How to Get from Amalfi to Rome

The best way to get from Amalfi to Rome is via a combination of ferry and train. Start with a super scenic ferry ride from Amalfi to Salerno, followed by a high-speed train to Rome. For seasick-prone travelers, a combination of bus and train is almost as convenient.

Those interested in driving a rental car should consider Amalfi's winding roads and the restricted driving/parking in city center zones in Naples and Rome. Because the drive is over three hours, making the entire journey by private transfer is a pricy option. However, it is possible to book a driver for the first segment of the trip, from Amalfi to Naples, and take the train the rest of the way.

Explore this 15-day itinerary across the Amalfi Coast, Naples, and Rome that features a Tour of Galleria Borghese, a Food Tour of Monti—and plenty of cappuccino stops along the way.

By Ferry & Train

Duration: 2.5 - 4.5 hours

This is the most convenient and scenic option for getting from Amalfi to Rome. While the trip requires you to carry your luggage from one point to the next, the 35-minute ferry ride provides lovely views of the famous Amalfi coastline. The service runs about 10 times a day between ferry operators Travelmar and NLG; pre-booking is recommended.

Disembark at Salerno—you'll be dropped off at Piazza della Concordia right across from the train station. Once there, take one of the frequent high-speed trains run by Italo or Trenitalia to Rome (2 hours). You can also opt to take a slower Trenitalia intercity train from Salerno to Rome, though it's a 4-hour ride and only slightly cheaper.

By Bus & Train

Duration: 3.5 - 4.5 hours

For travelers who aren't fond of ferries, this option is similarly convenient.

Italo, one of Italy's two main train operators, offers a bus/train combo in a single ticket exclusively during the summer season. As part of this package, the Italobus (1.5 hours) runs twice a day between Amalfi to Salerno with stops across other Amalfi Coast villages on the way, including Vietri, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, and Atrani. Once in Salerno, take Italo's high-speed train to Rome (two hours).

The bus and train combination is also doable with other operators, such as Marozzi for the bus or Trenitalia for the train, and you can opt to replace Salerno with Naples as your major train hub. Do note that Amalfi is located within a network of villages, and you won't be able to catch a bus at midnight, so you may want to get a head start on the trip as early as possible. Needless to say, you'll want a window seat for the ride.

By Rental Car

Duration: 3.5 - 4 hours

Driving from Amalfi to Rome takes about 3.5 hours, following Highway E45 for most of the way. This mode of transport is great for those who want to make stops along the way (Pompei and Mount Vesuvius require only minor detours) and is convenient for those with heavy luggage who don't want to deal with transfers. That said, driving the Amalfi Coast isn't for the faint of heart. Roads are notoriously narrow and might be uncomfortable for both inexperienced and experienced drivers.

You should also keep in mind that driving through city centers—particularly those of nearby Naples and your destination of Rome—might incur fines as most major districts have "ZTL" restricted driving zones that aren't always clearly identified nor recognized by most GPS systems. Rome isn't exactly parking-friendly, and Italy's highways are dominated by expensive tolls, which you can estimate in advance using the Autostrade per l'Italia toll calculator.

By Private Transfer

Duration: 2.5 - 3.5 hours

Booking a private transfer from Amalfi all the way to Rome (3.5 hours) is the most expensive option. That said, you can choose to book a private transfer for part of the trip, arriving in Naples (1.5 hours) and then taking one of the frequent high-speed train options the rest of the way to Rome (one hour). Some private transfer options include add-on stops in scenic towns or Pompei for an additional price.