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Amalfi Coast: Budget-Friendly Round Trip by Train & Bus
Experience the legendary Amalfi Coast – without a car, yet with all the important highlights. We have deliberately chosen the stops on this route so that you can stay in the more affordable areas of the region, with excellent infrastructure and so centrally located that you can easily discover the famous Amalfitana on day trips. From Pompeii, the island of Capri to the most famous villages of the Amalfi Coast, you can see everything.
Below you will find the complete travel plan with the most important sights that we can recommend. If you click on them on the map, you will get additional information about almost all of them, which will help you decide whether to put them on your wish list as well.
Tips for your wallet
There are 3 main factors: accommodation, dining, and transportation. We wouldn't save on attractions, because why else go on vacation? But there are some things that are free, such as simply walking through Positano, hiking on the Path of the Gods, or enjoying the great views on Capri.
Where to stay on a budget?
Avoid hotspots like Positano and Amalfi and stay in the towns of Sorrento and Maiori (or Salerno). They are located east and west of the core area of the Amalfi region and are therefore not so crowded. Especially Sorrento offers everything your heart desires as a "real" city: gastronomy, infrastructure, beaches, and sufficient hotel options.
Maiori, by the way, has the longest sandy beach in the region and is therefore ideal for sunbathing (as well as for families). Instead of Maiori, you can also look for accommodation in neighboring villages - this doesn't make a big difference for your travel planning. Just check the public transportation options.
Another option is Salerno, which is a larger city with many hotel options. However, we like to balance one larger town (Sorrento) with a smaller one to experience the best of both worlds.
Dining
The restaurants in Positano, Amalfi, and Capri are quite expensive due to their popularity. To save money, take packed lunches and water instead! Once there, you can still treat yourself to one of the extremely expensive gelatos or an Aperol with a beautiful view.
In Naples, on the other hand, it's worth visiting a good restaurant - there are many cozy restaurants and a great nightlife scene with good value for money.
Transportation
Boat trips are very nice, but more expensive than bus and train. From / To Naples you'll arrive by train, while the cheap buses take you to your day trips across the Amalfitana. But even so, we have included an enjoyable boat trip - to Capri! If you have more budget, you can also plan a trip to Positano or directly from Naples to Sorrento by ferry to avoid the crowds in the train.
To check the bus schedule go to https://www.ravello.com/sita-bus-schedule/amalfi-positano-sorrento/
Note about cars
We also have road trips by car. However, it's not particularly advisable in summer, as finding parking is stressful and the alleys are very crowded. Additionally, planning is more challenging, as since 2022, tourists are only allowed to make trips in the region with their car every other day. If you want to drive along the Amalfi Coast, it's better to rent a Vespa for a day.
Naples
Day 1: Discover Naples
After your arrival, you can easily reach the city center by bus. Let yourself be captured by the vibrant atmosphere of the city: from the historic center (UNESCO World Heritage Site) to probably the best pizza in the world. Stroll through the most important street of the old town Via dei Tribunali, visit the Napoli Sotteranea and the special alley Via Gregorio Armeno. (For detailed information & restaurant recommendations, read our city guide to Naples.)
Day 2: Pompeii & Vesuvius
An adventure awaits in the early morning. Take the suburban train line Circumvesuviana for a short ride to Ercolano Scavi. At the station, a shuttle bus is already waiting to drive you up to Vesuvius in serpentines. Once at the top: With sturdy footwear, the short ascent to the crater rim begins! You'll be rewarded with a unique view over the Bay of Naples.
Back in Ercolano, the train takes you directly to Pompeii. In the afternoon, the ruins are often less crowded and appear even more impressive. Walk through the amazingly well-preserved streets, villas, and the amphitheater and experience Roman history up close.
Note on Duration
Naples is so big that you could easily add another day, but since you're here to get to the sea, we've only planned half a day for a quick taste.
9 attractions
Sorrento
Day 3: Arrival with the Circumvesuviana
Hop on the Circumvesuviana from Naples to Sorrento and experience one of the most beautiful, albeit completely overcrowded, train journeys in Italy in about an hour. Once arrived, Sorrento beckons with its spectacular cliffs and cozy alleys. It's quieter than the hotspots yet close enough to explore everything.
Tips: Avoid the expensive restaurants on the piazza in Sorrento – on Corso Italia you'll find great pizzerias at fair prices.
Day 4: Day Trip to Positano
The picturesque coastal village with its colorful houses, small boutiques, and turquoise water is considered the most beautiful spot on the entire Amalfi Coast. From Sorrento, you can reach Positano by bus in about an hour. Enjoy the day at the beach or explore the small cafés and shops.
Day 5: Day Trip to Capri
Head to the port of Sorrento early and take the ferry to Capri. The journey itself offers breathtaking views and takes about 40 minutes. On Capri, the famous Blue Grotto, the Augustus Gardens, and a cable car ride to Monte Solaro await you.
Alternative Options:
If you want to focus on the Amalfitana, you can enjoy a relaxing day close to Sorrento: head to the Bagni Regina Giovanna and go swimming.
28 attractions
Maiori
Arrival in Maiori
The journey on the legendary coastal road from Sorrento to Maiori takes you through spectacular landscapes and numerous coastal towns. The bus brings you safely to your destination in about 2 hours (depending on traffic) - ideal for enjoying the view of the steep cliffs. You can spend the rest of the day relaxing on the beach and having a cozy dinner in a trattoria.
Trip to Amalfi
From neighboring Maiori, you can easily reach Amalfi by bus in 20 minutes. Visit the cathedral, climb the many stairs up and down, and then recover with a coffee. The most beautiful spots are higher up, where you can enjoy fantastic views.
Trip to Ravello
To get up to elegant Ravello, first take the bus to Amalfi and then change. In Ravello, visit Villa Cimbrone with its famous Terrace of Infinity. The gardens of Villa Rufolo offer dreamy views over the coast and invite you to linger - a breathtaking backdrop that has inspired artists and poets.
Hiking on the Path of the Gods
The famous hike along the Amalfi Coast is both budget-friendly and offers breathtaking panoramic views. We have an entire article dedicated to this awesome day trip.
More Ideas for Excursions
Depending on how long your vacation is, you can make more trips to the somewhat less crowded places or spend more time at the beach.
Vietri sul Mare with its artistic ceramic works is less crowded and Salerno is the next larger city south of the Amalfi Coast. There you can expect a lively market, the Lungomare Trieste promenade, and an authentic Italian flair away from the tourist paths.
We have separate city guides for all these places where you can learn more. Simply enter the places in the search above or go directly to the map.
25 attractions
Naples
Return Journey
It's time to go back home! Take the bus to Salerno, from where you can get back to Naples in just 40 minutes by regional train. (Total approx. 2 hours) Try to get an afternoon or evening flight. Then you won't need an extra overnight stay in Naples.
