How to Get to Naples: Airports, Trains, Cars, and Ferries
Starting yourvacation in Naplesmeans choosing the right mode of transportation based on your budget, starting point, and travel style. Naples is one of the most important logistical hubs in Southern Italy, well connected to the rest of Europe and the islands of the Gulf. This guide explains every option available in 2026, with details on times, costs, and small tips to avoid stress from the very beginning.
Arriving in Naples by Plane: Naples International Airport Capodichino
Naples-Capodichino Airport (code NAP) is located just 6 km from the city center. It receives flights from all major European and national cities. In recent years, it has expanded its low-cost terminals, with Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Volotea connecting Naples to Berlin, Paris, London, Madrid, and many other destinations.
Domestic flights to Naples
From Italy, Naples can be reached in about an hour from Rome, Milan, Venice, Turin, Bologna, and Bari. The flag carrier ITA Airways operates frequent connections with Fiumicino and Linate. Aeroitalia and Sky Alps also offer seasonal routes.
From the airport to the city center: the three best options
Once you land, to continue yourvacation in Naplesyou have three main alternatives:
Alibus(shuttle bus): departs every 20-30 minutes from the arrivals exit and arrives at the central station of Naples Piazza Garibaldi and the port (Molo Beverello). Ticket 5€, valid for 90 minutes. Journey of 20 minutes without traffic.
Official taxi: fixed fare from the airport to any address in the historic center or to Piazza Garibaldi: fixed rate 19€ (weekday) and 23€ (night and holidays). Beware of taxi drivers trying to pick up other passengers – you are entitled to exclusive service.
Metro (Line 1): from November 2025, there will be a direct connection to the new stop "Airport" on line 1 of the metro (extension from Garibaldi station). Ticket 1.30€. It is the cheapest and fastest option during peak hours (avoids traffic).
Arriving in Naples by Train: Stations and AV Connections
Naples is served by two main stations and several secondary stations useful for peripheral neighborhoods.
Napoli Centrale Station (Piazza Garibaldi)
It is the main railway hub. High-speed trains (AV) from Trenitalia (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento) and Italo arrive here. Connections:
Roma Termini – Napoli Centrale: from 1 hour and 10 minutes (prices from 9.90€ if booked in advance)
Milano Centrale – Napoli Centrale: from 4 hours and 30 minutes (from 29.90€)
Firenze Santa Maria Novella – Napoli Centrale: from 2 hours and 50 minutes
Venezia – Napoli Centrale: from 4 hours and 45 minutes
Napoli Afragola Station (AV)
It is located outside the city, about 15 km from the center. It is a modern station designed by Zaha Hadid, but inconvenient if you do not have a private vehicle. Only high-speed trains stop here. To enter the city, you need to take a regional train to Napoli Centrale (another 15 minutes) or a taxi (about €30). Not recommended for those traveling light.
Regional trains and Circumvesuviana
For those arriving from Campania destinations (Salerno, Caserta, Benevento) or from southern Lazio, Trenitalia regional trains also stop at Napoli Piazza Cavour, Napoli Montesanto, and Napoli Mergellina, convenient for those staying in those areas.
TheCircumvesuviana(EAV trains) connects Naples to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Sorrento, and Poggiomarino. It departs from Napoli Porta Nolana station and Napoli Garibaldi (subway). It is not a comfortable train for large luggage, but it is economical and frequent.
Arriving in Naples by Car: Highways, ZTL, and Parking
Arriving by car for yourvacation in Naplesis possible but requires attention. The city is crossed by two major highways:
A1 Milan-Naples(exit Naples Center or Naples East)
A3 Naples-Salerno(coastal and Pompeii)
A16 Naples-Canosa(from Puglia)
Attention to the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone)
The historic center of Naples is entirely ZTL active from Monday to Friday (7:30 AM - 6:00 PM) and Saturday (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM). The cameras (electronic gates) are marked but easy to miss if you are distracted. A fine for unauthorized access costs between €80 and €300.
Where to park your car in Naples
If you arrive by car, leave it immediately in a secure parking lot and use public transport to get around. Here are the best options:
Brin Parking(Fuorigrotta): €5 per day, secure and monitored, next to the line 2 stop (Brin) that gets you to the city center in 12 minutes.
Centro Direzionale Parking: €15 per day, covered, near Garibaldi station.
Piazza Carlo III Parking: €18 per day, open-air but close to the historic center.
ParkinPorto Garage(Molo Beverello): €25 per day, useful if you are leaving immediately for the islands.
Practical advice for driving
Avoid driving in the historic center: narrow streets, unmarked one-way roads, sudden pedestrians, and scooters. It's better to park in the suburbs and take the subway.
Arriving in Naples by Ship and Ferry: Ports and Connections to the Islands
Naples has two main passenger ports. If you arrive by sea, you are already in a privileged position to start yourvacation in Naples.
Molo Beverello (main port)
From here, hydrofoils and fast ferries depart for:
Capri(50 minutes, from €20)
Ischia(50 minutes, from €18)
Procida(40 minutes, from €15)
Sorrento(35 minutes, from €16)
Arriving in Naples by ship often means coming from Palermo, Cagliari, Genoa, or eastern Sicily. The main companies are Tirrenia, Grimaldi Lines, SNAV, and Caremar.
Calata Porta di Massa (secondary port)
This is where the slowest ferries and cargo ships dock. It is less equipped but connected to the center by a free shuttle bus to Molo Beverello.
From the port to the center
From Molo Beverello, you can reach Piazza Municipio on foot (2 minutes), where Line 1 of the metro departs (Municipio stop) along with numerous buses. To get to the Central Station, take the Alibus (5€) or tram 1.
Arriving in Naples by Bus: Stations and Flixbus
Intercity and international buses (Flixbus, Itabus, Marino, TTI) arrive in Naples at two stations:
Piazza Giuseppe Garibaldi(east side exterior): the most convenient, 50 meters from the train platforms.
Metropark(multi-story parking near the station): used by Flixbus for night departures.
Frequent connections from Rome (2 hours and 30 minutes, from 5€), Bari (3 hours, from 7€), Pescara (3 hours and 30 minutes), and even Paris (20 hours, from 60€). The bus is the cheapest option but the least convenient for bulky luggage.
Final Tips for a Stress-Free Arrival
If you arrive by plane, and you have little time, choose the fixed taxi or the new metro. Avoid unofficial shuttle buses.
If you arrive by train, exit the Central Station on the Piazza Garibaldi side and do not stop in the dark side alleys after sunset.
If you arrive by car, do not attempt to enter the city center. Use the park-and-ride facilities.
If you arrive by ship, bring a light backpack because Molo Beverello has no luggage storage (use the left luggage at the Central Station).
FAQ
What is the closest airport to downtown Naples?
Capodichino Airport is only 6 km away. With the new metro line 1, you can reach downtown in 15 minutes.
How much does a taxi cost from Naples airport to downtown?
Fixed rate of €19 during the day, €23 at night and on holidays. Do not accept rides without a meter.
Is it better to arrive in Naples by train or by plane?
For those coming from Northern Italy or Rome, the high-speed train is more convenient (arrives in downtown). For distances over 500 km, flying saves time.
Where can I leave my car in Naples for several days?
Brin parking in Fuorigrotta (€5/day) or Centro Direzionale parking (€15/day). Both are monitored and close to the metro.
Is the Circumvesuviana safe for tourists?
Yes, but avoid rush hours (8:00-9:00 and 17:00-18:30) because it gets crowded. Keep your backpack in front.
Can I get to Naples by ferry from Sardinia?
Yes, Tirrenia and Grimaldi connect Cagliari and Olbia to Naples with overnight ferries (duration 12-15 hours).
Which train station in Naples is most convenient for the historic center?
Napoli Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi) is the best connected with metro and buses. Napoli Piazza Cavour is closer to Spaccanapoli but has fewer regional trains.
The first step for a vacation
To knowhow to get to Naplesthe right way is the first step to having a smooth vacation. Whether you choose the plane, the high-speed train, the car, or the ferry, each mode has its advantages and challenges. The key is to plan the last mile: from the airport or station to your accommodation. Avoid restricted traffic zones by car, don't trust unlicensed taxi drivers, and prefer the subway for urban travel. With this information, you can arrive in Naples relaxed and ready to enjoy the city.
For complete planning that also includes where to sleep, what to eat, and tailored itineraries, read the complete guide for vacations in Naples.
Revision date:April 16, 2026