EdEdwards

I've read previous posts debating whether to take the bus versus a relatively expensive "driver," but I'm not clear how this might differ from simply hiring a taxi for the route from Sorrento. I gather that these drivers offer some guidance and wait while you take stops, while a taxi might simply want to make the best time possible by going straight through?

We will have only one day, based in Sorrento, to see the AC. I understand that the bus may be awfully crowded, while most people would recommend against renting a car (which would ordinarily be my solution, because I don't mind a difficult and slow drive -- all the more time to look at the view during the frequent traffic slowdowns). Parking in the various towns seems a reasonable argument against the rental car.

So, I'm wondering -- is it possible simply to pay a taxi to go from Sorrento to Positano, and then another taxi from Positano to Amalfi? And if so, would the price(s) be substantially less than the 200-300 Euro consensus for a driver for the day? We would plan to take the ferry back from Amalfi.

Thank you.

ekscrunchy

Taxis are expensive, but you probably can do better with a taxi than a private guide. I would begin by asking your hotel if they can recommend someone. (With that method, I found a driver whose rices were much lower than those charged by a driver that I had contacted in advance of my arrival) And then, once you arrive, compare that price with the ones stated by the taxi drivers you see. Much will depend on the time of the year and the state of the tourist industry at the time of your arrival.

But I would not rule out the "drivers" without investigating. Ask them what they would charge for simple transport without stops for guiding.



Also, since you are only talking about a simple trip from Sorrento to Positano and then to Amalfi, I would not rule out the bus, especially if you can get an early start in the morning.

mimipam

We used a private driver - he got us a guide for Pompeii. You can find out how much this will cost you by searching the list of drivers posted on this site and emailing for a quote. Our driver gave a firm quote and we were very pleased with him. I think there may be a difference between a transfer and a guide. Ask about this. Also, your hotel may be able to give you a quote for a taxi. Then you can compare and make your decision. Personally, I would not ride the bus, but of course, others disagree. Happy travels!!!

EdEdwards

There seems to be a lot of controversy about the bus. I'm figuring that it would be very crowded in early August, with visitors from Rome as well as foreign tourists. On the other hand, another issue we fact is that there will be 4 of us, so we may not find a taxi big enough to accommodate all of us. But, based on past posts I've read, I think we'll use whatever transport we find only the one way, with a return by ferry to catch a different view of the coastline.

ira

Hi Ed,

I would take the ferry out from Sorrento to Positano and then on to Amalfi, and return by SITA bus.

There are fewer ferries than buses, so you will want to plan your stop in Positano around the ferry schedule.

Both you and the bus will start from Amalfi, so you will be more likely to get a window seat on the bus. Sit on the driver's side.

Coming back along the Coast Road at night is quite lovely, especially if the moon is full.

Enjoy your visit.

bobthenavigator

I recently compared prices and found them to be similar between taxis and drivers. The drivers had better vehicles and spoke good English. I used 2 private drivers last week and was pleased. The SITA busses will be packed in August. The best answer is likely to be a combo of ferry, SITA and driver. It will call for good planning.

ekscrunchy

I can't imagine why someone would need a combination of ferry, bus, AND private driver to travel from Sorrento to Amalfi with a stop in Positano.

I also do not think it takes loads of planning to use a bus/ferry combination. Or to use a driver.

Again, ask your hotel for a price guideline for the transport without guiding services. Use that as a baseline.

bobthenavigator

I was speaking in general about transport on the AC, not just a one day excursion.

EdEdwards

ira, what an interesting idea -- to turn the trip around and plan to come back from Amalfi on the bus, later in the day. I was figuring that, were we to do the bus one way, we would go to the SITA station in Sorrento bright and early to try to be first on line. The bus leaves from the train station, I think. Does anyone happen to know the time the first bus leaves? And do you think we could be more certain of getting on -- and getting the correct side of the bus -- if we take it back from Amalfi instead? Thanks very much.

Sea_Marks

For the bus from Amalfi to Sorrento -- just be forewarned that the SITA buses are likely to be packed. We were there last May, and getting onto a bus from Amalfi to Praiano was always an adventure, and sometimes absolutely chaotic!

SeaUrchin

Go to Tasso Square in Sorrento and find a taxi driver you can have a rapport with and ask the price. They can set any price. Ask a few and get the best for yourself. They can stop when and where you want along the way. You can have him/her take you up to Ravello and then you can bus back. On the bus you are above the railing so you get views down to the sea easily.

Also if you bus to Amalfi you may find a taxi driver who just let off a fare and needs to drive back to Sorrento anyway so you may be able to find a good deal for yourself.

There are no set prices for the taxis but the people who describe themselves as solely drivers may be higher.

EdEdwards

Thanks for the advice. It sounds like the bus back from Amalfi may not be a very safe bet, and it could be better just to get to the Sorrento bus terminal very early. Then, we can either find a cheap taxi back from Amalfi, or take a ferry.

montanabrit

If you only have 1 day, and don't want to waste time waiting for buses/ferries/taxis etc. - take the plunge - have a glorious full day - get a driver, and you and your party just relax and enjoy a day to remember! I just returned from a cruise, where our last stop was Naples. I had spent months in preparation checking hundreds of websites for tour operators, and this choice was the best tour EVER! Positano/ Amalfi and Ravello with free time in all towns- all too beautiful for words.The drivers name is Giuseppe his Co. Sorrentotopcar.com - check his website - email [email protected] . He is an excellent driver, - stops for photo opps. if you wish - is extremely knowledgable - friendly - considerate - speaks good English and is funny. He charges 300 euros for 2 people, 350 for 4 and 400 for 6. He has airconditioned Mercedes sedan and airconditioned Mercedes van.(Viano) There were 6 of us in the van and we were all extremely comfortable. Positano is truly beautiful, but buses and trailers etc. cannot go into town, there isn't room to turn around and there is no parking. Even the inhabitants have to leave their cars parked along the highway, so driving your own car could be a nightmare in Aug. I had asked Giuseppe to take us to a restaurant where the locals eat and he came up with a winner! The food was homemade, fantastic, very reasonable, and the hosts were so welcoming and gracious. Even gave us all a "limoncello" sample. The location and view were awesome. Ive been a world traveller for more years than I care to remember, but this day will live in my memory. The four extra passengers we picked up at the last minute still haven't stopped thanking me, and of course, 400 euros divided by 6 people made it a super bargain!! Giuseppe is located in Sorrento, so it would be convenient for you. If you choose this driver and tour, and your day is only half as beautiful as the one we had, you will not regret it. Have a wonderful day on the Amalfi Coast.
Montanabrit.

Marionfb

+Montanabrit, where was the "local restaurant" located? What town? And what was the name of the restaurant? We are going there in a few weeks and we don't want a "touristy restaurant". Thanks!

Mimar

There's an alternative to drivers, taxis and the SITA bus. Well, in high season there are boats also. But I was thinking of a one-day guided bus tour from Sorrento. We took one, and it included some time on a boat also. This will cost more than the SITA bus but less than a driver or taxi. You won't have to stand and you'll get some information about what you're seeing. We arranged the tour through our hotel.

EdEdwards

Mimar, do you have any info on the guided bus tour? This is the first time I've heard of it. Even if we took it only in the one direction, to end up in Amalfi or Ravello, if there's a much lower price than a driver, it might be worth trying this option.

EdEdwards

Also, all -- were we to leave Sorrento at 8 or 8:30, how much time do you recommend for the drive, ending in Amalfi? I was thinking we might want the driver (or taxi, etc.) to take us one way, allow us some time to walk around the gardens in Ravenna, then end by dropping us off in Amalfi. We could spend some time on our own there, get lunch on our own, and simply take the ferry back to Sorrento. Is this schedule practical, and does anyone know if the drivers (like yours, montanabrit) will do a half day instead of a full one?

ekscrunchy

My guess is that any driver will do a half day; I hired one for half a day on my last visit. His contact info is in my trip report from 2008.

Mimar

Re: bus tours of the Amalfi coast, I googled and found this: http://www.limoservicesrome.eu/AMALF...urs.htm#LUXURY COACH TOURS. They have a one day trip from Sorrento to Positano, Ravello and Amalfi. I know absolutely nothing about this outfit. But I would guess there are more such tours. Ask your hotel or at the tourist information office.

Weadles

Hi Eddewards,

The drive from Sorrento to Amalfi is only about 45 minutes,depending on summer traffic.You say that you're going to get an early start,so it really shouldn't be too bad.

Most of the drivers we've been in touch with, will do a half day tour,if that's what you really want. But you could also consider taking the boat from Sorrento to Amalfi,which is a beautiful ride with great scenery( and no hair raising breakfast losing twists and turns!!) for very little money.

You can then take the bus from Amalfi to Ravello to visit the famous gardens.Then either grab a cab from Ravello to Positano, or bus back to Amalfi,and take a short boat ride to Positano for a look around town and a wonderful dinner before heading back to Sorrento.

The company that we have used many times for tours,tranfers,etc.is tourofitaly.com,but as you can see,there are lots of good,reliable drivers.

Have a great time!