Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast are separated by a considerable distance, and due to both geography and topography are not the easiest destinations in Italy to connect directly. Accordingly, many travelers will break up the journey with time in Rome or Naples. This 13-day itinerary brings travelers from Florence to Naples via train, with a private transfer from there to Amalfi.
However, if you're looking to go straight from Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast, your options are outlined below. Travelers can opt to drive (6-7 hours), either making the trip in one day or stopping in other cities along the way, or opt for a combination of train and bus, ferry, or private transfer. Flying between Tuscany and the Amalfi Coast is not a practical option, as there are no direct flights between regions.
By Train & Bus/Ferry/Private Transfer
Duration: 5+ hours
The Amalfi Coast cannot be accessed directly by train, but it is possible to cover the majority of the route with this comfortable mode of transportation.
Step 1: Train to Florence Santa Maria Novella
The first step is to get to Florence's Santa Maria Novella station from wherever you are in Tuscany. If you are staying outside of Florence, this usually involves taking a regional train from the nearest town with a train station, but make sure to allow plenty of connection time.
Step 2: Train to Salerno
Trenitalia high-speed trains, as well as the private Italo line, run directly between Santa Maria Novella station in Florence and Salerno. However, given that these direct connections (approximately 3.5 hours) can be infrequent, depending on when you are traveling some travelers will utilize the more frequent connection to Naples Centrale station (approximately 2.5-3 hours). From Naples, it is possible to connect to a smaller regional train to Salerno and travel onward from there, or to take a private transfer directly from Naples to the Amalfi Coast (1-1.5 hours).
Step 3: Bus, Ferry, or Private Transfer to the Amalfi Coast
After arriving in Salerno, the villages of the Amalfi Coast can be reached by either bus or private transfer (30-90 minutes). Note that the road is narrow and winding, and traffic can be heavy.
There is also the option to take the ferry, which can be a scenic alternative. Ferries run several times a day to the major Amalfi Coast villages from Salerno, taking anywhere from 30-70 minutes depending on the destination village. The bus picks up directly in front of the train station, while the ferry is a 10-15 minute walk away.
By Car
Duration: 6-7 hours
Driving from Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast takes approximately 6-7 hours. Regardless of where in Tuscany you begin, the majority of the trip will involve driving along Italy's A1 Autostrade route, which is the major toll highway connecting Milan, Florence, Rome, and Naples. Once you reach the Amalfi Coast itself, expect narrow, winding, and often congested roads.
By Plane & Bus/Private Transfer
Duration: 4-6 hours
There are no direct flights between Pisa or Florence (Tuscany's two primary airports) and Naples (the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast). To fly requires a connection in Rome and takes approximately 3.5-4 hours in total. From Naples airport, it is an additional 60-90 minutes to the villages of the Amalfi Coast by bus or private transfer.
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