The cheapest and fastest ferries from Sorrento to Positano
Cheapest price
£16
Average price
£18
Fastest journey
30 m
Average duration
40 m
Ferries per day
3
Distance
9 km
The best way to find a cheap ferry ticket from Sorrento to Positano is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Sorrento to Positano will cost around £18 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap ferry tickets today for only £16.
Of the 3 ferries that leave Sorrento for Positano every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu 25 Dec the direct ferries cover the 9 km distance in an average of 40 m but if you time it right, some ferries will get you there in just 30 m .
The slowest ferries will take 50 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.






Travel Information
Compare ferry and coach for Sorrento to Positano
Omio recommends booking the ferry as it is the most popular option from Sorrento to Positano among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from £14. For those with little time consider booking a coach which can get you there in 35m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of £14, and a coach costs an average of £46.
Distance: 4 nautical miles (9 km)
Compare ferry with
Most popular Ferry | Coach |
|---|---|
£15 Average Price Cheapest | £46 Average Price |
1h 52m Average total duration 52m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration Fastest 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Sorrento to Positano Ferry Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Sailing Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator NLG | Departure Time 11:00 | Arrival Time 11:35 | Duration 0h35 | Sailing Days Sat |
Live departures
Sorrento to Positano ferry times
The table below shows live departures for Sorrento to Positano ferries for today, Wednesday 24 December. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated ferry journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 17:40 Sorrento | 0h40 | 18:20 Positano | 0 changesdirect | |
| Thursday 25 December | |||||
![]() | 09:00 Sorrento | 0h30 | 09:30 Positano | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last ferry of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sorrento to Positano by ferry or coach
Compare ferry and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Ferry from Sorrento to Positano
Ferries from Sorrento to Positano run on average 11 times per day, taking around 52m. Cheap ferry tickets for this journey start at £14 if you book in advance.
There are 11 ferries per day. The earliest ferry runs at 09:00, the last at 19:40. The fastest ferry covers the 4 nautical miles (9 km) distance in 30m. There are 49 sailings per week. Ferries from Sorrento to Positano are available to foot passengers.






Distance 4 nautical miles (9 km) |
Average sailing duration 52m |
Cheapest ticket price £14 |
Ferries per day 11 |
Direct ferries Available |
Average weekly sailings 49 |
Fastest ferry 30m |
First ferry 09:00 |
Last ferry 19:40 |
Foot passengers Available |
Ferry operators: NLG, Seremar, Positano Jet, Alilauro, Coastlines from Sorrento to PositanoYou can travel by ferry between Sorrento to Positano with NLG, Seremar, Positano Jet, Alilauro, Coastlines for as low as £14. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey.
Positano Jet
Seremar
Alilauro
NLG
Coastlines
Sorrento to Positano by ferry with NLG
Introduction
With its picture-postcard pastel buildings and sandy beaches, Positano has become one of Italy's most famous destinations. Frequent, fast ferries make it an easy day trip from Sorrento, and it's also a good base for exploring more of the Amalfi Coast. Find out how to book, what to expect on board, and my tips for the journey in this guide.

Route Overview
If you're looking for the best way to get from Sorrento to Positano, I don't think you can beat the ferry. Although buses to Positano are also available, traffic can make them slow going, and the winding mountain roads can be nerve-wracking if you don't like heights. In contrast, the ferry takes as little as 30 minutes and features spectacular views of Sorrento, the Sorrentine Peninsula, and the Amalfi Coast along the way. It also dropped me off right next to the beach in Positano so I could head straight into the sea for a swim.
Transportation Experience
When you search for how to travel from Sorrento to Positano on Omio, you'll find several different companies to choose from. The app makes it easy to compare and pick the best travel company, time, and duration to suit you. I went for one of NLG's high-speed hydrofoils, which take around 30 minutes. Pre-booking with Omio meant I avoided big queues at the ticket office in Sorrento's port. Instead, I downloaded my ticket, ready to scan as we boarded, and had time to spare for a drink by the seafront.
Route Details
Departure & Arrival Stations
Ferries from Sorrento to Positano depart from Marina Piccola port, a 10-minute walk from the historic center. Access is via a steep road or steps, but you can take a local EAV bus or the elevator from the Villa Comunale public park instead. The ferry arrives at the Port of Positano, next to Marina Grande beach and a few hundred meters from the town.
Schedule & Frequency
Ferries from Sorrento to Positano run up to 16 times a day in summer. Several companies cover the same route, including NLG, Alilauro Gruson, and Positano Jet. Journey times range from 30 minutes to 1 hour 25 minutes.

Onboard Experience & Services
NLG's high-speed hydrofoils are small passenger ferries. Inside, there's an air-conditioned lounge and toilets. There's also an open deck on top if, like me, you'd rather sit outside. Most ferry companies on this route allow you to bring one small piece of luggage for free. For NLG, the maximum size is 50 x 30 x 15 cm and not over 5 kg in weight. You can pay to add extra bags if you need to. Some private transfer services may have Wi-Fi available, but the public ferries from Sorrento to Positano do not. Then again, do you really need it on a scenic boat ride?
After sailing out of Sorrento harbor, the ferry rounds the peninsula and heads towards the Amalfi Coast, with views of this scenic coastline's steep rocky cliffs, hillside villages, and boats sailing by.
Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown
I booked my Sorrento to Positano ferry ticket a week in advance and paid €18 one way. Here's how the full costs of the trip broke down:
| Item | Cost (€) |
|---|---|
| Elevator from Villa Comunale to Marina Piccola | €1.10 |
| NLG hydrofoil ferry from Sorrento to Positano | €18 |
| Total | €19.10 |

Top Tips & Personal Recommendations
- Aim to arrive in Sorrento port around an hour early in summer, as it gets very busy. If you need somewhere to wait, Ristorante Ruccio is a good spot for a drink by the water.
- Choose a seat on the ferry's outdoor top deck for the best views.
- Don't forget sunscreen and a hat, as there isn't much shade.
Conclusion
Traveling from Sorrento to Positano by ferry is the ideal way to soak up the scenery of the Amalfi Coast, as well as being a speedy way to travel between the two towns. Book your ticket with Omio for a stress-free journey, then just sit back and enjoy.
About the Author: Lucy Dodsworth
Job Title: Travel blogger and guidebook author
Bio: Specialist in train and car-free travel around Europe and beyond.
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.
FAQs: Sorrento to Positano ferries
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sorrento to Positano by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Positano, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Passengers board the ferry most frequently from Port of Sorrento, which is located around 0.7 miles (1.1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the ferry at Port of Positano, located 0.6 miles (965 m) away from the city centre.
popular ferry ports
Important Stations and Airports in Sorrento and Positano
- 7:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free WiFi
- Ristorante Ruccio (0.1km)
- Ristorante Bagni Delfino (0.8km)
- Il Ristorante di Le Sirenuse (0.9km)
- Main companies are Sorrento Taxi and Taxi Sorrento Coast.
- Free
- Bus Line 5070, Stop: Sorrento Station
- 8:00 AM - 8:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free WiFi
- Chez Black (0.1km)
- Ristorante La Cambusa (0.2km)
- Ristorante Covo Dei Saraceni (0.3km)
- Main companies are Positano Taxi and Amalfi Coast Taxi.
- Free
- Bus line 5070, stop: Positano Sponda
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