How To Get To Capri
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The only way to get to Capri is by sea, so regardless of which city you're leaving from, you'll have to take the ferry.
Direct routes leave from Sorrento and Naples all year round, but you can also take boats from Positano, Amalfi, Salerno, and Ischia during the summer high season.
Capri was the second stop of my one month solo travel trip through Italy and definitely one of my favorite places in the country.
So, if you're trying to figure out how to get to Capri from Naples, Sorrento, or the Amalfi Coast, look no further! Here's a full transportation guide with details on ferry schedules, ticket options, and step-by-step instructions on how to take the boat!
Ferry From Naples to Capri
Ferries from Naples to Capri depart from two piers: Molo Beverello and Calata di Massa. Usually, high-speed ferries (hydrofoils) leave from Molo Beverello, and slower larger ferries depart from Calata di Massa.
Make sure to double check your tickets and confirm which one you're leaving from, but if you accidentally go to the wrong pier, no worries, because they're basically two terminals at the same marina 15 minutes apart by foot.
I used a combination of Omio and Google Maps to determine ferry schedules and pre-book tickets in advance. It's fine if you want to buy them at the pier but if you're visiting Capri during the summer, I highly recommend that you reserve seats beforehand! The ferries get super crowded and tickets are easily sold out!
High Speed Ferry Vs Regular Ferry
The high speed ferry is the best option if you want to maximize your time on Capri. I took the NLG Hydrofoil from Naples to Capri and found that it was a clean, smooth, and well-organized experience. It costs about €10 more than the regular ferry, but cuts down travel time significantly.
If you're on a budget or traveling with a car or motorbike, then the slower ferry from Calata di Massa is your best option. The trip takes longer (we'll get into details below) but it's cheaper and allows for vehicle transport.
One last thing to note: ferries can get canceled in rough weather so always make sure to check for updates before your ride! You can refer to this Facebook page for Capri's maritime warnings, but it's only in Italian, so you'll have to rely on auto-translate (thank goodness for technology)!
In rough seas, high-speed ferries can get cancelled, so you might have to opt for a larger, slower ferry. Just keep that in mind for when you're booking!
Trip Duration
High Speed Ferry: 50 minutes
Slow Ferry: 80 minutes
These are general estimates and you should double check the agenda for your specific ride.
I found that ferries are pretty regular (and punctual) which is exciting for Italy! (No shade... okay, a little bit of shade... but only for the Amalfi Coast buses but we'll talk about that another time...)
Ferry Ticket Prices
With inflation on the rise, it's hard to say how long these prices will last, but as of April 2025, tickets from Naples to Capri during high season are as such:
High Speed Ferry: €30 - €35
Slow Ferry: €20 - €25
Ticket prices are subject to change and can vary depending on what you're bringing.
Hand luggage is usually included but you might have to pay extra for large luggage.
Cars and motorbikes are also an additional fee on the slow ferry.
Off season tickets are also often cheaper than high season tickets!
Make sure to check the specific details beforehand but in general, ferry tickets from Naples to Capri cost between the €20-€40 one-way.
Ferry Schedule
High speed ferries depart from Molo Beverello every 2-3 hours during off-season and usually once an hour during high season.
Slow ferries leave from Calata di Massa three times a day regardless of time of year.
The ferry schedule fluctuates and you should always double check the time (and pier) before booking! I like to arrive 20-30 minutes before departure to ensure ample time for boarding!
How To Get To Naples Pier
I stayed in Centro Storico during my time in Naples and therefore walked to the pier. It was a 30-minute leisurely walk through the city and I very much enjoyed people watching along the way.
However, if you're staying in a different neighborhood or coming from somewhere else in Italy, here's how you would get to Naples Pier.
Metro: if you're staying somewhere else in Naples, the closest metro stop is Municipio.
Train: the closest train station is Stazione Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi). Take the train in and then transfer to the metro or take a cab directly to the pier.
Plane: the fastest way from Capodichino Airport to the port of Napoli is by shuttle bus. It's a 40-minute ride and you can buy tickets directly at the airport. Here's are the details for Alibus!
Ferry From Sorrento To Capri
While I didn't actually experience this for myself, I did take the ferry in reverse (from Capri to Sorrento) and the process is fairly similar.
The ferry ride from Sorrento to Capri is only 20 minutes long and runs approximately every 30 minutes during high season.
All boats leave from Marina Piccola in Sorrento, which is a convenient 10 minute walk from the main town.
If you're already exploring the south of Italy, this ferry is probably the easiest (and quickest) way to get to Capri.
You can get tickets directly at the port or buy them in advance online.
Friendly reminder, despite the multiple departures, I highly recommend booking your tickets beforehand (especially if you're traveling during peak season). Tourists will be filing in from the Amalfi Coast and surrounding areas, and tickets sell out quickly!
How Long Does The Ferry Take From Sorrento To Capri?
As I mentioned above, the ferry from Sorrento to Capri takes 20-25 minutes.
It's a quick ride operated by three carriers: SNAV, NLG, and Caremar. You can get SNAV and NLG tickets through Omio but Caremar tickets are only available through their direct website.
Make sure to get to the pier 30 minutes ahead of departure to ensure a seamless journey!
Ticket Prices
Ferry tickets from Sorrento to Capri are as such:
€20 - €25 during off season
€25 - €30 during high season
Similar to the ferry rides from Naples, ticket prices are subject to change and you might have to pay extra if you're traveling with large luggage, pets, or vehicles.
Read through the confirmation details after you book online or get to the pier early to ensure that you snag a ticket!
Ferry Schedule
During high season (Apr - Oct), ferries run 20-30 times a day with departures leaving every 30 minutes or so. The first boat usually leaves around 7 AM and the last one typically sails at 7 PM.
During low season (Nov - Mar), ferry crossings are cut in half. There are usually 10 trips during the weekday and 15 trips during the weekend. The first departure is usually around 7 AM and the last boat usually leaves around 5 PM.
The ferry schedule remains pretty consistent from day to day but can vary depending on the weather. Make sure to check with the ferry operators the day before your trip for any cancellations!
How To Get To Sorrento Marina
Luckily, the marina is extremely close to the main town.
It's a quick 10-minute walk from Piazza Tasso but goes down several flights of stairs. There's also the option to take an elevator from Villa Comunale, but I couldn't find it so I just suckered it up and walked down with my duffel bag.
But if you're traveling with a lot of luggage, walking down those narrow stone steps with a 25kg bag might not be the safest thing to do...
If you're not based in Sorrento, the closest train station is Sorrento Station. It's the last stop on the Circumvesuviana line from Naples and a 15-minute walk down to the port.
If you're coming from the Amalfi Coast, both the SITA and EAV buses stop near Piazza Tasso. From there, you'll again either walk down or take the elevator to the port.
✨ TRAVEL TIP: sit on the left side of the boat to enjoy stunning views on your ride from Sorrento to Capri!
Amalfi To Capri Ferry
If you're visiting the Amalfi Coast between April and October, you can skip the detour to Naples or Sorrento and take a direct ferry to Capri instead.
Boats leave from Amalfi, Positano, and Salerno, with additional routes from Maiori in July and August. Most ferries are slotted to leave every 2-3 hours, so make sure to check the schedule in advance (and book those tickets early)!
The journey takes 45 min - 1.5 hours and tickets start at €27.
I visited in November so these rides weren't available, but if you're traveling during the summer months, it's something to consider!
Trip Durations
Ferry rides from the Amalfi Coast to Capri take between 45 minutes and 1.5 hours depending on the town you're leaving from.
Here are some additional details:
Positano to Capri: 30 - 40 minutes
Amalfi to Capri: 50 min - 1 hour
Maiori to Capri: 1 hour 15 minutes
Salerno to Capri: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ticket Prices
Ferry tickets from the Amalfi Coast to Capri usually cost between €25 - €35 depending on the departure port and operator.
Prices are fairly consistent but it’s always a good idea to double-check before booking, as fares can fluctuate based on demand and seasonal changes.
Again, I cannot stress enough how crowded the Amalfi Coast gets during the summer, so make sure to buy your tickets in advance because they'll probably sell out otherwise!
Ferry Schedule
Ferry schedules for 2025 have been released! 🎉
They usually come out March or April of that year so if you're reading this blog post in the fall or winter and are planning ahead for your summer vacation, 1. dang, props to you for planning that far out, and 2. the schedule here may not be entirely accurate...
BUT, for 2025, here's what you can expect:
Positano to Capri: up to 10 crossings daily - first ferry 8:50 AM - last ferry 6:15 PM
Amalfi to Capri: approximately 8 crossings daily - first ferry 8:30 AM - last ferry 5:50 PM
Maiori to Capri: one confirmed trip by Alicost that leaves at 8:55 AM
Salerno to Capri: 3 or 4 ferries that leave early morning (7:30 - 8:40 AM)
Honestly, if you're based in Salerno or Maiori and don't want to leave early morning, I would just take the bus to one of the larger towns on the Amalfi Coast (Positano or Amalfi) and grab the ferry from there.
How To Take The Ferry To Capri
The process is intuitive and clearly outlined at the port, but here are some step-by-step instructions if you need extra support.
Book your tickets in advance.
Double check the terminal and look up instructions on how to get to the port the night before.
Check out from your accommodations in Naples, Sorrento, or Amalfi.
Make your way to the port.
Follow signs for the ferry that you're taking. Most companies allow for e-ticketing and you simply have to show them a QR code or ticket confirmation to board, but some companies still require that you check-in and swap your booking for a physical ticket. You'll get instructions with your ticket so read them carefully!
If you're traveling with large luggage, you might have to purchase an additional allowance when you get to the port. Anticipate a line and get there early!
Wait for the appropriately boarding time. They'll usually announce when boarding begins 15-30 minutes before departure.
Line up with your ticket in-hand to board.
Stow your luggage: there's a separate area for large suitcases but you can also keep them by you if you prefer.
Grab a seat and enjoy the ride!
Once you get to Capri, either take the funicular up to the main town and check in, or take the public bus to Anacapri if that's where your accommodations are located.
Tips For Taking The Ferry In Italy
Ferries in Italy are professionally operated and easy to navigate but if you're nervous, here are some tips for a smooth journey!
Book your tickets in advance. This ensures that you're guaranteed a seat regardless of how busy it is!
Prepare motion sickness medication if you get seasick.
Take the early morning (7AM) ferry to beat the crowds!
Arrive at the port at least 30 minutes before departure.
Double check schedule, weather, and transportation logistics the night before your trip.
Have a back-up plan. Luckily, ferries leave quite frequently so you'll probably be able to get to Capri without much delay. If the weather conditions are too rough, stay an extra day and head out when the skies are clear!
Tips For Planning Your Italy Trip
US citizens don't currently need a visa to visit Italy (if you plan on staying < 90 days) but that can change at any time! Get into the habit of checking your visa requirements before booking anything!
I used Omio to book all my train and ferry tickets in Italy ahead of time. It saved me SO much logistical stress.
Booking.com is my favorite platform for short-term accommodations in Italy. Depending on how long I'm staying in a region for, I also use VRBO to filter for stays with kitchens.
Always buy travel insurance when you're slow traveling! You never know what might happen so it's always better to be safe than sorry!
What To Do In Capri
So, you've made it to Capri. Congrats!
The first thing to do now that you're on the island is to check in.
If you're staying in the main Capri town, take the funicular up from Marina Grande. If you've booked your accommodations in Anacapri (which is what I did because it's cheaper and more local), take the public bus to the main square. You can of course call a cab, but it's going to be a little more expensive.
Once you're all settled in, it's time to explore! Here are my favorite things to do in Capri or if you want a more structured approach, here's the ultimate 3-day itinerary. Enjoy your stay on this beautiful island and let me know if you have any questions!
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