Naples airport to the city

By the Viamo editorial team · Editor Terje Moy · Last updated July 2026 · 5 min read

Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) sits just 7 km north of the city centre — close enough that the journey in rarely takes more than half an hour. The classic choice is the Alibus shuttle, but a new metro connection has changed the picture, and taxis here operate on a regulated flat-fare system. Here is how each option works.

Alibus: the airport shuttle bus

The Alibus (line ANM 3S) is the most popular link between the airport and the city. It runs roughly every 15–20 minutes, from early morning to just past midnight, and connects Capodichino to two main points in the city:

• Naples Centrale — the main railway station on Piazza Garibaldi, from which you can reach almost anywhere by local metro or train.
• Molo Beverello — the ferry terminal for the islands: Capri, Ischia and Procida. If you are heading straight to a ferry, the Alibus saves you the trouble of a city transfer.

The journey to Naples Centrale takes about 15–20 minutes in light traffic; allow considerably more during morning and afternoon rush hour when congestion in central Naples can extend the ride to 40 minutes or beyond. Tickets can be bought on board or at the airport. The fare is modest and fixed.

Metro Line 1: the newer alternative

Naples has been extending its Metro Line 1 northwards, and the connection to Capodichino is now operational. The new Capodichino station on Line 1 links the airport directly into the city's main metro spine, with stops at Municipio (near the port), Toledo, Università and through to Piscinola in the north.

The metro avoids road traffic entirely, which gives it a significant speed advantage during busy periods. Journey time to Toledo or Municipio is roughly 15–20 minutes. Line 1 trains run frequently throughout the day and until late in the evening. Standard Unico Napoli integrated tickets cover the metro and can also be used on buses and the funiculars within the city.

Taxi: flat fares into the city

Naples operates a system of regulated flat taxi fares from the airport to the city's main destinations. Rather than running the meter, drivers apply fixed rates to set points — the historic centre, Naples Centrale station, Molo Beverello and others. This removes the risk of inflated fares and makes budgeting straightforward.

The flat rates are set by the municipality and should be displayed in the taxi. Always use a licensed taxi from the official rank outside arrivals; the vehicles are white and metered (the flat rate simply replaces the meter in this context). Journey time is typically 20–30 minutes in normal traffic, shorter late at night.

Ride-hailing apps including Uber and itTaxi (the Italian taxi app) also operate in Naples. itTaxi uses the same licensed taxi fleet and applies equivalent fares.

Private transfer and hire car

Pre-booked private transfers are widely available and can work out economically for families or groups. Several companies offer set-price transfers to hotels or specific districts — useful if you are staying outside the centre or have an early morning flight.

Car hire desks are in the arrivals hall. Driving into Naples requires some nerve: the city is notorious for dense traffic, extremely limited parking and complex one-way systems in the historic centre. If your main destination is central Naples, a hire car is rarely worth the trouble on arrival day — collect it later when you are ready to leave or explore the region.

Getting to the Amalfi Coast and other destinations

If you are travelling beyond Naples, the logical hub is Naples Centrale station. From there, regional trains reach Salerno (the gateway to the Amalfi Coast by ferry or bus), Pompeii and Herculaneum, Sorrento (via the Circumvesuviana), and Caserta. The Alibus or Metro Line 1 both get you to Centrale without needing to change in the city.

For the Amalfi Coast itself, ferries from Molo Beverello or Mergellina to Positano, Amalfi and Salerno run seasonally — another reason the direct Alibus to Beverello is popular with island and coast-bound travellers. See our guide to travelling Italy by train for onward connections across the country.

Which option should you choose?

The Metro Line 1 is now the standout choice for most travellers: it is fast, immune to road traffic, and drops you in the heart of the city at stations with good connections. The Alibus remains the better option if you are heading directly to the ferry terminal at Molo Beverello, or if you have heavy luggage and the metro change feels awkward. A taxi earns its place for groups, late-night arrivals, or when you are heading to a specific hotel address that the metro does not serve conveniently. The fare structure is fair and transparent compared to many Italian cities.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a direct metro from Naples Airport to the city centre?

Yes. Metro Line 1 now connects Capodichino Airport directly into the city, with stops at Toledo, Municipio and beyond. Journey time to the centre is roughly 15–20 minutes, with no road traffic to worry about.

How long does the Alibus take from the airport to Naples Centrale?

In light traffic, about 15–20 minutes. Allow up to 40 minutes or more during rush hours, when central Naples congestion can be significant.

Are Naples airport taxis metered or fixed price?

There are regulated flat fares to the main city destinations, set by the municipality. The rates should be displayed in the taxi, and the journey is charged at the fixed amount rather than the running meter.

Can I get directly from Naples Airport to the ferry port for Capri?

Yes. The Alibus (line 3S) runs directly from Capodichino to Molo Beverello, the main ferry terminal for Capri, Ischia and Procida, without any city transfer.