Positano is one of the most logistically particular destinations in Italy. There’s no train station, no flat ground, and no driving into the center (the main road is one-way, with limited parking and ZTL restrictions). This guide answers the practical questions every traveler has before arriving: how to get here from Naples and Rome airports, what to pack for the stairs, tipping customs, safety, and whether the water is drinkable. For more detailed information, see our where to stay guide.
Travel Tips for Positano: Getting There
Nearest Airports to Positano
The closest airport is Naples International Airport (NAP, also called Capodichino), 60 km (37 miles) north of Positano. Rome Fiumicino (FCO) is 280 km (174 miles) away and Rome Ciampino (CIA) is 265 km. Most travelers fly into Naples and transfer by road. From Naples airport, the Curreri Viaggi bus runs direct to Positano 3 times daily from April through October (€12 one-way, 2 hours). Otherwise, take the Alibus (€5) from the airport to Naples Centrale train station, then the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (€4.90, 65 minutes, departs every 30 minutes), then the SITA bus from Sorrento to Positano (€1.80, 50 minutes along the coastal road). A private car transfer from Naples airport to Positano costs €120 to €150 and takes 90 minutes outside of peak traffic. For more detailed information, see our neighborhoods guide.
Getting to Positano by Train
There is no train station in Positano. The nearest stations are Sorrento (Circumvesuviana line from Naples) and Salerno (Trenitalia mainline from Rome, Naples, and points south). From Sorrento, take the SITA bus (Amalfi-bound, departs every 30 to 60 minutes from the bus stop outside the Circumvesuviana station, €1.80, 50 minutes). From Salerno, take a Travelmar or Alicost ferry to Positano (€12 to €14, 70 minutes, April through October) or the SITA bus (€2.40, 80 minutes along the coastal road). The ferry is strongly recommended over the bus: the coastal drive is beautiful but the SITA bus fills up fast in summer and you may wait for the next one. For more detailed information, see our events festivals guide.
Driving and Parking in Positano
Do not drive into Positano unless your hotel explicitly provides parking. The town center is a ZTL (limited traffic zone) and the single one-way road through town has no street parking. There are three paid parking garages above the town: Parking Mandara (Via Marconi 12, €30 to €40 per day in summer), Parking Zara (Via Pasitea 336, €25 to €35 per day), and Parking Di Gennaro (Via G. Marconi, €30 per day). All require a 10 to 20-minute walk downhill to reach the center and a steep climb back up. Reserve parking ahead in July and August at parkingsangiuseppe dot it. The SS163 Amalfi coastal road is narrow, winding, and subject to seasonal traffic restrictions (alternating license plate days in peak summer). If you’re visiting multiple Amalfi Coast towns, use ferries and SITA buses instead of a rental car. For more detailed information, see our things to do guide.
Travel Tips for Positano: Getting Around Town
Positano has one main road (Via Pasitea / Via Cristoforo Colombo) that runs one-way downhill through town, and a network of pedestrian staircases that connect the vertical layers. The internal Positano bus (linea interna, orange minibus) runs from the Chiesa Nuova at the top of town down to the Spiaggia Grande waterfront roughly every 30 minutes (€1.30 per ride, tickets at tabaccherie and bars displaying the SITA logo, last bus around 23:00 in summer). Most visitors walk everywhere. The main staircases are the Scalinatella (connecting the upper town to the mid-level) and the steps from Via Pasitea down to Spiaggia Grande. Count on climbing 200 to 600 stairs per day depending on where you’re staying. Wear shoes with good grip: the steps are worn limestone and get slippery after rain. There are porters at the main taxi stand (Piazza dei Mulini) who will carry luggage up to your hotel for €10 to €25 depending on distance and number of bags. For more detailed information, see our best time to visit guide.
Travel Tips for Positano: Practical Information
Is Positano Tap Water Drinkable?
Yes. Positano’s tap water comes from mountain springs in the Lattari range and is safe to drink. It has a slightly mineral taste, which is normal for the region. Restaurants serve tap water on request (‘acqua del rubinetto’), though most automatically bring bottled water (€2 to €4 per liter). Carry a refillable bottle: there are public water fountains (fontanelle) at Piazza Flavio Gioia (near the ferry dock) and at the Chiesa Nuova bus stop. For more detailed information, see our weather by month guide.
Tipping in Positano
Tipping is not expected in Italy in the same way as North America, but it’s appreciated for good service. In Positano restaurants, a coperto (cover charge) of €2 to €4 per person is automatically added to the bill and covers bread and table service. This is not a tip. For standard service, round up to the nearest €5 or €10 (a 5 to 10% tip on a €50 meal is generous). Leave cash on the table rather than adding it to a credit card slip. For porters carrying luggage up the stairs, €5 to €10 is appropriate. For taxi drivers, round up to the nearest €5. For hotel housekeeping, €2 to €3 per night left in the room.
Is Positano Safe?
Positano is very safe by any standard. Violent crime is virtually nonexistent. The main risks are practical rather than criminal: slipping on worn limestone stairs after rain, dehydration and heat exhaustion on the Path of the Gods trail (carry 1.5+ liters of water in summer), and the steep drop-offs on some upper staircases. Pickpocketing is rare compared to Naples or Rome but the SITA bus from Sorrento can get crowded enough for opportunistic theft: keep bags zipped and in front of you. The local police station (Carabinieri) is on Via Cristoforo Colombo near the upper town. Emergency number is 112 (general) or 118 (ambulance). The nearest hospital with an emergency room is in Castiglione di Ravello (Ospedale Costa d’Amalfi, 25 km east, roughly 35 minutes by car).
What to Pack for Positano
The stairs define everything about packing for Positano. Bring sturdy, comfortable shoes with good grip (not flip-flops for walking between areas). A small backpack or crossbody bag is more practical than a wheeled suitcase, which you’ll have to carry up stairs unless you hire a porter (€10 to €25). In summer (June to September), bring high-SPF sunscreen (the sun reflects off white buildings and the sea), a hat, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. A light jacket or cardigan is useful for evenings even in August, when the sea breeze can make rooftop terraces cool. In spring and autumn, pack a waterproof layer: April and October each average 76 to 130mm of rain. Mosquito repellent is recommended from May through October, especially if your accommodation is near vegetation on the upper slopes.
Currency, ATMs, and Payments
Italy uses the euro (EUR). There are two ATMs (Bancomat) in Positano: one at the Banca Monte dei Paschi di Siena on Via Pasitea near the mid-town area, and another at the post office (Poste Italiane) near the Chiesa Nuova. Both charge standard Italian bank withdrawal fees (€2 to €4 per transaction for non-Italian cards). Most hotels, mid-range restaurants, and shops accept credit cards, but several smaller restaurants, beach clubs, and the SITA bus (tickets from tabaccherie) are cash-only. Carry €50 to €100 in cash. The nearest full-service bank with currency exchange is in Sorrento (Banca Intesa Sanpaolo, Piazza Tasso).
Language and Communication
Italian is the primary language. In Positano’s hotels and restaurants, English is widely spoken at a functional to fluent level, especially in the waterfront area. In smaller family-run shops and the upper town, English coverage is spottier: learn ‘buongiorno’ (good morning/day), ‘grazie’ (thank you), ‘per favore’ (please), and ‘il conto, per favore’ (the bill, please). Mobile coverage from TIM and Vodafone is strong throughout Positano and on the Path of the Gods trail. Free WiFi is available at most hotels, cafes, and the public library near the Chiesa Nuova. EU visitors can use their domestic mobile plans at no extra charge. Non-EU visitors should buy an Italian SIM at Naples airport (TIM or Vodafone, roughly €20 for 10GB valid 30 days).
Travel Tips for Positano: Suggested Hotels in Positano
If you haven’t already chosen where to stay, here are three solid picks across luxury, mid-range, and budget tiers, each with a different location within Positano.
Le Sirenuse (Luxury)
Positano’s signature luxury hotel with 58 rooms in a cliffside 18th-century villa above the main beach. Michelin-starred restaurant, oyster bar, champagne terrace, and a small spa. Best for honeymooners and travelers celebrating a milestone. Check rates and availability
Albergo Miramare Positano (Mid-Range)
A 16-room boutique hotel in a cliffside position between the main town and Fornillo, with a breakfast terrace that delivers one of Positano’s most photographed views. Equal walking distance to both beaches. Best for couples seeking iconic views at a mid-range price. Check rates and availability
Hotel Pupetto (Budget)
The only hotel directly on Fornillo Beach, with 30 simple rooms, a wood-fired pizza terrace, and direct beach club access. Best for beach lovers on a budget who prioritize location over luxury. Check rates and availability
