Both Rome and Positano are exceptionally popular tourist destinations in Italy, and the perfect combination for your Italian vacation if you want a taste of everything: the uber-historic, bustling city, and the picturesque coastal town. Italy is a fantastic place to experience rich culture, beautiful architecture, and amazing food, and these destinations offer their own take on each.
Between Rome and Positano are some exceptional sights, including the medieval Anagni Cathedral, the wondrous Pastena Caves, the breathtaking Abbey of Monte Cassino and Royal Palace of Caserta, and the infamous Pompeii and Herculaneum Archaeological sites. However, the only way to experience these while you travel from Romes to Positano is to book a private car transfer with Daytrip.
How to get from Rome to Positano
If you’re travelling from Rome to Positano, you have several travel options. For travellers on a budget, the bus is the cheapest way to travel from Rome to Positano. The fastest way to travel from Rome to Positano is by train or car. A car with a private driver is of course the best way to travel from Rome to Positano since it’s so convenient.
Update June 2022: the local government has introduced an alternating number plate system limiting the number of rental cars that can access the towns on the Amalfi Coast.
During peak hours in peak season only vehicles with number plates ending in an odd number can use the road on odd-numbered dates, while those with plates ending in an even number can drive it on even-numbered dates. These rules apply between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. from April 24 to May 2, weekends from June 15 to September 30, every day in August, and Holy Week around Easter.
These new rules mean the already crowded and somewhat complicated public transit options are going to get even more crowded, and add another layer of logistics to renting a car – you’ll need to not only get plates that line up with your arrival date, but you can’t stay for an odd number of days. If you arrive on an even date, you can only leave on an even date! Taxis and private car services are exempt from these limitations.
Rome to Positano by train
To travel from Rome to Positano by train, you need to get to the Rome Termini station and purchase a ticket to Vietri sul Mare-Amalfi, or you can buy your tickets in advance online. The earliest train is at 5:31 AM, and the last train is at 11:58 PM, with trains departing at least twice per hour. The train from Rome to Positano is operated by Trenitalia and Frecciarossa, with train tickets from Rome to Positano costing €16-47 on average for the 4 hour trip. The distance from Rome to Positano is about 274 kilometers. It’s important to note that there are no direct trains to Positano, and all trains will change in Naples, Salerno, or both. Vietri sul Mare is the closest one can get to Positano, from which you would need to take a local bus. Alternatively, you can book a train ticket from Rome Termini station to Sorrento (with a transfer in Naples), and take a car or bus from there to Positano. With the new restrictions on rental cars, expect the train and bus to sell out.
Trains have bathrooms on board, and usually offer a dining car.
| Train intervals | 2 per hour |
| First/Last Departure | 5:31 AM/11:58 PM |
| Avg. Price | €16-47 |
| Distance | ~275 km |
| Duration | ~4 hours |
| Operating Companies | Trenitalia, Frecciarossa |
Rome to Positano by bus
To travel from Rome to Positano by bus is very similar – as there are no direct public transit avenues to the town of Positano, you will need to start at Rome Tiburtina station and purchase tickets to Salerno, either Parco Pinocchio or Bar Mary stations. From there, you would need to arrange auto transport to Positano. While you can buy your ticket at the station, it’s best to purchase them in advance. The earliest bus is at 2:15 PM, and the last bus is at 8:30 PM, with 2 busses leaving every 2 hours. The bus from Rome to Positano (Salerno) is run by Leonetti Bus and Express, with bus tickets from Rome to Positano costing €14 for the 3 hour trip. The distance from Rome to Positano is about 270 kilometers. With the new restrictions on rental cars, expect the bus to sell out.
| Time intervals | Every 2 hours |
| First/Last Departure | 2:15 PM/ 8:30 PM |
| Avg. Price | €14 |
| Distance | ~270 km |
| Duration | ~3 hr |
| Operating Companies | Leonetti Bus, Express |
Rome to Positano by Private Car Transfer
For speed and convenience, a private car transfer with Daytrip is the best way to travel from Rome to Positano. Private car services like Daytrip are exempt from the new number plate restrictions, meaning you don’t have to worry about crowds and sold out tickets. You will be picked up at your accommodation, and the driver will take care of your luggage. You’ll then be able to enjoy door-to-door service to your accommodation in Positano, and can even add sightseeing stops on the way!
Would like to get an idea of cost for a private car for Oct. 18,2023 for 4 adults from Rome to Positano, Italy.
Thanks in advance for your prompt attention to this matter.
Hi Sandra,
On average, a private car service from Rome to Positano could range from 400 to 800 Euros, depending on the provider and the level of service. This price could include a professional English-speaking driver, fuel, tolls, and parking fees. Luxury or special services may cost more.
For example, booking an MPV vehicle which is suitable for 4 people with an English speaking driver on mydaytrip.com would cost 681 EUR.
It is recommended to contact service providers directly or use an online booking platform to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing. It’s also worth mentioning that public transportation options such as trains and buses are usually more economical, although they may not offer the same level of comfort and convenience.