Naples to Positano: all routes compared (2026)
Every way to travel from Naples to Positano — train + bus, ferry, airport shuttle, and private transfer — with costs, journey times, and seasonal availability compared side by side.
Route comparison at a glance
Train + SITA bus — €7.20, ~2.5 hours, year‑round. The default for most backpackers. Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi to Sorrento (70 min, €4.60), then SITA bus to Positano (50 min, €2.60). Runs every day but can be crowded in summer.
Ferry — €15–25, ~1.5 hours, April–October only. Departs Molo Beverello; weather‑dependent cancellations are common. Scenic but unreliable as a sole plan.
Curreri airport shuttle — ~€10, 2 hours direct from NAP airport to Sorrento. Connects to SITA bus. Convenient if landing mid‑morning.
Private transfer — €100–130, ~1.5 hours door‑to‑door. Best for late arrivals, groups, or heavy luggage. Book 24 hours ahead.
Train + SITA bus (year‑round, cheapest)
The most popular route: take the Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Garibaldi (beneath Napoli Centrale) to Sorrento, then catch a SITA bus signed for Amalfi. Get off at Chiesa Nuova/Bar Internazionale — the closest stop to Hostel Brikette.
Full step‑by‑step with 2026 ticket prices, timetable tips, and photos of every waypoint: Naples to Positano train + bus guide.
If you're arriving from the airport rather than the city centre, see Naples Airport to Positano by bus.
Ferry (summer, scenic)
Ferries run from Molo Beverello (Naples port) to Positano roughly April–October. The crossing takes about 80 minutes with a possible stop at Sorrento or Capri. Tickets range from €15–25 depending on operator and speed.
Sailings are weather‑dependent — rough seas cancel services at short notice. Always have a bus backup plan.
Detailed dock directions, timetable links, and the walk from Positano ferry dock to the hostel: Naples centre to Positano ferry guide.
From the dock in Positano, follow our ferry dock to Hostel Brikette walking route.
Curreri airport shuttle
Curreri Viaggi runs a direct coach from Naples Airport (NAP) to Sorrento, departing several times daily. The ride takes roughly 75 minutes and drops you at Sorrento's bus/train station, where you connect to a SITA bus for Positano.
This avoids the Circumvesuviana train entirely — useful when trains are packed or delayed.
Full details including booking, luggage, and Sorrento connection: Naples Airport to Positano bus guide.
Private transfer (any hour)
A pre‑booked car meets you at the airport or hotel in Naples and drives directly to Positano (or Hostel Brikette specifically). Expect €100–130 for a sedan, slightly more for a minivan.
This is the only reliable option if you land after 8 pm, when public transport options thin out. Book at least 24 hours ahead and confirm the driver knows the Chiesa Nuova drop‑off point in upper Positano — it saves 300+ stairs.
Groups of 3–4 splitting the cost pay roughly the same per person as individual bus tickets plus the hassle factor.
Which route should you choose?
Arriving before 4 pm on a budget: Train + SITA bus. Cheapest and most frequent.
Arriving in summer and want views: Ferry, but keep bus as backup for cancellations.
Landing at Naples Airport mid‑morning: Curreri shuttle to Sorrento is the least stressful connection.
Arriving after 8 pm, with heavy luggage, or in a group: Private transfer — the premium pays for itself in saved time and stress.
Returning to Naples later: See our reverse guides — Positano to Naples by bus + train and Positano to Naples by ferry.
FAQs
What is the cheapest way from Naples to Positano?
Train + SITA bus at €7.20 total. See our full train + bus guide for 2026 prices and timetables.
Can I get to Positano from Naples at night?
Public transport stops by early evening. After about 8 pm your only option is a pre‑booked private transfer (€100–130).
How long does it take to get from Naples to Positano?
About 2–2.5 hours by train + bus, 1.5 hours by ferry or private car. Add 30–60 minutes for connections and waiting.
Where do I get off the bus for Hostel Brikette?
At 'Chiesa Nuova' (Bar Internazionale stop). It's the closest stop — roughly 140 m (450 ft) walk with minimal stairs. Full walking directions: Chiesa Nuova to Hostel Brikette.
Is there a direct bus from Naples Airport to Positano?
No direct service to Positano itself. The Curreri shuttle goes to Sorrento, where you transfer to a SITA bus. See Naples Airport to Positano bus guide.