Rome-Positano:Car?Train?Taxi?Bus?Boat?
 

My wife and sister-in-law have made last minute plans to go to Italy in two weeks. They will be flying into Rome, spending 2 nights there. They are planning to rent a car and driving to Positano, where they will be staying for 5 nights at La Fenice. Then returning to Rome for one more night.

I'm sure that there is no perfect answer to this question, but what mode of transport have others used from Rome to Positano and back? Is there any benefit to having a car while in Positano?

Additionally, they will be most interested in hearing any Positano area restaurant recommendations.

Thanks in advance for any replies

JoeG

Joe, You do not want a car in Positano.
I would train to Salerno--see www.trenitalia.com---and either have the hotel send a private driver to get you there or take the local ferry boat.

Hi Joe,

Bob is right. The ferry ride from Salerno to Positano is beautiful.

The ferry dock is about 3 blocks SW of the main exit from the train station.

Alternatively, they could train to Naples and have a driver take them to Positano.

See my previous posting "Rome to Positano: the FAST way" in this site.

Bob and Ira,
Thanks for your always sage advice.

GAC,
I printed your thread. Thanks for your very specific info and directions.

For some reason they think they need a car. I hope this will change their minds.

Since I first posted this, they had me make reservations at Don Alfonso's and get tickets for the Ravello concert series at St. Rose Convent in Conca dei Marini.

JoeG

we hired a driver but this was very expensive. I would look at train to Salerno next time. Parking in Positano is almost non existent and deriving on the autostrada nightmarish, everyone is doing 180km plus 2 inches from your bumper

My sister-in-law seems bound and determined to rent a car in Rome and drive to and from Positano.

Her logic is that "we drove in Tuscany and Ireland." I'm thinking "Yeah and if this was Provence I would suggest driving as well." The drive itself may be an adventure but it seems like it would be a waste having the car in Positano. She's afraid that there won't be accessible public transportation and not having a car would just hold them back.

Does anyone agree with that thinking?

JoeG

Let SIL drive to Positano, it is not that bad if she has her heart set on it. One good point is that you will be able to get around later at night after the public transportation has stopped, such as from Ravello.

The only thing I would worry about is if she isn't a good driver, she has to be capable to navigate around busses and scooters, etc. on the narrow road with verrrry steep cliffs.

If you are comfortable with her driving, go for it, ask the hotel beforehand where to park, they may have valet. Not having to hire drivers (such as from D. Alfonso after late dinner) will save you money in the long run.

SeaUrchin,

Thanks for your words of encouragement. You make a good point regarding late night transportation.

I did enjoy reading your "real time" thread posted earlier this year and have passed it on for their perusal.

JoeG

Thanks, JoeG. You and your family are going to have so much fun! I think I posted some of my fav restaurants under vignettes of the trip - some title like that.

Be sure and write us a report and tell us all about it!

Hi Joe,

You will need a driver to get to Don Alfonso.

I suggest that your SIL check the cost of car rental plus parking with the cost of trains and buses to Positano plus the cost of a driver to Don Alfonso.

Ira, why wouldn't they drive over to Don Alfonso?