I will be staying in Napoli (Chiaia district) for 1 week in August. I am making Napoli my base to explore the beautiful Amalfi coast area and towns. After reading the Fodor posts on this topic, I wanted to know which mode of transportation would be EASIEST as I will be traveling with my 3 year old and will use a light-weight, portable stroller:

From Napoli to Sorrento, which would be better/easiest -- 1) the Circumvesuviana train OR 2) the SITA Bus OR 3) the hydrofoil? Also, are there regular ferries leaving Napoli for Amalfi, Sorrento, Positano? From Sorrento is it better to take a boat to Amalfi or a bus? How closely connected are the towns of Amalfi and Positano -- is it possible to see both in one day?

I would appreciate any help gleaned on this topic as I want to make this trip as smooth as possible. Thank you in advance!

Hi Huitres,

It is two hours on the bus from Naples to Amalfi, and you don't change buses.

Or 3 hr if you go by the scenic coast rd.

See
http://www.sita-on-line.it

It is one hour by CV train to Sorrento, and then you change for the bus to Amalfi, which takes another 1 1/2 hr.

May I ask if you have considered staying on the Amalfi Coast and visiting Naples?

Are you sure Napoli is the best choice to explore the Amalfi Coast ?

Do some research on the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Positano, Ravello, Amalfi, Atrani etc on this and other archives. Then reconsider your choice of a base for the Amalfi Coast. I visit this area often and always base in Sorrento using the CV train to get from Naples to Sorrento, the SITA buses for Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi, Ravello trips (yes you can do Positano and Amalfi in one day from Sorrento), I use the hydrofoil between Sorrento and Capri. Most of these decisions are a matter of personal preference and there is no right or wrong answer. I can only say that I would never, ever base myself in Naples if the focus of my trip was the Amalfi Coast.

Hope you have as much fun there as I have over the years.

Larry J

Huitres,
I agree with others suggesting you stay on the coast itself rather than Naples. Sorrento would be my choice with a 3 year old. A very reasonable and well situated hotel is the Lorelei. It has a restaurant on the premises.

Thank you all for your help and suggestions. I have extended my stay in Napoli to 10 days and have planned numerous day trips including visits to Vietri sul Mare, Caserta, Santa Maria Capua Vetere (old Capua) and other regions of historic interest for me. I can't wait! I will have a trip report when I return end of August.