Overview Compare Ferry Bus Taxi
How to get from Sorrento to Positano
Italy is never short of glorious coastlines to explore. Once you’re done basking in the marinas of Sorrento, you can easily travel east to the hillside enclave of Positano on the Amalfi Coast. This cliffside village is a sight to behold from the sea and provides panoramic views once you get to its top. But you’ll have to go through its steep streets and stairs first!
Positano’s main beach – Spiaggia Grande – may be a short strip of sand, but it’s vibrant from morning to night. Also located 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.
3 ways to get from Sorrento to Positano
The ferry is the best way to cross the 17 km distance from Sorrento to Positano. Thes ferry journey takes only 40-90 minutes and fares start from €14 ($15). Alternative options include a 1-hour bus that costs €2 ($2.10) and a 45-minute private transfer with rates from €44 ($47).
Sorrento to Positano by Ferry
The ferry is a fast and scenic way to travel from Sorrento to Positano. There are only three ferry departures a day, but we recommend this option if you’re looking for a convenient ride that doesn’t cost much.
There are two ferry companies operating on the Sorrento to Positano route. Seremar offers high-speed ferries that take 1.5 hours, while Positano Jet are faster at just 40 minutes because they use speedboats.
Ticket prices start from €14 ($15), and there’s not much difference between the ferries’ prices. We suggest taking the Positano Jet with a shorter travel time.
Departure and arrival port
Departure and arrival port
Both ferries depart from Sorrento Ferry Terminal in the city centre. It is close to hotels in the city centre, so you can just walk to the ferry terminal.
The ferries dock at Positano Ferry Terminal which is also located in the city centre.
Ferry schedules
Ferry schedules from Sorrento to Positano
Ferry services in Sorrento are available all year round but not for all ferry companies. Also, trips may be cancelled due to bad weather, so we recommend re-checking the ferry schedules at least a day before your travel date.
Sorrento to Positano by Bus
If you’re on a tight budget, you can take a bus instead. Several SITA buses cover the Sorrento to Positano route daily. There are departures almost every hour from 06:30 to 19:00.
Note that buses on this route are always full or overcrowded, and you may have to wait an hour or even more for a bus that can still accommodate passengers. You may even have to stand the whole ride to Positano!
Even though it’s the cheapest option at just €2 ($2.10), we don’t recommend taking the bus unless you’re prepared for a very difficult 1-hour bus ride.
Departure and arrival station
Departure and arrival station
You can buy your tickets at the Sita Bus Terminal located next to the train station in the city centre.
Travel time to Positano (Sponda) Bus Stop is around 1 hour. This bus stop is about 1 km away or a 20-minute walk to the city centre.
Sorrento to Positano by Private Transfer
If you’re travelling with family or friends, a private transfer is your best and most convenient option. Travel time can take around 45 minutes to 1 hour.
With a private transfer, you won’t need to stress about ferry or bus schedules because you can leave anytime. You will also be picked up from your hotel in Sorrento and dropped off at your hotel in Positano.
Although Uber is available in some places in Italy, they aren’t operating in Sorrento. A local taxi would cost around €40 ($43), but we recommend reserving one online. This way you will always have a trusted driver and a fixed rate. You can book a 3-passenger car for around €44 ($47) on BookAway.
If you’re travelling in a larger group of 8, you can already book a van from €55 ($59). When you split the cost, it might even be cheaper than a ferry ticket!
Itinerary from Sorrento to Positano
Bus
- Sorrento
- 1 hour
- Positano
Routes from Positano
Most popular routes in Europe
Sorrento to Positano in a nutshell
- Distance: 17 km (11 miles)
- Available transport options: Ferry, bus and taxi
- Duration: 40-90 minutes
- Costs: €2 ($2.10) – €44 ($47)
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.
