Journey to Salerno

Rail: From Munich by night train

Probably the most ecological way to travel to the Amalfi Coast is to Arrival by train. Although this takes considerably longer than travelling by plane, this disadvantage is not so significant if you have the option of using a night train connection. As of October 2018, there is only one possible night train connection from Germany: The Night train between Munich and Rome is operated by ÖBB (tickets available at www.nightjet.com) and arrives in Rome at 09:22 in the morning according to the current timetable. From here, there are numerous connections to Salerno. The journey time from Roma Termini to Salerno is between 1:30h and 4:00h, depending on the train category. The fastest connection is offered by trains of the category Frecciarossa (red arrow) and Frecciabianca (white arrow) with prices between 40€ and 60€, whereas the slowest connection with regional trains is already available from about 16€ (in each case one way without discount, booking under www.trenitalia.com).

 

Arriving in Naples by plane

From "Napoli Capodichino" airport to "Napoli Centrale / Piazza Garibaldi" train station

Naples airport is very close to the city centre, so that you can reach the main railway station by bus after about 20 minutes. The bus connection is called "Alibus" (one-way currently €4) and the bus stop at the airport is signposted accordingly.
The bus line usually runs three times an hour and departs consecutively first the main station ""Napoli Centrale / Piazza Garibaldi "and then the port ("Porto / Piazza Municipio").

From "Napoli Centrale" to Salerno

From the station "Napoli Centrale" there are trains to Salerno every half hour, alternating between regional trains (40 min / approx. 5€) and IC/EC (30 min / approx. 10€). Tickets can be bought easily at the ticket machine (also in German).
Two clues:

  • Tickets for regional trains in Italy must be validated at the beginning of the track at the stamp machine!
  • there are also slow trains that take 1:15h for the same route, without really being cheaper.

Luggage storage

If you plan to spend a few days relaxing on Ischia or Capri after the long-distance hike, explore Naples and ancient Pompei or climb Mount Vesuvius, you will usually need some extra luggage in addition to your hiking gear, which has to be stored somewhere during the hike. We have researched the following options for this:

We have not had any personal experience with any of the providers, but at least the luggage storage in Naples seems to be very well rated.

 

Arrival day: Salerno

Salerno: tranquil harbour town and starting point of the hike

Those who, like most Amalfi Coast hikers, arrive via Naples (see Arrival) and therefore at least briefly immersed in the hustle and bustle around the main station in Naples, Salerno is truly an oasis of calm in direct comparison!

Salerno is a charming city with a spacious pedestrian zone leading from the railway station towards the well-kept and lively old town.

Overnight stay in Salerno (arrival day)

In Salerno we can recommend the following accommodation: B&B Vigi. B&B Vigi is a newly renovated B&B on the 2nd floor of a residential building near the cathedral, small and friendly with only 4 rooms. Breakfast is served in the café around the corner, for which you get a voucher at check-in. The central location is perfect for exploring the old town and with many nice bars and restaurants.
Tip: WhatApp users are welcome guests. If you leave your mobile number when booking, the landlord will send you help or directions via WhatsApp on the day of arrival.

Modern rooms at the centrally located B&B Vigi

The Vigi Bed & Breakfast is somewhat hidden, but has a rather memorable logo.

Departure from Sorrento

A ferry on its way across the Gulf of Naples

From Sorrento back to Naples

There are three alternatives for the way back from Sorrento to Naples:

  1. surely the most beautiful alternative is a Ferry rideFor about €13 (one-way for adults), you can cross the Gulf of Naples by boat to the "Beverello" pier. From there, an alibus (see Arrival) via the main station to the airport.

  2. the cheapest way to travel is Rail connection to Naples. From Napoli Centrale there is again the "Alibus" that goes to the airport.

  3. the most convenient way to get from Sorrento to Naples airport is a Airport Shuttle Bus which leaves directly in front of the train station in Sorrento (currently "bus car park no. 5", i.e. the bus at the front of the line in the direction of travel). Departure times are approximately every two hours. The current timetable is available at www.curreriviaggi.it and all stopovers are marked on a map with departure times.

Bus park no. 5 in front of Sorrento railway station - buses currently run from here directly to Naples airport.

Footpath to the port of Sorrento (far right in the picture)

View back to Sorrento - on the left the tickets for the ferry to Naples are sold