How to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast

updated 06.06.2024

Ancient sites combined with a captivating coastline, to-die-for food and world-class wine... It is not without reason that Rome and the Amalfi Coast are on the bucket list of many travellers - and you can visit them during one trip! With that in mind, read on to find out how to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast.

Colosseum, Rome © Farbregas Hareluya/Shutterstock

Colosseum, Rome © Farbregas Hareluya/Shutterstock

How to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast

After enjoying Rome, perhaps also exploring the city’s off-the-tourist-trail treasures, we can’t recommend visiting the Amalfi Coast more highly.

One of the most beautiful places in Europe — as chosen by you — the Amalfi Coast occupies the southern side of Sorrento’s peninsula. It's often said to be Europe’s most beautiful stretch of coast.

In good news for visitors who fancy making the trip, there are a number of ways to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast.

  • Car allows you to take the scenic, winding roads.
  • Train is fast, affordable and comfortable - direct services run between Rome and Naples, where you change for the train to Sorrento — a prime Amalfi Coast destination.
  • A combination of train and ferry gives you the most scenic experience. The first leg involves taking a train from Rome to Salerno. From here, catch a ferry to the heart of the awe-inspiring Amalfi Coast.

Going to Rome or the Amalfi Coast? Talk to our Italy local travel experts to create your very own tailor-made trip.

Castel Sant'Angelo at sunset with tourists © Shutterstock

Want to see more of Italy in a single trip? It's simple to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast © Shutterstock

How far is the Amalfi Coast from Rome?

The Amalfi Coast is 172 miles from Rome and takes 3-4 hours to drive.

From Rome, you’ll be on an autostrada (an Italian toll highway) all the way to Naples and Salerno. From there, you’ll take to the winding, local coastal roads.

Set on taking a trip to Italy? Check our tailor made travel service or fully customizable Italy itineraries.

Sorrento in Italy © Shutterstock

Sorrento, the Amalfi Coast, Italy © Shutterstock

What's the quickest way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast?

If you’re short on time (or just plain impatient), the quickest way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is to catch a high-speed train to Salerno. This takes around 2.5 hours.

If you’re heading to Sorrento, take the train to Naples, then change for Sorrento. From here, the Circumvesuviana train takes 1.5 hours, while the Campania Express service will get you there in 50 minutes.

The second quickest way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is via a train and ferry combo. This option takes 3.5 hours.

If you’re into slower travel and the freedom of the open road, driving from Rome to the Amalfi Coast takes 3-4 hours.

Short on time? Consider enjoying an immersive weekend in Rome.

naples-italy-shutterstock_211433854

One of the best ways to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is via a connecting train in Naples © Shutterstock

By car

Duration: 3-4 hours | Average cost of daily car hire: €60

With an average drive-time of 3-4 hours, hiring a car is a convenient way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast.

From Rome, the autostrada takes you to Naples and Salerno. At this point, local roads twist along the towering cliffs of the Amalfi Coast.

Just be aware that the road is incredibly busy in the summer high season. This means your journey might be extended a few hours.

Thinking about a longer trip around Italy? Arm yourself with general travel advice, and tips on getting around Italy.

VIlla comunale park in Sorrento © Shutterstock

VIlla Comunale Park, Sorrento © Shutterstock

By train

Duration: around 3 hours | Cost: from €41

Looking for a convenient, affordable way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast? You’ll want to check out the train option.

If you’re heading to Sorrento, take the train to Naples. After a journey of around 1 hour 20 minutes, you’ll reach Napoli Stazione Centrale on Piazza Garibaldi, where you can connect to a Sorrento train.

From Naples, Circumvesuviana trains take 1.5 hours, while the Campania Express service will get you to Sorrento in just 50 minutes.

Traveling to Rome? Don't miss the opportunity to choose the best places to stay in the city.

Cetara, Amalfi Coast © Shutterstock

Cetara, Amalfi Coast © Shutterstock

By train and ferry

Duration: 3 hours | Cost: from €80

The most scenic way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is to combine a train to Salerno with a ferry to Amalfi.

From Rome’s Termini station, the Trenitalia operator runs trains to Salerno. The 2-2.5-hour journey will cost between €30 to €70, depending on when you book, and the time you travel.

With an average of nine daily sailings between Salerno and Amalfi, you have plenty of flex with your travel plans. Tickets average €49, and crossings take up to 40 minutes.

Enjoy the best of Italy during our Wonders of Rome and the Amalfi Coast trip.

Salerno-italy-shutterstock_1613663212

Salerno, Amalfi Coast © Shutterstock

Can you visit the Amalfi Coast on a day trip from Rome?

Wondering whether it’s possible to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast as a day trip? In a word, yes!

That said, you’ll want to set off early to give yourself enough time to explore and get back to Rome in a day. Better still, consider a multi-destination break and give yourself a few days on the Amalfi Coast.

If that’s not possible, we suggest catching a super-early train from Rome to Salerno, then boarding a ferry to soak up the coastal scenery. Just be sure to come armed with the times of your return boat and train, or else book a sight-seeing boat trip from Salerno.

Want to see more of Italy? Discover the best day trips to take from Rome.

Driving the Amalfi Coast © Shutterstock

Driving is a scenic way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast © Shutterstock

Planning to stay longer in Rome? Check out our detailed guide on how to get around Rome to feel more confident during your Rome holidays.

For more inspo and info, read The Rough Guide to Naples, Pompeii and the Amalfi Coast. Intend to take a short break? A compact mini guide is on hand for that very thing.

If, on the other hand, you’re not keen on the faff of planning, browse our inspired, customisable Italy itineraries.

Joanne Owen

written by
Joanne Owen

updated 06.06.2024

Joanne is a Pembrokeshire-born writer with a passion for the nature, cultures and histories of the Caribbean region, especially Dominica. Also passionate about inspiring a love of adventure in young people, she’s the author of several books for children and young adults, hosts international writing workshops, and has written articles on the Caribbean and inspirational community initiatives for Rough Guides. Follow her @JoanneOwen on Twitter and @joanneowenwrites on Instagram.

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