Naples Airport is compact and straightforward to navigate. The real family challenge is not the airport — it is the subsequent transport, particularly for those heading to the Amalfi Coast or Sorrento.
The terminal with children
Capodichino is a single terminal building. It is not large. Baby changing facilities are available. Luggage trolleys are free. The arrivals hall is small enough that finding the exit is easy. Children travelling after a long day will appreciate the short walk from gate to vehicle.
Child seats: essential planning
Italian taxis do not carry child seats. This applies throughout Italy, including Naples. For children who legally require a restraint, your options:
- Pre-booked transfer with child seat: The correct solution. Specify the child's age and weight at booking. The operator installs the appropriate seat.
- Bring your own portable seat: A lightweight booster or travel seat works in any vehicle. Useful for the whole trip if you will be taking taxis throughout your stay.
- Alibus/public transport: No car seat required on buses and trains. The Alibus is EUR 5 to Napoli Centrale.
For families heading to the Amalfi Coast
This is where family logistics require real planning.
The Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi, Ravello) and Sorrento are reached via winding coastal and mountain roads. There is no practical direct public transport from Naples Airport with luggage. With children, the multi-bus connection via Napoli Centrale, Circumvesuviana, and coastal SITA buses takes 3+ hours and requires multiple changes.
For families heading to the Amalfi Coast, a pre-booked private transfer is the sensible choice. The vehicle comes directly to the airport, your luggage is loaded without stress, your children are secured in pre-arranged seats, and the driver delivers you to your hotel. Journey time: 90-120 minutes depending on destination.
Pre-booked transfer with child seat to Amalfi Coast: EUR 120-180 plus child seat. For a family of four, this is EUR 30-45 per person — comparable to or less than piecing together public transport, and dramatically less stressful.
For families staying in Naples
For a city centre hotel, the decision is simpler:
- Alibus EUR 5 to Napoli Centrale (no child seat required)
- Taxi EUR 16 (Zone 1, day) — no child seat as standard
- Pre-booked transfer EUR 25-40 with a child seat if needed
The Amalfi roads with children
The SS163 Amalfi Drive is one of the most scenic roads in Italy and also one of the most demanding. The road is narrow, with frequent passing sections where vehicles must yield to each other, and significant drop-offs in places. Experienced drivers who know the road handle it comfortably. For children, the views are spectacular; the more sensitive may find the curves nauseating. Bring anti-nausea remedies if your children are prone to car sickness.
Sorrento with children
Sorrento is more accessible than the deep Amalfi Coast and is a popular family base. The town is flat (at the clifftop level), manageable with prams, and has good seafront areas. Getting there from the airport takes 60-90 minutes by transfer or about 90 minutes via Alibus + Circumvesuviana train.
Recommended approach
Families with children under 4, any destination: Pre-booked transfer with child seat. Non-negotiable for safety.
Families with children 4-10 heading to Naples city: Alibus is fine for older children, or taxi if you have a portable booster seat.
Families heading to the Amalfi Coast, any age: Pre-booked transfer. The road complexity and luggage make every other option impractical.
Multi-generational groups: Minivan transfer with all passenger capacity. Do not attempt to coordinate multiple taxis with grandparents, children, prams, and multiple large suitcases in Naples airport.