The Amalfi Coast has been delighting travelers since well-heeled Europeans embarked on Grand Tours in the 18th century. Just a couple of hours outside the Eternal City, you’ll find impossibly picturesque villages tucked amongst soaring cliffs that have barely changed over the centuries. Today, visitors are still making a beeline for this jewel of the Campania region.
In this guide, we look at how you can travel from Rome to the Amalfi Coast by train. We also explore how to visit two regional gems by detailing everything you need to know about taking a train from Rome to Sorrento and from Rome to Positano by train.
Rome to Amalfi Coast by Train Overview
The first detail that may surprise travelers is that there is no direct train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. The quickest and easiest journey is via Salerno. In Salerno, you can jump on frequent buses and ferries to the famous coastline.
Multiple high-speed trains depart from Rome and reach Salerno in around 2 hours, sometimes less. Once in Salerno, you can catch hourly buses outside the station that snake through the villages along the winding Amalfi Coast.
Travelers heading from Rome to the Amalfi Coast by train can travel with Trenitalia (the Italian national rail service) or Italo Treno (a private rail company). Competing services mean fares are low, with numerous daily departures.
But which to choose?
The snappiest takeaway is that Trenitalia edges the battle for speed while Italo Treno offers the cheapest tickets. But the differences are marginal and affected by availability, so it pays to compare if you want the best value.
Rome to Salerno by Train with Italo
The upstart Italo services compete with the national Trenitalia service on high-speed inter-city routes. Their fleet consists of AGV (Automotrice à grande Vitesse) trains made by the French company Alstom.
Journey times from Roma Termini to Salerno range from 1 hour 39 mins to 2 hours 4 mins. Fares start at an unbeatable €9.90 for budget Prima tickets when booked in advance.
All Italo trains include reclining faux-leather seats, individual power points, and free WiFi. Upgrade from the budget Smart tickets to Prima to receive free onboard drinks and pastries.
Italo Club Executive tickets include access to the Italo Club Lounge at Roma Termini, more spacious seating, and complimentary alcoholic beverages in addition to the usual snacks available in Prima class. The ultimate ticket is the Salotto class, which offers even wider seats and a more comprehensive catering service.
Rome to Salerno by Train with Trenitalia
Trenitalia operates comfortable high-speed Le Frecce trains. Like the Italo services, they are direct, with just one or two stops in Naples. Their fastest train will whip you from Roma Termini to Salerno in just 1 hour 26 mins, but most services take around two hours.
Trenitalia fares start at under €16 but can increase significantly on the most popular services.
There are also numerous slow, multi-stop Trenitalia services. But unless you’re seeking a meandering route through southern Italy, you can ignore them. When booking online with Trenitalia, filter by ‘Frecce’ trains to view direct services only.
Upgrade options on Trenitalia trains depend on whether you take a Frecciarossa or Frecciargento train. Overall, they are similar to the options on Italo trains, minus the club lounge facilities.
If you’re looking for a high-end executive experience, choose Frecciarossa trains which offer a fuller range of upgrade options. Frecciargento trains have a binary first or second-class option, with the extra cost delivering more spacious seating. On all the Trenitalia options, there is a café-bar and complimentary WiFi.
Whether you’ll want to use the WiFi is a different matter. All trains from Rome to Amalfi follow a scenic route through the hilly Italian countryside. At one point, the train passes Monte Cassino, the site of an infamous World War II battle.
Salerno to the Amalfi Coast by Bus
As there is no direct train to Amalfi Coast from Rome, you’ll need to take a bus or ferry for the final leg of the journey. Buses are cheaper, and the only option from November to March (other than taxis or a hire car.)
To catch a bus to villages along the Amalfi Coast, head east out of Salerno station to the bus stop on Via Vinciprova. Buses are operated by SITA SUD. Single tickets (corsa semplice) can be brought in a nearby tobacconist or café displaying a SITA SUD sign (often just a window sticker.)
Some destinations require catching two buses. If you need to change buses, purchase an orario ticket, which covers a single journey involving multiple buses. To visit Positano, for example, you’ll need to change buses in Amalfi, so an Orario ticket is necessary.
Bus tickets are valid for a single journey and last 100 minutes from activation. Most destinations along the Amalfi Coast are reachable in 75 minutes or less.
If you plan on making multiple stops to explore the Amalfi Coast before reaching your final destination, purchase a costierasita ticket for €10. Costierasita tickets are valid for 24 hours and permit unlimited stops.
With 1-3 buses hourly, there is no need to plan ahead. Although, with numerous bars and restaurants near Salerno station, you may want to pause and enjoy a plate of antipasti and a glass of limoncello before moving on. Check the timetable (orario) to help time your journey to perfection.
Salerno to Amalfi Village by Ferry (April to October only)
During the summer, consider boarding a ferry from Salerno to destinations along the Amalfi Coast. It’s a compelling alternative, especially as the local bus service can be extremely busy and inconvenient if you have bulky luggage.
Fast and frequent (Salerno to Amalfi takes just 30 minutes,) the ferries also deliver stunning views of the Amalfi Coast.
Ferry prices vary. €8 to Amalfi or €14 to Positano, for example. Hand luggage is free, but each additional piece costs €1.50.
Tickets can be bought from the ferry operator Travelmar before boarding or in advance via their website. Travelers are advised to arrive at least 35 minutes before departure if purchasing on the day, although traveler forums report that tickets are frequently sold 5 minutes before departure.
It is a 10-minute walk to the ferry dock southeast of Salerno station. Note that the last ferry departs at 18:00. If your train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast arrives later, buses are your next best option. Happily, they are less busy in the evening.
Rome to the Amalfi Coast by Train Details
- Tip: Arrive early to pick seats with the best views as you cruise along the Amalfi Coast. This is one journey you’ll want your camera out for!
- Prices:
- Italo Treno trains from Rome to Salerno start from €9.90 when booked in advance (eXtra Magic). Upgraded tickets start from €15.90. Fares increase if you want options to amend your ticket without charge (Low Cost / Economy /Flex.)
- Trenitalia fares on Frecce trains start at €15.90 (Special Frecce tickets.) Premium class fares start at €17.90. You can also pay higher fares for more flexible tickets. Book online in advance for the cheapest fares.
- Onward single bus fares from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast cost from €3.
- Onward ferries from Salerno to destinations along the Amalfi Coasts range from €5 to €14.
- Frequency:
- Up to 15 daily Trenitalia trains from Roma Termini to Salerno, departing hourly.
- Up to 9 daily Italo services from Roma Termini to Salerno (at least every 2 hours.)
- Onward buses from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast depart hourly.
- Up to 6 daily ferry connections from Salerno to all villages along the Amalfi Coast (April to October only.)
- Duration:
- Trains from Rome to Salerno take between 1 hour 26 mins and 2 hours 4 mins.
- Buses from Salerno to the Amalfi coast take up to 1 hour and 15 mins, depending on the village you are visiting.
- Ferries from Salerno to destinations on the Amalfi Coast take up to 70 minutes, depending upon the destination. The ferry takes 30 mins to Amalfi, for example.
Rome to Positano by Train & Bus
Having determined which train from Rome to Amalfi Coast to catch, you only need to decide which of the 13 enchanting villages to stay in. For many, Positano is the answer.
Nestled in a hilly enclave, Positano is well-situated for exploring the entire coastline. The popular spot is also close to Sorrento, the shining pearl on the Sorrentine Peninsula.
As there is no direct route from Rome to Positano by train, you’ll need to head to Salerno or Sorrento first.
Once in Salerno, buses to the Amalfi Coast depart from the easy-to-spot bus stand on Via Vinciprova, just outside Salerno station. To reach Positano, catch a bus to Amalfi (the village) and then another service from Amalfi to Positano. There are two stops in Positano: Chiesa Nuova and Sponda.
Because you’ll be taking two buses, you must purchase an Orario ticket. Orario fares are effectively single tickets that allow passengers to change buses to reach their destination. It has limited validity, so you won’t be able to squeeze in a lingering break in Amalfi.
Single fares to Positano (and all other destinations along the Amalfi Coast) cost €3-4. If you plan to make stops along the route to spend time in other villages, buy the multi-stop costierasita ticket for €10, valid for 24 hours.
You must buy your ticket in a local shop before boarding. There is a tobacconist next to the bus stop, but you can also buy from shops or cafés displaying the SITA Bus / SITA SUD Logo.
It is a 75-minute ride to Amalfi, then a 40-minute journey to Positano. Allow additional time to wait for your Positano bus. Check the SITA SUD timetable for info about bus numbers and where to board.
A tempting alternative during the summer is the ferry from Salerno that stops at destinations along the Amalfi Coast.
Compared to buses, ferries are expensive and infrequent. They also stop operating early (last ferry at 18:00.) In the positive column, ferries are quick (70 minutes from Salerno to Positano), deliver captivating views, and are more convenient for travelers with bulky luggage. Visit the Travelmar website to find out more.
Sorrento to Positano by Bus
Visitors to Campania often make a beeline for Sorrento, which cover in our next section.
A bus from Sorrento to Positano takes just 40 minutes. Operated by SITA SUD, fare structures are consistent with traveling from Salerno. However, the bus from Sorrento is direct, so you can purchase a simple single (corsa semplice) from local shops costing under €3.
Rome to Positano by Train & Bus Details
- Prices:
- Italo Treno trains from Rome to Salerno start at €9.90 when booked in advance (eXtra Magic fares).
- Trenitalia fares from Rome to Salerno from €15.90 (Special Frecce tickets).
- Buses from Salerno or Sorrento to Positano from €3-€4.
- Travelmar ferries from Salerno to Positano are €14 (2023 fares).
- Frequency:
- Hourly buses depart from Salerno to Positano.
- 1-2 buses depart hourly from Sorrento to Positano every day.
- 6 ferries depart daily from Salerno to Positano (April to October only).
- Duration:
- Allow two hours for the total journey from Rome to Amalfi Coast by train, and then another two hours for the bus from Salerno to Positano.
Rome to Sorrento by Train
Matching the allure of the Amalfi coast is Sorrento. The clifftop town overlooking the glittering Bay of Naples is famous for producing unfathomably large lemons and retaining a charm that has lured tourists for centuries. If you’re looking for a taste of la dolce vita (the sweet life,) the historic town is unmissable.
Travelers who want to take a train from Rome to Sorrento usually head to Naples, then catch a local rail service to Sorrento.
As all trains to Salerno go via Naples, and the same timetables apply when traveling from Rome to Amalfi Coast by train. But this time, you jump off at Napoli Centrale.
It takes under 1 hour and 13 minutes on Trenitalia or Italo Treno services from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale.
Fares can be as low as €12.90 (Italo.) For more info about what to expect and how to differentiate the competing rail services, check out our earlier section about the train from Rome to Amalfi Coast.
Trains for Sorrento depart from Napoli Porta Nolana and Napoli Centrale (aka Napoli Piazza Garibaldi.)
Until recently, the only option was the rundown Circumvesuviana Railway to Sorrento. However, travelers can now catch the slicker Campania Express tourist service. Fares are €8.00, and booking in advance is advisable as there are only four daily departures.
The Campania Express to Sorrento takes around 75 minutes. Included in your fare is air-conditioning, reserved seating, and modern, clean carriages. You can book online via the EAV website.
The more frequent and cheaper alternative is the old Circumvesuviana trains, which cannot be booked in advance. You simply turn up and purchase your ticket before traveling. Single tickets cost €4.90, and the journey also takes around 75 minutes. There are typically two hourly services, but check the timetable because the departure pattern is inconsistent.
Whether you opt for comfort or the no-frills service, the rail journey is one for the vacation archives. Hugging the coastline of the Bay of Naples, you enjoy magnificent Mediterranean views. Along the way, the train stops in Pompeii and Castellammare di Stabia, exemplifying a rich heritage that makes the region so remarkable.
Amalfi Coast to Sorrento
If you’ve already made the journey by train to Amalfi Coast from Rome, catch a local SITA SUD bus to Sorrento from villages along the coastline.
A bus from Amalfi to Sorrento takes 1 hour 40 minutes and costs under €5. There are 1-2 services hourly, and tickets can be bought from shops and tobacconists displaying the SITA SUD logo.
Whichever route you take to Sorrento, once you leave Naples you can sit back and savor wonderful views as you travel through a region that has beguiled visitors for centuries.
Rome to Sorrento by Train Details
- Prices: With multiple options when traveling from Rome to Positano by train, fares vary markedly. Plan ahead to make significant savings compared to purchasing as you travel.
- Italo Treno services from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale or Napoli Afragola start from €9.90. Upgrades, ticket flexibility, and seat availability increase fares. Reserve in advance with ItaloTreno.it for the best prices.
- Tickets for Trenitalia trains from Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale start at €13.10. Various seat upgrades and ticket flexibility options are available. Book online in advance for the biggest savings.
- Campania Express trains from Napoli (Centrale or Porta Nolana) to Sorrento are €8.00. Slower and less sophisticated Circumvesuviana on the same route cost €4.90. Book on the EAV website using the English language dropdown menu or purchase at the station.
- Frequency:
- Up to 15 daily Trenitalia trains from Roma Termini to Napoli, departing hourly.
- Up to 9 daily Italo services from Roma Termini to Napoli (at least every 2 hours.)
- 4 daily Campania Express trains from Napoli (Centrale or Porta Nolana) to Sorrento.
- 2 Circumvesuviana trains hourly from Napoli (Centrale or Porta Nolana) to Sorrento.
- Duration: Allow 2-3 hours to travel by train from Rome to Sorrento via Naples.
Rome to Amalfi Coast by Train
Is there a train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
There is no direct Rome to Amalfi train. The best option is to catch a train from Rome to Salerno and then a bus or ferry to destinations along the Amalfi Coast.
How long is the train from Rome to Amalfi Coast?
The total Rome to Amalfi Coast train time is 3-5 hours, depending on the rail operator and end destination.
Is there a high-speed train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?
While there is no direct train to the Amalfi Coast, you can catch high-speed trains from Rome to nearby Salerno. Buses and ferries link Salerno and the Amalfi Coast.
What Amalfi Coast towns can I reach by train from Rome?
Traveling by train from Rome to Salerno opens up the Amalfi Coast. From Salerno, you can easily reach Positano, Amalfi, and the other 11 villages on the Amalfi Coast by bus or ferry.
What is the train from Rome to Amalfi Coast’s price?
The lowest combined fares for a high-speed train and bus from Rome to villages along the Amalfi Coast start from under €15.00. Book in advance for the cheapest fares, and expect to pay more for flexible tickets and upgrades.