
Amalfi Coast
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Amalfi Coast is a dramatic stretch of Italian coastline with colorful villages clinging to cliffs above the azure se...

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Amalfi Coast
Best Time
Pleasant weather, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the Amalfi Coast is a dramatic stretch of Italian coastline with colorful villages clinging to cliffs above the azure sea.
"The SITA bus is awful. Stuck in the 1980s, rude, bad drivers, late or no show buses."

Skip the SITA Bus!
SITA buses are often overcrowded & unreliable. Opt for private transfers or ferries for a stress-free journey.
Book Private Transfers
For comfort & reliability, book private taxis or buses in advance. Essential for smooth travel.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Amalfi Cathedral
Amalfi Town
A stunning medieval cathedral with intricate Arab-Norman architecture, a must-see in Amalfi city.

Path of the Gods (Sentiero degli Dei)
Agerola to Nocelle
Breathtaking hiking trail offering panoramic views of the Amalfi coastline and Tyrrhenian Sea.

Emerald Grotto (Grotta dello Smeraldo)
Conca dei Marini
A sea cave famous for its emerald-green water, accessible by boat or elevator.

Ravello's Gardens
Ravello
Explore the exquisite Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone gardens for unparalleled coastal vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating the Amalfi Coast: Bus Woes & Alternatives
Best Time to Visit for Fewer Crowds
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Commuting/traveling from Salerno to Amalfi help and questions… Confused with SITA bus and ferry system
Skip the SITA Bus!
SITA buses are often overcrowded & unreliable. Opt for private transfers or ferries for a stress-free journey.
Book Private Transfers
For comfort & reliability, book private taxis or buses in advance. Essential for smooth travel.
Ferry is Your Friend
Ferries offer scenic views & a more pleasant way to travel between towns than buses.
Cash for Tickets
SITA bus tickets are cash-only and not sold on board. Find official vendors beforehand.
Tips
from all over the internet
Skip the SITA Bus!
SITA buses are often overcrowded & unreliable. Opt for private transfers or ferries for a stress-free journey.
Book Private Transfers
For comfort & reliability, book private taxis or buses in advance. Essential for smooth travel.
Ferry is Your Friend
Ferries offer scenic views & a more pleasant way to travel between towns than buses.
Cash for Tickets
SITA bus tickets are cash-only and not sold on board. Find official vendors beforehand.
Pack Comfortable Shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing stairs, especially in towns like Positano. :athletic_shoe:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Amalfi Coast is undeniably beautiful, but its public transportation system, particularly the SITA bus, receives widespread criticism for unreliability, rudeness, and disorganization. Many visitors recommend private transfers or ferries as superior alternatives. Despite these transport woes, the stunning scenery and charming towns continue to draw visitors.
"31st of October, the bus leaving at 6 pm from Amalfi to Salerno. The ruddest possible driver I have ever seen. After waiting in the station more than 10 minutes in Amalfi, suddenly closed the doors and didn't allow passengers smoking outside to return in the bus, even if the rest of the family was inside. At the next station, even didn't have the patience to wait a family with 3 kids and a stroller descend. Horrible attitude. Cheap service, public, but a real shame for Amalfi image. Similar experience from Ravello to Amalfi, where the bus was more than 30 minutes late and let the private bus to take the passengers who already bought SITA tickets. Don't recommend, shame on this service!"
Nicoleta Buzatu
"SITA bus is awful. Stuck in the 1980s, rude, bad drivers, late or no show buses. You can’t buy tickets on board, except on some buses where you can. Tickets are sold at a cartel of stores but usually not close to bus stops. Buses will no show. Bus drivers will not respond (even to Italian) or leave you behind if you are 10 seconds from boarding. I had one driver close the door of a 3/4 full bus and drive off. I had another point at a store to buy a ticket, which did not sell tickets, and then drive off.
Join the 2020s and get an app or a fare payment system that isn’t cash only from random stores. Update your network, train your drivers, have some quality control. Let me be clear that I am not coming back to Amalfi Coast specifically because of how bad the bus company is."
AT Bond
"we were indicated that ticket could be bought in the bus, but ir was not the case. than we were told to look for the man with the jacket, which was selling the tickets. he was chatting with his collegues and not caring about selling the tickets at all- it was a jurney to find him. during that time one bus was missed. than two busses was not coming. 1,5h wasted and trip missed!"
Vita Griniute
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Naples, you can take a train to Salerno or Sorrento, then a SITA bus or ferry. Many travelers find the SITA bus system unreliable and recommend booking a private transfer or taking a ferry from Salerno for a more comfortable journey.
Traveling between towns can be challenging. The SITA bus is an option but often overcrowded and prone to delays. Ferries are a more pleasant and scenic alternative for inter-town travel. Renting a scooter is also popular but requires confidence on winding roads.
The most recommended ways are by ferry or private transfer. The SITA bus is an option, but be prepared for potential crowding and delays. Ferries offer beautiful coastal views and a more direct route.
Driving yourself is possible but not recommended for most. The roads are narrow, winding, and parking is extremely limited and expensive. Many visitors opt for public transport, ferries, or private drivers.
Take a high-speed train from Rome to Naples or Salerno. From Naples, you can connect to local trains for Sorrento or Salerno, then use buses or ferries. Day trips from Rome are possible but long; consider an overnight stay for a better experience.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
SITA bus tickets are cash-only and cannot be purchased on the bus. You need to buy them in advance from authorized vendors, often tobacco shops (tabacchi) or small convenience stores. Finding these vendors can sometimes be a challenge.
Generally, there are no entrance fees to wander through the towns themselves. However, specific attractions like villas, gardens (e.g., Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone in Ravello), and museums will have their own admission fees.
For popular routes and during peak season, booking ferry tickets in advance is highly recommended to secure your spot, especially for popular destinations like Capri. You can often purchase them at the port on the day, but they may sell out.
Amalfi Cathedral is typically open daily from around 8:00 AM to 7:00 PM, but hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or confirm locally upon arrival.
There isn't a single comprehensive tourist pass that covers all attractions and transport. You'll likely need to purchase tickets for individual sites and transport separately. Consider day passes for local buses if you plan extensive travel within a specific area.
📸 📸 Photography
Iconic spots include the view from Ravello's Villa Cimbrone gardens, the colorful streets of Positano, the dramatic coastline views from the Path of the Gods, and the charming harbor of Amalfi town. Capture the winding roads and cliffside villages for classic shots.
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow on the landscape. Midday can be harsh, but it's great for capturing the vibrant blues of the sea.
Explore lesser-known villages like Atrani or Furore. Consider a boat tour for unique perspectives of the coastline from the water. Look for details like colorful ceramics, lemon groves, and local life.
A versatile lens (like a 24-70mm) is great for landscapes and details. A wide-angle lens is useful for capturing the dramatic coastal scenery. Don't forget a polarizing filter to enhance the blue skies and sea.
Drone regulations can be strict in Italy. It's essential to check current local laws and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone, especially in populated areas or near historical sites.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Activities like a boat trip to Capri or exploring the Emerald Grotto can be exciting for kids. The Path of the Gods hike is beautiful but might be too strenuous for very young children; opt for shorter, easier walks. Look for family-friendly accommodations, perhaps with pools, and be prepared for lots of stairs in towns like Positano.
🚶♀️ Solo Travelers
Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded buses and tourist areas. Engaging with locals at cafes or markets can enrich your experience. Consider booking accommodations with good reviews for solo travelers, such as hostels or guesthouses, to meet other travelers.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider a private boat tour along the coast, perhaps to the island of Capri, for a truly special experience. Explore the beautiful gardens of Ravello or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the narrow streets of Amalfi. Booking a hotel with a sea-view balcony is highly recommended for that extra touch of romance.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Amalfi Coast Transportation
Many travelers strongly advise against relying solely on the SITA bus. Ferries offer a much more pleasant and scenic alternative for traveling between coastal towns like Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno, especially during the warmer months. They provide stunning views of the coastline from the water and are generally more reliable. For ultimate convenience and comfort, private transfers (taxis or pre-booked vans) are highly recommended, though they come at a higher cost. Renting a car is generally discouraged due to narrow roads, heavy traffic, and scarce, expensive parking.
When planning your travel, consider the time of year. During peak season, buses and ferries will be more crowded. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, scooters are popular, but only recommended for experienced riders comfortable with challenging roads. Ultimately, a combination of ferries for inter-town travel and pre-booked private transfers for airport connections or specific excursions often provides the best balance of experience and efficiency.
Where to Stay: Choosing Your Amalfi Coast Base
For a more tranquil and upscale experience, consider Ravello, perched high above the coast, offering breathtaking views and beautiful gardens like Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone. It's quieter than the coastal towns but requires transportation to reach the beaches and other villages. Sorrento, while technically not on the Amalfi Coast but nearby, is a popular base due to its excellent transport links (trains to Naples and Pompeii, ferries to Capri) and wider range of accommodation options, making it a good choice for day-trippers.
Other charming villages like Praiano and Conca dei Marini offer a more authentic, less crowded experience. When choosing your accommodation, consider proximity to ferry ports or bus stops, as well as your budget and desired atmosphere. Booking well in advance is crucial, especially for hotels in popular towns like Positano and Amalfi.
Experiencing the Amalfi Coast on a Budget
Embrace public transport, but be prepared for the challenges. Utilizing the SITA bus (despite its drawbacks) and ferries will be significantly cheaper than private transfers. Pack your own snacks and water, and seek out local trattorias away from the main tourist squares for more reasonably priced meals. Consider making your own sandwiches for lunch to save money.
Look for agriturismos or B&Bs slightly inland or in less famous villages, which often provide better value than hotels in prime locations. Visiting during the shoulder seasons (May, June, September, October) can also lead to lower prices for accommodation and flights.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit