Discover all about the Naples to Amalfi Coast ferry including schedules, tickets, routes, and firsthand tips for an amazing journey.
There’s something truly magical about approaching the Amalfi Coast by sea, and taking the ferry from Naples to Amalfi was one of our favorite parts of the trip. With so many routes and ticket options, it can be overwhelming, so we’ve put together this guide to help you navigate the journey and make the most of the stunning views along the way.
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Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Routes and Destinations
Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry System
If you’re planning to hop from Naples to the Amalfi Coast by ferry (which we highly recommend for the views alone), here’s what we learned from the trip:
A few ferry companies are running this route, like NLG, Alilauro, and Caremar. Most ferry Naples options only run during the warmer months (April to October), so check the schedule if you’re going off-season. You’ll find high-speed ferries (like hydrofoils) that get you there faster but may cost a bit more, and regular ferries that take longer but offer a more relaxed ride.
Some ferries go direct, while others make a few stops along the way (Capri, Sorrento, Positano, Salerno) before reaching Amalfi. Honestly, we loved the stops. It felt like a mini coastal tour, and it gave us a taste of the Amalfi Naples route.
Tip: Ferries usually run between 7 am and 5 pm from Naples. Tickets sell out during peak season, so it’s best to book online ahead of time for your preferred time slot and to secure the best ferry from Naples to Amalfi. Booking early is especially helpful if you’re taking the ferry from Naples to Amalfi Coast during summer.
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Main Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Destinations
Naples to Amalfi Town Ferry
This is the route we took and it was gorgeous. Our ferry went from Naples → Capri → Positano → Amalfi. There was no assigned seating, so we lined up early to grab good spots.
- Travel time: Around 2 hrs 15 mins
- Cost: $17 per person ($34.63 for two)
- Runs daily during peak season
We left in the morning, which was perfect because we got to see the cliffs lit up by the sun. Luggage was no issue. We just left our bags on the open-air deck at the back (just keep your valuables with you).
Some ferries are all indoor (ours was), so if you’re prone to motion sickness, take Bonine or use sea-sick patches before boarding. We used Bonine and were totally fine. It’s something we saw mentioned often in Naples to Amalfi ferry reviews, and we’re glad we listened.
Pros of Amalfi as a destination:
- Very walkable, charming alleys
- Easy to connect to Ravello or Atrani
- Less crowded than Positano
Cons:
- A bit further out if you’re planning to hop back and forth to Naples or Capri
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Naples to Positano Ferry
Another popular option is heading straight to Positano. It’s usually quicker than Amalfi and has its own dreamy appeal with the cliffside views.
- Travel time: About 1.5 to 2 hrs
- Cost: Similar to Amalfi, maybe a few dollars less
- Ferries here also run from 7 am to around 5 pm
Unlike Amalfi, you might arrive via tender boats, smaller boats that take you from the ferry to the beach dock. It can be a little rocky, depending on the weather, so seasick meds are helpful.
Pros of Positano:
- Iconic photo ops
- Trendy cafés, beach clubs, boutiques
Cons:
- Lots of stairs and hills (pack light!)
- It can get really crowded, especially midday
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Other Ferry Destinations from Naples
Besides Amalfi and Positano, you can also take a ferry from Naples to:
- Sorrento: Great if you want a quick base near Naples (about 45 mins)
- Salerno: Often cheaper and less touristy & good hub if you’re continuing to other parts of Italy
- Capri: Definitely worth a day trip or overnight!
If you’re staying in smaller towns like Ravello, Atrani, or Praiano, it’s easy to connect via bus or water taxi once you’re in Amalfi or Positano.
Pro tip: If you’re doing a loop (Naples → Amalfi Coast → Capri → Naples), book tickets individually and check the port names. Naples has Molo Beverello (for most ferries) and Calata Porta di Massa (for slower ones).
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Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Practical Information
Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Schedule
Seasonal Ferry Timetables
We traveled during the warmer months (peak ferry season), and it made everything smoother. From April to October, ferries run more frequently, and you’ll have more flexibility with departure times and routes. It’s the best time to catch any Naples to Amalfi Coast ferry timetable without much hassle.
Outside of that, things slow down in winter (November to March). Some companies stop service entirely, and others reduce their schedules to just one or two ferries a day. A lot of routes (especially to Capri or Positano) just don’t run in bad weather, something we noted while checking Naples to Amalfi ferry options ahead of time.
The first ferries usually leave Naples around 7:00 AM, and the last departures are typically around 5:00 PM. Weekends can be a little busier, especially during summer, but there’s not a massive difference in the actual schedule compared to weekdays.
Tip: Always double-check online before you go. We used Omio to compare prices, departure times, and boat types. It was super easy to use and gave us the most up-to-date info and our tickets were just on the app.
Ferry Frequency
In peak season, you’ll find hourly or near-hourly departures from Naples to major spots like Amalfi, Positano, and Capri. We booked a mid-morning boat from Naples to Amalfi, and there were still seats, but we saw some of the later ones get sold out.
During the off-season, it’s a lot more limited. Some days, there were no ferries at all, especially when it was windy or raining.
So if you’re traveling between November and March, we’d recommend having a backup plan, like taking the train to Sorrento and a bus or taxi to the coast from there. It’s also worth knowing how far is Naples to Amalfi Coast in case you need to make the journey by land.
Our advice:
- Aim for a morning departure (around 9 to 10 AM) for fewer crowds and the best light for photos.
- If you’re staying overnight in Amalfi or Positano, try to catch a midday ferry so you arrive before the sun goes down.
- Book ahead in July and August, especially if you want to sit together or get a window view.
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Tickets and Pricing
How Much Does the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Cost
We paid $17 per person (around $34.63 total for two) for our one-way ferry from Naples to Amalfi. Not bad at all for the views and convenience!
There were economy seats (what we picked, comfy enough and super chill) and premium options on some boats if you wanted more space or a better view. Honestly, for a 2-hour ride, the economy was totally fine.
You can book one-way or round-trip. Round-trip sometimes gives a slight discount, but we preferred keeping things flexible.
If you’re traveling with kids or a big group, there are often discounted rates (just make sure to check the specific ferry line). Prices also tend to be slightly higher during summer, especially July–August, so it helps to book ahead!
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Where to Buy Ferry Tickets
We booked our tickets online through Omio (our top recommendation). It showed us different departure times, Naples to Amalfi Coast ferry prices, and boat options in one place, and we got mobile tickets right away. So easy.
Tickets can also be purchased right at the port, but we don’t recommend doing this during peak season as seats sell out fast. Some hotels or tour companies also sell tickets, but sometimes charge extra or have limited options.
If you want the best times and prices, book in advance online, especially during summer or weekends. Omio worked great for us, and it saved us the stress of last-minute scrambling.
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Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Terminals
Navigating the Naples Port (Molo Beverello or Calata Porta di Massa)
Naples has two main ferry terminals: Molo Beverello (for high-speed ferries) and Calata Porta di Massa (for regular ferries). We left from Molo Beverello, which was closer to the city center and way more convenient for faster boats.
To get there from Naples city center, it was about a 15–20 minute walk from the main train station, or you can hop on a short taxi ride or local bus.
We took the AliBus from Naples Airport at just €5 per person. The bus station was super easy to find. It’s right outside the airport, just walk past the taxi line. It had standing room only when we boarded (so be early if you can), and made a few stops along the way. Luckily, the driver was super helpful and let us know when we reached Molo Beverello.
We brought our luggage on the bus without any issues. No one checked bags or asked questions. And once we reached the port, we just followed the signs to the ferry check-in area. No major security checks, just show your mobile ticket and you’re good to go.
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Amalfi Coast Ferry Arrival Points
We arrived at the Amalfi port, which was right near the town center and you could walk everywhere from there! The Amalfi ferry dock was small but organized. You just grab your bags from the back of the boat and head off.
If you’re going to Positano, it’s much the same and located right near the main beach and square.
After stepping off the speed ferry, we needed to get to our hotel in Scala (about 15 minutes from Amalfi). We bought our one-way bus tickets for €1.50 per person. Buses accept cash only, so keep that in mind. There was a man in a yellow hi-vis vest across the street selling tickets, too, but he had trouble giving change for larger bills.
The ferry service and bus routes in this area are pretty simple, but be careful, there are so many stops, and it’s easy to get confused about which one to get off at. Luckily, the signs were pretty straightforward. So we were happy that we chose the Amalfi → Scala/Ravello route. It was much less busy, and we didn’t have to wait in line. We even got seats, which was a huge win!
Once we were on the bus, it was a smooth ride. If you’re planning to do the Positano → Amalfi route (or vise versa), be prepared for long lines and standing room. But if you’re okay with a quieter ride, go for those lesser-known routes like we did.
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Why Choose the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry
Advantages of the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Over Other Transportation
We can’t recommend the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry enough, and here’s why:
- Scenic views: The ferry ride gave us breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples and the coastline. We got an authentic taste of the beauty of the area, which is hard to beat by car or bus.
- No traffic: We didn’t have to deal with the crazy coastal road traffic. The ferry lets you skip the stress and just relax, enjoying the ride.
- Comfort: Unlike cramped buses, we had plenty of space to sit back, relax, and enjoy the journey. It’s a much more comfortable ride.
- Speed: The ferry only took us about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Amalfi, which is a quick and efficient way to get to the coast.
- Photo opportunities: The views from the boat were perfect for snapping some amazing photos of the coast.
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When the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Makes the Most Sense
The ferry is perfect in a lot of situations:
- First-time visitors: If it’s your first time in the area, the ferry ride is a great way to experience the coastal beauty firsthand.
- Travelers staying in Naples or arriving at Naples Airport: Since the ferry departs from Molo Beverello, it’s ideal if you’re already staying in Naples or arriving at Naples Airport.
- Limited time: If you don’t have much time and want to get straight to the Amalfi Coast, the ferry is a quick and easy option.
- Motion sickness sufferers: The ferry is smoother if you’re prone to motion sickness from winding roads.
Photography lovers: The views from the ferry are perfect for anyone wanting to snap some incredible photos of the coastline and the islands.
From our experience, we’d definitely recommend the ferry as the best option for those looking for a scenic, stress-free, and quick journey to the Amalfi Coast!
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Making the Most of Your Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Journey
What to Expect Onboard the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry
Ferry Amenities and Services
Here’s what our ferry ride was like:
- Seating options: Ours was indoor only with standard rows of seats. It’s nothing fancy, but comfy enough for a couple of hours. Some ferries do have outdoor decks, so if you can, try to grab a seat there for the views. There were no assigned seats.
- Outdoor viewing decks: Sadly, our boat didn’t have one, but we saw others that did! If the weather’s nice, we’d definitely recommend those for photos and fresh air.
- Food and drinks: There was a small snack bar where we grabbed some chips and drinks, nothing exciting, but convenient and expensive. We spent about $15.38 total.
- Restrooms: Yep, there were toilets onboard. Not the nicest, but they worked!
- Luggage: No restrictions on bags. We left ours on the open-air back deck, like everyone else. Just kept our valuables with us. No one was checking weight or number of bags but you do have to carry it on and off yourself.
- WiFi: None on our boat. So we just enjoyed the view and went offline for a bit.
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Best Spots for Photos on the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry
We’re all about getting the best views, so here’s what we noticed:
- Best seats: If your ferry has an upper deck or outdoor seating, try to grab a spot there early. They go fast!
- Landmarks: You’ll see Mount Vesuvius, Capri (if you stop there), the cliffside towns, and of course, the stunning Amalfi Coast.
Side of the boat: If heading toward Amalfi, sit on the left side (port) for better coastline views.
- Photography tip: Set a fast shutter speed to prevent blurriness, and bring a lens wipe as the sea spray is real. Try to shoot during golden hour if you can.
- Scenic parts: The best views are between Capri and Positano, and then again right before Amalfi, so keep your camera ready!
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Comfort Tips for Your Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry Trip
- Seasickness: We took Bonine (non-drowsy) just to be safe and also had seasick patches on hand. Our first ride was intense since the weather was not great, but the way back was smooth and easy.
- Weather: It got breezy, even inside. We were glad we had light jackets.
- What to wear: Layers are key, something breathable but with a bit of warmth. And don’t forget sunglasses!
- What to bring: Water, snacks, motion sickness meds, a camera/phone, and a scarf or wrap, just in case it gets cold.
- Traveling with kids: We saw families on board, an easy ride for them. Just make sure they have something to stay busy (remember there’s no WiFi!).
- Accessibility: Some ferries were a bit tricky to board, lots of steps and ramps. If you or someone you’re with has mobility needs, double-check with the company in advance.
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Alternatives to the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry
When Not to Take the Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry
While we loved our ferry ride, it’s not always the best option. Here’s when we wouldn’t recommend it:
- Rough seas or bad weather: Ferries can get delayed or canceled; even if they’re running, it can be a bumpy (and queasy) ride.
- On a super tight budget: The ferry can cost more than buses or trains, especially if you’re traveling as a group.
- Need total schedule freedom: Ferry timetables are limited, especially in the off-season and you might get stuck waiting around.
- Severe seasickness: If you’re really sensitive, even calm seas might not be worth the risk.
- Winter months: Many routes shut down or become way less frequent, so that other options might be more reliable.
Other Routes to Consider Besides the Direct Naples to Amalfi Coast Ferry
If the direct ferry didn’t work for your plans, no worries, there are some solid alternatives.
- Naples to Sorrento ferry + bus to Amalfi Coast: We almost took this route! You can grab a Naples to Sorrento ferry for around €25 per person. It’s super scenic and takes about 35 minutes. From there, hop on a SITA bus to Amalfi Coast from Naples. It’s a popular alternative to the Naples to Amalfi bus if you’re not taking the ferry.
- Train to Salerno + ferry up the coast: Another popular option. We heard the train from Naples to Salerno was fast and cheap, and from there, you can take a ferry back up the coast to Amalfi or Positano. This route gives you fantastic views from the water, but in reverse. If you’re curious, the train from Naples to Amalfi actually stops at Salerno, making it a convenient starting point for the ferry.
- Private boat transfers: Fancy (and pricey), but if you want to skip crowds and make stops along the way, this is a dreamy option. Suitable for groups or special occasions.
Cost and Time Comparisons (Roughly):
- Naples → Amalfi ferry: €17–€25, 2–2.5 hours
- Naples → Sorrento ferry + bus: €25 + €2.50, around 2–3 hours
- Train to Salerno + ferry: €6 train + €9–€12 ferry, also about 2–2.5 hours
- Private transfer: €150+ one-way, but flexible and fast
What We’d Recommend:
- If you’re all about the views, go on the ferry.
- If you’re on a budget, the train to Salerno is probably the best value.
- If you want less motion and more flexibility, consider bus or train alternatives.
We personally loved our ferry experience, but depending on your travel style, one of these routes might work better.
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Making the Most of Your Naples to Amalfi Coast Adventure 🌞
So, is taking the ferry from Naples to the Amalfi Coast worth it? 100% yes! With stunning sea views, fresh coastal air, and zero traffic stress, it’s hands down one of the most scenic (and underrated) ways to kick off your Naples to Amalfi Coast day trip. Pro tip: Sit on the left side of the ferry for the best views, book your tickets in advance during peak season, and arrive early to snag a good seat!
Planning your escape? Bookmark this guide or pin it to your travel Pinterest board. And if this helped you sail smoothly into your coastal getaway, share it with your travel crew—Italy’s beauty is just a ferry ride away! 🇮🇹⛴️🌊
