We are arriving in Rome on a Sunday morning and going straight to Positano. I see there are a number of different ways to get there - train, bus, or even train-to-Naples & then boat. Does anyone have any suggestions as to which ways are better than others? thanks for your help.

We had thought to take the boat from Naples to Sorrento, but decided against it b/c of the location of the trian station vs. the boat station (they're pretty far apart). We instead took the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento, from where a bus operates that will take you to Positano. The Amalfi coast bus runs hourly during the tourist season.

Quite honestly, if you can afford to, I would hire a driver for this trip, esp. if you're coming from the States. It's about a three-hour drive from Rome. We did this trip in reverse ( Positano to ROme) two years ago. I can recommend a wonderful driver if you decide to do it that way. Just e-mail. Good luck.

Your best bet might be to take a train direct to Salerno, then a boat to Positano (stopping briefly in Amalfi). You must walk about 600 yards from the Salerno train station to the boat dock off of Piazza della Concordia. There are more boats from Salerno to Positano than from Naples-Mergellina Dock.

You didn't say when you're going. The boats are only really an option in summer - otherwise you need to check the weather carefully. The most direct route is by bus from Sorrento, but a train from Roma to Salerno, then a bus is probably easier.

We had this problem as well when we went in October for our honeymoon. We had always planned on renting a car, but after doing a bit more research, decided against it. Our awesome hotel arranged a car to pick us up at the naples train station and took us right to our hotel. The driver spoke english, gave us a tour along the way and even stopped to take pictures of us as we admired the view! The cost was E100 and if you ask my husband, it was the best money we spent! I still have the card (high hopes to return soon!) and the email address is [email protected]. The web site is www.positanocarservice.com. Best of luck! Travel safe-email me for any questions.

Depending upon how much luggage you have, I would say either take the train or get a car and driver to take you from Rome to Positano. The car service mentioned above can arrange a car and driver for you in Rome. I used them several times and found them to be excellent.<BR><BR>As you will be jet lagged and with baggage, I would also vote for the car from Rome. If you haven't been to Rome airport before, you will need to figure out how to get to Rome train station, then get tickets for the train, then lug all your luggage up onto the train (several steps). All this with a few hours sleep. You can always take the train back from Naples to Rome at the end of your trip if you want the train experience.<BR><BR>I think the train boat option would really not be enjoyable with luggage and jet lag. Save the boat trips for when you want to sightsee around.<BR><BR>You did not mention what month you are going. Hopefully it is not between now and April when many hotels and most good restaurants are closed.<BR><BR>My completely unsolicited advice is to stay in Rome for a few days, and then go down the coast to relax after you have adjusted to time change and Italy.<BR><BR>Hope this is helpful<BR>

I agree. I would hang in Roma for a day or two. Flying over, taking the train to termini in Roma, then another train to Naples, then another train to Sorrento followed by a bus to Positano just might be a bit much, and this is probly the best, and least painful way to get there.

We arrived in Rome on Saturday night, stayed over and did Mass at St. Peters in the AM and the Colosseum in the PM (yes, it's open on Sundays).<BR><BR>Then on Monday: subway to Termini train station, noon train to Salerno, then SITA bus to Amalfi (which continues up to Positano). Very peaceful, comfortable and inexpensive trip.