Amalfi Coast Coach Ban Puts Ravello Trips in Doubt
A planned permanent ban on heavy vehicles has put coach trips to several Amalfi Coast villages at risk. The Province of Salerno ordered vehicles weighing more than five tonnes off two steep regional roads following a fatal crash. However, the restriction is not yet active: its introduction has been postponed until 27 July while officials consider exemptions for public transport, emergency services and essential deliveries.
Where the Restrictions Will Apply
- Roads: SR 373 serving Ravello and Scala; SR 366 linking Amalfi with Agerola
- Vehicles affected: Those exceeding five tonnes, including tourist coaches
- Authority: Province of Salerno
- Original start date: 13 July 2026
- Revised start date: 27 July 2026
- Current position: Implementation delayed while exemptions and road safety measures are discussed
The order follows a 2023 accident on SR 373 in which a tourist bus broke through a barrier on a hairpin bend, killing the driver. Vehicles above five tonnes were subsequently restricted temporarily. Ravello’s mayor, Paolo Vuilleumier, argues that a blanket ban would also disrupt scheduled buses used by residents, workers and students, and has called for road repairs, lower speed limits and limited exemptions.
Ravello receives around three million visitors a year, many arriving on organised coach excursions. Losing direct coach access could make Villa Rufolo, Villa Cimbrone, the Terrace of Infinity and the town’s summer concerts harder to include in Amalfi Coast itineraries. Smaller vehicles or transfers beginning in Amalfi may provide alternatives, but tour operators will need confirmed rules before adjusting excursions and telling customers where they must change transport.
Anyone visiting after 27 July should check arrangements directly with their tour operator rather than assume the advertised coach will reach Ravello or Agerola. The delay leaves room for scheduled buses and essential vehicles to receive exemptions, but large sightseeing coaches could still face a permanent exclusion. Day trips may continue with smaller shuttles, although extra transfers would add time and make short cruise excursions especially difficult to organise.