Can you do a day trip to Positano from Rome?

Explore the UNESCO-listed towns of Amalfi and Positano on a day trip by high-speed train from Rome. Board the ferry to both towns and enjoy free time to explore both these beautiful towns.



While it is technically possible to do a day trip from Rome to Positano in 2026, it is an exhausting "marathon" that involves at least 7 to 9 hours of total travel time. The fastest route involves taking a high-speed Frecciarossa train from Roma Termini to Salerno (approx. 1.5–2 hours), and then catching a ferry to Positano (approx. 35–45 minutes). Alternatively, you can take a train to Naples and hire a private driver, though traffic on the narrow Amalfi Coast roads can be unpredictable and may add hours to your journey. Most travelers who attempt this find they only have about 3 to 4 hours in Positano itself—just enough for a quick lunch and a few photos—before they must begin the return journey. For a more relaxed experience, many 2026 visitors opt for an "Amalfi Coast in a Day" guided bus tour from Rome, which handles all the logistics but still results in a 14-hour day. If you truly want to enjoy the "Dolce Vita" atmosphere, it is strongly recommended to stay at least one night in Sorrento or Positano rather than rushing it as a day trip.

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If you have just one day or are visiting from Naples or Sorrento, we recommend booking a tour. This is the only way to visit Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello in a single day. We strongly suggest joining a boat tour from the Amalfi Coast to Capri.

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You have two options by train to get from Rome to Positano: you could either take a train to Naples or to Salerno. By choosing the first option, once you get to Naples Central Station (Stazione Garibaldi), you'll have to switch to the Circumvesuviana directed to Sorrento.

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You might find a lot of people say Positano is better than Amalfi as Positano appears to have nicer beaches, more restaurants, and shops. Positano also has some of the best scenic views. You'll want to show off to everyone with your view of colourful cliffside homes, blue sea, and beaches.

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Sorrento is a bit more bustling and lively, with a wider range of shops, restaurants, and bars. Positano is more peaceful and relaxed, with a more laid-back atmosphere.

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Positano is the most expensive place to stay on the Amalfi Coast. It's beautiful, so characteristic, charming and picturesque, however, it comes at a higher price. Amalfi is cheaper, but not cheap.

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Positano is a very walkable city; however, you need to navigate stairs and steep hills to get around. The city is small enough that you can explore it on foot, but you'll need to walk through narrow streets and winding staircases to reach the center of town and the beach.

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We felt that 2 days in Positano was enough to see it all, but if you love to just lounge around on the beach for days (we aren't huge lay on the beach all day type of people), you may want to stay longer!

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If you're seeking a glamorous, high-end experience, Capri may be the destination for you. If you're looking for a more relaxed, romantic atmosphere, Positano might be the better option.

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Positano is the most popular town on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, known all over the world for the moda positano, the vibrant nightlife and the characteristic shops. If you are looking for colorful clothes or typical Italian sandals, you can't miss the shopping in Positano.

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On average, hotels in Positano are expensive compared to other places you'd visit in Italy for 2 reasons: The inventory in Positano is limited. There aren't that many places to stay, especially budget-friendly options. The demand to stay in Positano is high!

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The Season During the high tourism season, Amalfi Coast's restaurants, tours, and hotels can skyrocket in price. With the hotter months bringing in the swarms of crowds. Typically, the high season runs from April to the month of September, however, each month can vary in price.

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Hop on the comfortable coach in the center of Sorrento, or arrange hotel pickup, and wave goodbye to the coast for a few hours, as you spend the day exploring Rome, one of the most important cities in the history of the Western world.

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Although Positano and Como are popular destinations, Positano has more sights and attractions for tourists. Positano is very popular for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, historical sights, small town charm, and quaint atmosphere, while Como attracts visitors for its museums, nightlife, and shopping.

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Two hours in Positano, Italy
  1. Pro Tip: if you're staying in Positano. ...
  2. Wander round Positano and do some shopping. ...
  3. Visit Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta for some stunning architecture. ...
  4. Enjoy the beach. ...
  5. Enjoy a lemon sorbet…in a lemon. ...
  6. Walk the Path of the Gods.


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You can book private transfers directly on the Positano Toursim Board website. You can also reach the Amalfi coast without a car. Sita buses go to all the towns of Amalfi via two routes: Sorrento – Positano – Amalfi and Amalfi – Salerno.

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