Naples Transportation Guide 2025: Complete Guide to Metro, Buses, Trains & Getting Around
Master Naples transportation and explore with confidence! From arriving at Naples Airport to reaching Castel dell'Ovo, this comprehensive guide covers every transportation option in Naples. Whether you're using public transport, taxis, or walking through the historic center, this guide ensures efficient, safe, and budget-friendly travel throughout the city and to surrounding attractions.
🚇 Quick Transport Guide 2025
Best Value: UniCo day pass €4.50 (metro, bus, funiculars) Airport to City: Alibus €5 (20 minutes to Centrale) Historic Center: Walking preferred - most attractions within 1km To Castel dell'Ovo: Walk from Piazza del Plebiscito (10 minutes)
Naples Public Transportation System Overview
Metro System - Fast and Modern
Naples metro consists of three lines (1, 2, and 6) that efficiently connect major transportation hubs, tourist areas, and residential districts. Line 1 (blue line) serves most tourist destinations, while Line 2 (green line) connects the airport and main train station to coastal areas including Mergellina.
Key Tourist Stations:
Garibaldi (Lines 1 & 2): Central Station for trains to Rome, Florence, and regional destinations
Università (Line 1): Historic center access, closest to Spaccanapoli
Toledo (Line 1): Shopping district, walking distance to Royal Palace
Municipio (Line 1): Cruise port, City Hall, walk to Castel dell'Ovo
Mergellina (Line 2): Waterfront district, ferry connections to islands
Metro Hours and Frequency: Operating Hours: 6:00 AM - 11:30 PM (Friday-Saturday until 12:30 AM) Frequency: Every 8-12 minutes during peak hours, 15-20 minutes evenings/weekends Journey Time: End-to-end approximately 45 minutes
💡 Metro Art Stations
UNESCO Recognition: Naples metro stations feature contemporary art installations. Don't miss Toledo Station (ranked among world's most beautiful) with its blue mosaic tunnel, and Università Station with Roman archaeological displays visible through the platform floors.
Bus Network - Comprehensive City Coverage
Naples' extensive bus network (ANM) connects areas not served by metro, including hilltop attractions and coastal areas. Buses operate frequently during peak hours but can be crowded and subject to traffic delays in the historic center.
C25: Historic center loop including Piazza del Plebiscito
140: Posillipo coastal route for beaches and scenic viewpoints
C31: Vomero and Posillipo hilltop areas
Alibus: Airport express service to Central Station and ferry port
Funicular Railways - Historic Hill Access
Four historic funicular lines connect the city center with hilltop neighborhoods, offering practical transport and scenic views. These century-old systems represent Naples' innovative approach to vertical transportation in a mountainous coastal city.
Funicular Lines:
Funicolare Centrale: Augusteo to Piazza Fuga (Vomero district)
Funicolare di Chiaia: Chiaia to Cimarosa (elegant residential area)
Funicolare di Montesanto: Montesanto to Morghen (shortest route)
Funicolare di Mergellina: Mergellina to Manzoni (coastal to hilltop)
Tickets and Passes - Save Money and Time
UniCo Integrated Ticket System
The UniCo system covers metro, buses, and funiculars with various options for different travel patterns. All tickets must be validated before travel - inspections are frequent with substantial fines for violations.
2025 Ticket Options:
Single Journey (90 minutes): €1.60
Valid for one journey on metro OR unlimited bus/funicular transfers within 90 minutes
Daily Pass: €4.50
Unlimited travel on all ANM services for 24 hours from first validation
3-Day Tourist Pass: €12.00
Best value for short visits - includes airport transport and all city services
Weekly Pass: €17.50
Ideal for longer stays or extensive exploration
Where to Buy Tickets
Metro Stations: Automatic machines (coins, cards, contactless payment)
Tobacco Shops (Tabacchi): Look for official ANM stickers
Newsstands: Throughout the city center
ANM Points: Official service centers at major stations
Mobile App: ANM app allows digital ticket purchase and validation
Airport Transportation
Naples Airport (Capodichino) to City Center
Located just 6km from the city center, Naples Airport offers convenient connections to all major areas. Multiple transportation options accommodate different budgets and schedules.
Alibus - Most Popular Option: Cost: €5 (includes onward city transport) Route: Airport → Central Station → Port (for cruise passengers) Frequency: Every 15-20 minutes, 6:00 AM - 11:50 PM Journey Time: 20-30 minutes depending on traffic
Taxi Service: Fixed Rates (2025): €18 to city center, €23 to cruise port Additional Charges: €1 per bag, €2.50 Sunday/holiday supplement Journey Time: 15-25 minutes depending on traffic Official Taxis Only: White vehicles with official taxi signs and meters
Private Transfer and Ride-sharing:
Services like Uber operate with advance booking. Hotel transfers available through most accommodations. Car rentals available but not recommended for city center exploration due to limited parking and ZTL restrictions.
🚨 Airport Transport Tips
Peak Hours: Allow extra time 7-9 AM and 5-7 PM due to commuter traffic
Luggage: Alibus has limited luggage space - consider taxi for large groups
Night Arrivals: Limited public transport after midnight - taxi recommended
Terminal Access: All services depart from ground level outside arrivals
Train Transportation
Naples Central Station (Napoli Centrale)
Modern, efficient station serving high-speed connections to major Italian cities and regional services to surrounding attractions. The station integrates with metro Line 1 and 2 for seamless city access.
High-Speed Services (Trenitalia/Italo):
Rome: 1 hour 10 minutes (€45-80 depending on service class)
Regional Trains: Salerno, Caserta, other Campania destinations
Night Trains: Sicily and other southern destinations
Booking and Reservations
Advance Booking Recommended: High-speed trains require reservations. Book online (Trenitalia.com, Italotreno.it) or at station kiosks. Regional trains don't require reservations but validate tickets before boarding.
Walking in Naples - The Best Way to Explore
Historic Center Walking Guide
Naples' UNESCO World Heritage historic center is best explored on foot. Most major attractions cluster within a 2km radius, making walking the most efficient and engaging transportation method for sightseeing.
Ancient Naples Route (2km, 40 minutes): Archaeological Museum → Spaccanapoli → San Gregorio Armeno → Naples Cathedral → San Lorenzo Maggiore
Coastal Route (3km, 1 hour): Mergellina → Lungomare Caracciolo → Santa Lucia → Castel dell'Ovo → Via Partenope
Walking Safety and Practical Tips
Pedestrian Challenges: Naples drivers are aggressive but predictable. Use crosswalks, make eye contact with drivers, and follow local pedestrians' lead. Motorbikes frequently use sidewalks - stay alert.
Navigation Tips: Historic center streets follow medieval patterns - GPS essential. Download offline maps before exploring. Street signs often missing or unclear in oldest areas.
🌟 Local Transport Secret
Sunday Morning Advantage: Take advantage of Sunday morning reduced traffic for stress-free exploration. Many churches open early for services, offering authentic cultural experiences. Public transport runs reduced schedules, making walking even more advantageous for sightseeing.
Taxi and Ride Services
Official Taxi Service
Naples taxis operate with fixed rates for airport transfers and metered rates within the city. Official white taxis with visible identification provide safe, regulated service.
Taxi Stands and Booking:
Major stands at Central Station, Airport, Piazza del Plebiscito, and tourist areas. Phone booking: 081 8888 or 081 5151. Mobile apps increasingly available but street hailing remains most common.
Alternative Transport Options
Vespa/Scooter Rentals: Experience Naples like locals but requires confidence in chaotic traffic. Several rental companies near Central Station and tourist areas.
Bicycle Sharing: Limited infrastructure in historic center due to narrow streets and hills. Coastal areas offer better cycling opportunities, particularly the Lungomare promenade.
Transportation to Major Attractions
Reaching Castel dell'Ovo and Borgo Marinari
From Central Station: Metro Line 1 to Municipio + 10-minute walk From Airport: Alibus to Porto + 5-minute walk From Historic Center: 10-15 minute walk from Piazza del Plebiscito From Mergellina: 20-minute scenic walk along Lungomare
Day Trip Transportation
Pompeii: Circumvesuviana train from Central Station (45 minutes, €2.80) Sorrento: Circumvesuviana (70 minutes, €4.20) or SITA bus Capri: Ferry from Mergellina or cruise port (40-80 minutes, €15-25) Amalfi Coast: SITA bus from Central Station or private tours
Accessibility and Special Needs Transportation
Metro Accessibility: Most Line 1 stations are wheelchair accessible with elevators and platform gaps. Line 2 has limited accessibility - check specific stations before travel.
Bus Accessibility: Newer buses feature low floors and wheelchair ramps, but not all routes have accessible vehicles. Check ANM website for specific accessible route information.
Taxi Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible taxis available by advance booking: 081 5564444. Limited availability requires 24-48 hour notice.
Naples transportation, while occasionally chaotic, provides comprehensive options for reaching all major attractions efficiently and affordably. Combining different transport modes - metro for longer distances, walking for historic areas, and taxis for convenience - offers the most flexible approach to exploring this fascinating city and its surroundings.
