Zermatt to Positano Road Trip Guide: Alpine to Amalfi

This road trip traverses 850 km from the car-free Alpine resort of Zermatt (1,620 m) to Positano on the Amalfi Coast. The route includes the A9 motorway through the Rhône Valley, the Great St Bernard Tunnel, the Italian A5/A4 past Milan, and the A1 down to Naples, culminating on the twisty SS163 Amalfi Drive. A historic quirk: the Great St Bernard Tunnel, opened in 1964, connects Switzerland to Italy at 1,915 m, bypassing the ancient Roman pass. Expect driving times of 10–12 hours without stops, but plan for at least 3 days to experience the best stops between Zermatt and Positano.

The journey transitions from Alpine peaks to rolling hills, expansive Po Valley plains, and finally the dramatic Amalfi coastline. Along the way, treat yourself to some of Italy’s finest culinary traditions. Is it worth driving Zermatt to Positano? Absolutely – the landscapes are unmatched. As you descend from the Alps, stop in the Aosta Valley for Fontina cheese and cured meats. Near Milan, the agricultural riches of the Po Valley offer risotto and Parmesan. The Emilia-Romagna stretch (around Bologna) is a culinary corridor for balsamic vinegar, Parmigiano-Reggiano, and prosciutto. For a deeper dive on finding off-the-beaten-path food spots, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

• Matterhorn Glacier Paradise: highest cable car station in Europe (3,883 m).
• Lake Maggiore (Stresa exit A26): picturesque islands and gardens.
• Chianti region (near Florence): vineyards and olive groves.
• Amalfi Coast: lemon groves, pastel-coloured villages.

Begin from Zermatt (car-free, so take the train to Täsch to pick up your vehicle). Drive south via the A9/E62 to the Great St Bernard Tunnel (toll CHF 27/€28). From the Italian exit in Aosta, take the A5/E25 towards Turin then A4/E64 east to Milan. Circle around Milan on the A50/A51 to the A1/E35 south. After Naples, take the A3 towards Salerno and exit at Vietri sul Mare for the SS163. The entire route is tolled: Switzerland vignette (CHF 40) required, Italian tolls approx. €60. Fuel stations are abundant along motorways. The best strategy is to fill up in Switzerland before the tunnel (tax-free fuel available at border gas stations). The minimum time to drive Zermatt to Positano is 10 hours non-stop, but consider overnight stays for safety.

• Swiss Vignette valid for 14 months; purchase at border or online.
• Italian Toll payments: credit card or Telepass; cash accepted at most booths.
• Great St Bernard Tunnel open year-round; winter tires mandatory.
• Suggested fuel stops: Mont Blanc Tunnel area (A40, France) just off route is cheaper than Italian stations.

Swiss and Italian roads are well-maintained. Use the Autobahn A9/A1 with strict speed limits (120 km/h Italy, 120 km/h Switzerland). The SS163 Amalfi Drive is narrow with sharp curves; drive cautiously, especially in summer crowds. Fatigue management: plan rest stops every 2 hours. The route offers motorway service areas (Autogrill) with clean restrooms and cafes. For children, attractions include the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne (detour via A2), Gardaland near Lake Garda (exit Peschiera del Garda), and the aquarium in Genoa (exit Genova). Pet-friendly framework: many Italian agriturismi welcome dogs; ensure a pet passport and rabies vaccination. Fuel and route economics: total fuel cost approx. €120 (petrol) based on current prices.

• Recommended rest area: Autogrill Tibaldi Sud (A1, near Bologna) – spacious with playground.
• Hidden gem: the medieval walled town of San Gimignano (exit Poggibonsi off A1).
• UNESCO sites: The Aosta Valley Roman ruins, Milan's Santa Maria delle Grazie, the Amalfi Coast.
• Climate: Alpine cool, Po Valley humid and hot in summer, Amalfi mild Mediterranean. Spring (April-May) or autumn (September-October) offer the most pleasant travel conditions.