Sorrento to Positano ferry - Times and cheap Alilauro ferry tickets

Ferry from Sorrento to Positano

Ferries offer a comfortable, quick, and convenient way to cruise the beautiful Amalfi Coast, including seasonal sailings between Sorrento and Positano. Ferries from Sorrento to Positano run from May to October every year, and there are no services outside those dates. During the season, ferries are operated by NLG, Seremar, and Alilauro. All leave from the Port of Sorrento, and there should be 6 departures every day. Most boats will leave in the morning, although there are also a couple of departures in the evening, which could be handy for day-trippers. Journey durations vary a little, ranging from 35 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes, so those in a hurry will want to choose their ferries carefully. No ferries to Positano accommodate vehicles (aside from bicycles), so parking at Sorrento is recommended. And facilities onboard are relatively basic, with lounge seating, toilets, and cafe bars - but no cabins or entertainment services. Luggage limits usually apply. For instance, Alilauro enforces a bag size limit of 9 kg, and maximum dimensions of 50 x 35 x 20 cm, while NLG operates a limit of 5 kg. All carriers allow pets in suitable containers, but dogs must be muzzled during the voyage.

Ferry schedules Sorrento to Positano

The most important thing to know about ferries from Sorrento to Positano is that schedules are seasonal, and it is only possible to book tickets between May and October. Between those dates, there will be 6 daily departures - which usually breaks down into 4 morning options and 2 in the evening. All will travel straight to Positano, with no changes needed, although journey durations can vary. The majority of ferries reach Positano in 35-40 minutes. However, Seremar services can be much slower, taking as long as 1 hour 25 minutes. All leave from Sorrento's Ferry Terminal, which possesses few on-site amenities. Cafes and shops can be found near the seafront in the Marina Piccola neighbourhood if travellers need to buy supplies.

How to find cheap ferries from Sorrento to Positano

Ferries from Sorrento to Positano tend to be fairly affordable, and there are minor difference between basic prices. However, it is possible to pay more if passenger luggage breaches the conditions of travel laid down by ferry companies, so check bag weights before boarding. Early booking can also deliver savings, but there are no regular promotions - so check prices via comparison sites when booking, as some routes may carry lower fees. Infants often travel free, although travellers will need to obtain a special"Infant Ticket" for insurance purposes, and there are also concessions for residents of the Amalfi Coast. So if travellers have a residence permit, savings could be possible.

How long is the ferry journey from Sorrento to Positano?

Sorrento and Positano are approximately 30 miles (50 km) apart by sea, and ferries have to round the Sorrentine Peninsular in order to reach their destination. This means that journeys can take as long as 1 hour 25 minutes, although high-speed catamarans reach Positano in 35 minutes. Passengers must be at the Port of Sorrento at least 15 minutes before departure, or they risk being denied boarding, so it's a good idea to plan to arrive at the terminal at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

What do you need to know before travelling by ferry from Sorrento to Positano?

Departure port: All ferries from Sorrento to Positano will depart from the Port of Sorrento in Marina Piccola. The ferry terminal is in the lower part of Sorrento, which has two separate sections, with the popular Old Town located on top of a cliff. Travellers can catch taxis or buses down to the port, or they can take the Sorrento Lift directly down to Marina Piccola, a short walk from the ferry terminal. The Circumvesuviana station (for services from Naples) is in the lower part of town, about 10 minutes' walk from the port. The port itself is a basic facility, with some seating and a ticketing office. There are kiosks and cafes nearby, as well as restaurants and toilets, but it's best to stock up on essentials before arriving. There is also a protected parking garage in Marina Piccola.

Arrival port: Ferries from Sorrento dock at Spiaggia Grande, on the town's seafront. The facility is essentially a jetty, with a small ticket office attached, so travellers shouldn't expect WiFi or well-stocked shops. Instead, it's easy to disembark and head straight to the heart of Positano where everything passengers need should be available. The best route to the centre is via taxis, which take around 10 minutes. Buses are also available, but walking isn't recommended for those with limited mobility, as there's a big height difference between the port and the town.