Naples to Positano Train Bus Guide | Hostel Brikette 2026

Journey overview and costs

This two-leg journey is the cheapest way to reach Positano from Naples city center. Total cost is around €7.20 (train €4.60 + bus €2.60) compared to €100+ for a private transfer or €10-15 for the direct Curreri bus from Naples Airport. The Circumvesuviana train departs from Napoli Garibaldi station (beneath the main Napoli Centrale terminal) every 30 minutes during peak hours. From Sorrento, SITA buses to Positano run approximately every 40-60 minutes in summer (April-October) and every 60-90 minutes in winter (November-March). Always check current schedules at sitasudtrasporti.it as services change seasonally. Allow 3-3.5 hours total including connection time in Sorrento. This route does not cover travel from Naples Airport — see our Naples Airport bus guide for that journey.

Napoli Garibaldi station: finding the Circumvesuviana

The Circumvesuviana is a regional train network separate from Italy's national rail system (Trenitalia). If you arrive at Napoli Centrale (the main station), head downstairs following signs for 'Circumvesuviana' or 'Garibaldi Metro'. The Circumvesuviana platforms are on the lower level, accessed via escalators or stairs near the main entrance. Ticket windows and self-service machines are at platform level — buy your ticket to Sorrento before boarding (€4.60 one-way in 2026). Tickets can be purchased with cash or card from the ticket office or yellow automatic machines. Validate your ticket in the small green or yellow machines on the platform before boarding. Trains to Sorrento depart every 30 minutes during peak hours (7am-9am, 5pm-8pm) and every 60 minutes during off-peak times. Check departure boards for 'Sorrento via Pompei' — your train will stop at Pompei Scavi-Villa dei Misteri if you want to visit the ruins. Journey time is 70 minutes. Trains can be crowded, especially in summer and on weekends. There's limited luggage space, so board early if you have large bags. Seats are first-come, first-served, and you may need to stand during busy periods.

Sorrento station: buying the SITA bus ticket

When you arrive at Sorrento Circumvesuviana station, exit through the main doors and turn left. The SITA bus stop is about 50 meters away at the bottom of a short staircase. Before heading to the bus stop, you must buy your ticket — SITA buses do not sell tickets on board. Look for any nearby bar, tabacchi (tobacco shop), or newsstand displaying the SITA logo. The ticket office is often at Bar Circolo or Bar Fauno, both within 100 meters of the station exit. Ask for 'un biglietto per Positano' (a ticket to Positano). Cost is €2.60 in 2026. You can also use the EAV Campania app to buy digital tickets, but service can be unreliable. From our experience, the physical ticket is more dependable. Once you have your ticket, head to the SITA bus stop (look for the blue and white SITA sign). Buses to Positano are marked 'Amalfi via Positano' or simply 'Amalfi'. Buses depart approximately every 40-60 minutes in high season (April-October) and every 60-90 minutes in low season (November-March). Peak summer services (July-August) may run every 30 minutes. The journey to Positano takes 45-50 minutes. We recommend sitting on the right side of the bus for stunning coastal views. The road is narrow and winding — this is one of the world's most scenic bus routes. For more detail on reading the schedule and choosing your stop, see our Chiesa Nuova departures guide.

Reading the SITA bus timetable

SITA timetables can be confusing because they list every stop along the route. Here's how to read them from our hostel's experience helping guests: (1) Find the column labeled 'Sorrento' at the top — this is your departure point. (2) Scan down to find 'Positano (Chiesa Nuova)' or just 'Positano' in the left column. (3) The times listed are when the bus reaches Positano, not when it departs Sorrento. Subtract 45-50 minutes to estimate departure from Sorrento. (4) Services marked 'Festivi' run on Sundays and holidays only. Services marked 'Feriali' run Monday-Saturday. (5) Some buses skip certain stops — if you see a dash instead of a time, that bus doesn't stop there. Always check for the latest timetable at sitasudtrasporti.it or ask at the ticket office. Download a photo of the current schedule on your phone before traveling in case internet access is limited on the coast.

Getting off at Positano (Chiesa Nuova)

The bus will make several stops in Positano. The closest stop to Hostel Brikette is 'Positano (Chiesa Nuova)' — approximately 140 meters (460 feet) from our front door. This stop is announced as 'Chiesa Nuova' and is located outside Bar Internazionale, a cafe on the main coastal road (Via Pasitea). Tell the driver 'Chiesa Nuova, per favore' when you board so they know where you're getting off. Press the stop button when you see the Bar Internazionale on your right. The bus will stop directly outside. This is a roadside stop with no stairs — you exit at road level, making it easy with luggage. Do not get off at 'Positano Centro' or 'Positano Spiaggia' (the main town stops) unless you want to explore the town center first. Those stops require a steep walk uphill to reach the hostel. For more detail on buses from this stop, including services back to Sorrento and onward to Amalfi, see our Chiesa Nuova departures guide.

Walking from Chiesa Nuova stop to the hostel

After getting off the bus at Chiesa Nuova, you'll see Bar Internazionale on your right. Face uphill (away from the sea) and walk 50 meters along Via Pasitea. You'll see a small pedestrian lane on your left marked 'Via Trara Genoino'. Turn left here and walk 90 meters along this quiet lane. Hostel Brikette is on your left at number 23, marked with our sign. Total walk time is under 2 minutes. The path is flat and paved — no stairs. If you're arriving after dark, the lane is lit but bring a phone torch for extra visibility. See our Chiesa Nuova arrivals guide for photos of the walk and detailed directions.

Luggage and comfort tips

Both the Circumvesuviana train and SITA bus have limited luggage space, especially during peak season. If you're traveling with a large backpack or suitcase, board early to secure a spot near the luggage racks. On the train, luggage racks are near the doors at each end of the carriage. On the bus, there's a small luggage area at the back, but it fills quickly. Large suitcases may need to be placed in the aisle during busy periods. Keep valuables with you — petty theft can occur on crowded trains, particularly during peak tourist season. The Circumvesuviana has basic facilities (no toilets, no air conditioning on older trains). Bring water, especially in summer. The SITA bus has no toilet either, so use facilities at Sorrento station before boarding. There's a small cafe at the station with restrooms. If you have heavy bags and want to avoid the hassle, consider using our porter services for luggage transfer from the ferry dock, or check our travel help page for private transfer options.

Alternative routes and backup plans

If trains or buses are delayed, canceled, or too crowded, you have several backup options: (1) The direct Curreri bus runs from Naples city center to Positano (€10-15, 90 minutes) but schedules are limited. (2) You can take a ferry from Naples port to Positano (April-October only, €20-25, 90 minutes) — see our ferry arrivals guide. (3) Private transfers cost €100-140 but provide door-to-door service with no waiting. (4) If you miss the last bus from Sorrento (usually around 8-9pm depending on season), you can take a taxi to Positano (€80-100, 30 minutes). Always check the last bus time before leaving Naples. On Sundays and holidays, services are reduced — plan extra time and check timetables in advance.

Sample journey timings

Here's a realistic timeline for the complete journey from Naples center to Hostel Brikette: Morning departure (recommended): - 09:00 - Arrive at Napoli Garibaldi, buy ticket (15 min) - 09:15 - Board Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento - 10:25 - Arrive Sorrento, buy SITA bus ticket (15 min) - 10:40 - Board SITA bus to Positano - 11:30 - Arrive Chiesa Nuova stop, walk to hostel (5 min) - 11:35 - Check in at Hostel Brikette Total time: 2 hours 35 minutes (plus any waiting time if you miss a connection). Afternoon departure: - 14:00 - Arrive at Napoli Garibaldi - 14:15 - Board train - 15:25 - Arrive Sorrento - 15:40 - Board bus (if one departs at this time) - 16:30 - Arrive at hostel Note: Summer schedules (June-September) offer more frequent services. Winter schedules (November-March) have longer gaps between buses, so factor in potential 60-90 minute waits at Sorrento.

What to expect on the journey

The Circumvesuviana is a commuter train, not a tourist service. Expect basic conditions: hard plastic seats, no air conditioning on older trains, and crowded carriages during rush hour (7-9am, 5-8pm). In summer, the train can be very hot. Bring water and dress in layers. The train windows open, providing some ventilation, but carriages can still be uncomfortable in peak heat. Many locals stand near the doors for better airflow. The SITA bus journey is spectacular but nerve-wracking if you're not used to narrow coastal roads. Drivers are experienced and make this journey multiple times daily, but the road has tight bends and steep drops with minimal barriers. Sit on the right side for the best views of the coastline (and less exposure to the cliff edge if heights make you nervous). Both services run year-round, but winter schedules (November-March) are significantly reduced. Summer schedules (April-October) are frequent and reliable, though buses can fill up by mid-morning in peak season (July-August). If traveling in peak summer, aim for morning departures to avoid standing room only. From the hostel, we've noticed that most guests find the journey straightforward once they understand the steps. The main confusion is usually buying the bus ticket at Sorrento — just remember you can't buy on board.

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