Naples to Capri: The Ultimate Step-by-Step Travel Guide
If you’re waking up in Naples with the idea of hopping over to the dreamy island of Capri for the day (or longer)—you’re in for a treat. The journey is super straightforward, and with just a little bit of planning, you’ll be sipping limoncello by the sea in no time.
Let me walk you through it, the way you’d share it with a travel buddy over morning coffee. No stress, no fluff—just a real-deal guide to making it happen.
Step 1: Wake Up in Naples and Head Toward the Metro
Start your morning in Naples, maybe grab a quick espresso and a sfogliatella if you want to roll like a local. Your first mission: get to the port. The best way? The Metro Line 1.
Head to Napoli Centrale (Naples Central Station) if that’s where you’re staying or nearby. Inside, follow the signs for Line 1 (Línea Uno) and hop on a train heading toward Municipio. That’s your stop—it drops you a stone’s throw from the port area.
Tip: A single-ride metro ticket costs about €1.20. You can get it at a machine—choose "Urban Ticket" in English and tap your card. If the card machine’s moody (as they sometimes are), just try another card or have a bit of change handy. Naples is charming, but sometimes she’s temperamental.
Step 2: From Municipio to the Port (Molo Beverello)
Once you arrive at Municipio, head outside and look for signs pointing you toward Porto or Molo Beverello. You’ll see people wheeling suitcases or heading toward the waterfront—follow the flow.
It’s about a five-minute walk on a wide, pedestrian-friendly path. Along the way, you'll catch your first glimpse of the Gulf of Naples and maybe even a ferry or two waiting to head out.
Step 3: Buy Your Ferry Tickets to Capri
At the port, you’ll find multiple ticket offices lined up—these are for different ferry companies like SNAV, Caremar, and NLG. Don’t overthink the choice. Just check which one has the next departure time to Capri, and go for it.
You’ll have two main types of ferries:
- High-speed ferries (aliscafi): Faster, smoother, and a bit more expensive (about €25–€30 one way).
- Regular ferries (traghetti): Slower but cheaper. Good if you’ve got time and want to soak up the sea.
Prices vary depending on the season, but expect to pay around €20–€28 one way, and €50–€55 return. You can buy your tickets right there or book online in advance if you’re traveling during peak season (June–August).
Step 4: Board Your Ferry (and Maybe Grab a Snack)
Once you’ve got your ticket, check which berth (gate) your ferry departs from. It’ll be printed on your ticket (like “Gate C” or “Molo 5”). Boarding usually starts 15–20 minutes before departure.
If you’ve got time, grab a snack from a nearby kiosk or just enjoy the view of Vesuvius looming quietly in the distance.
Once onboard, snag a window seat if you can. The ride is usually between 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on the ferry type and sea conditions.
Pro tip: Sit back, relax, and don’t forget your camera. The views as you leave Naples and approach Capri are absolutely worth capturing.
Step 5: Arriving in Capri – And That First Breathe of Island Air
As you glide into the port of Marina Grande, it hits you: that sparkling blue water, the colorful buildings stacked on the cliffs, and that unmistakable Mediterranean charm. You’ve made it!
From here, you can:
- Take the funicular up to Capri Town.
- Hire a boat tour around the island (Blue Grotto, anyone?).
- Walk over to Anacapri if you're feeling ambitious (or hop a bus).
- Or just plop down at a seaside café and let the Capri magic do its thing.
Final Thoughts: A Day Trip That Feels Like a Dream
Getting from Naples to Capri isn’t just a commute—it’s a transition from mainland hustle to island-time bliss. It’s one of those rare travel days where the journey is just as special as the destination. And the best part? You can do it without breaking a sweat—or the bank.
So whether you’re day-tripping or planning to stay a while, Capri’s siren song is just a ferry ride away.