7-Day Amalfi Coast Itinerary Without a Car
Overview
Yes, you can spend a week on the Amalfi Coast without renting a car. A Positano base lets you alternate day trips with quieter days nearby. This plan works best when seasonal ferries run; check your actual dates before booking connections.
A car may help with remote accommodation, access needs or a wider inland itinerary. Compare the whole journey, including parking and the walk from the vehicle. Public transport still involves queues, stairs and possible disruption.
On this page
Before you start: check routes, weather and returns
Use SITA Sud's current timetables and notices for coastal buses and connections towards Ravello and Agerola. Compare the current single fares with any pass for the journeys you will actually take; two singles do not automatically make a pass worthwhile.
For coastal sailings, check Travelmar. For Positano–Capri, check the actual operator, such as Alicost or NLG. Operators, seasons and ticket conditions differ. Reserve time for queues and confirm the return before setting off.
Rough seas can cancel ferries and busy buses can be full. Keep an alternative day in the plan. Avoid making the final ferry or bus your only way to catch a flight or an important train.
Day 1: arrive and settle into Positano
Keep arrival day local. Choose the route around your airport or railway station, luggage and arrival time; Salerno versus Naples compares the gateways.
For Hostel Brikette, distinguish the Chiesa Nuova SITA stop on Via Marconi from the local Interno stop beside Tabacchi Cafiero on Viale Pasitea. The SITA stop is about 120 m from the hostel; the local-bus stop needs the walk up to Via Marconi. The entrance has stairs.
If you arrive by sea, use the luggage-aware ferry arrival route. The local Interno bus is the uphill option in that route, not a SITA bus from the dock. Confirm porter arrangements before handing over bags.
Day 2: Path of the Gods, if conditions suit
Plan the bus connections via Amalfi to Agerola/Bomerano, then the walk towards Nocelle. Treat this as an active day: carry water, food and sun protection, wear suitable footwear, and decide how to return from Nocelle before starting.
Check weather and Comune di Agerola notices for restrictions. A route guide is not confirmation that the trail is open. Swap this day with a town day if conditions or official access information are unclear.
Day 3: Amalfi and Ravello
Choose a ferry or SITA bus to Amalfi, then the bus connection to Ravello. Leave time between services and choose a small number of sights. Check admission prices separately from transport.
A ferry in one direction and bus in the other can work when both schedules fit. Check the last useful connection for each leg, rather than assuming the coastal ferry and Ravello bus connect.
Day 4: a quieter beach day
Keep Fornillo or Spiaggia Grande as a local day with no timed connection. Walking routes include steps and the return to the hostel is uphill. Public beach space is distinct from paid loungers and clubs.
Take water and sun protection. Choose a shorter walk or a town break if heat, sea conditions or the return climb make the beach plan unsuitable.
Day 5: Capri when the sea and timetable allow
Check an actual Positano–Capri sailing and return with Alicost or NLG for your date. Travelmar's coastal routes are not a substitute for confirming a Capri service. If the direct route is unavailable, compare a connection through Sorrento with choosing a different day trip.
Budget for both crossings, any landing contribution or luggage charge shown at checkout, island transport, food and optional attractions. Pick one or two areas of the island; do not make a long attraction queue part of a tight return connection.
Day 6: Praiano, with an optional east-coast extension
Take a coastal bus towards Praiano for a change of setting. Choose the stop for your actual destination: Praiano has several stops and access to the water can involve a substantial descent.
Continue towards Minori or Maiori only if the connections and return fit comfortably, checking any change in Amalfi. Compare menus locally rather than assuming a whole town is cheaper.
Day 7: a simple departure
Leave enough margin for the walk to your stop or port, luggage handling, queues and onward connections. A short local morning is easier to adjust than a final excursion.
Brikette guests can enrol in post-checkout storage through the guest app, accept the terms and leave bags free until 15:00, subject to availability. Bags not collected by 15:00 automatically move to charged porter storage. Check collection arrangements before leaving; see the luggage storage guide.
Build the budget for your chosen week
There is no single reliable weekly total for every version of this trip. Add the following for your dates and party size; keep accommodation nightly prices separate from the seven-day sightseeing plan.
Compare Positano, Sorrento and Amalfi as bases before choosing accommodation. Brikette's room comparison helps you choose a dorm; private options and selected-date prices are available in the booking journey.
| Budget item | What to include |
|---|---|
| Accommodation | Selected room or bed, number of nights, occupancy and exact rate terms |
| Buses | Singles or a valid pass for the actual route; local-bus tickets separately where required |
| Ferries | Both directions, applicable luggage charges and island contributions |
| Daily spending | Meals, water, admissions, beach services and island transport |
| Contingency | A missed connection, weather alternative or agreed transfer |
FAQs
Can I follow this itinerary in winter?
Use the bus-based parts as a starting point, then check reduced schedules and daylight. Do not assume direct Positano–Capri or other seasonal ferries run. Keep hiking conditional on official access information and weather.
What does the week cost?
Price the nights, journeys and activities you actually choose using the checklist above. Current operator and accommodation quotes are more useful than a fixed weekly total.
Is Positano suitable without taxis?
It can be, if you can manage the walking, stairs and published transport schedules. For access needs, heavy luggage or late arrival, agree assistance or a transfer before travel.
