-selling kiosks at the harbors. There are several companies operating the ferries, but the kiosks are all located in a row. Also, check the weather forecast, as ferry services may cease without further notice in bad weather, and the scheduled times are not necessarily precise.
BUS
Buses run along the main road Strada Statale Amalfitana, from Sorrento on to Positano all the way to Amalfi. The buses stop at Bar Internazionale (Chiesa Nuova) and Sponda, high up on each side of Positano. Bar Internazionale is a perfect stop for an espresso before starting to descend the stairs. The bus stop Sponda is probably better to use if you're going on a day trip to Positano by bus, closer to some great viewpoints of the city and a bit closer to the city centre.
CAR WITH DRIVER FROM THE AIRPORT
If you want the fastest transport from Naples to Positano, a car is recommended. Most hotels will be able to assist in booking a car with a driver who can pick you up from the airport and drive you directly to the hotel. The travel time is typically 1-2 hours depending on traffic. The last part of the car journey is also magically beautiful, as you leave the highways from Naples and move onto the regional roads over the mountain and down towards Positano.
RENTAL CAR
If you're planning to arrive in Positano by rental car, be aware that the roads are extremely winding and narrow. Here, you often have to stop, reverse, and maneuver past each other with mere millimeters of clearance between buses and cars, all while scooters squeeze by at high speeds. The traffic scene here can be perceived as chaotic. Parking options in Positano are very limited, but a few parking garages have been built in the town. Check with the hotel where you'll be staying to determine what is most convenient.
TIPS:
If you arrive in Positano by ferry as a day tourist, make your way up from the harbor, the sooner the better. A little further up in the town, you will find fantastic viewpoints, charming streets, and lovely restaurants. Positano is full of stairs. It's unavoidable, and naturally, this brings a few extra challenges for us tourists because of it.
If you arrive and are checking into a hotel, a good tip is to use the baggage porters at the harbor and let them bring your luggage up to the accommodation. Especially if you arrive with large suitcases, it's heavy to carry up the stairs. It is worth every euro. You can thank us later. No point in becoming unfriendly before the holiday has even begun.
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