I’ve explored countless stunning destinations but the Amalfi Coast holds a special place in my heart. This picturesque stretch of Italian coastline beckons travelers with its dramatic cliffs colorful villages and crystal-clear Mediterranean waters.
Getting to the Amalfi Coast by air requires some planning since there’s no direct airport in the region. The closest gateway is Naples International Airport (NAP) which welcomes flights from major European cities and connects to international hubs. From my experience the journey doesn’t end at the airport – it’s just the beginning of an enchanting Italian adventure that combines scenic drives stunning views and unforgettable moments along the coast.
Key Takeaways
- Naples International Airport (NAP) is the closest gateway to the Amalfi Coast, located just 60 kilometers away with a 75-minute transfer time to Positano.
- Private transfers from Naples Airport cost €120-150, while shared shuttles run every 2 hours for €25-35 per person, offering a balance between comfort and cost.
- Peak season (June-September) flights to Naples can cost 30-40% more than off-season (October-April), with best booking windows 4-6 months ahead for peak season.
- Direct flights to Naples are available from major European cities like London (2h 40m), Paris (2h 15m), and Frankfurt (2h), while U.S. travelers require connections.
- Local transportation options include the SITA bus network (€10 for 24-hour pass), seasonal ferries (€8-20), and private drivers (€200-400 for tours).
Flight To Amalfi Coast
Two major Italian airports serve as primary gateways to the Amalfi Coast, offering varying travel times and transportation options to reach this stunning destination.
Naples International Airport
Naples International Airport (NAP) stands as the closest major airport to the Amalfi Coast, located just 60 kilometers away. I’ve found the following transportation options from Naples Airport:
- Private transfers take 75 minutes to Positano, costing €120-150
- Shared shuttles run every 2 hours, priced at €25-35 per person
- Public buses (Curreri) connect to Sorrento for €10, departing hourly
- Taxi services cost approximately €100-130 to main Amalfi Coast towns
- Train combinations require reaching Naples Central Station first
- High-speed trains run to Naples every 30 minutes, taking 65 minutes
- Private transfers cost €400-450 for direct service to Amalfi Coast towns
- Shuttle services operate 3 times daily, priced at €75 per person
- Express train (Leonardo Express) links to Roma Termini in 32 minutes
- Combined train-to-bus routes take 4-5 hours total journey time
| Airport | Distance to Amalfi | Fastest Transfer Time | Average Cost (Private) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Naples (NAP) | 60 km | 75 minutes | €120-150 |
| Rome (FCO) | 275 km | 3 hours | €400-450 |
Getting From the Airport to Amalfi
Reaching Amalfi from Naples International Airport (NAP) offers multiple transportation choices that balance comfort with cost. The journey spans 60 kilometers along the scenic Campania coastline.
Private Transfer Options
I recommend pre-booking private transfers for direct door-to-door service to Amalfi. Licensed transfer companies provide:
- Mercedes E-Class sedans accommodating 3 passengers at €120
- Mercedes V-Class vans fitting 7 passengers at €150
- Meet-and-greet service at the airport arrival hall
- Fixed rates with no hidden charges
- Air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers
- Flexible pickup times aligned with flight schedules
- Alibus from Naples Airport to Naples Central Station (€5)
- Departures every 20 minutes
- Journey time: 15 minutes
- Train from Naples to Salerno (€5-12)
- Departures every 30 minutes
- Journey time: 35 minutes
- SITA bus from Salerno to Amalfi (€3)
- Departures every hour
- Journey time: 75 minutes
| Transportation Option | Duration | Cost (€) | Frequency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Transfer | 75 min | 120-150 | On demand |
| Public Transport | 125 min | 13-20 | Multiple daily |
| Shared Shuttle | 90 min | 25-35 | 4x daily |
Best Time to Book Your Flight
Flight timing plays a crucial role in securing optimal rates for travel to the Amalfi Coast. I’ve tracked flight patterns extensively to identify the most cost-effective booking windows.
Peak vs Off-Season Travel
Peak season flights to Naples International Airport (NAP) operate from June through September, with limited seat availability and premium pricing. I find October through April offers 30-40% lower airfares, plus reduced crowds at attractions. Early May and late September provide an ideal balance of pleasant weather and moderate flight costs, with temperatures averaging 20-25°C (68-77°F).
Average Flight Costs
The following table breaks down typical round-trip flight costs to Naples International Airport from major U.S. cities:
| Departure City | Peak Season (Jun-Sep) | Off Season (Oct-Apr) |
|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | $800-1,100 | $500-700 |
| Boston (BOS) | $900-1,200 | $600-800 |
| Chicago (ORD) | $1,000-1,300 | $650-850 |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | $1,200-1,500 | $700-900 |
| Miami (MIA) | $950-1,250 | $600-800 |
I recommend booking flights 4-6 months in advance for peak season travel June-September. For off-season trips October-April, booking 2-3 months ahead typically secures the best rates. Tuesday afternoons EST show consistently lower pricing for international flight searches.
Direct Flight Options From Major Cities
International flights to the Amalfi Coast land at Naples International Airport (NAP) or Rome’s Fiumicino Airport (FCO). Here’s a detailed breakdown of available flight options.
European Connections
Direct flights to Naples International Airport connect from 15 major European cities including:
- London (British Airways, easyJet): 2h 40m flight time
- Paris (Air France, Vueling): 2h 15m flight time
- Amsterdam (KLM, Transavia): 2h 30m flight time
- Munich (Lufthansa, Eurowings): 1h 45m flight time
- Frankfurt (Lufthansa, Ryanair): 2h flight time
| City | Airlines | Flight Time | Weekly Flights |
|---|---|---|---|
| London | British Airways, easyJet | 2h 40m | 28 |
| Paris | Air France, Vueling | 2h 15m | 21 |
| Amsterdam | KLM, Transavia | 2h 30m | 14 |
| Munich | Lufthansa, Eurowings | 1h 45m | 12 |
| Frankfurt | Lufthansa, Ryanair | 2h | 18 |
- New York (JFK) via Rome or London: 12-14h total journey
- Los Angeles (LAX) via Paris or Frankfurt: 15-17h total journey
- Chicago (ORD) via Munich or Amsterdam: 13-15h total journey
- Toronto (YYZ) via London or Paris: 12-14h total journey
- Dubai (DXB) via Rome: 10-12h total journey
| Origin | Connection Cities | Total Journey Time | Average Layover |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | Rome, London | 12-14h | 2h |
| Los Angeles | Paris, Frankfurt | 15-17h | 3h |
| Chicago | Munich, Amsterdam | 13-15h | 2.5h |
| Toronto | London, Paris | 12-14h | 2h |
| Dubai | Rome | 10-12h | 1.5h |
Transportation Tips Once You Arrive
Getting around the Amalfi Coast requires strategic planning due to its unique geography of winding coastal roads and steep cliffs. I’ve discovered several efficient ways to navigate this stunning region after arrival.
Navigating Local Transit
The SITA bus network connects all major towns along the Amalfi Coast with regular services running from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM. I recommend purchasing a 24-hour UNICO Costiera ticket for €10, which allows unlimited travel between Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi & Ravello. Ferries operate between coastal towns from April to October, with prices ranging from €8-20 per journey. Popular routes include:
- Depart Positano at 10:00 AM, arrive Amalfi at 10:30 AM (€12)
- Depart Amalfi at 11:00 AM, arrive Capri at 11:50 AM (€20)
- Depart Salerno at 9:30 AM, arrive Positano at 10:40 AM (€15)
Hiring Private Drivers
Private drivers offer flexibility & local expertise for exploring the coast’s hidden gems. Licensed drivers charge:
| Service Type | Duration | Cost (€) |
|---|---|---|
| Half-day tour | 4 hours | 200-250 |
| Full-day tour | 8 hours | 350-400 |
| Evening transfer | 2 hours | 120-150 |
| Airport pickup | 1.5 hours | 120-170 |
Top-rated companies include:
- Positano Drivers: English-speaking chauffeurs & Mercedes fleet
- Amalfi Car Service: 24/7 availability & fixed rates
- Ravello Limo: Luxury vehicles & customizable itineraries
Each service includes bottled water, WiFi & air conditioning. I recommend booking 2-3 weeks in advance during peak season (June-September) to secure availability.
Travel Style
Getting to the Amalfi Coast might seem complex at first but I’ve found that proper planning makes all the difference. While Naples International Airport serves as the primary gateway a range of transportation options fits every budget and travel style.
I recommend booking your flights well in advance and considering the shoulder seasons for better deals and fewer crowds. Whether you choose private transfers public transport or a combination of both the journey to this stunning coastline is absolutely worth it.
The Amalfi Coast’s charm awaits you and I’m confident these travel insights will help you start your Italian adventure on the right foot. Pack your bags and get ready for an unforgettable Mediterranean escape.