I recall that the last time we went from Naples to Positano we felt we needed to go by hired van or car because train connections were impossible or at least difficult. Was I correct? Are there better ways to connect? Hydrofoil or Ferry from Naples to Ischia and then from Ischia to Positano? Is there a boat from Positano to Salerno where we could pick up a car to drive north after being in Positano? What's your experience/info on best way to make connections between Naples/Rome and Positano/Ischia and Capri. Thanks for any help you can provide.

From Naples to Positano, take the direct hydrofoil from either Mergellina or Beverello (summer only, infrequent service in 45 mins.); OR take the half-hourly Circumvesuviana Railway (65 mins.) to Sorrento and then the hourly blue SITA bus to Positano (45 mins.)<BR><BR>From Rome to Positano, take the regular train (ES or IC) to Salerno (2.5 hrs.), then the ferry to Positano, which stops briefly in Amalfi (service every two hours on average, one hour journey); OR take the hourly SITA bus from the Salerno train station to Amalfi (70 mins.), and transfer in Amalfi to another SITA bus to Positano (45 mins.)

Julie,<BR><BR>Two visits to Positano and on both occassions, I opted for taking ES train to Naples, Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, then SITA bus to Positano. It was an economical choice. I'd characterize this manner of getting there from Rome as a &quot;grand schlep&quot;. The bus ride from Sorrento to Positano does offer an incredible view as you climb, up, up, and around the curvy road --- sit on right side of the bus for this breathtaking experience.<BR><BR>From other comments that I've read on this site, your a good choice is to get to Salerno (whether it be by train or car) and then take the ferry from Salerno to Positano.

Julie - I like the Salerno route if the BOATS are running. But Salerno-Positano by bus takes twice as long (-more in summer), so it's a slow option.<BR><BR>If coming from Rome, there is also a Rome-Positano bus service (MAROZZI) June-Sept.<BR>It leaves Rome Tiburtina Station 07.00 a.m<BR>Fare is approx EURO 18.00<BR><BR>Steve

Thanks everyone. I sure like the idea of connecting through Salerno. Means we could drive there rather than train. This board is so helpful, and especially so for items like this that you can almost never find in guidebooks.

Julie - If you are arriving by ferry with luggage, unless you are staying near the quay/beach you may want to pre-book a porter service (- as there is no road/taxi access to the quay).<BR><BR><BR><BR>