Amalfi Coast Ferry Companies Compared: NLG, Positano Jet, Travelmar & More
Compare ferry companies, vessel types, prices, and schedules from Salerno to the Amalfi Coast.
Six companies run the Salerno to Amalfi Coast route: NLG, Positano Jet, Travelmar, Alicost, Grassi Junior, and Coast Lines. They use different boats, charge different prices, and stop at different ports. The gap between them is bigger than most people expect when they're standing on the Salerno dock trying to pick a ticket window.
Travelmar runs 11 sailings a day, while NLG and Positano Jet each run one from Salerno. That scheduling difference matters a lot more than the price gap when you miss a boat by five minutes. Vessel type changes things too—a 25-minute hydrofoil crossing and a 75-minute scenic ferry run are both real options that suit different plans.
This guide covers all six operators with current prices, schedule data, luggage policies, and a direct verdict on which company works best for your trip.
The Main Ferry Companies and Their Characteristics
Several trusted companies operate the routes between Salerno and the coastal towns, each with its own schedule, pricing, and style of service. To quickly compare your options, the table below outlines the key operators:
| Operator | Price (to Amalfi) | Duration | Luggage Policy | Key Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travelmar | From €12 | ~40–50 min | 1 free bag (up to 45x35x20 cm) | 11 sailings/day, open decks |
| NLG | ~€15 | ~35 min | 1 free bag (50x30x15 cm, max 5 kg) | Fast Jetstream hydrofoil |
| Positano Jet | ~€14.50 | ~25 min | Small personal bag only | Fastest direct crossing |
| Alicost | From €11.50 | ~25 min | 1 free bag (50x35x20 cm, max 9 kg) | Cheapest fast direct boat |
| Grassi Junior | €9–€11.50 | ~75 min | €2 fee per bag | Cheapest fare, scenic multi-stop |
| Coast Lines | From €12 | ~40 min | Standard baggage policy | Reliable backup option |
Understanding Vessel Types and Journey Times
The two main types of vessels you will find on this route are high-speed ferries (often hydrofoils) and conventional ferries. Your choice between them will directly impact your travel time and scenic experience:
- High-Speed Ferries / Hydrofoils: Designed for efficiency, cutting direct travel time from Salerno to Amalfi to just 25–35 minutes. They are enclosed, faster, and slightly pricier.
- Conventional Ferries: Slower, more relaxing pace. Services like Grassi Junior make multiple stops (Cetara, Maiori, Minori), turning the 75-minute transfer into a mini-cruise along the cliffside.
Capacity and Comfort Differences
Vessel capacity varies dramatically across the fleet. Smaller hydrofoils may carry around 100 passengers, allowing for faster boarding and disembarking. Larger traditional ferries accommodate up to 400+ travelers and offer better bathrooms, open observation decks, snack bars, and dedicated luggage storage.
Seating configurations also differ: budget-oriented routes provide basic benches, while premium vessels feature cushioned seating, indoor tables, and panoramic lounges.
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Operator by Operator Breakdown
1. Travelmar
Travelmar runs this route more than any other operator with 11 sailings a day in peak season. If you miss one boat, the next is right behind it. Their fleet carries between 165 and 348 passengers per vessel on open-deck standard ferries with low weather-cancellation rates. One-way fares start from €12 with one free bag up to 45x35x20 cm.
2. NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo)
NLG offers a fast 35-minute crossing on a Jetstream-class hydrofoil for around €15. However, they only operate one sailing a day from Salerno, so punctuality is essential. Free luggage is capped at one bag up to 50x30x15 cm (max 5 kg).
3. Positano Jet
Clocking in at about 25 minutes, Positano Jet offers the fastest scheduled run on this route (around €14.50). They run once daily with strict luggage allowances—small personal bags are free, but standard luggage incurs extra fees.
4. Alicost
The cheapest direct fast boat, Alicost costs from €11.50 for Salerno to Amalfi (25 minutes) with two daily departures. Their luggage policy is the most generous among fast boats: one free bag up to 50x35x20 cm and 9 kg.
5. Grassi Junior
Perfect for a leisurely transfer, Grassi Junior runs twice daily, stopping at Cetara, Maiori, and Minori over 75 minutes. Tickets start from €9 plus a €2 bag fee, making it the most affordable full-route ferry.
6. Coast Lines
Running two daily direct sailings in about 40 minutes (fares from €12), Coast Lines is a reliable alternative when Travelmar is packed or single-slot hydrofoils are booked up.
Hydrofoil vs. Standard Ferry: Speed, Comfort & Weather
- Hydrofoils: 25–35 min crossing, enclosed cabin, higher sensitivity to rough seas (more prone to weather cancellations).
- Standard Ferries: 40–75 min crossing, open viewing decks, spacious seating, and much higher reliability in choppy waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which is faster, NLG or Positano Jet?
A: Positano Jet completes the crossing in about 25 minutes, while NLG takes about 35 minutes on its Jetstream hydrofoil.
Q: Does Travelmar stop at Positano?
A: Yes, Travelmar services from Salerno continue past Amalfi directly to Positano on a single ticket.
Q: Are hydrofoils cancelled in bad weather?
A: Yes. Fast craft like NLG, Positano Jet, and Alicost cancel more easily in rough seas. Traditional ferries like Travelmar and Grassi Junior have higher sea tolerance.
Q: Can I book all operators online?
A: Most can be booked online (Travelmar, NLG, Positano Jet, Alicost), while Grassi Junior and Coast Lines can also be purchased directly at the dock.
Q: Which ferry company is cheapest from Salerno to Amalfi?
A: Grassi Junior is the cheapest overall starting at €9 (75 min multi-stop), while Alicost is the cheapest fast option starting from €11.50 (25 min direct).
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