Exploring The Amalfi Coast: Which Airport To Choose?

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Italy, but it can be a little tricky to get to. The closest international airport is Naples, which is about a 1-1.5 hour trip to Sorrento or Positano by car or hydrofoil, and 2 hours by public transport. From Naples, you can also take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, Salerno or Vietri sul Mare, and then take a Sita bus to the nearest Amalfi town. However, there is no direct public transportation between Naples and Positano. Alternatively, you could fly into Rome and then take the train to Salerno, before getting a shuttle to your final destination on the coast. If you don't want to rent a car, most hotels offer a shuttle service from Naples or Rome airports. In July 2024, the Salerno-Costa d’Amalfi Airport, situated 45km from Amalfi and 21km from Salerno, resumed scheduled passenger flights. However, it initially served short flights exclusively from within Europe.

The closest international airport to the Almafi Coast is Naples Airport

The closest international airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples Airport, also known as Naples Capodichino Airport. It is located 30.3 miles from Salerno, which is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast. From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento, Salerno, or Vietri sul Mare, and then take a Sita bus to the nearest Amalfi town. The bus and train from Naples to Salerno take around two hours. Alternatively, you can rent a car directly at Naples Capodichino Airport and drive to the Amalfi Coast.

There are plans to develop the Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport, also known as Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport, into a fully operational airport by 2026 or 2027. The airport resumed scheduled passenger flights in July 2024, with easyJet and Volotea offering new domestic and international routes. It is expected that the airport will have 8 parking spaces for aircraft and a new general aviation terminal.

If you are looking for a more scenic route, you can take the train from Fiumicino-Rome to Salerno and then travel to your final destination on the Amalfi Coast. This option may be more suitable if you are trying to reach the southern part of the Amalfi Coast, as it can take up to 30 minutes less. Some hotels on the Amalfi Coast offer shuttle services from Fiumicino.

The Amalfi Coast is known for its scenic coastal highway, which offers breathtaking views as you drive along the sky-high, cliffside roads. However, driving long distances in the heat may be uncomfortable for some. Therefore, it is recommended to consider alternative transportation methods or renting a car with air conditioning.

Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport is another option, but it is a military airport

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Italy, and while it has long been a popular tourist destination, it has not had its own airport. The closest international airport is Naples, about an hour to an hour and a half away from Positano or Amalfi by car or hydrofoil, and two hours by public transport.

However, in July 2024, the Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport (also known as Salerno-Pontecagnano Airport) resumed scheduled passenger flights. The airport is 45 kilometres from Amalfi and 21 kilometres from Salerno. It initially served short-haul flights from within Europe, with easyJet and Volotea offering new domestic and international routes. The runway was extended to 2,000 metres to accommodate large passenger aircraft, and the airport was upgraded with four check-in desks, two boarding areas, new luggage belts, and waiting rooms.

Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport is another option for travellers to the Amalfi Coast, but it is a military airport. It was founded by the Aeronautica Militare, Italy's Air Force, in 1926, and a flight training facility was in operation from 1933 to 1943. The airport is set to undergo further development, with a new terminal, a longer runway, more parking spaces, and a new general aviation terminal planned. The airport is expected to be in full operation by 2026 or 2027.

While the opening of the Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport provides another travel option for visitors to the Amalfi Coast, it is important to note that it is a military facility with a smaller capacity than a typical commercial airport. Travellers should also be aware that the airport may have different security protocols and procedures than a standard civilian airport.

Rome Fiumicino is approximately 400km from the Almafi Coast

The Amalfi Coast is a beautiful stretch of coastline in Italy. While it does not have its own airport, there are several airports nearby that service the region. The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Naples International Airport (NAP), which is about 30 miles from Salerno and 1 to 1.5 hours from Positano or Sorrento by car, train, or hydrofoil. From Naples, you can take a bus or train to Salerno, which takes about 2 hours, and then another bus to your final destination on the Amalfi Coast.

Alternatively, you can fly into Rome Fiumicino, which is approximately 400km from the Amalfi Coast. From there, you can take a train to Salerno and then another train to your final destination on the coast. This option may be more convenient if you are staying in the southern part of the Amalfi Coast, as the travel time is approximately 30 minutes less. Some hotels along the Amalfi Coast offer shuttle services from Rome Fiumicino, which can be a great option if renting a car is not possible or desired.

Another option is to fly into Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport (QSR), which is the closest airport to the Amalfi Coast, located just 16.7 miles away. This airport was originally a military airport but has recently been upgraded to accommodate commercial flights. The airport resumed passenger flights in July 2024 and is served by airlines such as easyJet and Volotea. The runway has been extended to accommodate large passenger aircraft, and there are plans for further development, including a new terminal and additional parking.

Finally, you can also consider flying into a further away airport and then taking a scenic drive along the coastal highway to your destination. This option may be best if you plan to explore multiple towns along the Amalfi Coast, as it allows you to take in the stunning views and experience the unique charm of each town.

Travellers can take a bus or train from Naples to the Almafi Coast

The closest airport to the Almafi Coast is Salerno (QSR) Airport, which is 16.7 miles away. However, the Naples (NAP) Airport is also a common option, as it is only 30.3 miles away from Salerno.

If you are travelling from Naples to the Almafi Coast, you can take a bus or train. The bus is often the best means of transport for getting between the Almafi Coast towns, as there is no train service between towns. The train service from Naples to the Amalfi Coast is limited to two destinations: Sorrento and Salerno.

The bus from Naples to the Almafi Coast is operated by Pintour and costs $22. It departs from Napoli - Capodichino Aeroporto station and arrives at Ravello Via Carusiello station. The journey takes 1 hour and 45 minutes and runs every 4 hours.

The cheapest way to get from Naples to the Almafi Coast is $6, and the quickest way takes 1 hour. The high-speed trains from Rome to Naples run multiple times every hour and leave you in Napoli Centrale station, about an hour away from the towns of the coast. From Naples, you can take the Circumvesuviana or Campania Express trains to Sorrento, or the Trenitalia train to Salerno. These trains depart multiple times per hour throughout the day.

It is important to note that the Almafi Coast is a very popular destination, and the entire region can get very busy from spring through fall. During the high season, hotels will sell out, and restaurants, guides, drivers, and tour operators will require reservations in advance. In the winter and early spring months, the train, bus, and ferry services are much less frequent, so it is crucial to plan ahead and check schedules and departure times.

It is possible to rent a car at Naples Capodichino Airport

The closest airport to the Amalfi Coast is Salerno-Costa d'Amalfi Airport, which is situated 45 kilometres from Amalfi and 21 kilometres from Salerno. However, as of February 2024, it only served short flights from within Europe. For this reason, many travellers opt for Naples Capodichino Airport, which is 30.3 miles away from Salerno.

When renting a car at Naples Airport, you will need to provide your full valid driver's license, which you have had for at least one year, as well as a secondary form of photo identification (such as your passport) and a credit card in your name. Most companies in Italy will have a minimum age requirement of 21, though some companies will rent to drivers as young as 18 with an additional young driver fee. It is also worth noting that some companies will not rent to Americans with American driver's licenses.

The returns process for your car hire at Naples Airport will vary between companies, but as most of the main offices are located together in the area, the process is likely to be much the same. Naples Airport sees its busiest times during the week, so you may find the process to be slightly faster during the weekend.

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