REVIEW · NAPLES
From Naples: Ferry to Amalfi and Positano
Book on GetYourGuide →Operated by NLG - Navigazione Libera del Golfo · Bookable on GetYourGuide
Two towns, one long sea day. This hydrofoil outing is interesting because it skips the slow grind of traffic and gives you big-time ocean views while you move along the coast. I like that you get real free time in both Amalfi and Positano to wander at your own pace. One drawback to keep in mind: seating on the outside deck isn’t guaranteed, and delays can cut into your time in town.
Check-in is also pretty specific, which matters more than you’d think. You start at Molo Beverello and trade your printed voucher for a ferry ticket at the NLG office. Plan for weather too—bad conditions can trigger last-minute cancellation at the captain’s discretion.
In This Review
- Key Highlights You’ll Care About Most
- A One-Day Amalfi Coast Plan from Naples That Sidesteps Traffic
- Two Hydrofoil Schedules: Tour 1 vs Tour 2 (and Why It Changes Everything)
- Tour 1: Amalfi First, Then Positano
- Tour 2: Positano First, Amalfi Later
- Which one is better?
- Molo Beverello Check-In: Vouchers, Timing, and Getting Onboard
- At Sea Comfort: Outdoor Deck, Air-Conditioned Cabin, and Sea View Reality
- Amalfi Free Time: Cathedral St. Andrew, Side Streets, and the Easy-Walk Promise
- Positano Free Time: Spiaggia Grande, Artisan Shops, and Staircase Energy
- Timing Pitfalls: When Delays Shrink Your Town Time
- Cost and Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $73.64
- Who This Ferry Day Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)
- Should You Book This Naples to Amalfi and Positano Ferry?
- FAQ
- Where do I meet for the ferry in Naples?
- How do I get my ferry ticket?
- What time should I arrive at the meeting point?
- How long is the day trip?
- Do I get free time in Amalfi and Positano?
- What seating is included onboard?
- Is lunch included?
- Is there a guided tour included?
- Can the trip be cancelled due to weather?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key Highlights You’ll Care About Most

- Pick Tour 1 or Tour 2 to match your preferred split of time between Amalfi and Positano
- Skip traffic by traveling the Amalfi Coast by sea instead of road
- Comfort options onboard include an outdoor deck and an air-conditioned cabin (outside seating not assured)
- Two long sightseeing windows so you’re not stuck in a rushed, guided loop
- Snacks can be pricey on board, so bringing a small bite helps
- Return boarding can get crowded, especially around Positano
A One-Day Amalfi Coast Plan from Naples That Sidesteps Traffic

If you’re basing yourself in Naples and want Amalfi Coast highlights without spending half your day in buses and taxis, this ferry day is a smart match. You sail from Naples out along the Bay of Naples and down the coast, using the sea as your shortcut.
The key idea here is time management. You still get to see the famous towns—Amalfi and Positano—but you’re not making repeated transfers or waiting in road traffic when waves and schedule allow sailing.
I also like the simple rhythm: you travel, you stop, you wander. This is not a “run and pose” tour where someone herds you from one photo spot to the next. It’s built around free time, so you control your pace.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Naples.
Two Hydrofoil Schedules: Tour 1 vs Tour 2 (and Why It Changes Everything)

There are two versions of the trip, and they don’t just differ in departure time—they change how your day feels.
Tour 1: Amalfi First, Then Positano
- Naples departure: 08:35
- Arrival in Amalfi (via Capri): 10:20
- Free time in Amalfi: about 3 hours 20 minutes
- Depart Amalfi: 13:40
- Arrival Positano: 14:00
- Free time in Positano: about 3 hours
- Depart Positano: 16:24
- Return to Naples: 17:45
This option works well if you want a more relaxed start and like the idea of seeing Amalfi before the afternoon crowds build. The Capri connection on the way to Amalfi can also be a nice bonus if you enjoy having something different from plain-coast sailing.
Tour 2: Positano First, Amalfi Later
- Naples departure: 10:00
- Arrival Positano (via Sorrento): 11:35
- Free time in Positano: about 2 hours
- Depart Positano: 13:10
- Arrival Amalfi: 13:30
- Free time in Amalfi: about 3 hours 50 minutes
- Depart Amalfi: 17:00
- Return to Naples: 18:45
This one is for you if you’re willing to spend less time in Positano in exchange for a longer stretch in Amalfi. It also can feel easier if you want to spend the hottest part of the day doing Amalfi’s slower walking and viewpoints, rather than rushing through Positano right at opening.
Which one is better?
Pick based on your priorities:
- If you want more time in both towns, Tour 1’s balance is attractive.
- If you want a deeper Amalfi experience, Tour 2 gives you almost 4 hours there.
Either way, the overall duration is set as a 10-hour day, with exact times depending on the schedule you choose.
Molo Beverello Check-In: Vouchers, Timing, and Getting Onboard

This day can go smoothly or turn annoying based on one thing: your check-in timing and ticket exchange.
You meet at NLG S.r.l. Biglietteria Molo Beverello, and you’ll board from there. You need to print your voucher and exchange it with a ferry ticket at the NLG ticket office. Then you board.
Show up 30 minutes early. Late arrivals won’t be accepted onboard. That’s not a suggestion—it’s how this type of departure works. If you’re coming from Naples city center, give yourself extra buffer for getting through the port area.
One practical note: if you don’t have easy access to a printer while traveling, this “print voucher” requirement can be inconvenient. I’d handle that before you leave home or your hotel, so you’re not trying to solve it at the last minute.
Finally, the boat itself can vary based on operational needs, so don’t assume the same layout or seating every day. Outside deck seating is not guaranteed, even though outdoor seating is included as an option.
At Sea Comfort: Outdoor Deck, Air-Conditioned Cabin, and Sea View Reality

This is a sea day, and the whole point is that you’re exchanging road time for water time. You’ll cruise along the Sorrento and Amalfi Coasts from Naples to Amalfi, and then the hop to Positano is done by ferry.
Onboard, you can choose between:
- Outdoor deck seating, for sea air and coastline views
- An air-conditioned cabin seating, for when the sun is intense or you want shade
The catch is simple: outside seating isn’t promised. If that’s your priority, try to get there early at the dock so you can choose your spot.
Sea travel also has its own “timing feel.” Even when things run close to schedule, you’re moving with a timetable and water conditions. If the boat is delayed leaving Naples or delayed between stops, your free time in Amalfi and Positano can shrink.
That’s why it’s smart to treat the free-time durations as targets, not guaranteed minutes. It’s still worth it—just go in with your expectations calibrated.
Amalfi Free Time: Cathedral St. Andrew, Side Streets, and the Easy-Walk Promise

When your boat docks in Amalfi, you get a meaningful block of independent time. Amalfi is one of those towns where the “main sights” are close together, but the best parts are in the small streets and along the water.
Your stop includes time to:
- Visit the Cathedral of St. Andrew
- Stroll through charming streets
- Take in the coastline views
Amalfi’s appeal isn’t only the cathedral. It’s also the way you can do a mix of slow walking plus viewpoint breaks. Since the tour doesn’t include a guided tour, you’ll rely on your own curiosity. That’s good value if you like wandering and stopping when something catches your eye.
If you want extra structure beyond the cathedral, you can also aim for:
- The promenade
- The Valle delle Ferriere area (you’ll see this mentioned as a highlight)
Keep in mind the timing sensitivity. If the boat runs late, Amalfi is often the town that gets squeezed first because it’s the earlier stop in the day (especially on Tour 1).
My practical advice: choose one “must” and one “maybe.” For example, cathedral plus promenade, or cathedral plus Valle delle Ferriere, rather than trying to do everything in one go.
Positano Free Time: Spiaggia Grande, Artisan Shops, and Staircase Energy

Positano is the postcard town, but it’s also a working place with constant motion—especially at ferry times. You’ll get free time to:
- Explore artisan boutiques
- Relax at Spiaggia Grande
- Enjoy terrace views over the coastline
The main reality check: ferry arrivals and departures create crowd pressure. Boarding back onto the boat can be chaotic when lots of people converge at once, and it’s easy to lose a few minutes just finding the right spot.
That can make Positano feel more intense than Amalfi. If you’re the kind of person who enjoys taking photos but doesn’t love big crowds, plan your “must-dos” with a quick decision style. For instance:
- Walk down toward Spiaggia Grande sooner, so you’re not trying to catch the beach late.
- If you’re shopping, do it after you’ve done your first pass of views—so you’re not rushing while you feel overwhelmed.
Positano time is shorter on Tour 2 and longer on Tour 1, so your strategy should match your schedule. On shorter Positano days, prioritize views and one simple activity (beach time or a boutique stretch).
Also, consider snack timing. The boat can have limited options once you’re onboard, and onboard prices can be high. Bring a small snack or drink so you’re not hunting down food at the exact time everyone else is.
Timing Pitfalls: When Delays Shrink Your Town Time

This is the part I’d watch the most before you book. The overall rating for this experience is around 3.4/5, and the split is pretty clear: many trips go well, but timing can be inconsistent.
The most common problems show up as:
- Boats leaving late or arriving late
- Less time in each town than the schedule suggests
- Crowding and confusion during boarding, especially in Positano
If you’re the type of traveler who plans your day around exact museum times, this ferry format may not be the best fit. If you’re more flexible—someone who’s happy with “walk, snack, viewpoint, repeat”—then you’ll still enjoy it, even if a few minutes disappear.
Your best defense is mindset and planning:
- Keep your Naples plans the same day but don’t schedule anything tight immediately after return.
- In Amalfi and Positano, have a simple plan for how you’ll return to the meeting point when it’s time to leave.
- Don’t pack your free time with too many ambitious stops.
This trip works best when you treat it like a guided-by-the-sea day trip with freedom at the destinations.
Cost and Value: What You’re Really Paying For at $73.64

At about $73.64 per person, you’re paying for transportation plus time efficiency. You’re not paying for a guide, not paying for meals, and not paying for entrance tickets.
So where’s the value?
- The big cost you avoid is road travel time and hassle.
- You’re getting two towns in one day without transfers that usually cost time and stress.
- You get a real “break” on water with comfortable seating options.
To make it worth it, you should:
- Have some idea of what you want to do in Amalfi and Positano before you arrive.
- Budget for food separately. Lunch isn’t included.
- Bring a small snack so you’re not stuck with expensive onboard choices.
If your goal is to see Amalfi and Positano but you also want a low-stress day, this ticket can be a good buy. If your goal is a relaxed, unplanned, long stop in just one town, you might find it too structured because the schedule drives everything.
Who This Ferry Day Suits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This ferry day is a good match if you:
- Want to experience Amalfi Coast towns without road traffic stress
- Like sightseeing at your own pace
- Prefer spending time walking and viewing over waiting in transit
- Are okay with a day that can be slightly variable due to weather and schedules
It’s less ideal if you:
- Need guaranteed exact time in each town
- Hate crowds around busy boarding times
- Expect a fully guided experience (this is not a guided tour)
- Don’t want to deal with printed vouchers or the ticket exchange process
If you’re traveling with flexible expectations and you like the idea of “sea first, towns second,” this is a solid use of a Naples day.
Should You Book This Naples to Amalfi and Positano Ferry?
I’d book it if you want a practical, efficient day that uses the sea as your shortcut and gives you real independence in Amalfi and Positano. The format makes sense for a first visit, especially if you’re staying in Naples and don’t want to spend a fortune on private transport.
I’d think twice if you’re the type who plans by the clock and gets stressed by delays. This is a ferry, and conditions and operations can affect timing. Also, if printing vouchers is a hassle for your setup, handle that early.
If you do book, go in with a simple plan:
- Choose Tour 1 for more balanced time, or Tour 2 for extra Amalfi time.
- Show up early at Molo Beverello for a smooth ticket exchange.
- Bring a small snack and keep your return plan clear.
Do that, and you’ll turn a long day into a memorable one—without wrestling traffic for every mile.
FAQ
Where do I meet for the ferry in Naples?
You meet at NLG S.r.l. Biglietteria Molo Beverello in the port area (Molo Beverello).
How do I get my ferry ticket?
Print your voucher and exchange it for a ferry ticket at the NLG Ticket Office (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) at the port.
What time should I arrive at the meeting point?
Arrive at least 30 minutes before departure. Late arrivals won’t be accepted onboard.
How long is the day trip?
The experience is listed as 10 hours (check availability to see starting times).
Do I get free time in Amalfi and Positano?
Yes. You’ll have free time in Amalfi and then free time in Positano. Tour 1 gives about 3h33 in Amalfi and about 2h42 in Positano. Tour 2 gives about 3h50 in Amalfi and about 2 hours in Positano.
What seating is included onboard?
You get outdoor deck seating or air-conditioned cabin seating. Outside deck seating is not guaranteed, and the boat may vary.
Is lunch included?
No. Lunch isn’t included.
Is there a guided tour included?
No. This ticket includes ferry and cruise time, not a guided tour.
Can the trip be cancelled due to weather?
Yes. In case of bad weather, a last-minute cancellation can occur at the captain’s discretion.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.






















