Should I rent a car instead?

No, unless you're very comfortable with narrow mountain roads, aggressive Italian drivers, and parallel parking on cliffs. The coastal road SS163 is famously difficult. Parking in Amalfi Coast towns is scarce and expensive (€5-8/hour where it exists). Most towns are better explored on foot anyway. Train + ferry is faster and less stressful.

Can I do this as a day trip from Rome?

Technically yes, but you shouldn't. You'd spend 6-8 hours traveling for maybe 3-4 hours on the coast. If you only have one day, stay in Rome or visit somewhere closer like Tivoli. The Amalfi Coast deserves at least 2-3 nights. If you're set on a day trip, Pompeii or Naples makes more sense from Rome.

What if ferries aren't running?

November-March and during bad weather, ferries often don't operate. Your backup is the SITA bus from Salerno or Sorrento. Buses run year-round but are slower (75-90 minutes Salerno to Positano vs 35 by ferry) and the winding road can be rough. Another option is a private transfer—costs €100-150 but goes door-to-door.

Which coast town should I go to first?

Depends on where you're staying. If you're based in Positano, go there first. If you're exploring multiple towns, Salerno to Amalfi or Positano makes a logical first stop, then work your way along the coast by local ferry or bus. Don't try to 'do' the whole coast in one day—pick 1-2 towns and actually experience them.

Do I need to reserve ferry tickets in advance?

Not typically. Ferries rarely sell out except on August weekends or holidays. Buy tickets at the port ticket office 15-30 minutes before departure. If you're traveling the first or last week of ferry season (early April or late October), buy tickets as soon as you arrive at the port just to be safe.

How to Travel from Rome to Amalfi Coast

The best way to get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast is by train to either Naples or Salerno, then ferry or bus to your destination town. The entire journey takes 3-4 hours and costs €20-40 depending on your choices. Most travelers choose the Rome-Salerno-ferry route for the easiest connection.

Book your train from Rome. Trains depart from Roma Termini to either Naples or Salerno. For most Amalfi Coast destinations, Salerno is better—it's closer and has direct ferry connections. Book on Trenitalia or Italo. High-speed trains to Salerno take 2 hours 15 minutes and cost €19-35. To Naples takes 1 hour 10 minutes and costs €12-30. Book 1-2 weeks ahead for best prices.
Choose your Amalfi Coast entry point. From Salerno, ferries run to Positano (35 min), Amalfi (35 min), and other coast towns April-October. Cost is €8-14 per leg. From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento (70 min, €4.50), then ferry to coast towns. Or take SITA bus from Salerno or Sorrento along the coastal road—cheaper but slower and winding.
Time your connection. Ferry schedules are seasonal. High season (June-September) has boats every 1-2 hours. Shoulder season (April-May, October) is less frequent. November-March most ferries don't run at all. Check Travelmar or Alilauro schedules before booking your train. Leave at least 45 minutes between train arrival and ferry departure.
Buy tickets in sequence. Train tickets can be purchased in advance online. Ferry tickets can be bought at the port ticket office on the day—they rarely sell out except August weekends. If you're taking the bus instead, buy SITA bus tickets at tobacco shops (tabacchi) in Salerno or Sorrento. One-way bus is €2-4 depending on distance.
Make the journey. On the train, your ticket shows your car and seat number. Validate bus tickets in the machine when boarding. On ferries, outdoor seats fill fast—board early if you want the view. The coastal bus route is famously narrow and winding—sit on the right side heading south for sea views, but expect tight corners and slow traffic in summer.

Should I rent a car instead?: No, unless you're very comfortable with narrow mountain roads, aggressive Italian drivers, and parallel parking on cliffs. The coastal road SS163 is famously difficult. Parking in Amalfi Coast towns is scarce and expensive (€5-8/hour where it exists). Most towns are better explored on foot anyway. Train + ferry is faster and less stressful.
Can I do this as a day trip from Rome?: Technically yes, but you shouldn't. You'd spend 6-8 hours traveling for maybe 3-4 hours on the coast. If you only have one day, stay in Rome or visit somewhere closer like Tivoli. The Amalfi Coast deserves at least 2-3 nights. If you're set on a day trip, Pompeii or Naples makes more sense from Rome.
What if ferries aren't running?: November-March and during bad weather, ferries often don't operate. Your backup is the SITA bus from Salerno or Sorrento. Buses run year-round but are slower (75-90 minutes Salerno to Positano vs 35 by ferry) and the winding road can be rough. Another option is a private transfer—costs €100-150 but goes door-to-door.
Which coast town should I go to first?: Depends on where you're staying. If you're based in Positano, go there first. If you're exploring multiple towns, Salerno to Amalfi or Positano makes a logical first stop, then work your way along the coast by local ferry or bus. Don't try to 'do' the whole coast in one day—pick 1-2 towns and actually experience them.
Do I need to reserve ferry tickets in advance?: Not typically. Ferries rarely sell out except on August weekends or holidays. Buy tickets at the port ticket office 15-30 minutes before departure. If you're traveling the first or last week of ferry season (early April or late October), buy tickets as soon as you arrive at the port just to be safe.