Chambéry to Positano: Alpine to Amalfi Road Trip Guide

The road from Chambéry to Positano begins at the foot of the Bauges massif, where the Leysse river meets the Alpine foothills. This 950-kilometer journey crosses two major mountain ranges and three countries, ending on the Amalfi Coast’s vertiginous cliffs. A little-known fact: the A43 autoroute near Chambéry was built directly over an ancient Roman road connecting Gaul to Italia—the Via Cozia. Today, drivers follow a similar path, trading Roman milestones for modern toll booths.

Total driving time is approximately 11 hours without stops, but most travelers take two to three days to fully experience the route. The drive passes through the Mont Blanc Tunnel (€58.50 toll in 2025), the Po Valley plain, and the winding SS163 Amalfitana. Key milestones include the A43-E70 to the tunnel, the A5-E25 south through Turin, and the A1-E35 to Naples, followed by the A30-E45 to Salerno. The final 50 kilometers on the SS163 demand patience: switchbacks, hairpin turns, and narrow sections reward careful drivers with Mediterranean panoramas.

Road quality varies dramatically. French motorways are smooth and well-lit; Italian autostradas are comparable but feature frequent tunnels. The SS163 is narrow, with guardrails that date to the 1950s in many sections. Drive defensively: watch for scooters, pedestrians, and falling rocks. The most dangerous stretch is between Amalfi and Positano where buses pass within centimeters. Use low beams in tunnels and avoid night driving on the coast. Emergency numbers: 112 in France and Italy (116 for roadside assistance).

For families, the route offers child-friendly stops such as the Museo Nazionale del Cinema in Turin (interactive exhibits), the Mirabilandia theme park near Ravenna (though a detour), and the Acquario di Genova (one of Europe’s largest aquariums). For pet-friendly needs, most Autogrill rest stops allow dogs on leashes; the Mont Blanc Tunnel requires pets in a cage or harness. The A43 has designated dog-walking areas at Aire de l'Albanais. In Positano, pet-friendly hotels include Hotel Palazzo Murat (small dogs allowed).

Fatigue management is critical. The Mont Blanc Tunnel (11.6 km) and subsequent tunnel network on the A5 can cause drowiness. Plan a rest stop every 2 hours: Aoste (at km 50 from tunnel), then Vercelli (km 150), then Genoa (km 250). For hidden off-route spots, take the SP38 from Alba to Barbaresco for a wine tasting at sunset. Near Salerno, the Arboretum di San Pietro is a secret garden with citrus groves. To find more unmarked gems, refer to how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Fuel costs average €1.80 per liter in France and €1.90 in Italy. The most economical strategy is to fill up in France before entering Italy. The Mont Blanc Tunnel toll is €58.50 for a car one-way; Italian autostrada tolls from the tunnel to Salerno total about €35. Reserve a tunnel slot online at least 24 hours in advance to avoid queues. The SS163 aka Amalfi Drive has no tolls but requires a €5-10 parking fee in Positano town center.

Rest zones are abundant on French and Italian motorways: every 30-40 kilometers. Notable stops include the Aire de l'Albanais (A43, near Chambéry) with panoramic Alpine views, and the Autogrill Villanova d'Asti (A21, near Turin) offering regional wines. On the SS163, parking areas are scarce; use the public lot at the eastern entrance of Positano (Parcheggio Mandara, €25/day) and take the shuttle bus into town.

• Mont Blanc Tunnel booking: montblanc-tunnel.com
• Italian autostrada toll calculator: autostrade.it
• Positano parking info: comune.positano.sa.it

The Alpine section from Chambéry to the Mont Blanc Tunnel delivers a graded transition from limestone foothills to granite peaks. The A43 climbs through the Maurienne valley, passing the fortified village of Saint-Jean-de-Maurienne. After the tunnel, Italy’s A5 drops into the Aosta Valley, where Roman ruins like the Arch of Augustus in Aosta offer a 2,000-year-old pit stop. The descent toward Turin reveals the Po River plain, a flat expanse of rice paddies and hazelnut groves—the heart of Piedmont’s cuisine.

Natural attractions along the way: the Gran Paradiso National Park (Italy’s oldest, accessible from Aosta), the Langhe hills (UNESCO World Heritage site for vineyards), and after Naples, the Vesuvius National Park. The Amalfi Coast itself is a protected area designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. For a wild swim, stop at the Lido di Pompeii or the Fornillo beach in Positano. The best stops Chambéry to Positano for landscape photography include the viewpoint at Tignes (off A43) and the Ravello Terrace of Infinity.

Local commerce thrives on seasonal products. In Chambéry, the Saturday market on Place Saint-Léger sells Beaufort cheese and charcuterie. In the Langhe, buy Barolo wine and white truffles (autumn only). On the Amalfi Coast, ceramic shops in Vietri sul Mare and limoncello distilleries in Sorrento are essential stops. For artisan leather goods, Turin’s Via Roma is lined with boutiques. This road trip’s culinary infrastructure includes Michelin-starred restaurants in Turin (Piazza Duomo) and family-run trattorias in Positano (Da Adolfo, reachable by boat).