
Salerno Harbor Station is a major transportation hub in southern Italy, and getting around is relatively easy. The station is located near the city center, making it a convenient starting point for your Salerno adventure.
The station is served by regional and national trains, as well as buses and ferries. You can reach Salerno from major cities like Naples and Rome by train, with frequent departures throughout the day.
To get to the station, you can take a taxi or bus from the city center, or walk if you're feeling energetic. The station is also within walking distance of the historic city center, making it a great base for exploring Salerno's charming streets and landmarks.
History of the Station
The Salerno harbor station has a fascinating history that dates back to the end of the 90s, when the city felt the need to adopt a new structure to accommodate the growing flow of cruise passengers.
In 1999, the City of Salerno announced an international ideas competition, which was won by the firm of Anglo-Iraqi architect Zaha Hadid.
Zaha Hadid's team was tasked with creating a modern and functional maritime station that would fit in with its surrounding environment.
The construction of the maritime port terminal started in 2005, but due to problems in 2009, there was a new tender for the project, effectively delaying the construction work.
The terminal was finally inaugurated on April 25, 2016, a few weeks after the death of Zaha Hadid, who sadly passed away before seeing the project completed.
The Salerno Maritime Station is strategically located between the Amalfi Coast and the Cilento coast, making it an ideal landing place for cruise traffic.
Getting There
Getting to the Salerno maritime port terminal is relatively easy. You can reach it from the Salerno train station on foot, which takes about 20 minutes.
There are a few options to consider for getting to the Salerno maritime station from the train station.
You can take the bus, specifically line 5 of the Busitalia Campania urban transport system. Alternatively, you can take a taxi.
If you prefer to walk, be aware that it's about 2 km from the train station to the maritime station.
Services and Facilities

At the Salerno harbor station, you'll find a range of services designed to make your cruise experience seamless and enjoyable. The station offers a porter service to help with luggage, as well as an information office to answer any questions you may have.
You can easily get around the city with the taxi and car rental services available. The station also offers a shuttle service to the city center, making it easy to explore Salerno.
For a quick bite or snack, there's a small food court and bar on site. You can also make phone calls or send messages using the telephone services provided.
If you're looking for travel arrangements, there are pits for tourist and maritime travel agents, where you can book your next adventure. The station is also equipped with areas for Customs, finance, and police checks, ensuring a smooth and secure experience.
The Salerno harbor station is not just a functional stop, but also a hub for artistic events, adding a touch of culture and creativity to your visit.
Ferry Information
The Salerno ferry port is a bustling hub of activity, with a wide range of ferry connections to various destinations in the Mediterranean.
There are several ferry operators that operate from Salerno, including Grimaldi Lines, Positano Jet, Caronte & Tourist, and many others.
You can find a waiting area with toilets, cafes, restaurants, and more facilities at Piazza della Concordia (Molo Masuccio), which is also the departure point closer to the city center.
Several ferries depart from Piazza della Concordia, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore the surrounding islands and coastlines.
The Salerno ferry port is classified as a commercial port, and it's connected to the islands of the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and other Mediterranean destinations.
There are usually more than 100 daily routes from Salerno, with trip durations ranging from 5 minutes to 25 hours.
Here are some of the ferry routes from Salerno:
- Salerno - Messina ferry: 1 daily crossing, 9 hours
- Salerno - Palermo ferry: up to 3 weekly crossings, 9-11 hours
- Ferries to Amalfi Coast villages: daily connections to Amalfi, Positano, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, and Vietri sul Mare
- Ferries to Gulf of Naples islands: daily connections to Ischia, Procida, and Capri
- Ferries to Sicily and Tunisia: daily connections to Messina, Palermo, and Tunis
You can view the complete ferry schedule from and to Salerno for the upcoming week to find up-to-date trip information, including departure and arrival dates and times, ferry operators, and ticket prices.
Architecture and Design
The Salerno Maritime Terminal's architecture is a masterpiece of modern design, reflecting Zaha Hadid's ideal of architecture.
The terminal's shape is reminiscent of an oyster, with curved forms and elongated structures that create multiple perspective points and a fragmented geometry.
The building's interior is just as impressive, with a layout on three levels, spanning 4,500 square meters, 97 meters in length, and a maximum height of 13.5 meters.
The terminal's minimalist construction features just a few materials, including fair-faced reinforced concrete for the two shells that envelop the building, and porcelain stoneware for the extrados of the roof.
The roof's shape is designed to resemble a protective shell, shielding the structure from the intense Mediterranean sun during the day, and serving as a beacon at night with its LED lights and ceramic tiles.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Salerno_harbor_station
- https://www.archdaily.com/786203/salerno-maritime-terminal-zaha-hadid-architects
- https://www.livesalerno.com/explore/things-to-see/salerno-maritime-terminal
- https://www.bbacquamarinasalerno.it/service/stazione-marittima-di-salerno/
- https://www.ferryhopper.com/en/destinations/italy/salerno
Featured Images: pexels.com