Getting Around Naples: A Practical Guide
Naples is a large, densely populated city where you'll have several transport options. Traffic can be heavy, similar to other major European cities, and ongoing metro construction adds to congestion in some areas. However, the city centre is compact and very walkable, with interesting sites clustered closely together.
Walking
You may be surprised at how easily you can navigate Naples on foot. Most distances in the historic centre are small and manageable, with interesting spots appearing on almost every corner. Keep in mind that many streets, especially in older parts of town, are made of cobblestones or damaged asphalt. When crossing streets, follow local pedestrians—they often cross mid-block rather than at designated crossings, and Neapolitan drivers are very attentive to this. Remember to look left for oncoming traffic, as circulation follows European standards.
Metro, Tram and Rail Networks
Naples has an expanded subway network that forms the backbone of public transport. The main railway station, Napoli Centrale, is located at Garibaldi Square and connects directly to the city's metro system. Plan about ten minutes of extra time on your first visit to the station, as it is a large complex with multiple platform groups.
The station area includes Piazza Garibaldi station nearby, where you can catch local and regional Circumvesuviana trains. Metro Line 1 has its entrance west of the main station platforms, down several escalators, and some trains—such as those toward Caserta—share platforms with Line 2.
A new high-speed railway hub, Napoli Afragola, has been built approximately 12 kilometres north of the city centre. Some high-speed trains between Rome and points south of Naples bypass the city centre entirely and use only this station, though local trains also call here, making central Naples an easy interchange away.
Other notable stations include Napoli Mergellina, an impressive Art Déco building, and Napoli Campi Flegrei.
Tram Line 1 and metro Line 1 can take you within three blocks of the main ferries at Stazione Marittima.
Buses
Buses serve the city alongside the metro and tram networks. From Stazione Centrale, bus routes including Alibus, R2, and 151 will get you within three blocks of the ferry terminal at Stazione Marittima.
A dedicated bus terminal with 42 different bus companies has been created south of the central railway station. Many national and international private bus services operate in Naples, generally stopping at Piazza Garibaldi or Piazza Municipio, and some provide connections from northern and eastern Europe.
Cycling
Cycling is possible in Naples, though care is needed. Many streets, particularly in older parts of town, feature cobblestones or damaged asphalt. Standard city bikes may struggle on these surfaces; many locals use fatbikes with thicker tyres, often electric models, to navigate these conditions. A few proper cycle lanes exist, including one at the promenade.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are among the quickest ways to move around Naples, though they are the most expensive option. Before entering any taxi, verify that it is licensed—licensed taxis display a city crest on the door and a taxi number, and they must have a working meter.
Licensed taxis are required by law to display a list of set fares in multiple languages (Italian, English, French, German, Spanish). Check these fares and agree on them before starting your journey. You must explicitly request either the fixed fare or the meter before departure. As of November 2023, the fixed fare from the airport to the central train station is 18 EUR per car, day and night, including luggage and all charges except a possible 1 EUR motorway fee.
Be aware that some drivers, even licensed ones, may decline to run the meter or may hide the fixed-fare sheet. Others may claim "cash only" or attempt to overcharge. All licensed taxis should have a card payment terminal by law. If a driver pushes back on using the meter or card payments, you can threaten to call the police. Additional charges may apply for trips to suburban areas (which double the fare), phone reservations, luggage pieces, and airport transfers; these won't always show on the meter, so fixed fares—which include almost everything—are often preferable.
Four major taxi companies operate in Naples with identical fares, though none allows advance booking. Apps like FreeNOW and Uber can call you a licensed taxi in the moment, subject to the same rules and fares as street taxis. Be cautious of illegal, unauthorised taxis and anyone who approaches you directly at the airport or elsewhere in the city.
Getting from the Airport to the City
Naples International Airport (Capodichino Airport) serves the city. Works to connect the airport to the Naples Metro system were expected to be completed in 2027, so check current status.
Several transport options exist from the airport to the city centre:
- Alibus: A dedicated airport bus that costs €5 and makes only two stops: Stazione Centrale (Central Station) and Piazza Municipio, near the main ferry port. You can buy your ticket on the bus. The ticket is valid for further public transport trips for up to 90 minutes after validation. The Alibus is air-conditioned but has limited stops.
- 3S bus: A cheaper alternative that serves the same main stops as the Alibus but also stops in backstreets and continues to the port and shopping districts. Most 3S buses are not air-conditioned.
- Taxi: Licensed taxis are clearly marked at the exit with fixed fares displayed. Be wary of illegal taxis and drivers who claim to charge the same as the Alibus but actually charge per child and only depart once the minivan is full.
Avoid approaching anyone directly offering transport services, and only use authorised taxis or official bus services. If any driver behaves suspiciously, threaten to call the police.
Tickets and Passes
Public transport tickets, including those from the Alibus, are typically valid across multiple transport modes for a set period (such as 90 minutes) after validation. This allows you to combine bus, metro, and tram journeys on a single ticket.