From dreamy coastal towns to charming mountainside cities, Italy has it all, and it’s all worth seeing. Plan your Italy trip by starting in Rome, the capital city, and heading south to the picturesque Amalfi Coast.
Rome is the perfect city to begin your trip, especially if you’re visiting internationally. The airport here accommodates flights from all around the world often making it the cheapest destination to fly into. And if you’re visiting Italy, you simply cannot miss the history, architecture, and food of Rome.
After you’ve spent a few days in Rome, it’s time to explore more and visit one of the most beautiful coastal regions in Italy, the Amalfi Coast. From quaint seaside towns and beautiful beaches to all things lemon and jaw dropping views, the Amalfi Coast is one of the most picturesque destinations in the world.
Below you’ll find the easiest way to get from Rome to Amalfi by train and ferry, the best Rome to Amalfi Coast itinerary, and more helpful Italy travel tips to help make the most of your time in this incredible country.
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Preparing For Your Italy Trip
Best Time to Visit Rome and Amalfi
Because Italy is such a popular destination, it’s important to think about when you are going to visit. The best time to visit Rome and the Amalfi Coast is late spring or early fall, April through May and September through October.
These months are less crowded and cooler than the summer months, June through August. It’s also generally more expensive to visit in summer (hotels hike their prices up this time of year). *Note: I visited in May and it was warm enough to swim in Amalfi.
Winter is often the cheapest season to visit because it is cold (too cold to swim in Amalfi), and many shops and restaurants also close in the winter months, December through February, along the Amalfi Coast.
However, the winter months can be the best time to visit Rome because it’s cheaper and there’s very few tourists.
Packing Tips for the Amalfi Coast and Rome
Packing for a trip can make or break it, so make sure you know what you need to bring with you to Rome and the Amalfi Coast. Check out my full Italy packing lists for summer and fall.
Below are some specifics you should bring on this Rome to Amalfi Coast trip.
Swimsuit: What’s a trip to Amalfi without a dip in the ocean
Sunscreen: Don’t let a sunburn ruin the rest of your Italy trip
Sandals: Make sure they’re fit for walking and visiting the beach. The beaches are pebbles in Amalfi and can hurt your feet. Tevas are my go-to beach sandals.
Tennis Shoes: There will be lots of walking on this trip, it’s the best way to explore charming Italian cities!
Kindle: I always recommend bringing a Kindle or a book for train rides. Or just pop your headphones in and admire the views.
Beach Bag: If you plan on having a beach day in Amalfi, some sort of beach bag will be handy to carry your towel, water bottle, sunscreen, etc. in.
Reusable Water Bottle: I recommend bringing one on every trip. It’s so important to carry water when exploring, especially on sunny days.
Hat & Sunglasses: Both important for sunny Rome and the Amalfi Coast.
Read Next: How to Become a Minimalist Packer for Travel
How to Get From Rome to Amalfi
Train from Roma Termini to Salerno
Ferry from Salerno Concordia to Amalfi
Start at Roma Termini
In Rome, head to the main train station, Roma Termini. There are ticket machines in this train station, but if you know your travel plans beforehand, I recommend buying train tickets in advance. Once you’re ready to board, you’ll scan your tickets to go through a gate onto your train platform.
Make sure you always have your tickets on you in case they need to be check or validated. Learn more about traveling by train in Italy in this guide.
Train Ride to Salerno | 2 Hours
From Roma Termini, you will take the train directly to Salerno, Italy. There are multiple stops on this train ride, so make sure you know when and where you are getting off. If you buy tickets on Trainline, it will provide a list of all the stops your train will make along with estimated arrival times.
Many trains have screens telling you what stop is next, but it’s always a good idea to know what time you should be arriving at your station so you don’t miss it. The train ride from Roma Termini to Salerno is about 2 hours.
Salerno Ferry to Amalfi | 30 Minutes
Once you arrive in Salerno, you will walk about 8 minutes or catch a taxi to the harbor to hop on a ferry to Amalfi. We took the Travelmar ferry from Salerno Concordia to Amalfi which was about 30 minutes. You can buy tickets for the ferry online or right on the dock, which is what we did; they cost about €9 per person.
There is a fairly strict schedule that the ferries follow, departing about every 40 minutes. The ticket attendant will get you on the next available ferry but be prepared to wait. There might not be a ferry right when you arrive. However, there is a nice cafe on the dock that offers coffee, snacks, and food.
Once your ferry arrives, they will clean it and start checking tickets. People line up pretty early for the ferry, so if you want to secure a rooftop seat, I recommend waiting in line early as well. We took several ferries in this area and found that there was plenty of seating on the top, but I would imagine in peak season (June through August) it’s much busier.
TIP: If you get seasick or motion sickness, make sure you have some non-drowsy dramamine (motion sickness medicine) with you. I struggle with seasickness, and I found it helps to sit on top of the ferry in the fresh air.
Arrive in Amalfi
The ferry ride is about 30 minutes from Salerno to Amalfi and it offers incredible views of the Amalfi Coast and the beautiful houses dotting the coastal mountains.
Amalfi town is a great hub for exploring the Amalfi Coast and is where many ferries depart and arrive. You can enjoy day trips from Amalfi by booking a ferry to places like Positano, Capri, and Sorrento.
There are many ferries here, as well as buses, that can transport you around this region. Amalfi is also one of the bigger cities in this part of Italy, so there are many more restaurants, shops, grocery stores, etc. here.
Rome to Amalfi Coast Map
Rome to Amalfi Coast Itinerary
Day 1: Arriving in Rome
Fly into Rome (most likely Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport or FCO)
Take the train or a taxi to Hotel Barrett and check in
Enjoy your first dinner in Italy and go for an evening stroll if you have time (I recommend heading over the River Tiber to dine in the Trastevere neighborhood as it offers many local restaurants)
Day 2: Exploring Rome
Breakfast at your hotel or head to Sant’ Eustachio Caffè (you MUST try an Italian cappuccino and pastry)
Option 1: Admire Rome’s most iconic monuments. Head to the Roman Forum and Colosseum, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain.
Option 2: Explore the Vatican including St. Peter’s Basilica and the museums (Note: If you want to visit the Sistine Chapel, make sure you secure tickets before your trip even begins.)
Enjoy yet another delicious Italian meal at Life Ristorante.
Day 3: Journey to the Amalfi Coast
After a cappuccino, go to Roma Termini (train station) to catch your train to Salerno.
Transfer from train to ferry once in Salerno. You’ll go from Salerno to Amalfi here.
Once you’ve checked into Amalfi Luxury House, enjoy a relaxing dinner in Amalfi (I recommend Ristorante L’Abside).
Day 4: Discovering Amalfi and Atrani
Breakfast in Amalfi – there are many cafes to choose from here that all serve great coffee and pastries.
Explore Amalfi town and stroll down its streets. Make sure you venture off the main street to see the most charming side of Amalfi.
Walk or take the bus to Atrani, the small town right next to Amalfi. It isn’t big at all, but it’s a must-visit. I highly recommend visiting the beach and grabbing lunch in Atrani.
After a day of exploring, enjoy dinner in Amalfi, maybe even with an ocean view.
Day 5: Day Trip to Positano
Grab a quick breakfast and then hop on the ferry to Positano for the day.
Once in Positano, wander through the charming streets and head to the beach for a relaxing afternoon.
You can either stay in Positano for dinner or head back to Amalfi, just make sure you know when the last ferry/bus is.
Day 6: Visit to Ravello
Take the bus to Ravello, one of Amalfi Coast’s mountain top destinations. This town is much higher than Amalfi and Atrani. I recommend grabbing breakfast once you’re in Ravello.
Stroll through Ravello’s streets and stop by some of the town’s best attractions: Villa Rufolo for its magnificent gardens and Duomo di Ravello for history and museum.
Grab a late lunch at Enotavola Wine Bar
Head back to Amalfi for a slow evening; grab some wine or enjoy the quiet beach.
Day 7: Return to Rome
Check off any last-minute shopping, sightseeing, or dining you want before you leave Amalfi
Catch the ferry back from Amalfi to Salerno and the train from Salerno back to Rome
Enjoy a final farewell dinner in Rome and stroll through a quaint neighborhood to end your time in Italy (and dream about returning, maybe even start planning)
More Things to Do in Rome
Want to spend more time in Rome? I don’t blame you. Check out all the must-see sights and activities in Rome as well as some adventurous options below.
More Things to Do in Amalfi
The Amalfi Coast has so much to offer, you could easily spend several days exploring this region. Here are the best things to do in Amalfi, including day trips, and below are some activities for those of you who seek more adventure!
Getting Around the Amalfi Coast
From Amalfi, you can get to the neighboring coastal towns by hopping on the SITA bus. There are buses from Amalfi to Atrani, Ravello, Maori, Sorrento and more. Make sure you buy bus tickets in advance for your SITA bus rides; many bus drivers won’t let you pay for a ticket on board.
You can buy tickets near the main ferry dock in Amalfi at the Tabacchi, which is located on the corner of the traffic circle at Piazza Flavio Gioia.
Many other “general” type stores sell SITA bus tickets in Amalfi as well as the surrounding towns; we bought some tickets in Atrani as well. They’re relatively cheap bus tickets, and this is the most convenient way to get around the Amalfi Coast, Italy.
You can also get around by ferry. This is a great option if you’re wanting to travel farther than the surrounding towns. For example, take the ferry from Amalfi town to Sorrento, Capri, Positano, etc.
Another option is to rent a car or hire a driver. This is the most expensive option, but if you’re really short on time, will allow you to see more of the Amalfi Coast. You won’t have to wait for the next bus or ferry and have more freedom when it comes to scheduling.
Make the most of your time here and check out my full guide to getting around the Amalfi Coast.
Rome to Amalfi Coast Itinerary and Transportation
Now you know how to get from Rome to Amalfi, the best way to travel around the Amalfi Coast!, and how to spend 7 days exploring two of the best destinations in Italy.
Start packing your suitcase and get ready for the trip of a lifetime. I guarantee you will find many things to enjoy on this Rome to Amalfi Coast trip.
The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful coastal region in Italy filled with charming towns, unique architecture, relaxing beaches, and delicious food. And Rome is a must-visit place offering rich history, famous monuments, a plethora of great food, and a vibrant Italian city lifestyle!
Since Amalfi has some of the best beaches in Italy, are you a relaxing or swimming kind of beach-goer? Let us know in the comments below! And check out some of the most beautiful places to visit in Italy if you have more than one week to spend here.
