Getting from Rome to Amalfi Coast: stress-free routes, key pit stops, and the very best travel times

You’ve ticked Rome, Venice, and Florence off your travel list. So, what’s next? If you’re looking for something a little more off the beaten path, head to the Amalfi Coast in the Campania region. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997, the Amalfi Coast is a 34-mile-long stretch of 13 towns dotting the coastline.

The best part is that it’s not hard to get there at all: the Amalfi Coast is about 172 miles from Rome, making it a great region to explore over a few days or, if you’re pressed for time, even as a day trip.

Best for: Convenience

Renting a car is naturally the easiest way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. The drive takes around 3.5 hours, and the entire Amalfi Coast can be driven within the short span of an hour if you don’t make any stops. To get there, head onto the A24 autostrada from Rome before joining the E45.

To break up the journey, consider stopping in Tivoli, known for its impressive Villa d’Este Gardens; Caserta, with its magnificent Caserta Palace, built to rival the Palace of Versailles; Naples, where you can sample the famous Neapolitan-style pizza; or Pompeii, for its massive archaeological site along the way.

The Amalfi Coast overlooks the sparkling Tyrrhenian Sea and the Gulf of Salerno, boasting spectacular views at every turn. However, this route isn’t called ‘“the road of 1,000 bends” for nothing; the stretch is full of hairpin bends, narrow corners, and precarious edges separated from the sea only by guardrails. The drive is definitely not for the faint of heart, especially if you visit during peak season when large tour buses ply the narrow roads.

For a stress-free journey, opt for a private transfer. You can even make a pit stop in Pompeii along the way.

Best for: Budget

Taking the train from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is a breeze, plus it’s affordable.

There are various train types available, though there isn’t a direct route. Secure your seats in advance by booking online. Various discounts are available if you book early. Travel during off-peak times to save some money. You can also buy tickets at the train stations if your itinerary is more fluid.

Don’t forget to validate your ticket before boarding the train at machines located along the train tracks. Keep your ticket handy for the train conductor.

The first route involves a stopover in Naples. Take the high-speed train offered by Italo or Trenitalia, which will get you there in about 1 hour and 15 minutes. Tickets cost $47-53. Alternatively, the intercity train will get you from Rome to Naples in around two hours, but at a cheaper rate of about $21.

The other route involves a stopover in Salerno. Take a high-speed train from Rome to Salerno, which will get you there in 2–3 hours. These trains are pricier, costing upwards of $53.

The regional train is the cheapest at $11, but it takes around 4 hours to get to Naples.

From Naples, you can then transfer to a local Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento. There are only one to two departures a day; the journey takes 1 hour and 40 minutes, and costs around $9–21. From Sorrento, you can get to the Amalfi Coast via ferry, SITA bus, or pick up a rental car.

For the Salerno route: if you have time to spare, take a slow 4.5-hour train (inclusive of two changes) from Rome to Salerno for $17. From Salerno, you can easily reach the Amalfi Coast via ferry or SITA bus.

Best for: Direct route

Marozzi operates the direct bus from Rome to the Amalfi Coast. There’s only one trip per day, and it takes around five hours and costs $23. The bus usually departs Rome at 7 a.m., putting you in Amalfi around noon. You can secure a seat by booking your tickets via Omio.

Our top choice to travel from Rome to the Amalfi Coast would be by train. Italian trains are convenient, clean, and easy to navigate—making the entire experience pleasant and fuss-free.

However, if you’re looking for the easiest and most direct way from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, taking the bus would be your best bet. Renting a car would give you the freedom to enjoy a leisurely drive and make pit stops along the way.

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