The Amalfi Coast is one of those places that feels almost too pretty to be real—steep cliffs plunging into turquoise water, colorful villages stacked like Legos, and lemons the size of your head. It’s not just famous abroad; even Italians see it as something special.
I’m from Bologna, and honestly, I didn’t make it to the Amalfi Coast until my late 20s. It always felt like this glamorous, far-off destination reserved for honeymooners and the ultra-wealthy. But when I finally went? Yep, it lived up to the hype. And then some.
Now, I’ll always tell you that if you can, spend a few days soaking it all in. But I also get that sometimes, time is tight. So if you’re based in Rome and wondering if it’s possible to squeeze in a day trip to the Amalfi Coast —good news: you can.
It’s a long day, but the reward is absolutely worth it. You’ll trade in the chaos of Rome for sea views, fresh seafood, and a serious dose of la dolce vita.
In this post, I’m sharing exactly how to pull off a day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, plus my tips on what to see, where to go, and how to make the most of your day. Let’s get into it!
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HOW TO GET FROM ROME TO THE AMALFI COAST
You have two different options to make the trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast: by high-speed train + public transport or a tour from Rome.
This is one time I STRONGLY suggest joining a tour. By going on your own by public transport, you will spend half of your day on trains, buses, and ferry and you won’t really get to enjoy it.
I do NOT recommend renting a car and driving from Rome to Amalfi Coast. The roads are winding and it’s a nightmare to park in Positano and Amalfi.
By High-Speed Train + Public Transport
If you decide to take the train, you’ll first have to take the Frecciarossa or Italo train from Roma Termini train station to Napoli Centrale, and from there either the Circumvesuviana train or a ferry to Sorrento. There’s not a direct train from Rome to Amalfi or Positano.
The Circumvesuviana train departs from Napoli Centrale train station, which is very convenient as it’s where you’ll arrive when coming from Rome. The journey to Sorrento takes a little over an hour, and there are trains departing every 30 minutes. The ticket costs as little as 5€.
If you’d rather take the ferry to Sorrento, you’ll have to take a taxi from the train station to Molo Beverello, Naples’ port, where you’ll board the ferry. The trip is very scenic and it takes between 30 to 45 minutes.
▶️ Sorrento is considered the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, and from there you can travel to Positano and Amalfi, the coast’s main towns, by SITA bus or by ferry.
The ferries will leave you either at Marina Grande in Positano or Marina Grande Beach in Amalfi, depending on where you’re headed, and it’s the most time-efficient transfer option if you arrived at Sorrento by sea.
However, you can also continue your journey by land by taking the SITA bus which connects most villages along the Amalfi Coast.
▶️ An alternative from Sorrento would be to rent a motorbike and use it to explore the coast at your leisure. The downside, though, is that you’ll have to get back to Sorrento at the end of the day to return it, and then get the high-speed train back to Rome via Naples.
My friend and I previously rented a scooter and traveled all around the coast with it, but please exercise caution. The roads are windy and if you don’t have previous experience riding a scooter, this is not the place to learn. Only rent a scooter if you’re an experienced driver.
Not happy with all the previous options? There’s one more: you could take a train from Rome to Salerno, and from there a bus to Amalfi, visiting the coast in the opposite order and finishing in Sorrento, from where you’ll travel to Naples for the train back.
Best Tours from Rome to Amalfi Coast
Joining a tour is one of the best ways to get to Amalfi Coast. Below you’ll find some great options that will enable you to go on a day trip from Rome without wasting time on transportation and making the most of your day there.
➤ The Boat-Hopping on the Amalfi Coast: Day Trip from Rome is a spectacular way to explore the Amalfi Coast. You’ll visit Sorrento, then catch a scenic boat to Positano, which you’ll visit with a guided tour. Then, hop on a boat to sail along the coastline, catching the scenery as you sail to Salerno. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ This Pompeii Tour with Positano & Amalfi Coast Day Trip lasts a full day and starts with a visit to the world-famous site of Pompeii. You’ll then embark on a trip to Positano, and drive along the scenic Amalfi Coast. It includes round-trip transportation from Rome. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
➤ This Amalfi Coast, Positano & Pompeii Day Tour from Rome is a semi-private trip that lasts a full day and operates with a small group. You’ll explore the ruins of Pompeii with a guide and then set off to Positano, where you’ll enjoy a leisurely lunch and free time to discover the town on your own. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
THINGS TO DO ON THE AMALFI COAST IN ONE DAY
Amalfi and Positano are the area’s main towns and the ones you should prioritize visiting if you’re going to the Amalfi Coast on a day trip. This itinerary should help you get an idea of what are the things to do on the Amalfi Coast so you can plan a perfect day.
Walk Around the Old Town of Sorrento
Sorrento is such a charming little spot, perched on the Sorrentine Peninsula and often called the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. If you’re coming from Rome for the day, chances are this will be your first stop, and honestly, it’s a pretty perfect introduction.
I remember being completely hooked the moment I arrived. There’s just something about those views over the Bay of Naples that make you want to sit at a café and stay there for hours.
And the old town? It’s impossible not to get lost (in the best way). One minute you’re dodging Vespas on cobblestone streets, and the next you’re stumbling into tiny craft workshops, local limoncello shops, and quiet corners that feel straight out of a movie.
If you have time, check out the Sorrento Cathedral, wander through Piazza Tasso, and swing by the Chiostro di San Francesco, a peaceful 14th-century cloister that’s the perfect spot to catch your breath.
But honestly, my favorite thing to do in Sorrento is just to wander around with no destination and soak it all in.
Visit a Lemon Grove
The Sorrentine Peninsula, and the Amalfi Coast especially, is well-known for its lemon trees and groves…no wonder it’s where limoncello was born!
Visiting a lemon grove is a fantastic activity as it will not only grant you beautiful views and photo opportunities, but also allow you to learn about its cultivation. Best part? You’ll more than likely finish your visit with a taste of limoncello.
Sorrento is where most of the production takes place, and where you’ll find the most stunning lemon groves to visit. In my opinion, the best are I Giardini di Cataldo, which features beautifully manicured orchards and gardens and it’s very instagrammable, and La Limonaia Sorrento.
Both offer tours to discover the techniques and process of the production of the famous lemon, and you’ll be able to taste and buy limoncello, lemon marmalade, and gelato.
From Sorrento, you can take the SITA Sud bus to Positano, which departs pretty much every hour during the high season. Alternatively, you can catch a ferry and take the scenic journey to Positano. Ferries only run in the summer months, and the trip takes 40 minutes.
Wander around Insta-Famous Positano
Positano is probably the most well-known town on the Amalfi Coast, and it’s easy to see why. With its colorful buildings clinging to the cliffs, narrow streets, and sea views at every turn, it’s exactly what most people picture when they think of this part of Italy.
Personally, I found it to be beautiful but also quite busy, especially in peak season. It’s definitely become a hotspot, so don’t expect to have it to yourself.
Still, wandering through the small alleys, browsing the local boutiques, and stopping for a coffee with a view is a nice way to experience it, even if you’re sharing the moment with quite a few other visitors.
If it’s your first time here, be sure to check out the Church of Santa Maria Assunta, then spend some time exploring the local artisan shops, especially if you’re interested in handmade sandals or ceramics. You can also take a walk up through the quieter streets above the town for some nice viewpoints without the crowds.
Positano might not be the hidden gem it once was, but it’s still worth seeing at least once.
Beach Time at Marina Grande in Positano
Marina Grande, known as Spiaggia Grande by the locals, is Positano’s main beach and a great place to spend a couple of hours.
It’s one of the most popular beaches on the Amalfi Coast, and the place where you may be able to spot some famous faces as it’s the social hub in the area! The beach features sunbeds and umbrellas for rent, and a free area where you can lay down your towel or beach chair.
Sunbathing and swimming are the major affairs at Marina Grande (it’s a beach after all!) but you could also get drinks from the restaurants or, even better, get takeaway pizza in town and enjoy lunch by the beach.
To reach Amalfi, you can take the SITA bus, which in the summertime runs frequently throughout the day. It takes 30 minutes to make the trip from Positano. You can otherwise take the ferry at the port near Spiaggia Grande, which takes about the same time and offers scenic views of the coastline.
Visit the Historical Town of Amalfi
Amalfi town sits right in the center of the coast and has a more lived-in, historic feel compared to some of the other towns. Once home to one of the most important ports in Southern Italy back in the 9th century, today it’s a much slower-paced place, but you can still see hints of its past.
The main highlight here is the Duomo di Amalfi, a striking cathedral with a beautiful staircase and an impressive mix of architectural styles.
But beyond that, I’d say the best way to experience Amalfi is simply by walking around. Pop into small shops selling local products like limoncello and handmade paper, and take your time exploring the narrow streets and quiet corners that give the town its charm.
Amalfi does get busy, but it’s usually easier to escape the crowds than in places like Positano. It’s the kind of town where an hour or two is just enough to wander, soak up the atmosphere, and enjoy the slower pace before moving on.
To get back to Rome, you could take a ferry from Amalfi to Salerno and then catch the train to Rome from there, rather than going all the way back to Naples.
IS A DAY TRIP TO THE AMALFI COAST WORTH IT?
I think a day trip to the Amalfi Coast is worth it if you have already seen everything you wanted to see in Rome. I’m not a lover of rushed trips, as I feel you miss a lot when you’re racing from one destination to the next, and both Rome and the Amalfi Coast deserve some time to be discovered.
However, if the Amalfi Coast is on your bucket list and you can only spare one day of your trip to Italy – after having properly visited Rome – go for it! You’ll certainly be able to discover some of its gems and main attractions on a day trip to the area.
TIPS FOR YOUR AMALFI COAST DAY TRIP
Visit the Amalfi Coast on a Sunny Day
Check the weather forecast in advance, and only plan the trip on a sunny day. If you’re visiting on your own and it’s raining, it will be absolutely miserable.
The best trait of the Amalfi Coast is its scenery and the stunning views that can be enjoyed from its towns. If the weather is poor, though, you won’t get to witness its most important attraction (plus you’ll be cold and wet and probably not happy).
As you probably gathered by now, going on a day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is not an easy feat, so you’ll want to make it worthwhile. The best way to ensure it’s an enjoyable trip is by heading there on a sunny day.
Start Your Day Early
If you’re planning to visit the Amalfi Coast on your own, you should start the day and catch the train as early as possible. And by early I mean…catch the first train from Rome to Naples at 5 AM if you can!
Remember that you have a long journey to and from the coast to Rome, so you need to make the most of your time.
If 5 AM sounds impossibly early to you, there are 3 departures every hour so you could catch the one at 5.31 AM or 5.46 AM, but try not to leave later than 7 AM at the latest.
