Is Positano–Amalfi ferry worth it?
Worth it if…Underrated · +27Short seasonal ferry hop from Positano's beach pier to Amalfi, with the best view of Positano
Worth it, with conditions. The view from the water is the consistent praise; complaints are about the pier, not the ride.
Hype38How famous and hyped it is
Reality65Evidence-based, votes take over as they come in
4.6 ★ Google · 1,138 reviews— hypegap votes · be one of the first
Been to Positano–Amalfi ferry? Was it worth it?
One tap. No account. Your vote moves the Reality score.Is it worth it for you?
Worth itEditorial verdict until 5 first-timers vote
The cheapest way to get the postcard view of Positano and the easiest way to Amalfi in season.
Why Reality is 65
Lives up to its fame4/5The view from the water is the consistent praise; complaints are about the pier, not the ride.
Value for money4/5A modest fare buys both transport and the best view of Positano; summer fares and luggage fees push it up.
Can’t get it elsewhere3/5Boat tours (e.g. Li Galli) give similar views; as transport it is simply the best option in season.
Easy to do3/5Walk-up tickets usually work, but the summer pier is crowded and confusing and service is weather-dependent.
What people loved
The classic view of Positano's stacked pastel houses is from the waterMuch faster and less nauseating than the SS163 bus in summer trafficFrequent departures in season from several operatorsWhat wore them down
Pier is chaotic in summer: boat traffic, crowds and confusing queues between operatorsOperator ticket offices get poor reviews (e.g. NLG kiosk 2.0, Travelmar office 3.3 on Google)Seasonal and weather-dependent; sailings are cancelled in rough seasLuggage surcharges for anything beyond a small bagParking & getting there
Don’t driveDon't drive to the pier: Positano's centre is pedestrian and street parking is residents-only. If you must arrive by car, use a private garage on Viale Pasitea / Piazza dei Mulini and walk 5–10 min down to the beach.
- Parcheggio Russolot · about 5 min walk · ★ 4 (204)Price not publishedMap
- Parking Garage Mandara Positanogarage · about 7 min walk · ★ 3.1 (670)Price not publishedMap
- Parcheggio Migliacciogarage · about 5 min walk · ★ 4 (61)Price not publishedMap
- Anas permanent ordinance 340/19 imposes alternating-plate (odd/even) restrictions on the SS163 Amalfitana for non-resident vehicles each year from 1 April to 30 September, in set time bands stradeanas.it
- Odd/even rule: on odd dates cars with an odd last plate digit may not circulate, and likewise on even dates; typically 10:00–18:00. In October it applies only on weekends and holidays; none from 1 November. Exempt: residents, guests with a confirmed coast booking (arrival/departure days), taxis, chauffeured cars, motorbikes positano.com
- ZTL on Via Pasitea, Piazza dei Mulini and Via C. Colombo for vehicles with more than 5 seats (€5 per trip); paying does not allow stopping or parking positano.com
- Street parking in Positano is for residents; use private lots positano.com
Without a car: SITA bus to Positano (Chiesa Nuova / Sponda stops) then walk down to the pier, or arrive by ferry from Sorrento, Capri or Salerno
Driving rules in Positano
Avoid driving on the Amalfi Coast from spring to autumn: the SS163 is narrow and congested, plate restrictions apply on peak dates, and Positano's parking is private, expensive and full by mid-morning. Ferries and SITA buses are the better choice. A car only helps for out-of-season trips or trailheads such as Pontone or Agerola.
- Alternating number plates on the SS163 Amalfitana. Anas ordinance 340/19 restricts non-resident cars on the coast road by last plate digit (odd plates barred on odd dates, even on even dates) from 10:00 to 18:00 on designated dates. 2026 dates reported: 30 Mar–6 Apr and 24 Apr–2 May, with October weekends and holidays also listed by positano.com, and none from 1 November. It covers 14 municipalities, from Vietri sul Mare to Positano, including Amalfi, Ravello, Praiano, Furore and Conca dei Marini. Exempt (with documents): residents, guests with a confirmed coast booking, taxis and NCC, disabled-badge vehicles, workers and homeowners. Motorbikes are also exempt per positano.com. Check current dates with Anas or the Comune before driving. napolike.it
- Anas ordinance (legal basis). Permanent Anas ordinance 340/19 sets the alternating-plate restrictions on the SS163 each year from 1 April to 30 September, in set time bands. stradeanas.it
- Positano ZTL for large vehicles. Via Pasitea, Piazza dei Mulini and Via C. Colombo are a ZTL for vehicles with more than 5 seats (€5 per trip). Paying does not allow stopping or parking. positano.com
- Street parking is residents-only. Street parking in Positano and its hamlets (Montepertuso, Nocelle) is for residents. White-and-yellow lines are residents-only and the few blue-line meters are almost never free in summer. Visitors use private valet-style garages that charge by the full hour, with no verified operator price lists. positano.com
- Parking overview. positano.com's parking guide lists the private garages and blue-line spots along the coast; spaces fill early in summer. positano.com
Know before you go
See something out of date? Fix it right here.Booking: Buy at the pier kiosks or online; book ahead on summer weekends and for set departure times
OperatorsSeveral companies sail Positano–Amalfi, including Travelmar, NLG, Positano Jet, Alicost and Grassi; ticket kiosks are on the pier at Spiaggia GrandeSource · Checked Oct 17, 2026
Crossing timeAbout 15–25 minutes depending on boat and stopsSource · Checked Oct 17, 2026
PriceFares vary by operator and season; Direct Ferries lists off-peak one-way adult fares from about US$11 and much higher summer fares, plus booking fees. Under-3s free; under-12 discountsSource · Checked Oct 17, 2026
LuggageOne small hand bag included; extra bags cost extra (NLG about €3 small / €7 large)Source · Checked Oct 17, 2026
SeasonMainly April to late October; most Amalfi Coast routes stop in late October and winter sailings are often cancelled by rough seas (Positano has only a landing pier)Source · Checked Oct 17, 2026
Time neededAllow 45–60 minutes including queueing on the pierSource: Google reviews · Checked Oct 17, 2026
Getting therePier is at the west end of Spiaggia Grande, about 5 min walk downhill from Piazza dei MuliniSource · Checked Oct 17, 2026
In their words
“Positano looks absolute amazing from the water - by far the best view you can get!”
“once you land at the port, it’s a bit of a disappointment with all the crazy boat traffic, dirty water, crowds, and bad smells.”
“You can take short trips to Sorrento, Amalfi and Capri. I would stay in Sorrento as a base and just visit Positano.”
Tips from people who went
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Questions people ask
How long is the ferry from Positano to Amalfi?
About 15–25 minutes depending on the boat and stops.
Do I need to book the Positano–Amalfi ferry in advance?
Not usually; kiosks on the pier sell tickets. Book online for peak summer days or if you need a specific departure.
Does the Positano–Amalfi ferry run in winter?
Mostly no. Services run roughly April to late October; winter sailings are limited and often cancelled by rough seas.
Is the ferry better than the bus?
In summer, yes for most people: it avoids SS163 traffic and gives the classic view of Positano from the sea.
Better fits, according to people who went
Sources
- Direct Ferries – Amalfi to Positano ferry
- Positano.com – ferry timetables and luggage rules
- Positano.com – useful info Amalfi Coast (season, buses, plate rules)
- Positano.com – how to get around
- Google Maps – Positano ferry terminal