How to Get to Sorrento from Naples: Ferry, Train, or Private Transfer? (What I Did)
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So you’re visiting Sorrento and the dreamy Amalfi Coast to fully embrace La Dolce Far Niente? Lucky you.
Staying in Sorrento is definitely a smart choice: it’s the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, and has plenty to see and do in its own right. Not to mention accommodation here tends to be a lot cheaper than in Positano or Amalfi.
The only (slightly annoying but important) thing left to figure out is how to get to Sorrento from Naples.
Don’t worry, it’s pretty easy. But with quite a few options on the table, I know it can feel a little overwhelming to know which one is actually best for you. Especially if it’s your first time making the trip.
I visited Sorrento in June 2026 with my sister, and we travelled from Sorrento to Naples by train. Looking back, I’ll admit I probably wouldn’t choose the cheapest train option again (you’ll find out exactly why in my final verdict).
Here’s a full breakdown of your three best options, from train to ferry to private transfer: what each one costs, how long it takes, and which ones I’d genuinely recommend.
How Do You Get From Naples to Sorrento?
Your journey most likely starts at Naples Airport, where most international travellers land. The Amalfi Coast is hugely popular with American visitors especially (we met quite a few during our three days in Sorrento).
If you’re flying from the US, you can usually find direct flights to Naples from New York, Atlanta, Chicago, or Philadelphia during the spring and summer months.
🛬🚇⛴️ Coming from Naples Airport? I’m currently working on a step-by-step guide to getting from Naples Airport to Napoli Centrale station and the port. Check back soon! 👀
From the airport, if you’re travelling on to Sorrento by train or ferry, you’ll first need to get to either Napoli Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi) station or the port (Molo Beverello).
Both are easily reached via the Alibus shuttle in about 15 minutes to the station, or 35 minutes to the port. The bus runs every 15-30 minutes from 5:30 AM to midnight, and a single journey costs 5€.
There are a couple of ticket machines at the airport, but if you’d rather skip waiting in line forever until everyone else has figured out how to use them, you can get your ticket in advance here.
Here’s a quick overview of your best transport options (I’ll break each one down properly just below):
Train vs. Ferry vs. Private Transfer (Naples to Sorrento)
Option | Cost 💰 | Duration ⏱️ | Best for 💁♀️ |
|---|---|---|---|
🚇 Circumvesuviana (Commuter Train) → Check the timetable | 4.60€ | ~ 70 min | Budget travellers (cheap, but crowded with no guaranteed seat) |
🚇 Campania Express (Tourist Train) → Check times & availability | 15€ | ~ 70 min | Comfort without the splurge (A/C, assigned seat, luggage space) |
⛴️ Ferry → Book your ticket | from 18€ | ~ 45 min | Scenic & faster route (though you’ll arrive in Sorrento at the bottom of a steep cliff) |
🚕 Private Transfer → Check options & prices | from 90€ | ~ 60-80 min | Long-haul flight arrivals, groups, or lots of luggage ( door-to-door convenience with A/C and views) |
🚐 Shared Shuttle → Check your options | from 25-40€ | ~ 75-90 min | More affordable comfort with all the same perks (may take a little longer depending on group size & drop-off locations) |
🚇 Naples to Sorrento by Train
Take the Alibus shuttle from the airport to Napoli Centrale station. From there, you’ve got two train options:
- Circumvesuviana (commuter train): a 1h 10min ride. It’s the cheapest option, runs frequently, but has no A/C and gets very crowded. Tip: get on at Napoli Porta Nolana instead of Napoli Centrale. It’s the starting terminus, so the train is still empty when it rolls in. We paid 4.60€ per person for a ticket, and purchased it at the physical ticket counters opposite the entrance to the underground. Check the train times here.
- Campania Express (tourist train): also around 1h 10 min, but a lot more comfortable: A/C, an assigned seat and dedicated luggage space, for 15€. This train is geared towards tourists and doesn’t run as frequently as the Circumvesuviana, so you should plan your trip accordingly.
The train station in Sorrento is very central, so arriving by train gives you the option to walk straight to your accommodation if it’s not too far. Just keep in mind the sidewalks are extremely narrow, and vespas will come this close to nearly taking you out as they race past!
🛏️🛎️ Wait, have you booked your accommodation yet? 👉 Check out my guide on where to stay in Sorrento with my top picks for historic luxury & boutique hotels, charming B&Bs, and farm stays!
⛴️ Ferry to Sorrento From Naples
The same Alibus shuttle can drop you at Naples’ port (~35 min). From there, it’s a 45-minute ferry ride to Sorrento, from 18€. Definitely the faster and more scenic option, though you’ll still get some beautiful coastal views from the train, too. Just make sure to be at the port at least 30 minutes before departure.
Keep in mind that the ferry port in Sorrento (Marina Piccola) is at the bottom of a cliff, and I don’t think you’re too keen on dragging your suitcase up those steps to Piazza Tasso at 30-something degrees!
There’s a lift up to Villa Comunale, or you can hop on a local bus (~ 1.50€) that takes you from the port into the town centre in just 6 minutes.
🚕 Naples to Sorrento by Private Transfer
If you’ve had a stressful travel day to Naples (especially if you’ve just come off a long-haul flight from the US), I honestly think a relaxed and air-conditioned private transfer from Naples to Sorrento is exactly what you secretly wish for. The last thing you’d want is to be squished into a crowded commuter train at peak times with no A/C.
Prices start from roughly 90€ per person, and the ride takes 60-80 minutes depending on traffic. You can be picked up directly from the airport, train station, or your hotel if you’re already in Naples.
If you like the sound of that, but aren’t willing to splurge that much cash before you even get to Sorrento, a shared shuttle is a great compromise. It costs around 25-40€ per person, and you still get to enjoy all the same conveniences, just with a few extra stops along the way.
FAQs: How to Get to Sorrento From Naples
My Final Verdict: The Best Way to Get from Naples to Sorrento
As you can see, you’ve got a few decent options at different price points to get to Sorrento from Naples.
Now, if I’m being completely honest with myself, I don’t think I’d take the commuter train again just to save a few bucks.
It was super crowded from the moment we got on, incredibly hot (remember, there’s no A/C!), and there was nowhere to put our suitcases. So we basically had to hold onto them the whole time to stop them from sliding around the carriage. I only had a seat for a few minutes before I jumped up to offer it to a pregnant woman — because that’s just what you do. 🤰😉
So here’s my recommendation for next time: I’d either invest 15€ and buy a ticket for the Campania Express or book a shared shuttle. That way, I’ll arrive in Sorrento waaay more relaxed and not sweaty and exhausted as last time!
I hope this guide helped you get some clarity on your options for getting from Naples to Sorrento, and which one is best for you. Let me know how your journey went, and enjoy your aperitivo when you get there! 🍹
