Bari to Amalfi Drive: Ultimate Road Trip Guide

The drive from Bari to Amalfi covers roughly 280 kilometers along the A14 and A30 highways, then down the famed Amalfi Drive (SS163). A peculiar local fact: the route passes the ancient city of Matera, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited settlements, dating back to the Paleolithic era. The road itself, particularly the SS163, was carved into cliffs in the 19th century and offers dizzying views of the Tyrrhenian Sea.

This guide is structured to give you an exhaustive breakdown: from fuel economics and road quality to child-friendly stops and hidden off-route spots. We integrate key questions travelers ask: best stops Bari to Amalfi, how long to drive Bari to Amalfi (typically 4-5 hours without stops), and is it worth driving Bari to Amalfi (yes, for the scenic and cultural rewards).

Read our article on how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities for more tips.

Safety: The A14/A30 are safe highways with good signage. The SS163 requires caution: sharp bends, limited guardrails, and tourist buses. Drive defensively, use lower gears downhill, and avoid overtaking.

For families, child-friendly stops include the Bari Zoo (Safari Zoo), the Matera archaeological park (kid-friendly with hands-on activities), and the Fiordo di Furore beach (a natural fjord with shallow waters). Many restaurants offer children's menus and high chairs.

Pet-friendly framework: Most hotels and many restaurants accept dogs. Designated dogs beaches exist in Bari (Lido San Francesco) and Amalfi (Spiaggia di Santa Croce). Rest areas along highways have pet relief stations.

Fatigue management: Plan to stop every 2 hours. Ideal rest zones: the Autogrill at Canosa di Puglia (A14) and the scenic overlook at Monte Pertuso (SS163). Consume local espresso or a granita for a quick energy boost.

• Recommended stops: Polignano a Mare (just south of Bari) for a cliffside swim, Fontanelle (SS163 viewpoint), and the town of Ravello for a panoramic garden break.
• Hidden off-route spot: The town of Locorotondo, 30 minutes north of Bari, known for its circular whitewashed streets and trulli houses.

The primary highways are the A14 (Bari-Matera) and A30 (Matera-Salerno), both well-maintained toll roads. The SS163 from Salerno to Amalfi is a narrow, winding coastal road with spectacular vistas. Fuel stations are plentiful along the A14/A30 but scarce on the SS163, so fill up before leaving Salerno.

Fuel costs average €1.80 per liter for gasoline. Tolls from Bari to Salerno total around €12. Parking in Amalfi is expensive (€25-€40 per day), so consider staying in a hotel with parking or using the paid lots outside the town center.

• Highway A14: exit at Bari Sud for Matera
• Highway A30: exit at Salerno for Amalfi Coast
• SS163: starts at Vietri sul Mare, ends at Amalfi

Road quality is excellent on highways, but the SS163 has tight curves and occasional potholes. Drive slowly, especially in wet weather. The Amalfi Coast is prone to landslides, so check local conditions before departure.

The route transitions from the flat Apulian plain to the limestone cliffs of the Murgia Plateau, then to the rugged Amalfi Coast. Highlights include the Gravina gorge near Matera, the vineyards of Irpinia, and the terraced lemon groves of the coast.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites along the way: the Sassi of Matera (1993) and the Amalfi Coast (1997). Both are must-see. Matera's cave dwellings are a marvel of ancient urban planning, while the coast's picturesque towns like Positano and Ravello exemplify Mediterranean beauty.

Local commerce thrives on ceramics, limoncello, olive oil, and wine. In Matera, buy hand-painted pottery. On the coast, sample limoncello and fresh mozzarella. The town of Vietri sul Mare is famous for its ceramic workshops.

• Matera: Sassi, rock churches, local bread called 'pane di Matera'
• Salerno: seaside promenade, medieval old town
• Amalfi: cathedral, paper museum, coastal walks