What to expect when visiting Positano
Positano is a scenic beach town in Italy, home to some of the most panoramic views on the Amalfi Coast. What many don’t know is its long history as a holiday resort from as far back as the Roman Empire. Experience its age-old charm in the quiet neighbourhood of Montepertuso, the highest hamlet of Nocelle, and the jaw-dropping Path of the Gods.
The best time to visit Positano is from late April to September, when the weather is sunny and the waters are warm. Sunbathe at Positano’s beaches — like Spiaggia Grande and Fornillo. And take a walking tour to 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
There are four ways to travel the distance of 275 km (171 miles) from Rome to Positano: by bus (4h30m), direct minivan (3h50m), private transfer (3hrs 20m) and train via naples (6h40m-10h25m). The journey takes between 3h20m - 10h25m and the quickest way is by private transfer. The lowest priced tickets start from €25 ($29.50) for the bus.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 ($29.50).
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 ($14). 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 via Naples options from Rome to Positano
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.
Both trains will bring you to Sorrento Train Station in the city centre.
Train via Naples options from Rome to Positano
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 ($2.20). 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.
Train via Naples options from Rome 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 ($145).
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:
Frequently Asked Questions about Rome to Positano
What is the distance from Rome to Positano?
The distance from Rome to Positano is 275 km (171 miles).
What is the fastest way to get from Rome to Positano?
The fastest way to get from Rome to Positano is by private transfer and takes 3hrs 20m.
What is the cheapest way to get from Rome to Positano?
The cheapest way to get from Rome to Positano is by bus with ticket costs starting from €25 ($29.50).
Rounding it up
We hope this guide was helpful in planning how to get from Rome to Positano. If there's anything else you're wondering about, drop us a comment and we'll do our best to answer you within a few days.
PS: If you've recently travelled this route, share your experience with fellow travellers and help us improve this post. Thanks for helping out our travel community!
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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.
