How to Get from Florence to Amalfi

The distance from Florence to Amalfi is about 340 miles (550 km)—a long trip best started early in the morning, regardless of what means of travel you opt for.

The most convenient way to get from Florence to Amalfi is by a combination of train and private transfer (4.5-5 hours). Replacing the private transfer with a ferry is another convenient option that is easily accessible during the summer season (5-5.5 hours) and an experiential, scenic change from road travel.

Driving all the way between Florence and Amalfi is costly, expensive, and inconvenient but is doable if you are comfortable driving the hairpin turns and the heavy congestion once closer to the Amalfi coast (5.5 - 6 hours).

Make sure to check this seven-day Amalfi Coast itinerary that includes a sunset boat tour between Amalfi and Positano, as well as a day trip to Capri and Anacapri.

By Train and Private Transfer

Duration: 4.5 - 5 hours (more with stops and traffic)

This is the most convenient way to get from Florence to Amalfi. Take the high-speed train, run by both Italy's train operators Trenitalia and Italo, from Florence's train station Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Salerno (3 hours and 40 minutes).

Once you arrive in Salerno, arrange a private transfer for the remaining distance to get to Amalfi (1 hour). A kimkim specialist can help arrange train tickets as well as a private transfer on your behalf.

Because direct trains between Florence and Salerno are not particularly frequent, you can choose to swap out Salerno with Naples as the destination (3 hours), but keep in mind that the private transfer would be longer and, therefore, pricier with the switch. 

By Train and Ferry

Duration: 5 - 5.5 hours

This is both a convenient and affordable way to get from Florence to Amalfi.

Take Trenitalia or Italo's high-speed train to Salerno's train station. Once in Salerno, the walk from the train station to the port, Porto di Salerno, is less than 3 minutes. Both Travelmar and NLG run ferries between Salerno and Amalfi (40 minutes). Make sure to arrive on time as ferries are not particularly frequent during the day. Moreover, because the ride offers a panoramic view of the Amalfi coast, arriving even earlier gives you the chance to secure a seat on the top deck. In terms of comfort, Italian ferry services are known to be clean and prompt, and bar and toilet amenities are available on board. 

Similar to the previous option, you can swap Salerno with Naples, as both cities have ports with daily ferries to the town of Amalfi. Salerno is a favorable option as the distance between the Naples train station and its Molo Beverello port requires a taxi, whereas, in Salerno, the port is a very short walk from the station. If the Salerno train and ferry arrangement do not work with your schedule, you may decide to look into Naples.

By Car

Duration: 5.5 - 6 hours (more with stops and traffic)

This is the least convenient way to get from Florence to Amalfi. Besides the fact that the approximately 340-mile ride along the A1 is long (about 5.5. hours), the tolls are expensive, and once near the Amalfi coast, driving conditions become difficult for inexperienced drivers. If you choose this option, it is recommended that you rent the car once outside Florence to avoid the ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) that are common across Florence's city center and where you may likely pick up a hefty fine or two. See this Florence city guide for more tips on navigating the city.

Potential stops along the way include Rome for cacio e pepe. Lo'steria in the Ponte Milvio neighborhood of Rome is a restaurant well known for this classic dish. More ideas of things to do in Rome are included in this Ultimate Guide to Rome. Other stops could include Naples or Pompeii, though it is recommended that you make your way directly to Amalfi before sunset when driving those narrow hairpin turns becomes increasingly difficult.