Naples International Airport (Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino, airport code: NAP) is located surprisingly close to the city center—just about 5 kilometers (3 miles) northeast of Piazza Garibaldi. Because of this proximity, getting into town is a relatively short journey, usually taking between 15 and 30 minutes depending on traffic.
However, unlike many major European airports, Capodichino does not currently have a direct train or metro connection. (An extension of Metro Line 1 is under construction, but until it opens, you are relying on roads). This means your options are limited to buses, taxis, or private transfers.
This guide breaks down the exact logistics, costs, and local rules for each transport method so you can get out of the arrivals hall and into the city without stress.
Which Transfer is Right for You?
Before diving into the schedules and routes, here is a quick breakdown of the best options based on your travel style and constraints.
The Official Airport Bus
- Best for: Solo travelers, couples, and budget-conscious visitors.
- Pros: Cheap, runs frequently, stops at the main transit hubs (train station and port).
- Cons: Can get crowded; you have to handle your own luggage; requires a walk or connection to reach your specific hotel.
City Taxi (Flat Rate)
- Best for: Families, groups of 3-4, or travelers with heavy luggage.
- Pros: Door-to-door service, faster than the bus, fixed legal pricing (if you know how to ask).
- Cons: You must negotiate the flat rate before getting in; traffic can delay the trip.
Pre-Booked Car
- Best for: Late-night arrivals, nervous travelers, or those staying in hard-to-reach areas of the historic center.
- Pros: Driver waits in arrivals with a sign; zero haggling; completely stress-free.
- Cons: The most expensive option.
Option 1: The Alibus (The Airport Shuttle)
The Alibus is the official shuttle bus operated by ANM (Azienda Napoletana Mobilità). It is the most popular and cost-effective way to get into the city.
The Route and Stops
The Alibus runs a continuous loop from the airport to the central train station and down to the port. It only makes three stops, which keeps the journey relatively fast.
- Aeroporto di Capodichino: The bus stop is located about 50 meters straight ahead of the arrivals exit. Just walk out the main doors, cross the first small lane of traffic, and look for the covered bus shelter and the red/orange buses.
- Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale): This is the main train station. Get off here if your hotel is nearby, if you need to catch a high-speed train to Rome, or if you are transferring to the Circumvesuviana train to reach Pompeii or Sorrento. The journey takes about 15–20 minutes.
- Immacolatella / Porta di Massa: This is the first port stop. Get off here if you are catching a slow ferry (traghetto) to Ischia or Procida.
- Molo Beverello (Maritime Station): The final stop. Get off here if you are catching a fast ferry (aliscafo) to Capri, Ischia, or Sorrento. This is also the closest stop if your hotel is in the Centro Storico, Quartieri Spagnoli, or near Piazza del Plebiscito. The journey from the airport takes about 30–35 minutes.
Schedules and Fares
- Operating Hours: The Alibus runs daily from approximately 5:30 AM to midnight.
- Frequency: Buses depart every 15 to 20 minutes.
- Ticket Price: €5.00 per person.
You can buy tickets directly from the driver using cash, but the line to board can get chaotic. To secure your spot and speed up the boarding process, it is highly recommended to buy your ticket online in advance or use the ticket machines inside the arrivals hall.
Local Survival Tips for the Alibus
- Validate Your Ticket: If you buy a physical paper ticket from a machine or a vendor, you must validate it in the small electronic stamping machine as soon as you board the bus. Failure to do so can result in a heavy fine from inspectors. If you buy a digital ticket, just show the QR code to the driver.
- Watch Your Pockets: The Alibus is heavily targeted by pickpockets, particularly when the bus is crowded and people are distracted by their luggage. Keep your wallet and phone in a zipped front pocket or a secure bag.
- Luggage Racks: There are luggage racks inside the bus, but they fill up quickly. If you have massive suitcases, you may end up standing with them in the aisle.
🗺️ Keep Planning: If you are connecting to the train station to head down the coast, read our complete guide to the Circumvesuviana train.
Option 2: Taking a Taxi
Taking a taxi is the best option if you have a lot of luggage, are traveling in a group of three or four, or simply want to be dropped off directly at your hotel.
Finding the Official Taxi Rank
When you exit the baggage claim area into the arrivals hall, you will likely be approached by men asking, “Taxi? Taxi?” Ignore them. These are illegal touts (abusivi) who will overcharge you.
Walk straight out the main exit doors of the terminal. The official taxi rank is located directly in front of you. Official Naples taxis are white and have a “Taxi” sign on the roof and a city crest on the door.
The “Tariffa Predeterminata” (Flat Rate)
This is the single most important piece of information for taking a taxi in Naples. The city has established legal flat rates (tariffe predeterminate) for common tourist routes. These rates include all extra charges (luggage, night fees, airport fees, etc.).
- Airport to Piazza Garibaldi (Central Station): €19.00
- Airport to Centro Storico / Molo Beverello (Port): €25.00
- Airport to Lungomare / Chiaia: €27.00
How to get the flat rate: You must request the flat rate before the driver starts the car. As you get in, say: “Tariffa predeterminata per [Your Destination], per favore.”
By law, the driver must agree and should not turn on the meter. There is usually a laminated card hanging on the back of the driver’s seat listing these official rates in both Italian and English. If a driver refuses the flat rate and insists on the meter, simply get out and take the next taxi in line.
Do Taxis Take Credit Cards?
By Italian law, all taxis must accept card payments. In reality, Naples taxi drivers strongly prefer cash, and the card machine is frequently “broken.” If you need to pay by card, ask the driver before loading your bags: “Posso pagare con la carta?” If they say no, move to the next taxi.
Option 3: Private Transfers
If you are arriving late at night, traveling with small children, or simply want zero friction upon arrival, booking a private transfer is a solid investment.
A driver will wait for you in the arrivals hall holding a sign with your name, help you with your luggage, and drive you directly to your accommodation. While this costs more than a standard taxi (usually starting around €45–€55 for a standard sedan), it eliminates the need to negotiate flat rates or wait in the taxi line, which can get long during peak summer months.
Option 4: Transfers to the Amalfi Coast and Sorrento
If you are flying into Naples but your final destination is down the coast, you do not necessarily need to go into the Naples city center first.
To Sorrento
The easiest and most direct way to get from Naples Airport to Sorrento is the Curreri Viaggi bus.
- Where to catch it: The bus departs from the P1 parking area, which is about a 3-minute walk from the arrivals terminal.
- Cost: Tickets cost around €10 if bought from the driver.
- Duration: The trip takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes, dropping you off at the Sorrento train station.
- Alternative: You can also book a direct shuttle to the Sorrento Peninsula in advance.
To the Amalfi Coast (Positano, Amalfi)
There is no direct public bus from Naples Airport to Positano or Amalfi. Your options are:
- Take the Curreri bus to Sorrento, then transfer to a SITA bus to Positano/Amalfi.
- Take the Alibus to Napoli Centrale, catch a train to Salerno, and then take a ferry to Amalfi.
- Book a private transfer (the most common choice for visitors heading straight to the coast, though it will cost €120+).
🗺️ Keep Planning: For detailed routes heading south, check our guides on getting from Naples to Sorrento or Naples to the Amalfi Coast.
Navigating Capodichino Airport: Local Tips
Naples Airport is relatively small and easy to navigate, but a few logistical tips will make your arrival smoother.
- Luggage Storage: If you have a late flight out and want to explore the city without your bags, there is a left-luggage facility (Deposito Bagagli) located on the first floor of the departures terminal, near the security checks. Alternatively, use luggage storage apps like Bounce or Radical Storage near Piazza Garibaldi.
- Wi-Fi: The airport offers free Wi-Fi. You will need to register with an email address to connect.
- ATMs: There are ATMs in the arrivals hall. Avoid the Euronet machines if possible, as they offer poor exchange rates. Look for ATMs branded by local banks (like Intesa Sanpaolo or Unicredit) and always decline the machine’s conversion rate, opting to be charged in Euros.
Where to Stay for Early Flights
If you have a flight departing at 6:00 AM, staying in the deep historic center can be stressful, as taxis can be hard to find at 4:00 AM.
For very early departures, consider staying near Piazza Garibaldi. While the area immediately around the station is gritty, it is highly practical. You can walk to the Alibus stop in two minutes, or easily grab a taxi from the rank outside the station.
Use the map below to find accommodations near the transit hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there an Uber at Naples Airport?
Yes, but not the standard Uber you might be used to. In Naples, the Uber app only summons “Uber Black” or licensed NCC (Noleggio Con Conducente) private drivers. It is significantly more expensive than a standard city taxi. There is no budget UberX in Naples.
How early should I arrive at Naples Airport before my flight?
Capodichino is a small, efficient airport. For flights within the Schengen zone, arriving 2 hours before departure is usually plenty of time. For international flights outside of Europe (like direct flights to the US), aim for 2.5 to 3 hours, especially during the busy summer months when security lines back up.
Does the Alibus run 24 hours a day?
No. The Alibus stops running around midnight and starts again at approximately 5:30 AM. If your flight arrives at 1:00 AM, you will need to take a taxi or a pre-booked private transfer.
Can I walk from the airport to the city center?
Technically yes, but it is highly discouraged. The walk takes about an hour, but the route requires walking along busy, multi-lane highways with no sidewalks, poor lighting, and heavy traffic. It is not safe for pedestrians with luggage. Spend the €5 on the bus.
What happens if the taxi driver refuses the flat rate?
If a driver refuses the tariffa predeterminata and insists on using the meter, simply say “No, grazie,” close the door, and walk to the next taxi in the rank. There are always plenty of taxis waiting, and most drivers will honor the legal flat rate if you are firm about it.
Where do I catch the Alibus to return to the airport?
You can catch the Alibus back to the airport from the exact same stops where it dropped you off: Molo Beverello, Porta di Massa, or Piazza Garibaldi. At Garibaldi, the stop is located on the main road just outside the station entrance.
Official Resources:
- For live flight information and terminal maps, visit the Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli.
- For the latest Alibus schedules, check the ANM Official Website.