Navigating Naples: Your Comprehensive Guide

Situated on the Gulf of Naples, on the western coast of southern Italy, Naples is a compact city rich in history around every corner. Its main tourist attractions are centered along the seafront and Centro Storico (historical center). Consequently, exploring on foot offers the best way to experience this vibrant third largest city in Italy.

Getting to and from Naples Airport

Naples International Airport is located just 4 miles (6 km) northeast of Naples Centro Storico. Alibus connects the airport and the city center with daily departures every 20 minutes. The bus makes two stops—at the Piazza Garibaldi Railway Station and the Municipio (Molo Beverello) Maritime Station—and the journey takes between 15 and 35 minutes depending on traffic and your chosen stop.

Taxis are widely available at the airport, and the ride rate is fixed; therefore, check current taxi rates to avoid overcharges before you board.

Hail or Prebook a Taxi

Uber and other rideshare services are not widely available in Naples. However, you can easily catch a taxi from designated stops on the street—look for the TAXI placards. Official taxis in Naples are white.

While taxis are metered, be mindful of potential surcharges. Always check the rates and negotiate a fare if necessary before entering the taxi. Price increases typically occur on Sundays, public holidays, and at night. For advance journey planning, you may contact Radio Taxi Partenope or Taxi Napoli. Taxi Napoli offers an app that simplifies scheduling and tracking your ride on the go.

Navigate Naples Using the Bus and Tram

Piazza Garibaldi serves as the main hub for bus and tram transport in Naples. You’ll find bus stops at most major intersections, though walking is often required to reach many tourist attractions hidden amongst the Centro Storico’s winding, narrow streets.

Buses generally run from around 5 a.m. to about 11 p.m., with a few late-night routes marked with an ‘N’ before their number. Please note that some routes do not operate on Sundays and public holidays.

Regular tickets are available for purchase at tabacchi (tobacco stores), news kiosks, and ticket machines located at select bus stops. Ensure that you validate your tickets upon boarding by inserting them into the machine that stamps the date and time.

Consider acquiring The Naples Pass, which is sold in 3 or 7-day increments. This pass includes free and discounted admission to various attractions, in addition to free public transportation access.

Catch the Metro and Explore Naples’ Suburbs

Two Metro lines connect the city, with trains running from about 6 a.m. to around 11 p.m. Metro Line 1 travels from Napoli Centrale (Garibaldi) to Vomero and the northern suburbs, with key stops at Università, Municipio, Toledo, Dante, and Museo.

Metro Line 2 connects Gianturco to Napoli Centrale (Garibaldi) and continues on to Pozzuoli, stopping at stations including Piazza Cavour, Piazza Amedeo, and Mergellina.

You can purchase Metro tickets at tabacchi, news kiosks, and ticket machines available at Metro stations.

Explore Campania on the Circumvesuviana Trains

Circumvesuviana trains provide connections from Naples to popular tourist destinations in the Campania region, such as Sorrento, Herculaneum, Pompeii, and coastal resort towns. These trains operate daily, approximately every half hour during peak hours, from around 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Tickets are available for purchase at the Circumvesuviana ticket counter at Napoli Centrale; since this is not a state rail line, tickets cannot be bought online. To ride the Circumvesuviana, you will need a Unico Campania TIC ticket or an EAV ticket, valid solely on EAV transport. Integrated tickets are valid for all transport within Naples and the surrounding region, priced between €2.50 (valid for 120 minutes) and €4.50 (valid for 180 minutes), depending on your destination.

For detailed information and pdf timetables, visit the official Circumvesuviana website.

Put the Fun in Funicular

First opened in 1928, Naples’ Funicular is a significant mode of transportation for locals traveling to the city’s hilltop neighborhoods.

The funicular operates daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., with regular tickets available for purchase at tabacchi, news kiosks, and ticket machines at the stations. There are four funicular lines connecting Naples’ Centro Storico to the upper neighborhoods:

• Funicolare Centrale: Runs from Piazzetta Augusteo to Piazza Fuga.
• Funicolare di Chiaia: Runs from Via del Parco Margherita to Via Domenico Cimarosa.
• Funicolare di Montesanto: Runs from Piazza Montesanto to Via Raffaele Morghen.
• Funicolare di Mergellina: Runs from the waterfront at Via Mergellina to Via Manzoni.

Cycle Along the Seafront in Naples

While biking is not widely recommended due to uneven road surfaces and chaotic traffic in Naples, the Lungomare (seafront) offers a bikeable area. Moreover, the city has published an online map of bikeable routes in Naples for your convenience.

Take a Ferry or Hydrofoil to the Islands

Three ferry (Traghetti) and high-speed hydrofoil (Aliscafi) ports in Naples—Mergellina, Beverello, and Porta di Massa—connect the city to the nearby islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida, along with the coastal resort of Sorrento.

Ferries and hydrofoils for these destinations typically depart from Beverello and Mergellina. Schedules may vary based on the day of the week. Consequently, it is advisable to check the ferry/hydrofoil schedule and reserve tickets, or head directly to the port to purchase tickets for the next available ferry or hydrofoil.

Hire a Car or Motorbike for a Neapolitan Road Trip

Renting a car or motorcycle in Naples is generally not recommended due to scarce parking, narrow one-way streets, and heavy traffic. Additionally, non-resident vehicles are banned in much of central Naples. However, if you plan to visit multiple cities in southern Italy, renting a car could be practical. Rental agencies are available at the airport and several locations downtown. Before embarking on your journey, ensure you obtain an international driving permit from AAA or DMV.org and familiarize yourself with the rules of the road in Italy.

Accessibility in Naples

Navigating Naples can present challenges for tourists and travelers with disabilities. The dense and crowded Centro Storico features many cobblestoned sidewalks. According to ANM (the agency managing Naples’ public transportation system), approximately 80 percent of the network is accessible to travelers with mobility issues. It may be beneficial to get around via taxi or book a wheelchair-friendly tour.