Getting Around the Amalfi Coast by Car or Public Transport

Getting Around the Amalfi Coast

Map

The towns of the Amalfi Coast are located along the SS163, also known as the "Amalfi Drive", one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world.

Fifty twisting kilometers which hug the dramatically beautiful coastline and lead visitors to the picturesque towns of the Amalfi Coast in a series of spectacular hairpin bends.

If the curves begin to take their toll on your stomach or the heat of the summer sun is making driving uncomfortable, stop for a refreshing lemonade or crushed ice granita from one of the kiosks set up in the panoramic lay-bys along the road.

Traffic alert: on weekends and throughout the summer, the road is often jam-packed with cars and tour buses carrying visitors to the Amalfi Coast.

Getting Around by Car on the Amalfi Coast

The SS163 or "Amalfi Drive" has just one lane in each direction and is often very busy. Considering the traffic and the endless curves, we recommend maximum caution at the wheel.

Try to avoid driving in peak hours, especially in the summer months, when the traffic often comes to a standstill under the baking hot sun. Saturdays and Sundays from May to the beginning of October are especially heavily trafficked.

Another problem on the Amalfi Coast is the lack of sufficient parking space.
The towns are very steep, tumbling down the cliffside like life-sized Nativity scenes clinging to the mountainside, so finding parking space in such small, steep villages can be a serious problem.
Though the towns do all have a number of public and private car parks, the cost of parking can be as much as €5 an hour.

There is no free parking on the Amalfi Coast, unless you are willing to park your car quite far from any village. In Positano, you must leave your car in one of the public parking lots near the pedestrian-only areas of the village center as street parking is resident-only. In Amalfi, the main Luna Rossa parking lot is along the coastal road just south of the center of Amalfi.

Remember also that the historic centers of Positano and the other towns on the Amalfi Coast are often closed to traffic, especially in the summer months.

Getting Around by Motorcycle and Scooter on the Amalfi Coast

A moped or motorcycle is by far the most pleasurable means of getting around the Amalfi Coast, allowing travellers to explore the area in complete freedom, without having to worry about getting stuck in traffic or where to park.

You can rent mopeds in most of the towns on the Amalfi Coast.
Obviously, we only recommend you use a motorcycle or moped to get around the Amalfi Coast if you already have considerable experience and are confident about navigating the many kilometers of hairpin bends.

Getting Around by Public Transport on the Amalfi Coast

Buses operated by the Sita bus company run between all the towns on the Amalfi Coast. Although buses are frequent, the volume of traffic on the SS163 often means they do not run according to schedule.

Be prepared for the crowds: in the summer, at peak times, you might not always find a seat on buses filled with local holidaymakers heading to the sea. At times, you will have to ride standing up, and at times the driver will not allow additional passengers to board.

If you decide to travel by Sita bus, you will need to buy your tickets before boarding. Tickets can be purchased in the majority of bars and tobacconists on the Amalfi Coast and must be validated on the bus.
Tickets cannot be purchased on board.

Be aware thatbuses do not run at night and if you want to get from one town to another in the evening and do not have your own vehicle, you will have to take a taxi.