For central Naples, this is a straightforward comparison. For the Amalfi Coast and surrounding destinations, it is not really a comparison at all — the transfer wins by default.
Naples taxis
Naples has a zone-based fixed fare system from the airport. Zone 1 (city centre) is EUR 16 daytime, EUR 21 at night. Zone 2 (port, Posillipo) is EUR 23 daytime. Taxis are white and should display the official tariff card.
The system is good in principle but enforcement is inconsistent. Some drivers attempt to use the meter (which would produce higher fares) or claim that your destination is in a higher zone. Know the zones before you arrive. For Napoli Centrale and the immediate city centre, EUR 16 daytime is the legal fare.
The taxi rank is outside arrivals. The key warning: Naples Airport has a significant problem with unlicensed taxi touts who approach passengers inside the terminal. They are persistent and convincing. Decline all approaches. Use only white official taxis from the outdoor rank.
Pre-booked transfers to Naples
A sedan to central Naples costs EUR 25-40. For a simple city centre trip, this is slightly more than the EUR 16 taxi but delivers a driver waiting with your name in arrivals, guaranteed vehicle, and no risk of negotiation or overcharging. For travellers unfamiliar with Naples' taxi culture, the premium is worthwhile.
For the Amalfi Coast: transfers are essential
For Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi, Ravello, and the surrounding coast, the comparison changes entirely:
Taxis from Naples Airport to Amalfi Coast: Possible but expensive if arranged at the airport. Drivers quote significantly higher rates for long coastal drives. EUR 150-250 is not unusual for unregulated out-of-zone fares to Positano or Amalfi town.
Pre-booked transfers to Amalfi Coast: EUR 120-180 for the same destinations. Competitive rates, fixed price, driver knows the road. For 2-4 passengers, this is clearly better value and logistically superior.
The Amalfi Coast roads (SS163) require an experienced driver. A pre-booked operator who specialises in these routes knows the timings, the passing spots on narrow sections, and your hotel's specific location.
Price comparison: central Naples
| Factor | Taxi | Pre-booked transfer | |--------|------|--------------------| | Zone 1 (city centre, day) | EUR 16 (fixed) | EUR 25-40 | | Zone 1 (night) | EUR 21 (fixed) | EUR 25-40 | | Zone 2 (port, day) | EUR 23 (fixed) | EUR 35-50 | | Meeting in arrivals | No | Yes | | Child seats | Not available | On request | | Protection from touts | Must be careful | Pre-arranged |
When the taxi wins
For a solo traveller or couple heading to Zone 1 (Napoli Centrale, city centre) during the day: the EUR 16 fixed taxi is excellent value. Walk out, join the official rank, state the fixed rate.
When the transfer wins
Any Amalfi Coast destination: The pre-booked transfer is the right choice. It is cheaper than arranging a taxi at the airport for long distances, and far more reliable.
Families with children: No child seats in Italian taxis. Transfer with pre-arranged seats.
Night arrivals: Transfer price does not rise with night rates. EUR 30 transfer vs EUR 21 taxi — the difference is minimal and the transfer offers more certainty.
First-time visitors: Naples' taxi environment is among the more challenging in Italy. A pre-booked driver removes all friction.