I understand the SITA buses run hourly from Sorrento during the summer. We were thinking about taking the bus south and stopping in Positano and Amalfi and then returning to Sorrento from Salerno - either by bus or boat. We were planning an entire day enjoying the coast with stops along the way. Anyone try this? Any other stops you would recommend? Return by bus or boat? Thanks!

Good idea but Salerno is too far for my taste. Rather, I suggest you would much prefer Ravello as your 3rd stop. You have to change busses in Amalfi but it is quite easy. We will be doing the same thing in a month, but our base is Praiano. Ravello is my favorite single destination on the AC.

If you are interested in food, the fishing town of Cetara is an absolute must. You can stop there for lunch instead of going all the way to Salerno. Then take the bus back. I would leave Ravello for another day, if you have the time, since it is on a different bus line.

I'm mostly interested in the bus ride itself - how much can you see? Is it a good way to see the coast? I don't want to change bus lines but just head down the coast, getting off at fun and interesting places along the way. I hear the bus fills up quickly in the late afternoon/evening so we are not planning on doing any jumping off during the return to Sorrento. I hear the boat is a good way to get back also but would like to hear what others think - I'm certainly not planning on driving that crazy road but would like to get a good "overview" of the area. Thanks again!

I would take the ferry to Salerno, not back. The ferries don't run late (the latest return I see from Salerno on Metro del Mare is 5:50)and the buses run later (close to midnight in summer). Expect the buses to be very crowded all day. You might not be able to get on and have to wait for the next one.
http://www.metrodelmare.com/orari-estate

I am wondering if the ferry would be running from Sorrento to Salerno in mid October. From what I have read it seems it would be a great trip and scenery from the water. If there is no boat travelling from Sorrento to Positano, Amalfi, etc, I guess we'll just have to make do with the bus and get on and off. We have 4 nights in Sorrento so should have three good days to explore the area. Are there closures of businesses on Sunday? Also, really want to visit Ravello- how do you get there if you are on the Sita bus?

Thanks again kybourbon - Guidebook (Rick's) mentions that during the summer the northbound buses often fill up at the beginning of the trip making getting on and off during the trip north impossible - that's why I thought the boat might be better. I was just wondering if anyone had done the whole bus thing and what they thought about it. Thanks for the advice about the boat schedule - we'll have to check that out - may not be a problem if we take the very first bus south. Guidebook (Rick again) says the buses run until 22:00 in the summer so maybe bus is the way to go both ways.

>>>Also, really want to visit Ravello- how do you get there if you are on the Sita bus?<<<

Bus or ferry to Amalfi, change to bus to Ravello.

>>>I am wondering if the ferry would be running from Sorrento to Salerno in mid October.<<<

I think Metro del Mare only runs through September (reduced schedule from 9/14-9/30).