There’s nothing more Mediterranean than the Amalfi Coast, which is one of Italy’s most iconic destinations. Day trips from Rome to the Amalfi Coast are frequent, with thousands of tourists passing by each year. Already a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a day trip to the Amalfi Coast offers spellbinding mountains that emerge from the sea, surrounded by rich, lush woodlands.
Awe-inspiring scenery is very much on the agenda: from beautiful mountain-top houses full of colour and vibrancy to crystal clear waters and sweeping views over across the Sorrento Peninsula, the Amalfi Coast is Italy’s little slice of paradise.
How do you get from Rome to the Amalfi Coast, and how long does it take?
The Amalfi Coast is around 257km from Rome. There are several travel options, which include taking a train, car or bus.
Trains leave from Roma Termini, Rome's main station, and arrive in Naples. High-speed trains take just over an hour to cover the distance between the two cities, while regular trains take about 2 hours. Some trains also reach Salerno, which is closer to Amalfi Coast. From Naples or Salerno, you will need to take a bus, boat, private car or a tour to get to Amalfi coast. Check out Amalfi coast tours leaving from Naples or Salerno.
If you’re going by car, the route will be considerably longer - it takes just over three-and-a-half hours to get to the Amalfi Coast from Rome.
How much do day trips from Rome to the Amalfi Coast cost?
There are many different tours from Rome to the Amalfi Coast available, with lower-priced options starting at around €100.
You may travel by car, minibus or by high speed train, even though minibus is the most popular form of travel. Day trips from Rome to the Amalfi Coast tend to feature lots of opportunities, from hiking and snorkeling to enjoying the local cuisine and visiting stunning historic attractions.
Private tours are available, though these often sell out quickly as they’re very popular. They are most costly, often costing in the region of €1,000 for the entire group, which can be up to 8 people. Therefore, the price per person vary according to the number of participants.
Some tours last for three days and include sightseeing in Naples, and Pompeii as well as the Amalfi Coast. It depends on how much you want to see during your day trip, or if you decide to extend your visit for a few days.
When is the best time to visit the Amalfi Coast?
The summer and spring months are undoubtedly the best time of the year to visit the Amalfi Coast. The stunning landscapes look at their best when viewed in the presence of the beaming sun, or when they’re lit up on a warm summer's night. Try to visit between April and October, though July and August are when the Amalfi Coast is at its busiest with large tourist crowds.
What are the best things to do and see in the Amalfi Coast and around?
Amalfi
Decorated with white buildings, Amalfi is one of the most historic towns along the Amalfi Coast. It’s also the largest town and one of the most popular among tourists. There is a mixture of pebble and sandy beaches, along with plenty of history and culture to soak in. Stroll the streets and stop at a local cafe to admire the beautiful medieval buildings.
Furore
With a population of just 800, Furore is a tiny village that sits between Amalfi and Positano. Tourists flock to the area because of the Fiordo, a stretch of quaint old fisherman’s houses that provide Furore with plenty of charm. These houses sit to the side of the rocky gorge and provide true Mediterranean charm.
Valle delle Ferriere waterfalls
Hikers will delight at the exploration opportunities on offer at the Ferriere Valley. Filled with natural scenery and hiking and cycling trails, a visit here is an outdoor enthusiasts dream. Enjoy alternative viewpoints of idyllic nearby towns and admire the free-flowing waterfalls.
Grotta dello Smeraldo Cave
Known as the Emerald Cave, Grotta dello Smeraldo was named after the mesmerising green lights found inside the cave. It features a single huge chamber with a 45m by 32m lake inside. One of the most beautiful caves in the whole of Italy, the Emerald Cave is accessed via a lift and is a must-see during your day trip from Rome to the Amalfi Coast.
Sorrento
A small resort town in the northern part of the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento has been a tourist hotspot since the 19th century. There are dramatic sights and historic areas to take in, with Italian culture coming to the fore. Expect to find cobblestone streets, beautiful fishing ports, designer boutiques and restaurants during your visit to Sorrento.
Cetara
Regularly referred to as one of the most beautiful villages in Italy, Cetara is a fishing village known for its world-class restaurants. In fact, the fishing here is folklore - and it’s well worth a visit just to see the fishermen in action. Cetara isn’t as populated by tourists as many other villages along the Amalfi Coast, meaning a trip here provides a sense of everyday life on the Amalfi Coast in its purest form.
Local beaches
Mostly located off the base of the steep cliffs, the beaches of the Amalfi Coast provide a gateway to the stunning crystal-clear waters. They are typically pebble-based, small bays: Spiaggia of Marina Grande in Amalfi is one of the most famous in the area thanks to its central location.
Other historic sights
The Amalfi Coast is a hotbed of historical places that are well worth of your camera lens. Villa Rufolo is a building in the historic center of Ravello that overlooks the local cathedral square. Amalfi Cathedral is a historic cathedral in Piazza del Duomo. And the Sirenusas, also known as the Gallos, is an archipelago of little islands just off the Amalfi Coast.
What are places can be visited near Amalfi Coast?
Pompeii
Many people on one-day trips from Rome to the Amalfi Coast also visit Pompeii, the ancient Roman city in the Campania region of Italy. Step back in time and see the ruins of Pompeii for yourself. Pompeii is one of the most significant proofs of Roman civilization, and your visit here is the chance to take in all of the history on offer.
Island of Capri
One of the most popular destinations near Amalfi Coast, the island of Capri is about as picturesque as they come. The bluest of the blue sea set the tone, where steep cliffs rise and blend in with charming villas to create one of the best aesthetics in Italy. A favorite with celebrities and the super-rich, Capri is a real-life dream waiting to be discovered during your day trip from Rome.
Travel Tips
- Wear appropriate footwear as you’ll want to do plenty of walking to discover charming towns. It’s also a good idea to bring swimwear for the crystal clear waters that provide the perfect opportunity for a dip.
- If you plan to visit the Amalfi coast in summertime, book in advance, because the destination gets very busy of tourists.
- Bring your camera! The coastal landscape is breathtaking!