Positano to Capri by Ferry | Hostel Brikette

Ferry schedule & operators

Ferries between Positano and Capri run most frequently from spring to early autumn (April–October) and may be reduced or cancelled in winter or rough seas. Multiple operators serve this route.

Compare schedules and book tickets:

• [Capri.net – Capri ↔ Positano](https://www.capri.net/en/t/capri/positano)

• [Positano.com (aggregated schedule)](https://www.positano.com/en/ferry-schedule)

Walk from Hostel Brikette to Positano port

The walk takes 15–20 minutes and is almost entirely downhill stairs. Follow these steps:

Exit the hostel via the main door.

Go down the stairs to the road, turn left, and walk just over 100 m (≈330 ft).

At the first junction (point 1), turn right by the Tabacchi (first building on the right).

Continue downhill; at the first switchback (point 2), leave the road and take the stairs straight ahead.

At the bottom of the stairs, reach the road (point 3); cross and continue straight onto the next stairs.

When those stairs end at the road, cross over, turn left, walk ~10 m (≈30 ft) to point 4.

Turn right off the road and follow the stairs downhill.

At the bottom, turn right to reach point 5, then continue under the archway on the right.

The port (Spiaggia Grande pier) is about 50 m (≈160 ft) ahead on the right-hand side of the beach.

Buy ferry tickets and board

At Positano port, each ferry operator has its own ticket booth beside the pier.

The sign beside each booth shows the next departure time for that operator.

Buy tickets directly from the operator booth (cash or card accepted).

Arrive 20–30 minutes before departure to exchange any pre-booked vouchers and queue for boarding.

After purchasing your ticket, walk to the end of the pier and wait for boarding to begin (staff will announce when to board).

Best times to travel & weather considerations

Ferry schedules vary significantly by season. April through October offers the most frequent service, with hourly departures during peak summer months (June–September). Early morning ferries (around 09:00–10:00) are popular with day-trippers, while mid-afternoon departures (14:00–16:00) tend to be quieter.

Weather impact: The Positano–Capri route crosses open water and can be rough when the wind picks up. Autumn and winter sailings (October–March) are most affected. From the hostel, we've seen cancellations happen with as little as 90 minutes notice when conditions deteriorate.

Sea conditions: If you're prone to seasickness, take medication 30–60 minutes before boarding. The crossing is usually calm in early morning and evening; midday seas can be choppier, especially in summer when afternoon thermal winds develop.

Planning tip: If you're visiting Capri as a day trip from Positano and have a tight schedule (flights, onward trains, etc.), book a morning outbound ferry and aim to return by 16:00–17:00. This gives you buffer time if the last few ferries are cancelled.

What to expect on the ferry

Most ferries on this route are fast passenger boats (not large car ferries). Seating is typically first-come, first-served; arrive early for window seats or covered areas if weather looks uncertain.

The journey takes 30–60 minutes depending on the operator and vessel. Faster hydrofoils complete the trip in around 30–40 minutes, while standard ferries may take closer to an hour and make additional stops.

Onboard facilities: Smaller vessels have limited facilities — usually a toilet and a small refreshment counter. Larger ferries may have indoor seating, but most passengers prefer the outdoor deck for views of the Amalfi Coast and Li Galli islands.

Views: On clear days, you'll see the entire Positano coastline, Praiano's fjord, and the dramatic cliffs approaching Capri. Sit on the right side (starboard) when departing Positano for the best coastal views.

On arrival in Capri

Disembark at Capri's tourist port (Marina Grande). The port is a compact area with ferry booths, taxi ranks, and the funicular station all within 100 meters of each other.

Getting up to Capri town: Most visitors take the funicular (€2 one-way, runs every 15 minutes) to reach Capri's main square (Piazzetta). In high season (June–September), funicular queues can be 30–45 minutes long between 10:00–14:00. Alternatively, taxis charge around €15–20 for the same journey and buses run regularly for €2.

Return tickets: If you're doing a day trip, buy your return ferry ticket soon after arriving in Capri (either at the port or online). Popular return times (16:00–18:00) sell out quickly in summer, and you don't want to be stuck hunting for last-minute availability.

Luggage: If you have bags, Marina Grande port has paid left-luggage services (around €5–8 per item). This is useful if you're exploring Capri town before an evening ferry back to Positano.

Returning to Positano from Capri

For your return, check ferry schedules at Marina Grande port or ask staff at your ticket booth. Late-afternoon ferries (16:00–18:00) are the busiest; if possible, take an earlier or later sailing to avoid crowds.

Weather advisories: Before heading back, check the weather forecast and any cancellation notices at the port. If afternoon seas look rough, consider returning on an earlier ferry or extending your visit by a day (there are budget guesthouses near Marina Grande).

Alternative route: If ferries to Positano are fully booked or cancelled, you can take a ferry to Sorrento and then catch a SITA bus to Positano (total journey: around 90–120 minutes). This is more time-consuming but a reliable backup.

Walk back to the hostel: After disembarking in Positano, the walk back up to Hostel Brikette is steep (15–20 minutes, all uphill stairs). If you're tired or carrying shopping bags, consider taking a taxi from the port (around €10–15). See our Ferry dock to Hostel Brikette guide for the uphill walking route.

Practical tips for the ferry journey

Sun protection: The ferry deck gets very hot in summer (June–August). Bring sunscreen, a hat, and water. Covered seating is limited, so if you burn easily, board early to claim a shaded spot.

What to bring: Keep your phone charged for photos (the coastal views are spectacular). Bring a light jacket even in summer — sea breezes can be cool, especially on faster boats. If you're prone to seasickness, bring medication and avoid sitting at the very back of the boat where motion is strongest.

Cash and cards: Most ferry operators accept card payments at the ticket booths, but it's wise to carry €50–100 in cash as backup. Capri is more expensive than Positano; expect to pay €8–12 for a simple lunch and €4–6 for a coffee in the Piazzetta.

Photography: For the best photos, sit on the right side (starboard) when leaving Positano and the left side (port) when returning. The early morning and late afternoon light is best for coastal shots.

Stay informed: Check the Positano port bulletin board (beside the ticket booths) for real-time weather updates and cancellations. In uncertain weather, staff post updates around 08:00–09:00 and again around 13:00–14:00.

Returning with luggage

If you're arriving in Positano from Capri with heavy bags, see the Ferry dock → Hostel Brikette, with luggage guide for the best walking route back uphill (it's different from the downhill route shown here).

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