MHolloway

Hello Fodors Community!

My husband and I are finalizing some plans for our September 2015 trip (first!) trip to Italy. During a portion of our trip we plan to take the train from Florence to Salerno and then ferry to Positano. Checking the current schedules on .italio there is a train at 7:33am arriving 10:54am and then a ferry at 11:40am. (I understand this may change since we cannot book dates this far out). Is this route the best option? About how long does it take to walk from the Salerno station to the ferry dock? About how long is the ferry from the Salerno dock to Positano? Once the ferry gets to Positano, where do you get dropped off?

Thank you for all your help!

kja

The train station and ferry dock in Salerno are close enough that I would think you would easily make that connection if your train arrives on time -- it's just a short, flat walk. Of course, if you are loaded down with luggage, that would complicate things. ;-)

I'm not sure about the Positano end, but any good guidebook should have that information. You might want to check out the Rough Guide, which has excellent maps and does a great job of covering transportation (and other) issues.

Enjoy!

Blueeyedcod

The dock in Positano is on the northern end of Spiaggia Grande. Where is your hotel? How much luggage will you have?

Arriving by water is a beautiful way to travel but if you're weighed down by large bags it becomes an issue once you're at Positano. There are porters (i.e. a motorbike with a trailer) who will take your luggage to your hotel for around 10 euro per bag. Yes expensive, but if you're high in the village - such as at Hotel Eden Roc - then you'll happily pay the 10 rather than hike all that way with your bags.

Ilariatheguide

Right, a short distance from Salerno train station and the harbour. The trip takes about 1.30 minutes because the hydrofoil stops to Amalfi first. In Positano you'll drop off in the center, just by the shore.Check the address of your hotel.I know Positano very well, I'll tell you if you need a porter or not.
Ciao!

Ilariatheguide

Right, a short distance from Salerno train station and the harbour. The trip takes about 1.30 minutes because the hydrofoil stops to Amalfi first. In Positano you'll drop off in the center, just by the shore.Check the address of your hotel.I know Positano very well, I'll tell you if you need a porter or not.
Ciao!

MHolloway

Thank you all! Sounds like we shouldn't have a problem getting the ferry if this schedules stays as is.

ilariatheguide - we are staying on Via C. Colombo, 135. Please let me know your advice once we get off the ferry. We are in our late 20s and pretty fit. We wil have two rolling bags. Thank you!

kybourbon

If it's possible you might need to buy that ferry ticket in advance. Ferries don't run all that often (especially to Positano) and can sell out. The problem is you can't predict the weather and if the seas are rough for any reason, ferries will not put in at Positano.

Italo allows booking through the end of their schedule so if they already have Sept. loaded, you should be able to book it. If not, the minute they load summer schedules you will be able to book through Dec (2nd weekend). Trenitalia only allows booking 120 days in advance. To get an idea of both companies schedules, just pick a date before the 2nd weekend in June (pick the same day of week you plan to travel). Their schedules won't change much (if at all) from current schedules.

Ilariatheguide

Ok, if you don't mind to walk as you dock you'll see some restaurants on the right. follow that way until Buca di Bacco restaurant. Follow the only narrow street just by the restaurant. There are some steps (this is the characteristic of Positano). Walk for 10 minutes until you reach la Zagara cafè. In front of it there's a staircase a little steep. At the end of it 70-80 meters on the left you'll find the hotel. 15 minute walk from the harbour. The problem is that is steep and totally there are 100 steps

MHolloway

Thank you for the detailed route. I will look into it but think we should be OK to walk. Thanks again!

WWK

It's going to be difficult to lug bags through that part of Positano even though it's only 15 min from the dock. I'd opt for the porter. Well worth the money in this case!!

EYWandBTV

We did roughly your itinerary last June--Rome, Naples, Salerno, ferry to Amalfi. This way you avoid the heavy flow of visitors going south from Sorrento. See my trip report from June 2014. The ferry ride gives you a beautiful view of the coast.

MHolloway

WWK -thank you for the advice. About how much is the porter and where do we pick them up?

EWandBTV - WOW what a wonderful trip report. I loved reading everything. Thank you for the advice!