From Naples airport to the city centre: all your options compared

Naples International Airport, Capodichino, is one of the closest to the city centre among Italy’s major airports: just a few kilometres separate the runways from the heart of Naples. This makes getting to the historic centre quicker than in many other cities, but the available options aren’t especially numerous, and it’s worth knowing them before you land, so you can choose the one best suited to your trip, your luggage, and your arrival time. Here’s a comparison of the main ways to reach the centre of Naples from the airport.

Alibus: the cheapest, most tried-and-tested option

The Alibus is the shuttle service run by ANM, Naples’ public transport company, connecting the airport directly to the city’s key points. The route stops at Piazza Garibaldi, home to the Central Station, before continuing to Molo Beverello, the port from which hydrofoils depart for Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Tickets cost around €5, available on board, at airport sales points, or via app, and are valid for a limited time from validation. Buses run frequently, generally every 15–20 minutes during the day, with a service covering most of the day, from the early morning until late evening. It’s the best choice for those travelling with light luggage, who have time and want to save money, perhaps continuing on by metro once they reach the station.

Taxi: convenience at a fixed rate

For those who prefer a direct transfer, with no changes or intermediate stops, the taxi remains the most convenient option. Naples’ official taxis apply fixed, predetermined fares for routes from the airport to the city’s main destinations, including the central station, the port, and the historic centre: it’s good practice to always ask for the predetermined fare before setting off, so you have complete clarity on the cost of the journey. Indicative fares generally range between twenty and thirty euros depending on the final destination, but it’s always worth checking the exact amount on the fare board displayed at the airport, since official rates can be updated over time. The main advantage of the taxi is door-to-door convenience, particularly useful for those travelling in a group, with children, or with a lot of luggage, or for those arriving at night, when alternatives become more limited.

Private transfers and booking apps

In recent years, privately bookable transfer services have also become more common, as have several local apps that let you request an official taxi with traceable payment directly from your smartphone. These are useful solutions especially for those arriving on flights at inconvenient times, who prefer to have a fixed price agreed in advance, or who simply want to avoid queuing at the taxi rank. The cost is generally comparable to, or slightly higher than, a traditional taxi, but with the advantage of being able to arrange everything before departure.

Metro and train: not yet available

A common question among visitors is whether there’s a direct metro or train link between the airport and the city centre. At the moment, the answer is no: the Line 1 metro station designed to serve Capodichino Airport is still under construction and not yet operational. This means that, for those arriving at or departing from Capodichino, the Alibus and taxi remain the only real alternatives, while those needing to reach Pompeii or Sorrento can consider the direct connections offered by some regional coach companies departing from the airport area.

Which to choose: the practical summary

In general, for those arriving during the day, with little luggage, and staying in the centre, the Alibus remains the cheapest and most reliable option. The taxi is the recommended choice for those travelling in a group, since the fare is per ride rather than per person, for those arriving late at night, or for anyone who simply prefers not to think about anything after a flight. Privately bookable services are especially useful for those who want maximum peace of mind when it comes to planning. In any case, before setting off, it’s always worth checking the latest Alibus timetables and official taxi fares on official channels, as these can change over time.

City bus: the cheapest (but slowest) alternative

For those looking to save as much as possible and in no particular hurry, it’s also possible to use the regular city bus network, with a ticket costing just over one euro. It’s a considerably slower option than the Alibus, with a journey time that can exceed forty minutes depending on traffic, and requires some familiarity with the city’s bus routes and stops. For this reason, it remains best suited to those travelling on a very tight budget with no time pressure, while for most visitors the Alibus continues to offer the best balance of cost, convenience, and journey time.