Cliff towns & Tyrrhenian blue
This is leg 1 of 3, the opening leg.
Travel leg · Amalfi Coast Escape
Sorrento to Positano
Sorrento and Positano sit about 9.2 km (5.7 mi) apart in a straight line, with Positano to the east. It is leg 1 of 3 on our Amalfi Coast Escape itinerary, a 6-day trip. Here is how long it takes by car, what to see on the way and where it fits in a real itinerary.
- Straight-line distance
- 9.2 km · 5.7 mi
- Est. road distance
- 11–13 km
- Est. drive time
- 15–30 min
- Direction
- Heading east
- Curated routes
- 1 itinerary
Road distance is estimated as 1.2–1.4× the straight line; drive time assumes average speeds of 25–45 km/h with no stops or traffic. These are rough estimates — check a maps app for the actual route.
Ways to get there
We don't have live routing data, so the figures below are labelled estimates built from the straight-line distance. Use them to plan the day, then confirm in a maps app.
By car
Most travelers on our Amalfi Coast Escape itinerary do this leg by car. We estimate 11–13 km (6.9–8 mi) of road and 15–30 min behind the wheel, so check live traffic before you set off.
The coast road is narrow and winding, so most travelers rely on buses, ferries and taxis rather than driving. Ferries between towns are scenic and run mostly in the warm months. Ravello sits uphill from Amalfi and is reached by a short bus or taxi ride.
Worth stopping for
Picks from our curated guides at both ends.
When you arrive in Positano
Spend a full day for the beaches and stairs, plus a morning for the Path of the Gods.
Chiesa di Santa Maria Assunta
Majolica-tiled dome above the beach, home to a Byzantine Black Madonna icon.
Spiaggia Grande
Main pebble beach below the stacked houses, with rentable loungers and boat departures.
Via Positanese d'America
Cliffside footpath linking Spiaggia Grande to quieter Fornillo beach.
Da Adolfo
Beach-shack restaurant in Laurito reached by its own boat (red fish flag) from the pier.
Franco's Bar
Terrace bar at Le Sirenuse with sunset views over the dome and sea.
Fornillo Beach
Smaller beach west of town with a couple of family beach clubs.
Before you leave Sorrento
A practical base with ferries and buses everywhere; give the town itself a full day plus an evening.
Piazza Tasso
Main square perched above the Vallone dei Mulini gorge, the hub for evening strolls.
I Giardini di Cataldo
Family lemon grove in town with free tastings of limoncello and lemon granita.
Bagni Regina Giovanna
Natural pool among Roman villa ruins on Capo di Sorrento, reached by a 20-minute walk.
On this curated route
Where Sorrento → Positano sits in the full itinerary. Highlighted stops are this leg.
Going the other way? Positano to Sorrento is the same 9.2 km in a straight line, heading west. Reverse directions in Google Maps ↗
Sorrento to Positano: questions travelers ask
How far is Sorrento from Positano?
Sorrento is about 9.2 km (5.7 mi) from Positano in a straight line, with Positano to the east. By road, we estimate 11–13 km (6.9–8 mi), or 1.2–1.4 times the straight line. Check a maps app for the exact route.
How long does it take to drive from Sorrento to Positano?
An estimated 15–30 min, assuming 11–13 km of road at average speeds of 25–45 km/h with no stops or traffic. It is not a routed time, so check a maps app on the day.
Which itineraries include the trip from Sorrento to Positano?
Our Amalfi Coast Escape itinerary includes this leg. Amalfi Coast Escape runs about 6 days across 4 stops, best in May – Sep.
Onward from Positano
- Positano to Amalfi 10 km
Guides for both ends
- Sorrento travel guide
- Sorrento weather best time to visit
- Positano travel guide
- Amalfi weather covers Positano
Amalfi by month (covers Positano)
Plan Sorrento → Positano with your crew
Add this leg to a shared itinerary, poll the group on where to stop, split fuel and tickets, and keep everyone's packing list in one place in TripsCircle.