Amalfi is 65 km south of Naples on the Sorrentine Peninsula. The town is small and walkable once you arrive, but getting here requires navigating either the narrow SS163 coastal road or a ferry from Salerno. This FAQ covers airport access, transport costs, local customs, and practical answers to the questions travelers ask before arriving.. For more details, see our Amalfi weather by month. Read our best time to visit Amalfi for detailed information.
Amalfi Travel Tips: Getting There
Which Airport Serves Amalfi?
Naples International Airport (NAP, Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino) is the nearest major airport, 65 km north of Amalfi. From NAP, the Alibus shuttle (€5, every 20-30 minutes) takes you to Napoli Centrale station in 15 minutes. From there, take a Trenitalia regional train to Salerno (40 minutes, €5.50) and then a Travelmar or NLG ferry from Salerno’s Molo Concordia to Amalfi (35 minutes, €8). The total journey takes about 2.5 hours. A direct private transfer from NAP to Amalfi costs €120-150 and takes 90 minutes in normal traffic. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is 280 km away: take the Leonardo Express train to Roma Termini (32 minutes, €14), then a high-speed train to Salerno (2 hours, €35-50), then the ferry. Read our things to do in Amalfi for detailed information.
How Do I Get Around the Amalfi Coast Without a Car?
Ferries and SITA buses are the main options. Ferry routes connecting Amalfi to Positano (25 min, €10), Salerno (35 min, €8), and Capri (1 hour, €25) run April through October with Travelmar and NLG. The SITA Sud bus 5070 runs the Amalfi-Salerno and Amalfi-Sorrento routes year-round. Tickets cost €1.30-2.20 per ride and must be purchased before boarding at tabacchi shops (look for the T sign) or bars displaying the SITA logo. Drivers do not sell tickets. Validate your ticket in the machine on board. Buses run roughly every 30-60 minutes but fill up fast in summer; board at Amalfi (Piazza Flavio Gioia) or Sorrento to get a seat. Do not drive the SS163 unless you are comfortable with single-lane roads, hairpin turns, and oncoming buses. Read our Amalfi events and festivals for detailed information.
Amalfi Travel Tips: Practical FAQ
Can I Drink the Tap Water in Amalfi?
Yes. Amalfi’s tap water is safe to drink and sourced from mountain springs in the Lattari range. It’s treated and meets EU drinking water standards. Refill your bottle at public fountains (fontanelle) in Piazza del Duomo and along the waterfront. Restaurants serve tap water on request (acqua del rubinetto), though most default to bottled. Read our best neighborhoods in Amalfi for detailed information.
Do I Need Cash in Amalfi?
Most hotels, restaurants, and shops accept credit cards (Visa and Mastercard are universal; Amex is less widely accepted). However, small businesses like SITA bus tickets at tabacchi, beach lido rentals, and some gelato shops are cash-only. Carry €50-100 in cash for daily incidentals. There are ATMs (Bancomat) at the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena on Via Lorenzo d’Amalfi and at the post office on Corso delle Repubbliche Marinare. Read our where to stay in Amalfi for detailed information.
What Is the Tipping Custom in Amalfi?
Tipping is not expected in Italy, including Amalfi. Restaurant bills include a coperto (cover charge of €2-4 per person for bread and table service). If service is exceptional, rounding up to the nearest €5-10 is appreciated but not required. For taxi drivers, rounding up to the nearest euro is standard. Hotel porters expect €1-2 per bag if they carry luggage to your room.
Is Amalfi Safe?
Amalfi is a safe town with low violent crime. The main risks are practical: the steep stairways (wear proper shoes, not flip-flops), pickpocketing on crowded SITA buses in July and August (keep wallets in front pockets), and sun exposure on the beach and hiking trails (carry water and apply sunscreen). The carabinieri station is on Via delle Cartiere near the Paper Museum. The emergency number is 112 (European-wide).
What Language Is Spoken? Do People Speak English?
The local language is Italian, with the Campanian dialect widely spoken among older residents. English is well understood at hotels, sit-down restaurants, and ferry ticket offices. At smaller bars, tabacchi shops, and on SITA buses, staff may speak little English. Learning “buongiorno” (good morning), “grazie” (thank you), “per favore” (please), and “quanto costa?” (how much does it cost?) goes a long way.
Do I Need a Visa for Italy?
Italy is part of the Schengen Area. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders can enter visa-free for stays up to 90 days within any 180-day period. From mid-2025, ETIAS travel authorization (€7, valid 3 years) is required for visa-exempt non-EU travelers. Check the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your specific nationality’s requirements.
What Are the Toilet and Restroom Facilities Like?
Public restrooms are limited. There’s a paid public toilet (€0.50) near the ferry terminal and another at the bus depot at Piazza Flavio Gioia. Most cafes require a purchase to use their restroom; buy an espresso (€1.20 at the bar counter) and use the facilities. Sit-down restaurants have clean bathrooms for customers. Carry coins for the public toilets and a small packet of tissues, as some may run out of paper.
What Should I Pack for Amalfi?
Sturdy walking shoes with good grip are essential for the stair-heavy town and hiking trails. A light jacket or sweater for evenings, even in summer (sea breezes can make waterfront restaurants cool after sunset). A reusable water bottle to refill at public fountains. Swim shoes for the pebble beaches, which are uncomfortable on bare feet. A crossbody bag or money belt for crowded buses. Modest clothing (covered shoulders and knees) if you plan to enter the Duomo or other churches.
Suggested Hotels in Amalfi
Hotel Santa Caterina
Five-star Art Nouveau villa carved into the cliffs overlooking the Amalfi Coast, with a saltwater pool, private beach club, and terraced citrus gardens. Best for honeymooners and couples seeking a luxury seaside escape. Check rates and availability
Hotel Croce Di Amalfi
Family-run 19th-century residence in the center of Amalfi with panoramic sea views, air-conditioned rooms, and a rooftop terrace for breakfast. Best for travelers who want central location and authentic Italian hospitality at a reasonable price. Check rates and availability
Albergo L’Antico Convitto
Charming hotel set in a former 13th-century convent just 50 meters from the cathedral, with tiled floors, vaulted ceilings, and simple clean rooms with modern bathrooms. Best for budget-conscious travelers who prioritize location and character over luxury. Check rates and availability
Amalfi Travel Tips: Getting Around on Foot
Amalfi itself is compact and walkable. The main pedestrian street, Via Lorenzo d’Amalfi, runs from the Duomo to the waterfront (5 minutes). The climb to the Paper Museum takes about 5 minutes uphill. The walk to Atrani through the cliff tunnel is flat and takes 10 minutes. Most staircases have handrails, but many are worn smooth from centuries of use. If you have mobility limitations, stick to the waterfront and the immediate Duomo area. The town does not have Uber or ride-hailing apps. Local taxis (NCC, noleggio con conducente) can be booked by phone: Radio Taxi Amalfi at +39 089 872 757. A taxi from Amalfi to Ravello costs about €25-30.
