Driving the Amalfi Coast: A Complete Guide for 2026

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The Amalfi Coast is one of the most dramatic drives in the world. The SS163 road winds along the cliffs of southern Italy for about 50 kilometres, connecting Sorrento to Salerno. You pass through fishing villages, past lemon groves, and above a sea so blue it barely looks real.

But this drive is not easy. The road is narrow, the bends are sharp, and the buses are large. If you plan to drive the Amalfi Coast yourself, you need to know what you are getting into before you arrive. This guide covers the full route, the best stops, parking, when to go, and the practical tips that make the difference between a smooth trip and a stressful one.

What Is the Amalfi Drive?

The SS163 is the main coastal road along the Amalfi Coast. It runs from Vietri sul Mare in the east to Positano in the west, with Amalfi town roughly in the middle. Most visitors enter from the Sorrento direction (from the west) or from Salerno (from the east).

The road is carved into the cliffs. On one side, the rock face rises steeply above you. On the other, there is a sheer drop to the sea. There are very few places to pull over. In summer, heavy traffic fills the road, and coaches and lorries share it with tourist cars and motorbikes.

The total drive from Sorrento to Salerno takes about two hours without stops, but most people spread it across a full day or split it between two bases.

Should You Hire a Car on the Amalfi Coast?

Hiring a car gives you real freedom on the Amalfi Coast. You can stop where you like, drive up to Ravello without a taxi fare, and reach the smaller villages that the ferries do not serve.

But there are real limits too. Parking is expensive and scarce in summer. If you arrive without a confirmed parking space, you may spend an hour circling before finding a spot. Some villages operate restricted traffic zones in summer — private cars cannot enter certain areas during peak hours.

One practical option: drive to Sorrento, park there, and take the ferry or bus for part of the route. Then drive the full coastal road on the way back, either in the early morning or late afternoon when traffic is much lighter.

If you hire a car, choose a small one. A standard European hatchback is manageable. A large SUV is difficult. Avoid campervans entirely — large vehicles are not permitted on the SS163 in peak season.

The Best Route for Driving the Amalfi Coast

Most visitors drive from west to east: Sorrento to Positano to Praiano to Amalfi to Ravello and then on to Salerno. This direction puts you on the sea side of the road for much of the journey, giving better views and making it slightly easier to pull over at the right moments.

Sorrento

Sorrento is the usual starting point. It connects by train to Naples and offers good parking options for overnight stays. Many visitors use it as a base for the whole area. From Sorrento, the SS163 begins shortly after you leave the town centre. If you are coming from Naples first, our Naples travel guide covers where to stay, what to eat, and how to get south to the coast.

Positano

Positano is the most photographed village on the coast. The houses climb the cliff in layers of white, pink, and terracotta. The main road passes above the village, and you descend by a series of narrow lanes to reach the seafront. Parking in Positano costs around €5 to €8 per hour in summer. Arrive before 9am or after 5pm to find a space without a long wait. Most visitors spend two to three hours here.

Praiano

Praiano is quieter than Positano and well worth a stop. It has a small beach, a few good restaurants, and far fewer tourists. The village sits between two headlands, and the view from the church steps is one of the finest on the coast. It is also easier to park in than most other stops — spaces exist near the church and a public car park sits on the main road.

Amalfi Town

Amalfi is the largest town on the drive and the historic capital of the old Maritime Republic of Amalfi, which once rivalled Venice and Genoa as a sea power. Park at the main car park near the tunnel entrance (around €3 per hour) and walk in. The cathedral is the centrepiece of the main square and dates from the 9th century. Take an hour to walk the backstreets, buy some limoncello, and return to the car. Amalfi works well as a lunch stop.

Ravello

Ravello does not sit on the coastal road itself. You reach it by turning uphill from Amalfi. The drive takes about 15 minutes on a steep and narrow road, but the reward is significant. Ravello sits high above the sea with sweeping views along the whole coastline. The gardens of Villa Rufolo and Villa Cimbrone are among the finest in Italy. Entry to each costs around €7. Give yourself at least two hours here.

Parking on the Amalfi Coast

Parking is one of the biggest challenges for drivers on the Amalfi Coast. Spaces are limited, prices are high in summer, and in July and August the most popular car parks fill before 9am. Here is a summary of what to expect in each location:

• Sorrento: Large car parks near the centre cost around €2 to €3 per hour. Leave your car here and take the ferry or bus to Positano to avoid the worst summer congestion.
• Positano: Very limited. The main car park costs €5 to €8 per hour. Book ahead in summer if possible. The car park at the top of the village is slightly cheaper than those lower down.
• Amalfi: The main car park sits just outside the road tunnel. Arrive early — it fills by 9am in July and August. Overflow parking is available along the road but spaces go fast.
• Ravello: A village car park operates near the main square. It is smaller than Amalfi’s but rarely as pressured, since Ravello attracts fewer day visitors than the coastal towns.
• Salerno: Large and relatively cheap car parks sit near the ferry terminal. Salerno works as an alternative base if you want to avoid Sorrento’s prices and crowds.

When to Drive the Amalfi Coast

The road is open year-round, but summer — July and August — is the hardest time to drive it. Traffic is heavy from 9am to 5pm, parking fills early, and the heat can make a traffic jam uncomfortable. Those months also bring the highest prices for accommodation and car hire.

The best time to drive the Amalfi Coast is May, June, or September. The weather is warm, the sea is calm, and the traffic is much lighter. Prices for accommodation and car hire drop significantly outside July and August.

Winter is quiet and the views are dramatic, but some restaurants and hotels close between November and March. The road can temporarily close in bad weather due to rockfalls or flooding. If you plan a winter drive, check local news before setting off.

For a full breakdown of what each month looks like on the Amalfi Coast, read our month-by-month guide to the Amalfi Coast.

Practical Tips for Driving the Amalfi Coast

These tips make the biggest difference on the day itself:

• Drive east in the morning. Traffic on the Amalfi Coast flows mainly westbound — towards Positano — in the morning, and eastbound in the afternoon. Drive against the flow and your journey will be faster and less stressful.
• Start before 8am. The road at 7am is a completely different experience from the road at 10am. An early start is the single most useful thing you can do.
• Set your route before you go. The bends are tight and the drops are sharp. You need your full attention on the road, not on a phone screen. Set your GPS before you leave and use a dashboard holder throughout the drive.
• Keep your distance from the vehicle in front. Local drivers know every curve. Let buses and lorries pass when you can. There are passing places cut into the rock on the narrowest sections — use them without hesitation.
• Carry cash. Some car parks, beach clubs, and smaller restaurants do not accept cards.
• Check restricted zones before you go. In peak summer, some village centres restrict private cars during certain hours. Check current rules with the Regione Campania before you travel.

If you are visiting Italy as an American driver, there are a few extra rules to be aware of — including ZTL zones, international driving permits, and motorway tolls. Our guide to driving in Italy as an American covers everything you need before you pick up the keys.

Is the Amalfi Coast Drive Worth It?

Yes. Despite the challenges, driving the Amalfi Coast is one of the most memorable experiences Italy offers. The views from the road are extraordinary. The freedom to stop at quiet viewpoints and small villages that the ferries never reach makes the effort entirely worthwhile.

Plan carefully, start early, choose a small car, and avoid July and August if you have any flexibility. The rest takes care of itself.

If you want to work the Amalfi Coast into a longer Italy trip, our 10-day Italy itinerary shows how to combine it with Rome, Naples, and other regions across the country.

Frequently Asked Questions About Driving the Amalfi Coast

How long does it take to drive the Amalfi Coast?

The SS163 from Sorrento to Salerno covers about 50 kilometres. Without stops, the drive takes around two hours. With stops in Positano, Amalfi town, and Ravello, plan for a full day. Most visitors spend five to eight hours on the road and at stops combined.

Is it safe to drive the Amalfi Coast?

Yes, the drive is safe when you take proper care. The road is narrow and busy in summer, but it is well maintained and clearly marked. Drive slowly, keep your distance from the vehicle ahead, and avoid the busiest hours — 9am to 5pm — in July and August if you can.

Can you drive a campervan on the Amalfi Coast?

Campervans and large vehicles are not permitted on the SS163 during peak season. Restrictions typically apply between June and October. Check current regulations on the Regione Campania website before you hire or bring a large vehicle to the area.

What is the best direction to drive the Amalfi Coast?

Drive from west to east — from Sorrento towards Salerno. This puts you on the sea side of the road for most of the drive, which gives better views of the coastline. It also makes the sharpest bends slightly easier to handle, since you approach most of them from the inside of the curve.

You Might Also Enjoy

• How to Spend 10 Days in Italy: A Complete Itinerary
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• Best Time to Visit the Amalfi Coast: A Month-by-Month Guide

Plan Your Italy Trip

Ready to plan the rest of your Italy trip? Our ultimate Italy travel guide covers everything from where to go first to how to move between regions.

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