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How to get from Matera to Positano
There is no direct train. The most practical way is driving to Salerno (about 3 h) and then along the Amalfi Coast road (about 1 h 30–2 h), or a bus to Salerno and a ferry to Positano in summer. Allow 5–6 h by public transport.
Best option: Car. A car avoids multiple changes, though the Amalfi road is slow and parking in Positano is expensive.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| car Via Potenza and the A2 motorway to Salerno, then the Amalfi Coast road (SS163) | about 4 h 30–5 h | fuel plus tolls about €5–10 | Positano parking costs roughly €5–8 an hour; summer traffic is heavy. | |
| bus Bus Matera–Salerno or Naples (several companies), then SITA bus to Positano | about 5–6 h with changes | a few departures a day | about €25–40 in total | Check current schedules; SITA buses can be full in summer. |
| ferry From Salerno, seasonal ferries along the Amalfi Coast to Positano | about 1 h 10 from Salerno | several a day April–October | about €15–25 | A good alternative to the coastal road in summer. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- In summer, consider leaving the car in Salerno and taking the ferry.
- Positano is steep; pack light.
- Check summer traffic restrictions on the Amalfi road.
- Break the journey in Salerno or Paestum.
Common questions
Is there a direct train?
No. Matera's railway is a narrow-gauge line to Bari, not towards Naples or Salerno. The route to Positano is by road to Salerno or Naples and then by bus or ferry along the Amalfi Coast. Buses run from Matera to Salerno or Naples, where you continue by SITA bus or ferry; check current bus schedules.
How long is the drive?
About 4 hours 30 minutes to 5 hours, depending on traffic on the Amalfi Coast road. The motorway section to Salerno is fast, but the last stretch along the coast is slow and winding. Parking in Positano is limited and expensive.
Can I take a ferry to Positano?
Yes, from Salerno, Amalfi or Naples in season, roughly April to October. The ferry from Salerno takes about 1 hour 10 minutes. It is a good way to avoid the coastal road traffic in summer, but it does not run in winter.
Can I do it as a day trip?
No. With at least 4 hours 30 minutes each way, a day trip makes no sense. Plan at least one night in Positano or another Amalfi Coast town. If you are short on time, choose a base in Salerno, which has ferries and buses along the coast.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.