We are planning to take a day trip from Sorrento to Positano and were thinking of taking the ferry rather than the bus. Does anyone know where you get the ferry and if it is reliable? I have read that the bus can be unreliable with the narrow roads and heavy traffic. Which ferry line do you recommend?

Bus is not unreliable at all - it may have to go slow because of traffic and schedules are adjusted to reflect that.

In any case i'd take the bus one way as it's the most thrilling bus ride you'll every take. Breathtaking - different view than boat. The road is sinuous and sheer dropoffs but buses move so slow because of congestion that it's not scary.

The boats all go from the same harbour in Sorrento. There's a row of ticket offices for the various operators who may change their schedules from day to day according to the season and the weather. These are summer excursion boats rather than regular ferry services. Basically, you need to enquire on the spot and take advantage of whatever's available.

Hi SB - I'd second Pal's suggestion. Do both

I'd recommend Sorrento-Positano by bus (- N.B. sit on the right for best views) - and ferry/ hydrofoil for the return.

Bus timetables are on:

http://www.sitabus.it/sitabus/campan...COCOSTIERA.pdf

Steve

Thanks all! If I am feeling brave that day, maybe we will try both.

ttt

would it be easier to go from Naples to Positano I only want to take the hydrofoil

If we do decide to take the ferry or excursion boat from Sorrento to Positano, does either operate throughout October? Is there easy walking access from Positano port to Positano town center? Is access to the center easier if we take the bus to the Sponda stop, rather than the ferry?

I think you overestimate the size of these places. Amalfi and Positano are small towns - more than villages, but definitely NOT cities. The only detriment is that they are almost vertical - so as soon as you get a block or two back from the water everything is uphill - VERY uphill.

Sorrento is a larger town - but the dock is not far from the town center.

Thanks, nytraveler. A previous poster has written that the Positano town center is a three minute stroll from the Sponda bus stop. May I safely assume that the town center from the Positano dock is quite a bit farther than that, and perhaps more difficult to locate?

If by Positano "town center" people are talking about the plaza in front of the church, this is only a couple of minutes uphill walk from the ferry docks..keep in mind, as NYT said above, you are talking about a small village here. There is no way that you can get lost.