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How to get from Rome to Positano
One of Italy’s most scenic beach towns, Positano is home to some of the most dreamy seaside views on the Amalfi Coast. Its rustic beauty has graced many films, most notably Only You (1994) and Under the Tuscan Sun (2003). What many don’t know is its long history as a holiday resort from as far back as the Roman Empire. Makes it an interesting next stop after a visit to Rome, right?
Positano’s main beach – Spiaggia Grande – may be a short strip of sand, but it’s vibrant from morning till night. Also found here is the church of Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta and its majolica-tiled dome, which houses a Byzantine Black Madonna and Child from the 13th century.
4 ways to get from Rome to Positano
The best way to travel the 275 km distance from Rome to Positano is by bus. This bus journey takes 4.5 hours and costs €25 ($26.50). Other options include a 3.5 to 7-hour indirect train via Naples, a 3-hour-50 minute minivan, and a 3-hour-20 minute private transfer. Rates range from €20 ($21.50) to €390 ($415).
We recommend taking the bus from Rome to Positano. It’s one of the cheapest options with fares from €25 ($26.50) and is the only direct public transfer on this route. Note that there is only one bus company with only one bus trip daily.
Taking a train from Rome to Positano requires several transfers. Depending on the trains you take and whether you’ll take a bus or a ferry for the last leg of the trip, travel time is between 3.5-7 hours. With combined fares starting from €20 ($21.50), you can take this option if you miss the only bus and are looking for a budget-friendly option.
The minivan is a shared ride that will take you directly to your hotel in Positano. This option is most convenient if you’re coming from any of Rome’s two airports, as they provide free pick-up from there. Ticket prices start from €126 ($135).
Travelling in a group and prefer a door-to-door ride? Rates for a private transfer from Rome to Positano start from €390 ($415). That’s just for a 2-seater car though, and pricier cars are available for larger groups. You can get a ride via Uber, take a regular taxi, or book a minivan on BookAway.
Itinerary from Rome to Positano
Train via Sorrento
- Rome
- 1.5-4 hours
- Naples
- 1-1.5 hours
- Sorrento
- 40-90 minutes
- Positano
Rome to Positano by Bus
The bus is the only direct public transfer when travelling from Rome to Positano. It is also one of the cheapest options with fares from €25 ($26.50).
The downside is that there is only one bus operator on this route, and it offers only one trip daily. The Marozzi bus leaves Rome at 07:00 and gets you to Positano in 4.5 hours.
Departure and arrival station
The only bus is available at Roma Tiburtina Bus Station right in the city centre.
There is no bus station in Positano. Rather, you will be dropped off at Chiesa Nuova bus stop. From here, you can get to nearby accommodations and establishments on foot.
Bus Schedule from Rome to Positano
If you miss this only bus departure from Rome to Naples, you can take other options, which we discuss in the next sections.
Rome to Positano by Train via Naples
There is also no train station in Positano, so there are no direct trains that you can take. When travelling from Rome to Positano by train, you’ll have to make several transfers, which include 2 trains and a bus or a ferry.
Taking the train is a cheap alternative when you miss the only bus bound for Positano. The trip can be quite hectic because of all the transfers, but the rides are mostly interconnected, making your journey a bit easier.
Do you still want to take the train from Rome to Positano? Below is a step-by-step guide.
Step 1: Rome to Naples by Train
The first step is to get from Rome to Naples by train. You can choose from regional or high-speed trains that are both spacious and comfortable. They just vary in speed and costs.
The most cost-efficient train is the regional train, which takes 3-4 hours and costs €13 ($13.50). They are the slowest, but the travel time difference compared to the high-speed trains is only about 1-2.5 hours.
If you’re not in a hurry, you can take the regional train instead of spending more on a high-speed train.
Train schedules from Rome to Naples
You can board the train at Roma Termini, Rome’s main train station located in the city centre. You will get off at Napoli Centrale Station.
Check out our page on Rome to Naples for more details on this route.
Step 2: Naples to Sorrento by Train
The trains bound for Sorrento are also available at Napoli Centrale. You just need to go down to the lower level. You can choose from 2 kinds of trains: Circumvesuviana and Campania Express.
- Circumvesuviana is the local train line that connects all cities between Naples and Sorrento. A ticket costs €5 ($5) for the 1 to 1.5-hour journey. Note that since it’s mainly taken by locals, these trains can be really crowded during rush hour.
- Campania Express trains are newer trains made especially for tourists, so seats are guaranteed. There are only 4 departures with a 1-hour travel time, and it is a bit more expensive at €8 ($8.50). These trains are available only from March to October.
Both trains will bring you to Sorrento Train Station in the city centre.
Train schedule from Naples to Sorrento
Train tickets can only be bought at the train station. For the full schedules, you can visit Sorrento Insider. More information on this route is also available in our guide for Naples to Sorrento.
Step 3: Sorrento to Positano by Bus or Ferry
There is no train station in Positano. From Sorrento, you’ll have to take another mode of transportation, which is either a bus or a ferry.
The bus is the cheapest option with fares from €2 ($2.10). You can board one at Sita Bus Terminal just outside the train station. Note that the buses on this route are always full, so you might have to wait a long time or even stand the whole 1-hour bus ride to Positano.
We suggest taking a ferry for a more comfortable and even scenic ride. From the train station, you can take a taxi or a 15-minute walk to the Port of Sorrento. Ferry fares start from €14 ($15) and the journey takes 40 minutes to 1.5 hours.
Ferry schedule from Sorrento to Positano
You can find more information on our page for Sorrento to Positano.
Rome to Positano by Direct Minivan
The minivan is a shared and direct way to get from Rome to Positano. It’s a bit faster than the bus and the train, but way more expensive!
The last time we checked (August 2022), Enjoy Travelling is the only minivan company operating. Travel time is around 4 hours with fares from €126 ($135).
Departure and arrival station
Enjoy Travelling offers hotel pick-up in Rome, and you can also request to be picked up from Fiumicino Airport. They also have a separate booking available for those coming from Ciampino Airport.
You will be dropped off right at your hotel in Positano.
Minivan schedule from Rome to Positano
When taking the minivan, it’s best to buy your ticket online beforehand. You can do so via BookAway, which offers excellent customer service.
Rome to Positano by Private Transfer
Do you prefer a private ride from Rome to Positano? While a private transfer is the quickest and most convenient way to complete this journey, expect this option to be expensive. We don’t recommend it unless you are travelling with kids, older parents, or bulky luggage.
You have 3 options depending on your budget and the number of people in your group:
- Uber offers the cheapest private transfer from Rome to Positano. Rates start from €390 ($415) for a 2-seater Uber Black Saver.
- Taxi fares start from €400 ($430) for groups of 3 to 4 people. You can get a ride from a taxi stand or ask your hotel to call one for you.
- BookAway also offers an 8-seater minivan for larger groups with fares from €530 ($565). You can book this online beforehand.
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About the author(s)
Ela is a storyteller, content producer, solo traveller and a mermaid-in-training. When she’s not in front of her laptop, you will find her barefoot and living her best tan on some island in the Philippines… Or exploring the depths of its seas as a budding freediver. An island girl at heart, she’ll be happy anywhere there is sea, sand, sun and coffee.
Based in Bali, Maarten’s passion for travel is undeniable. In 2016, he decided to quit his job as a stock analyst and started doing what he always dreamed of: travelling through South East Asia and helping other people plan their trips. When he is not working on Gecko Routes, you’ll find him surfing in the ocean or exploring the best gems of Indonesia.
