I want to do the Amalfi Coast bus ride, the white-knuckle trip that hugs the cliff. I've read the descriptions in the Rick Steves' book, but I'd like some additional views on it.

Are there different companies that do the tour? Do various hotels use or funnel people to different bus companies for this trip, and is there really any difference between them?

My main question is, I really, really want to get a far right-hand seat for this trip, to be right next to the edge of the cliff. Will I have to fight my way to the front of the line before I get on the bus? Are there any strategies that anyone can suggest for making sure this happens? We will be doing this part of our trip in late June.

Also, Steves says that taking the boat back from the end of the trip is a nice way to go, but their schedule is not always reliable. Anyone have any first-hand experience with that?

Thanks in advance for any info. -Bill C.

To get the best seats, board the bus at its point of origination (Sorrento, Salerno, or Amalfi).

One-way fare is 3 Euros; 24-hr. ticket is 6 Euros; 72-hr. ticket is 15 Euros. Buses run hourly.

The ferries are a great way to travel as well.


www.sitabus,it

http://www.sitabus.it/sitabus/...AMPANIA/QUADROXV.pdf

www.coopsantandrea.it

quote:

Originally posted by Bill C:
I want to do the Amalfi Coast bus ride, the white-knuckle trip that hugs the cliff. I've read the descriptions in the Rick Steves' book, but I'd like some additional views on it.

Thanks in advance for any info. -Bill C.

Bill,

It is a great ride, no problem to get a proper seat, very easy to get to the bus, e.g. from the train station in Sorrento.
Getting back by the boat is a perfect idea, they depart every hour from Amalfi or Positano, I believe.
Get an extra memory card for your camera! Enjoy!

If you would like another perspective, read the page in my trip report entitled: "I looked into the eyes of the angel of death and saw that it was our bus driver". It's near the end of the page.

Still, it was quite an experience and I'm glad I did it. Given the opportunity, I would probably do it again.

Go for it.

We took the bus from the train station in Sorrento to Amalfi and ferry back.

I sat on the driver's side, but brother-in-law sat on cliff side. Thoroughly enjoyed the ride.

Elly

We have not taken the commerical bus along this route, but while in Naples the hotel arranged a bus tour of the "Emerald Coast" for us. I sat looking over the edge and its an "experience" you don't want to miss. Go for it.

"Are there different companies that do the tour? Do various hotels use or funnel people to different bus companies for this trip, and is there really any difference between them?"

The bus trip that most people talk about is the local service ie you share it with locals, it is not a tour bus.

There are private tour companies, but they are more expensive. Below is one based in Sorrento.

http://www.goldentours.it/en/amalfi_drive.php

Just a couple of other points to add. In the height of the season, it's wise to line up for the bus 20 minutes or more in advance. The buses run about every 45 minutes and when they fill up, the next one doesn't leave for another 45 minutes.

Because the road is very curvy (not up and down but curving around the bends of the cliffs that go to the sea) some people experience motion sickness. If you or members of your party have any tendency toward that, you should take whatever precautions you normally take.

It is a great ride and the bus drivers are remarkable. Maybe you could fit a sheet of paper between two buses when they pass on the road!

Ditto what Suzy said! It's a great idea to take even a half of a non-drowsy motion sickness medication. But do not be afraid! These drivers know every inch of this road and the bus is like their "second skin".

Hop on the right side in Sorrento, get your camera ready, and enjoy the ride. It's incredibly beautiful.

It's the Cinque Terre on steroids !

The best public bus ride in the world. And the views !!!!!

And it costs a mere 3 Euros one-way (or 6 Euro for a day ticket)!!

I've never had a problem (I'm usually getting on in Salerno - so no problem with crowds unless the school kids are on their way home.) but my 7yr old son threw up once and we have to jump off at Maiori - poor thing...he's terrified now of the buses and was really embarrassed. Since then, we make sure he sits right at front, right in back of the driver and, if there's not a seat there, I ask someone to move for him and explain why ;-) no one has ever said no! We also travel at off-peak times so it's not hot and crowded.

We took the bus from Sorrento to Amalfi, changed buses and went on to Salerno. If going this direction, the right hand side gets the best view. If going from Salerno to Sorrento, the bus is in the lane nearest the mountains and you best view will be from the left hand side. I did not find it terrifying.
The ride on the bus from the town on Capri to Anacapri was more "thrilling" because at one point I could not see the road or anything supporting the bus...and I was standing on the right side touching the right hand window. It was like being in a cable gondola.....2000 feet to the sea!