Bari to Positano: A Complete Road Trip Guide to Italy's Adriatic and Amalfi Coast

Did you know that the ancient Roman road Via Traiana once connected Brindisi to Benevento, passing near present-day Bari? Today’s route from Bari to Positano largely follows the A16 autostrada (Autostrada dei Due Mari) and the A3/E45 down the Tyrrhenian coast, a 310-kilometer drive that takes about 3 hours 45 minutes without stops. Yet the real journey unfolds in the landscapes between the gargano’s olive groves and the Amalfi cliffs. This guide breaks down every nuance—from fuel strategies to toddler-friendly pit stops—so you can decide how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The fastest route from Bari to Positano uses the A16 west to the A30/A1 junction near Caserta, then the A3 south towards Salerno, exiting at Vietri sul Mare for the SS163 Amalfitana. Total toll cost is about €14.80 (A16: €5.20, A3: €9.60 as of 2025). Fuel stations are plentiful on the autostrada, but prices are 15–20% higher than at independent stations off the highway. Plan a fuel stop near Avellino or just after the A16/A30 junction.

• Distance: 310 km (193 miles)
• Driving time without stops: 3h45min
• Toll cost: ~€14.80
• Best fuel stop: Exit at Avellino Ovest (A16) for cheaper independent stations
• Road conditions: Excellent on A16 and A3; winding, narrow on SS163

As you leave Bari, the landscape flattens into the Tavoliere delle Puglie, a vast plain of wheat fields and olive trees. The A16 then climbs into the Apennines, passing through the Monti Picentini Regional Park. Here, the forests of beech and oak offer cool shade even in summer. Descending towards Salerno, the vegetation shifts to Mediterranean maquis – myrtle, lentisk, and wild rosemary.

• Monti Picentini: hiking trails and waterfalls near Bagnoli Irpino
• Amalfi Coast: terraced lemon groves and sheer cliffs
• Local commerce: roadside stalls selling olive oil, cheese, and limoncello near Maiori

The A16 and A3 are well-maintained autostradas with guardrails, emergency phones, and well-lit tunnels. The SS163 Amalfitana, however, is a cliff-hugging two-lane road with sharp hairpins and limited barriers. Drive slowly, use low gears downhill, and expect tourist buses. For families, the best rest stop is the Autogrill at Caianello (A16) with a playground and clean baby changing facilities. Pet-friendly rest stops include the area of Mulino (A3) with shaded grassy patches. To combat fatigue, stop every 2 hours; the service area of Monteforte Irpino (A16) offers panoramic views and a chance to stretch legs.

• SS163 safety tips: use engine braking, avoid July–August peak hours (10:00–16:00)
• Family stop: Caianello (A16) – playground, high chairs, baby room
• Pet stop: Mulino (A3) – fenced dog area
• Scenic break: Monteforte Irpino viewpoint – olive groves and mountains