Naples Airport to the city and beyond: what you actually need to know

Naples International Airport (Capodichino) is just 7 km northeast of the city centre. Getting to Napoli Centrale (main train station) or the city takes 15-30 minutes depending on traffic. The Alibus express bus costs EUR 5 and runs to Napoli Centrale in about 20 minutes. Taxis have a zone-based fixed fare system: EUR 16 to the city centre (daytime), EUR 23 to the port. Pre-booked transfers cost EUR 25-40.

But Naples is also the gateway to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Positano, and Pompeii — and for those destinations, a pre-booked transfer is often the only practical option.

Naples Airport is a single terminal. After landing, immigration (non-EU passengers) can take 20-30 minutes if multiple flights have landed together. The baggage claim and arrivals hall are compact and functional rather than impressive. ATMs are available in the arrivals area.

Exiting arrivals, you immediately face taxi touts and shuttle drivers. The official taxi rank is clearly marked — use only official white taxis. The Alibus stop is directly outside the terminal. The airport is small enough that orientation is not difficult.

Note: Naples has a reputation for aggressive taxi touting. Unofficial drivers approach arriving passengers. Decline all unsolicited approaches and use only the official taxi rank outside or a pre-booked service.

Taxis use a zone-based fixed fare system, regulated by the municipality. The regulated fares from the airport are:

• Zone 1 (city centre / Napoli Centrale): EUR 16 (day) / EUR 21 (night)
• Zone 2 (port / Mergellina): EUR 23 (day) / EUR 28 (night)
• Zone 3 (Pozzuoli, Campi Flegrei): EUR 30 (day)

Pre-booked transfers cost EUR 25-40 for a sedan to central Naples. The driver meets you inside the terminal. Particularly valuable for trips to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, and surrounding areas where taxis become expensive and unreliable.

Circumvesuviana train (for Pompeii, Sorrento): Take the Alibus to Napoli Centrale, then the Circumvesuviana local train. EUR 5 (Alibus) + EUR 3-4 (Circumvesuviana to Pompei or Sorrento). This is slow but very cheap — the Circumvesuviana takes about 30 minutes to Pompeii and 65 minutes to Sorrento. Note: the Circumvesuviana is notorious for delays, crowding, and occasional pickpockets. Keep bags in front of you.

Car hire is available at the airport but driving in Naples itself is not recommended for the uninitiated. The roads around the Amalfi Coast are challenging but manageable if you are experienced. For the coast, a hired car gives flexibility that transfers do not — but the hairpin roads of the Amalfi Drive require confidence.

Naples Airport is the primary gateway for one of Europe's most scenic and challenging coastlines.

To Sorrento (55 km): Transfer EUR 80-120 (about 70 minutes). Circumvesuviana train from Napoli Centrale: EUR 3.60, 65 minutes (plus Alibus connection). The train is dramatically cheaper but slow and crowded. For groups or families with luggage, the transfer is practical.

To Positano (65 km): No direct public transport. A transfer costs EUR 120-180. The road involves the SS163 Amalfi Drive — winding, scenic, and slow. Allow 90 minutes to 2 hours.

To Amalfi town (70 km): Transfer EUR 120-180. Journey time 90 minutes to 2 hours. No direct public transport from the airport.

To Ravello (75 km): Transfer EUR 130-190. Buses exist from Amalfi town but require multiple connections from the airport.

To Pompeii (25 km): Transfer EUR 45-65 (40 minutes). Circumvesuviana train via Napoli Centrale: EUR 5+3.60 = EUR 8.60, about 60 minutes total.

For the Amalfi Coast specifically, a pre-booked transfer is not a luxury — it is the only practical option for anyone with luggage. The winding coastal roads are no place for public buses with suitcases, and taxis from Naples to the coast are expensive if not pre-arranged.

To Naples city centre / Napoli Centrale:

• Alibus: EUR 5
• Taxi (fixed rate, Zone 1): EUR 16 (day) / EUR 21 (night)
• Pre-booked transfer: EUR 25-40

The Alibus runs until approximately midnight. After that, taxis operate 24 hours at night rates. Pre-booked transfers are available at any hour. For Amalfi Coast destinations, late-night arrivals should always pre-book — finding a willing taxi driver to do a 90-minute mountain road journey at 2 AM is difficult and expensive.

Italian taxis do not carry child seats. The Alibus has limited luggage space. For families with children and significant luggage, a pre-booked transfer is the cleanest solution. For the Amalfi Coast, a private vehicle is essential — the idea of managing suitcases, children, and connecting buses on the coastal route is genuinely challenging.

Choose the taxi if you are going to a specific Naples address, have manageable luggage, and know the zone-based fixed fare system.

Choose a pre-booked transfer if you are heading to the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, Positano, or any destination outside Naples, have children or significant luggage, or want certainty at a fixed price.

Choose the Circumvesuviana if you are on a tight budget going to Pompeii or Sorrento and do not mind the journey time.