Originating from Cervati mountain, it flows in the Campanian territory of Cilento, in the Province of Salerno.

After its origin in Cervati, it flows south of Sanza, crosses Sant'Eliano, nearby the artificial Lake Sabetta (fed by the river), and Caselle in Pittari.

After Caselle, it flows under the Pannello mountain, and emerges in Morigerati, next to its municipal borders with Tortorella.

After it, the Bussento marks Morigerati's border with Santa Marina, flows south of Sicilì, crosses the municipal borders of Torre Orsaia until its railway station in Calleo and, after, it flows near the localities of Hangar, Santa Lucia and Crocefisso.

The main tributary of Bussento is the Bussentino, a creek that flows through Casaletto Spartano, Battaglia, Tortorella, and joins the river in Morigerati, near the Bussento Caves.