florence to amalfi
 

Planning our first trip to Italy next September. What would be the best way to get from Florence to Amalfi. I'd like to spend a week in each spot.

by car or by train or?

By train it depends where on the amalfi you want to end up - then either take a direct train from Florence to either Naples Centrale or Salerno

From Naples Centrale the commuter CircumVesuviana train goes to Sorrento from where buses constantly go to points along the Amalfi

From Sorrento the same buses go the other way along the Amalfi to all points to Sorrento

Were you already considering renting a car? If not, then I would suspect a train is your best option. According to www.trenitalia.com it takes approx. 5 hours by train and according to www.mappy.com they say it's a little over 5 hours driving (but I bet it's more than that). You also have to factor the cost of car rental and petrol and cost of parking as well as the hassle of driving period.

Driving also involves tolls, which according to Viamichelin.com total almost 27 euros.

Driving to Campania is alright. I do not like driving south of Sorrento on the coast. Too much stress for me when I am supposed to be on vacation.

Florence to Amalfi by train goes through Rome. From Rome to Amalfi most efficient is to Salerno.

There is a video here about riding trains in Italia:

http://www.webvisionitaly.com/catego...p;ref_item=375

Once in Salerno it is quick jump to Amalfi.

Here's a nice video of Paestum, which is down that way, if you are into ruins:

http://www.webvisionitaly.com/catego...p;ref_item=201

Here's a nice video of Positano:

http://www.webvisionitaly.com/catego...p;ref_item=202

And of course I would stop in on Naples:

http://www.webvisionitaly.com/catego...p;ref_item=103

Thanks do much for the info. We're planning on having a car for Tuscany/Umbria, but didn't think we needed it in Atrani since we mostly want to stay put and relax.

Hi M,

If you will have a car when you are in Florence, I suggest driving to Salerno.

Drop the car.

Take the ferry to Amalfi.

The ferry docks are about 3 blks S of the train station.

For Ferry schedules Positano – Amalfi - Salerno (P.zza della Concordia):
See http://tinyurl.com/3cbhkb

If you don't want to drive, take the train to Salerno.

It is much easier, and just as scenic, to take the ferry than to take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, and then the SITA bus.

Also, you don't have to bother about the Amalfi Coast Road getting clogged with traffic.

Enjoy your visit.

((I))