Famous for its colorful buildings, world-class gelato, and stunning coastline, Positano is the jewel of the Amalfi Coast. A day trip from Rome is possible if you start early. Visiting Positano is a must for anyone in Italy, offering a perfect detour from Rome’s cultural treasures.

Here’s everything you need to know about Positano, one of the most captivating day trips from Rome.

How do you get to Positano from Rome?

Nestled on the Amalfi Coast, Positano is just over 270 kilometers from Rome. With some planning, a day trip from the capital is feasible.

By car: The journey from Rome to Positano takes just over three hours. Start on the A1 Autostrada to Naples, switch to the A3 Autostrada, then follow signs for Sorrento and the SS 163 to Positano.
By bus/public transport: A direct bus to Positano departs from Rome Tiburtina railway station daily at 7 AM from June to September, taking around four hours.
Guided tours: A guided tour offers comfortable travel to Positano, with pickups from your hotel or a central point. Tours usually stop at Pompeii and Positano, with early pickup and evening drop-off.

Itinerary

Most guided Positano day trips from Rome use an air-conditioned minivan, departing around 7 AM from a central location. The first stop is at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Pompeii, where you'll have two hours to explore the ancient ruins. Then, in Positano, you'll have two hours to enjoy lunch and the scenic village.

Lastly, enjoy a scenic bus tour of the Amalfi Coast, famed for its stunning views. The 13-hour Positano day trip from Rome concludes with drop-off at your meeting point.

Our selection of the best tours

Day trip to Pompeii, Amalfi Coast and Positano

Skip-the-Line ticket + expert guide at Pompeii
Roundtrip transport from Rome in air-conditioned bus
Price: From €139
Duration: 13 hours

Small Group Pompeii Positano & Amalfi + Boat Ride

2-hour Tour of Pompeii with our Art Historian and Archeologist guide
Boat ride between Amalfi and Positano
Price: From €319
Duration: 12 hours

Guided Tour to Pompeii, Amalfi Coast & Sorrento Peninsula

Visit Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Experience the breathtaking beauty of the Amalfi Coast
Price: From €124
Duration: 12 - 13 hours

More tours

Guided tours to Positano from Rome

Guided tours are the most popular way to explore Positano. You’ll board an air-conditioned coach which will take you to the world-famous ruins of Pompeii. It includes a guided tour of the town that’s been frozen in time. You’ll have free time in Positano during the summer season or Amalfi between November and March.

Semi-private guided tour to Positano from Rome

With a semi-private tour, you can expect no more than eight people to join you on your Positano day tour from Rome. Alongside stop-offs at both Pompeii and Positano, lunch is also included at a charming local restaurant. The lunchtime views stretch out over the Bay of Naples, as well as Sorrento.

Private tour to Positano from Rome

Those choosing a private tour will benefit from the full attention of their own knowledgeable guide at Pompeii and a flexible itinerary for the day. With an English-speaking driver and an air-conditioned minivan, it’s the most comfortable way to travel on your Positano journey.

Boat tour to Positano from Rome

After a quick dash between Rome and Naples by high-speed train, you’ll hop aboard your boat and set sail for the Amalfi Coast. On a boat tour from Rome to Positano, you’ll see several sites that other day-trippers miss, such as Marina Grande.

Prices

A full day group tour to Positano from Rome with by coach starts at €140 per person, while semi-private tours by minivan of just seven or eight people range upwards from €270 per person which includes lunch.

Private day tours to Positano prices start at around €400 per person, which includes an English-speaking driver and faster travel time. Boat tours to Positano cost around €300 per person for a group of two people, and include high-speed train ride in Rome, as well as snacks.

Highlights

Fornillo Beach

Fornillo is the second largest beach in Positano after Spiaggia Grande. The 300-meter beach can be reached by foot from Spiaggia Grande. The distinctive feature of Fornillo Beach is the two ancient watchtowers that are positioned on either end of the beach.

Path Of Gods

If it’s nature you’re seeking on your Positano day tour from Rome, the Path of Gods' scenic trail is around 8 kilometers long. The hike offers outstanding views of the rugged coastline and passes through historic towns.

Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta

The Church of Santa Maria is located in the heart of Positano and is free to enter. You can light a candle as you enter the church, and for €2, you can get a souvenir coin to commemorate your trip.

Spiaggia Grande

Photography lovers will want to head to Spiaggia Grande on their Positano excursion to capture the most famous shot on the Amalfi Coast. This is the largest and most popular beach in Positano. You can also rent sunbeds on the beach for between €20 and €25 per day.

Best time to visit

The promise of sunshine drives tourists in the thousands to the town during the summer. Instead, consider visiting in the shoulder months of May and September, when prices are lower, temperatures are balmy and tourists are gone.

Positano becomes a ghost town during the winter months. Despite the mild temperatures (for Europe) that range between 5 and 12 degrees Celsius, almost everything from restaurants to hotels is closed during January and February.

Travel tips

If you're driving from Rome to Positano, consider stopping at the Abbey of Monte Cassino, which is handily placed almost exactly halfway between Rome and Positano, and is the perfect place to stretch your legs.
The south coast of Italy can reach highs of 34 degrees Celsius in the summer months, so make sure you’re well prepared for your Positano jaunt with sunscreen, water and a sunhat.
If you want to explore the sites of Positano and are heading there by guided tour, consider packing food to take along. Otherwise, your limited two hours in the town will be taken up by ordering lunch.

Tours to Positano from other cities

Other day trips from Rome

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Day trips to Tivoli from Rome
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Day trips to Florence from Rome
Vesuvius day trips from Rome
Day tours to Tuscany from Rome
Capri island day trips from Rome

Positano: Day Trips and Tours from Rome