Amalfi Coast, Italy
Best ferry times from Sorrento to Positano
A decision guide for choosing outbound and return ferries without relying on a stale timetable or the final sailing of the day.
For Independent day-trippers from Sorrento
The short answer
Leave from Marina Piccola in the morning and book the Positano return at the same time. Adult one-way tariff examples are €19 on Alilauro and €21.50 on NLG. The tables below distinguish their seasons, luggage charges and the beach-level arrival.
The crossing at a glance
Published planning figures · source check
Autumn 2026 reference. Alilauro’s listed season ends 31 October; NLG reduces its service after 3 November and lists this season through 15 November.
Where to board
Sorrento: Marina Piccola. Positano: the Spiaggia Grande landing, at beach level. [4]
Time on the water
Positano Jet: about 50 minutes, direct. [4]
Departure pattern
NLG lists 6 outward and 5 return departures daily through 3 November; from 4–15 November, 11:00 outward and 16:24 back. Alilauro’s April–October table lists 8 outward departures. [1] [2]
Adult fare examples
Alilauro: €19 one way. NLG: €21.50 one way or €45 return. These are published tariff examples, not live quotes. [2] [1]
Luggage examples
Alilauro lists €3; NLG lists €5 per piece one way (€10 return). Apply the booked operator’s baggage category. [2] [1]
Avoid the Sorrento stair descent
The Villa Comunale lift connects the town with Marina Piccola: €1.20 one way or €2.20 return. Continue from the lift to your company’s pier; Positano’s upper roads are a separate uphill journey. [5]
A workable day, using the published autumn timetable
Through 3 November 2026: NLG 09:30 from Sorrento, 16:24 back from Positano; 17:45 is the later listed return. Leave the upper village in time for the beach-level landing.
Two adults on NLG’s €45 return tariff: €90. Two charged bags taken both ways: another €20. Total €110 before booking-specific extras.
What is the best ferry time from Sorrento to Positano?
Aim for 09:00–10:30. NLG lists 09:00 and 09:30 through 3 November; Alilauro lists 09:15, 10:10 and 10:30 in its April–October season.
How can I choose a ferry day trip that suits my plans?
For a full day, make lunch and a beach-level walk the core. Add the upper town if the climb suits your group. For a shorter visit, drop an extra village rather than rushing the walk back.
How much flexibility should I leave for the return journey?
In the autumn example, 16:24 is your return and 17:45 is the later option. Space and operation still matter. Put a fixed onward flight or reserved train on a different day, or arrange a road fallback.
What should I check beyond the ferry timetable?
Use Sorrento’s Villa Comunale lift to avoid the town-to-marina stair descent. No verified step count is available for a complete pier-to-hotel route. Ask the property for its exact entrance route if stairs determine your choice.
What should I check the evening before travelling?
Confirm the sailing status, ticket’s boarding deadline and arranged assistance; save both tickets offline. Positano Jet asks for arrival at its pier at least 30 minutes early. Use your own operator’s instructions.
Verify before you travel
- The dated schedule on the operating company website
- Return options earlier than the final sailing
- Weather-related service notices and refund terms
- Pier access, baggage charges, and assistance requests
Continue planning
Search the parts of your Amalfi Coast, Italy trip
Sources checked
Schedules, fares, access, and operating conditions can change. These links are provided so you can verify the current information directly.
- NLG 2026 Sorrento–Positano timetable, fares and seasonal cutoffsNLG · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Alilauro April–October departures and tourist faresAlilauro · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Sorrento-Positano route and access overviewPositano.com · checked Aug 24, 2026
- Sorrento–Positano ports, crossing time and boarding lead timePositano Jet · checked Oct 26, 2026
- Villa Comunale lift location and faresSorrento Lift · checked Oct 26, 2026
Keep planning
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Published August 24, 2026 · reviewed August 24, 2026 · Editorial planning guidance, not a guarantee of access, price, or service.