When making the trip from Pompeii to Positano, it makes sense to hit the road. The distance is 35.4 miles (57 km) and takes around 1 hour with regular traffic (lookout - things get backed up in the summer!).
Considering the limited public transport options between Pompeii and Positano, a private car has its advantages. Along with being the only direct transportation, there are great stops along the way; ones that will expose you to postcard-esque seaside villages, views of the sparkling sea, and cities built on cliffs overlooking the ocean. Moreover, a car trip gives you the flexibility to indulge and build memories that you’ll look back to.
About Positano
At the end of your trip from Pompeii to Positano, you will find yourself in the poster child of the UNESCO-listed Amalfi Coast. This vertical town is famous for its breathtaking setting, its pastel-colored houses, and the role it plays as an international fashion center.
The ancient Romans also made an effort to set up magnificent villas on the Positanonian coast. It then grew gradually with the arrival of dwellers from Paestum, who were running away from Saracen incursions. However, it is believed that Positano itself “only” dates back to the 9th century when the town was established around a Benedictine abbey. After the Amalfi Coast was devastated by a tsunami in 1343, Positano languished as a small fishing village until it was rediscovered as a charming holiday destination in the 18th century.
From Pompeii to Positano: travel tips
Here are some travel tips when traversing from Pompeii to Positano to have the most enjoyable experience possible.
Don’t rent a car
The roads in Italy are often narrower than what you might be used to, and the Amalfi Coast Drive is (in)famously winding. Aside from being difficult to navigate, there’s little in the way of parking in Positano, and there are restrictions on when rental cars can drive on the Amalfi Coast!
### Make reservations in advance
Positano is a small town, but a hot destination. Restaurants and hotels fill up, especially during the summer, so make reservations for everything you can as far in advance as possible. You don’t want to be last in line, especially during peak season.
### Learn a little Italian
Greetings, common phrases, and simple questions will come in handy in small towns where there might not be many English speakers. If you’re riding with Daytrip, your driver would be happy to give you a crash course!
How to get from Pompeii to Positano
As Positano is quite far along the Amalfi Coast, some of the methods may require a combination of modes of transport.
### Pompeii to Positano by train (and bus)
The most popular public transportation option to travel from Pompeii to Positano is by train and bus. You’ll first take the Circumvesuviana train from Pompeii to Sorrento. This train journey will take around 40 minutes to reach the Sorrento station. From here, you need to transfer to the SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano, which will ideally only be a 40-minute journey.
Tickets don't guarantee a seat on the bus though. Because of Positano's popularity, buses are often overcrowded, so you may find yourself waiting for the next one.
### Pompeii to Positano by train (and ferry)
If the bus doesn’t cut it for you, you can substitute it for a ferry. The ferry takes about 40 minutes to get from Sorrento to Positano. It’s also important to note that the Sorrento-Positano route is usually seasonal (May through October) ticket prices range from $8 (€7) to $26 (€18).
### Pompeii to Positano by private car transfer
A private car service is the only direct way to get from Pompeii to Positano, so is by far the most convenient option. With Daytrip, you'll have an English-speaking driver pick you up in Pompeii and take you to your accommodation in Positano.
Along the way, you can talk about local history and culture, and even make sightseeing stops on the way!
You combine the comfort of customized travel with the ease of sightseeing. The drivers are bilingual (Italian & English) and will help you maneuver the local scene.
### Pompeii to Positano by shared shuttle
If you're on a budget but still want a direct transfer, Daytrip's shared shuttle service is the way to go! Prices start at $24 per person for a ride from just outside the Pompeii Archaeological Site to downtown Positano in a 7-seat van.
Just like with Daytrip's private car service, you'll ride with an English-speaking driver who will help with luggage and share. While the shuttles aren't fully customizable, there are several available a day so you can find one to suit your schedule.
Things to do when you get to Positano
Once you get from Pompeii to Positano, you’ll want to find the best ways to tour this scenic town.
First off, you have to spend some time at Spiaggia Grande which is the town’s main beach. You can rent an umbrella, catch some rays, and have a few drinks all while you pose for your holiday flicks.
If you prefer a less-crowded area, you can stroll eight minutes west to Fornillo Beach.
The fascinating Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta also deserves a visit as well. The storied church boasts a restored Byzantine figure of the Virgin Mary, a glimmering dome roof, and eye-catching bas-reliefs.
The Museo Archeologico Romano (MAR) will give you insights into ancient Roman Villas including well-preserved frescoes and crypts.
If you want to avoid crowds and work up some sweat, while soaking in the awe-inspiring views, the Path of the Gods trail is ideal for you. It runs from the hilltop village of Nocelle (just above Positano), all the way to Bomerano.
Visit the Piazza dei Mulini for a bit of shopping and maybe grab a souvenir. It is a mix of artisan and designer shops and buzzes with excitement. Most people visit to buy handmade leather sandals.
When is the best time to visit Positano
It is important to determine just the right time to travel from Pompeii to Positano and tour along the Amalfi Coast.
Summer is the most popular time to visit this cliff-hanging town. It is usually teeming with visitors eager to soak up the sun while lying on the beaches. These crowds usually begin coming in June and start to make their exit in early September. Because of this, we say the late spring and early fall are the best times to visit Positano. The weather is still pleasant, and most hotels, shops, and restaurants remain open until late October, but without the crowds, you'll actually be able to enjoy the beautiful setting.
Afterwards, everything shuts down for the winter with business setting up shop again in April. While this, and the cooler weather and more rain, aren't ideal for the sunny jet-set dream, it does give Positano a more intimate air if you're after a more quiet holiday.
Yes, you can by using the Circumvesuviana train and then connecting with the bus or ferry. For a direct option, book a shared shuttle or private car or with Daytrip,which will take you to your accommodation in Positano.
Positano is the most expensive town on the Amalfi Coast. Expect to pay $25 or more for a pizza and a drink, while a standard sit-down meal will be closer to $50. That’s not to say there aren’t affordable options—a cuoppo (paper cup of fried seafood) can be had for under $10.
No. There isn't a train station in Positano (or nearly any other town on the Amalfi Coast). From Pompeii you can take a train to Sorrento or Vietri sul Mare, but from there you’ll need to take a SITA bus, taxi, or a ferry if they’re running.
The cost of taking a taxi from Pompeii to Positano will depend on the number of passengers being driven and not the distance. The average cost per person is $80 (€75). A taxi ride from popular companies will take around 40 minutes to an hour depending on traffic.
Yes technically, but you cannot visit and experience all the wonders of both sites in one day. Tourists often set aside a day for each of these places. This allows them ample time to indulge in the ruins and to experience the beach and the wonders of Positano.
Positano is world-renowned for its cliff-hugging, pastel-colored houses in the heart of the Amalfi Coast. It skyrocketed to international fame after John Steinbeck wrote an essay about Positano in 1953. Its natural beauty, and history as part of a mighty maritime republic have earned it, and the rest of the Amalfi Coast recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
沿途参观这些景点
波斯科·德·梅迪奇酒庄
This winery and resort lets visitors get a taste of local flavor through its fine wine and traditional local cuisine. A Taste of Pompeii
波比亚别墅
Believed to be a royal vacation home, this opulent villa was buried by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius, preserving its frescoes, and inhabitants. An Empress-ive Villa
维苏威酒庄
This vineyard and restaurant makes the most of Vesuvius' volcanic soil, producing delicious wine to compliment its excellent restaurant.
An Explosion of Flavour
维苏威火山
The world’s most famous volcano offers a strangely beautiful natural landscape and air of history. Blast from the Past
赫库兰尼姆考古区
While not as well-known as Pompeii, this UNESCO-listed Roman city was also shockingly well-preserved by the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The Other Lost City
斯塔比亚考古遗址
The remains of villas in this ancient Roman resort town show how the upper echelon lived 2000 years ago. Paradise Lost
"Our driver Marco contacted us before the trip and he was there to pick us up on time. He was decent, friendly and fluent in English. Marco stopped the car in a few locations for photos and gave us some valuable tips about our destination. Overall that was a five star trip and I would use Daytrip again."
Goshaka A.
United Kingdom
2024年10月11日
"No problem on the return. We were in contact with the driver as she arrived early and we were able to figure out where to meet which is confusing in Pompeii but it all worked out well.
"
Brigid M.
United States
2024年10月7日
"Sergio was amazing. Showed up early which worked out. Stopped at a local market to let us buy some cheeses and wine. And when he found out it was our honeymoon, he stopped at Zio Peppe on the way and bought us some Granita de Limone and even secretly bought us a bottle of lemoncello to give us when the ride was over. Amazing guy all around. 100% recommend."
Paul S.
United States
2024年8月7日
"Our driver was excellent and so informative about the area. He was friendly and took care for our comfort during the drive. We even stopped and took pictures at a scenic spot. Highly recommend this driver. The DayTrip service is so easy to use !
"
Candice O.
United States
2024年7月26日
"Your drivers - excellent - friendly, informative, considerate, on time. All with pricing that was completely reasonable"
LISA Z.
United States
2024年6月20日
"Just leaving very well deserved review for Carlo! He was absolutely amazing! His response time was so fast and he got us from point A to point B safely!
"
Gregorio T.
United States
2024年5月21日
"Our driver Gaspare did a great job driving us back to Positano. He was very conscientious, drove safely, provided us water and great information a long the way. We felt comfortable and relaxed driving back to the hotel. I would recommend him to other travellers. "
Greg S.
Canada
2024年4月19日
"Everything was great. Easy communication with the driver. He was there a few minutes early exactly
where we asked him to be. He drove very safely "
Helen N.
United States
2023年10月20日
"I had such a good experience using your company to transport our family on the 2 occasions we used your service. The drivers were prompt and polite.
Also when I emailed your service your team always responded very quickly and answered the questions I asked.
Thanks so much and I would highly recommend. "
Amanda P.
Australia
2023年9月29日
"Nicola was great. He drove safely and was friendly and chatty. We were very happy with the service. "
David C.
New Zealand
2023年3月15日
"Thanks for your email. Just wanted to say Alfonso was a superb driver, he was professional, funny, nice, everything we could have asked for in a driver. We can’t thank you enough!
"
Melissa V.
United States
2022年7月26日
"All was well and we were very happy to have someone to get us to our hotel in Positano. Marco was prompt and an excellent driver."
Cynthia R.
United States
2022年4月3日
"Alfonso was our driver from Pompeii to Positano and from Positano to the airport in Rome. He was fantastic. He was helpful, funny, joyful and we felt very safe"
Shumaya B.
United States
2021年11月17日
"Alberto was just a wonderful person to spend a drive to and from Pompeii from Positano. He is such a great person…great driver and very knowledgeable about the surroundings as we traveled to Pompeii and back, a great person to spend 3hrs with, and getting to know the lay of the land. His driving was fantastic, always being careful and making sure going around the curves on the road to/from Positano we were feeling ok. I can’t tell you enough how much we enjoyed having Alberto as our driver😊."
Greg S.
United States
2021年10月7日
"Aldo was outstanding. Met us with our name on a sign right on time. Very personable with helpful information for our stay in Positano including a great recommendation for dinner which turned out to be one of the highlights of the trip. 5 out of 5!!!"
Stanley S.
United States
2021年8月25日
"Our trip was fantastic. Pasquale was very professional and pointed out any sights nearby. He communicated with our hotel in Positano so we didn't have to worry about getting directions. The car was very comfortable and we felt that the trip was great value for money. If you need us to post a review publicly we are happy to do so!
"
Victoria G.
Ireland
2021年8月24日
"Both drivers we booked were absolutely amazing!!!!! I would highly recommend them again and your company. Thank you so much. Please let me know how I can write a review online for others to see. Mauro told us so much about the Italian geogrophy ans the other driver came looking for us when we were running late with our luggage’s he was so helpful!
"
Linda V.
United States
2021年8月23日
"Gianfranco was great and we enjoyed the trip very much. We highly recommend your service. Thank you.
"
Edmund D.
United States
2020年9月30日
"Alberto was wonderful. He was very friendly, communicative and flexible with picking us up from Pompeii to go back to Positano as well. Definitely 5 star service.
"
Chelsea P.
United Kingdom
2019年9月12日
"Fabio was fabulous and the trip was great. We will use your service again for sure and will highly recommend Daytrip to others.
Thank you again for a great experience
"
