I am planning to go to Positano on July 7. I will be flying into Rome on July 5 and staying at the Rome Hilton at the airport. I wanted to take the train from the airport to sorrento and then take the hydrofoil to positano. Is this possible ? Can I go directly from the train station at the airport to sorrento ? How long will it take me to go from Rome to Sorrento

Well you will have to go from the airport to Termini in Rome and then get the train to Naples. At Naples you would get another train to Sorrento OR get a ferry / hydrofoil from Naples to Positano. I thought I had read on this board about a bus from Rome to Positano - maybe someone will post that info. But I think Sorrento is really out of your way - you can get from Naples to Positano without going to Sorrento.

I agree. We took the train from Termini to Naples and then hired a driver to take us to Positano. Depends what you want to spend. Not sure how expensive the hydrofoil is.

We used http://www.cuomonet.it/ and were very happy with the service.

i am not sure it may not be more convenient to take a direct train from Rome to Salerno then either a hydrofoil or Amalfi Coast bus (or taxi) to Positano - no changing trains in Naples and may be just as quick? check it out

If I opted to go from Naples how long is the train ride from Rome termini to Naples

Hi RT.

I'm with Pal on this.

Shuttle train from FCO to Rome TE. Train to Salerno.

Ferry to Positano is about 3 blks from the train station, or take the SITA bus from the station to Amalfi and transfer to the bus for Sorrento.

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

The fast trains from Rome to Naples take 90 minutes or so; slower trains can take as long as 2 hours.

the transfer in Naples from the station to either ferry dock would require a bus or taxi transfer - Salerno is much much easier it looks like if going by water the final leg.

So how long by train from Rome to Salerno? then can you walk to the ferry dock in Salerno? and they run frequently to Positano?

Train to Salerno is just a tad longer than Naples - say about 2 hours or so - depending on the type of train

Ira has already kindly given you the boat schedule link and details:
For Ferry schedules Positano – Amalfi - Salerno (P.zza della Concordia):
See http://tinyurl.com/3cbhkb

RT/ Sue - Salerno-Positano works best by ferry ( 70 mins).
Bus is to be avoided as it takes much longer and requires a change

SALERNO-POSITANO ferries:

For ferry timetables see:
http://www.salernocity.com/comune/tr.../travelmar.asp

They are currently:
08.40 - 9.40 - 10.40 - 11.40 - 14.10 - 15.30
Fare: € 10,00
Journey time: 70 mins.

Ferries depart from Puiazza della Concordia jetty in Salerno
(- 5 mins walk from Salerno station).

Time your journey from Rome to coincide with one of these departures.
For train timetables see:
www.trenitalia.com

Unless you are travelling light, be aware that you may need a porter on arrival in Positano (- they are usually waiting to meet ferry arrivals).

Alternatively, if cost is not a consideration, a limo transfer from Naples to Positano costs €100-120

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Ira - Your Sant'Andrea timetable link is not valid. The best one is the one I've given.

Steve

After reading all the input I am wondering if I should just rent a car and drive - it sounds as if it would take the same amount of time to get from Rome to Positano - does anyone have any idea how long it would take driving.

You can use this site to determine the time and route:

http://www.viamichelin.com

ekscrunchy thanks for the website it looks like 3 1/2 hours and it would cost E45 plus car rental for 4 days and parking once I reach Positano - so I guess it's Salerno and pick up my car in Rome for the next part of my trip.

The Rome-Naples Train "Frecciarossa" takes one hour and 20 minutes. It costs €45.pp. From Naples train station a cab to the METRO-DEL-MARE ferry to Positano is €15.pp. The ferry is a 1 and 1/4 hr. beautiful trip along the Gulf of Naples amd the Amalfi Coast. A porter at Positano to your hotel is €6. per bag. Taxi to hotel is €15.

YOU DO NOT WANT A CAR ON THE AMALFI COAST! FERRIES; BUSES AND TAXIS WILL TAKE YOU EVERYWHERE. I have used "Walking With the Gods" for all my Amalfi Coast itineraries. They saved me a lot of time and money.

Rome-Salerno is the best bet. The train station in Salerno is three blocks from the sea, where the ferries are. The SITA bus stops just across the train station plaza.

We've taken both the ferries and the SITA bus. The ferry ride was rough, lots of seasick people on board (incl. my wife). It's probably OK if the weather is mild.

It's true that the SITA bus stops in Amalfi for transfers (one to Positano, one to Ravello). But you should see where it stops! Backs up right against the breakwater -- beautiful, with a nice gelato stand across the way. Really gets you in a relaxed mood -- relaxed enough, that is, to simply marvel at the bus drivers' skills negotiating the incredibly narrow roadways on the coast.

I would also recommend the Rome train to Salerno. We did the reverse a few years ago. Took the ferry from Positano to Salerno. Got off ferry and walked an easy 2 1/2 blocks to train station. Very easy

Hi, I see a lot of recommendations to use the ferry at Salerno. Do you know if it is year round or just in the summer? The link someone posted above: http://www.coopsantandrea.com/it/ser...ea/servizi.asp

says "servizio attivo da Aprile a Ottobre"

Thanks

Hi Amy - My guess is that it will re-start 1 April or thereabouts - Easter week.

Steve