How to Get from Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) to Naples City Centre

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Naples Airport to the city centre for most travelers is the Alibus shuttle (25-40 minutes, €5/$5.50, every 20-30 minutes to Central Station and the port). It's reliable, has luggage space, and is easy to find. For door-to-door convenience: Official taxi with a fixed fare of €22-25 ($24-28) to the historic centre. For budget travelers: Local bus 180 (€1.20/$1.30, 30-50 minutes to Piazza Garibaldi). Avoid the misconception of a direct train or metro – you need a bus connection first. For early morning or late night flights, taxi is your only reliable option.

Alibus Airport Shuttle: The Best Overall Choice

The Alibus shuttle is the dedicated airport express bus linking Naples Capodichino Airport with the city's key transport hubs. It's operated by ANM, the city's public transport company. For most visitors arriving at Naples International Airport, this is the most balanced option combining affordability, convenience, and frequency. The bus has dedicated luggage compartments, runs frequently, and stops at the two places you're most likely to need: the central railway station and the ferry port for connections to Capri and the islands.

Transport Option	Travel Time	Approximate Cost	Best For	Key Notes
Alibus Shuttle	25-40 minutes	€5 ($5.50) one-way	Most travelers, good value	Frequent, luggage space, card accepted
Official Taxi (Fixed Fare)	15-30 minutes	€22-25 ($24-28)	Door-to-door, families, groups of 3-4	Fixed fare to historic centre, confirm first
Local Bus 180	30-50 minutes	€1.20 ($1.30)	Solo budget travelers, light luggage	Cheapest, must buy ticket before boarding
Private Transfer	15-30 minutes	€40-60 ($44-66)	Families, groups, luxury travelers	Pre-booked, meet & greet, no hassle

Finding and Taking the Alibus at Naples Airport

Upon exiting the arrivals hall at Naples Airport (NAP), follow signs for "Bus" or "Alibus". The stop is directly outside the terminal, a 1-minute walk. Look for the distinct blue and white buses with "Alibus" displayed. Buses run from approximately 6:30 AM to 11:30 PM, every 20-30 minutes. The first bus in the morning is perfect for early arrivals, and the last one is crucial for daytime flights. I've taken it dozens of times; it's impossible to miss.

Alibus Schedule and Frequency

The Alibus operates with impressive frequency throughout the day: Every 20 minutes during peak hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM), and every 30 minutes during off-peak hours. The last departure from the airport is at 11:30 PM, and the first bus from the city back to the airport starts at 6:30 AM. During the summer tourist season, additional services are sometimes added, but don't count on it - always check the schedule posted at the stop.

Buying Alibus Tickets

You can buy tickets: 1. Onboard the bus: From the driver using contactless card or cash (notes up to €20, coins). 2. At the airport: From the ANM ticket machine in the arrivals hall (cards/cash). A one-way ticket costs €5 (about $5.50). The ticket is valid for 90 minutes on all urban transport, but realistically you're just taking the Alibus. Keep your ticket until you exit, though checks are rare.

Why I Recommend the Alibus for First-Timers

Many travel forums overcomplicate Naples transport. For a straightforward, stress-free transfer from Naples Airport to downtown, the Alibus is the answer. Taxis are fine but triple the price. Local buses are cheap but confusing with luggage. The Alibus is the sweet spot: tourist-friendly, direct, and predictable. I've seen tourists struggle with the 180 bus while I boarded the Alibus and was downtown faster.

Taxi from Naples Airport to City Centre

Taking an official taxi from Naples Airport is the most convenient door-to-door option. The ride takes 15-30 minutes, but Naples traffic is legendary – during rush hour (8-10 AM, 5-7:30 PM) it can easily double. The key is knowing the fixed fare system to avoid scams. The official set fare to any destination in the historic centre (Centro Storico), including the port area, is €22-25 (approximately $24-28). This covers up to 4 passengers with luggage.

How to Get a Safe Taxi at Naples Airport

Exit the arrivals hall and walk to the official taxi rank directly outside. Only use the white taxis with the Naples city crest. Avoid any individuals inside the terminal offering "taxi" services; these are unlicensed and will overcharge. Join the queue. When it's your turn, clearly state your destination and ask "È tariffa fissa per il centro?" (Is it the fixed fare to the centre?). The driver should confirm "Sì, ventidue euro" (Yes, twenty-two euros). Only then get in.

Understanding the Fixed Fare & Extra Charges

The fixed fare (tariffa fissa) applies to destinations within the city's municipal area, broadly the historic centre, Chiaia, and Vomero. It includes all supplements, luggage, and the ride. Legitimate extra charges: A €1-2 night surcharge (10 PM - 7 AM) and a small Sunday/holiday surcharge. The meter should not be running. If it is, you're not on the fixed fare. A common scam is drivers saying the fixed fare doesn't apply to your hotel. It does, if it's centrally located.

Late Night Taxi from Naples Airport

For arrivals after 11:30 PM (when the Alibus stops), taxis are your only public option. The official taxi rank operates 24/7. Expect the fixed fare plus the night surcharge. Wait times are usually short, but after the last flight lands, a queue can form. I arrived at 1:00 AM once; the wait was 10 minutes, and the fare was €24 to my hotel near Piazza Dante. It felt safe and organized.

A Common Real-Life Mistake (The "Meter Scam")

You get in a taxi at the rank. The driver doesn't mention the fixed fare and starts the meter. You think it's normal. The route seems long. Upon arrival, the meter shows €38. The driver insists that's the correct price. You pay, frustrated. What happened? The driver took a longer route and used the more expensive out-of-town meter rate. How to avoid: Always, always confirm "tariffa fissa" before the ride starts. If the meter is on, ask to stop and get out.

Local Bus 180 & Public Transport from Naples Airport

Naples has an extensive but chaotic public bus network. From the airport, the main local bus is the ANM bus 180, which goes to the central Piazza Garibaldi (Naples Central Station). It's the absolute cheapest option at €1.20 per ticket (about $1.30). However, I need to be honest: for most travelers arriving with suitcases, I do not recommend it. The buses are often overcrowded, have minimal luggage space, and the experience can be overwhelming after a long flight.

Taking the 180 Bus: The Reality

The bus stop is outside the airport terminal, a short walk from the Alibus stop. Buses run from around 5:30 AM to 11:30 PM, but frequency is irregular (anywhere from 15 to 40 minutes). The ride takes 30-50 minutes. The crucial detail: You cannot buy a ticket from the driver. You must purchase a TIC ticket (€1.20, valid 90 minutes) from a tabaccheria (tobacco shop) with a big "T" sign, a newsstand, or the airport ticket machine before boarding. Stamp the ticket in the machine onboard.

Bus 180 Schedule and Reliability

The 180 bus theoretically runs every 15-20 minutes during the day, but in reality, it's often late or irregular. In the evening, service drops to every 30-40 minutes. After 10:00 PM, buses become very infrequent. I've waited 45 minutes for a 180 bus at the airport before giving up and taking the Alibus instead. If you're on a tight schedule, don't rely on the 180 bus for airport transfers.

Who Should Actually Take the Local Bus?

The 180 bus is suitable for: 1) Solo backpackers with one backpack. 2) Travelers on an extreme budget. 3) Those familiar with Naples' public transport. 4) People arriving during daylight hours. It is not suitable for: Families with children, travelers with roller suitcases, elderly visitors, anyone arriving after dark, or people in a hurry. For the sake of €3.80, the Alibus offers a vastly superior experience.

A Real-Life Scenario: The Struggling Bus Rider

You arrive tired, with a 20kg suitcase and a backpack. You find the 180 bus stop. After 25 minutes, a crowded bus arrives. You struggle to haul your suitcase up the high steps. There's no luggage area; you block the aisle. You anxiously watch for your stop, unsure when to get off. At Piazza Garibaldi, you wrestle your suitcase off the bus into the chaotic station. You saved €3.80 but wasted 30 minutes of stress and effort. Meanwhile, the Alibus rider arrived sooner, stored their luggage neatly, and stepped out refreshed.

Private Transfer & Ride-Hailing Apps (Free Now)

Private Airport Transfer Services

Pre-booked private transfers offer a hassle-free door-to-door service. A driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, helps with luggage, and drives you directly to your hotel. Prices range from €40-60 ($44-66) for a standard sedan. This is the best option for families with young children, groups of 3-4, those with lots of luggage, or travelers wanting absolute certainty. You can book online via platforms like Welcome Pickups, SunTransfer, or through your hotel.

Uber, Free Now, and Taxi Apps in Naples

Standard UberX does not operate in Naples. Only Uber Black (luxury cars) is available, with fares 2-3 times a taxi. Instead, locals use Free Now (formerly myTaxi) or It Taxi. These apps work exactly like Uber but connect you to licensed, official white taxis. You get an estimated fare, can pay via app, and avoid cash. This is a great option for leaving the airport if you have data. You may need to walk a short distance from the terminal for pickup.

When a Private Transfer Makes Financial Sense

While a private car seems expensive compared to a €22 taxi, consider: A taxi for 4 people with 4 suitcases might require a larger vehicle or two taxis. A pre-booked van transfer for €60 fits everyone comfortably. For a family of 4, that's €15 per person for a seamless, pre-paid experience. The internet says "just get a taxi," but after a long journey with kids, the value of a waiting driver is immense.

Detailed Bus Route Stops from Naples Airport

Understanding the exact stops helps with navigation, especially if your hotel is near one. Here are the detailed stops for the key airport transport routes.

Alibus Shuttle: Complete Stop List

1. Naples Capodichino Airport (Aeroporto) - The starting point, stop is outside Arrivals (Terminal 1).
2. Via Galileo Ferraris / Piazza Garibaldi - Main approach to the central station area (approx. 20 minutes from airport).
3. Napoli Centrale FS (Stazione Centrale) - Naples Central Railway Station. Interchange for Trenitalia, Italo, Circumvesuviana trains, and Metro Lines 1 & 2.
4. Piazza Municipio - City Hall square, near Castel Nuovo (Maschio Angioino), Galleria Umberto I, and the start of Via Toledo shopping street.
5. Molo Beverello - Final stop at the main ferry terminal for hydrofoils and ferries to Capri, Ischia, Procida, and Sorrento.

Direction: The bus runs in a loop. From the port back to the airport, it makes the same stops in reverse order: Molo Beverello → Piazza Municipio → Napoli Centrale → Airport.

Local Bus 180: Key Stops to Know

The 180 bus follows a longer, local route into the city. Key stops include:

1. Capodichino Airport (start) - Main airport terminal stop
2. Via Nuova Poggioreale - Industrial/commercial area
3. Piazza Nazionale - Residential neighborhood stop
4. Corso Umberto I - Major avenue leading into the city centre
5. Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale) - Main stop at the central station (30-50 minutes from airport)
6. Via Depretis - Continuing toward the waterfront area
7. Via Sanfelice - Final stop near the port area

From Piazza Garibaldi, the bus continues on other routes. Most travelers should get off at Piazza Garibaldi for connections.

Metro Connections from Naples Airport

Many people search for "metro from Naples airport" but there is no direct metro station at Capodichino. To reach Naples' metro system, you must first take a bus to the city centre, then transfer. Here's exactly how to do it:

How to Reach Metro Line 1 from the Airport

Metro Line 1 (also called "Metrò dell'Arte") is the most useful line for tourists, serving key sites like the National Archaeological Museum, Spanish Quarter, and Vomero hill.

Step-by-step:

1. Take either the Alibus (€5) or Bus 180 (€1.20) to Piazza Garibaldi / Napoli Centrale.
2. Enter Napoli Centrale station and follow signs for "Metro Linea 1".
3. Buy a metro ticket (€1.20 for single journey, or use the same TIC ticket if within 90 minutes of validating your bus ticket).
4. Take Line 1 in the direction of "Piscinola" for stations including:
   • Museo (for the National Archaeological Museum)
   • Dante (for the historic centre and Spaccanapoli)
   • Toledo (for the Spanish Quarter and Via Toledo shopping)
   • Municipio (for City Hall and port area - though Alibus goes here directly)
   • Vanvitelli (for the Vomero district and Castel Sant'Elmo)

How to Reach Metro Line 2 from the Airport

Metro Line 2 is actually a suburban railway that serves different areas including the Mergellina district and connects to the Circumvesuviana network for Pompeii and Herculaneum.

Step-by-step:

1. Take either the Alibus (€5) or Bus 180 (€1.20) to Piazza Garibaldi / Napoli Centrale.
2. In Napoli Centrale, follow signs for "Metro Linea 2" or "FS" (Ferrovie dello Stato).
3. Take Line 2 in the direction of "Pozzuoli" for stations including:
   • Piazza Cavour (for the historic centre)
   • Piazza Amedeo (for the Chiaia district)
   • Mergellina (for the waterfront and hydrofoils to the islands)
   • Piazza Leopardi (for the Fuorigrotta district)

The Reality of Metro Connections

While the metro is excellent once you're in the city, the two-step process (bus + metro) with luggage can be challenging. The metro stations at Napoli Centrale require navigating stairs, escalators, and sometimes long corridors. During peak hours, the metro can be extremely crowded. For most tourists heading to central hotels, the Alibus to a nearby stop plus a short walk or taxi is often simpler than bus+metro.

Naples Airport to City Centre Route Map

The map below shows the primary routes from Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP) to the city centre. The Alibus takes the most direct route along Via Nuova Poggioreale and Corso Umberto I. The local 180 bus follows a similar but more meandering path with more stops.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Naples Airport to City Centre on Google Maps

The distance from Naples Airport to the city centre (Piazza Garibaldi) is approximately 7 km (4.3 miles). The travel time is highly dependent on the infamous Naples traffic, which can be light or gridlocked at any time of day.

Ticketing, Fares & Transport Passes

Money & ATMs at Naples Airport

There are multiple ATMs (Bancomat) in the arrivals hall (Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, etc.). Withdraw some Euros for taxi/bus. While cards are widely accepted (even on the Alibus), having €20-40 in smaller bills (€5, €10, €20) is wise for taxis or small purchases. Avoid currency exchange counters at the airport for large amounts; rates are poor.

The "Unico Campania" Ticket Myth

You might read about "Unico" tickets. For travel within Naples city limits, you need the ANM TIC ticket (€1.20). The "Unico" brand is for regional travel (e.g., to Pompeii, Sorrento). Don't overcomplicate it: for the airport bus, just buy the €5 Alibus ticket or a €1.20 TIC ticket for the 180 bus.

Traveler Experience: Arriving at Naples Airport

Naples Capodichino is a compact, single-terminal airport. After collecting baggage, you exit directly into the arrivals hall. The atmosphere is lively, sometimes chaotic. Signs for transport are clear. The Alibus stop is directly outside to the right. The taxi rank is straight ahead. My first time, I was confused by people offering "taxi" inside the terminal – ignore them and walk to the official rank outside.

First-Time Visitor Walkthrough

Follow the crowd out of baggage claim. Need cash? Use an ATM on your left. Walk straight out the doors. For Alibus: Turn right, look for blue/white buses. For Taxi: Walk straight to the orderly queue of white taxis. For Bus 180: Walk right past the Alibus stop a little further. The whole process from plane to transport takes 15-30 minutes.

The Reality of Naples Traffic

Naples traffic is an experience. Scooters weave, cars double-park, horns are communication. Your transfer time can vary wildly. An Alibus ride at 10 AM might take 25 minutes; at 5:30 PM, it could take 50. Factor this in, especially if catching a ferry or train. Locals have a fluid driving style that can be stressful to watch. Just relax; the drivers know what they're doing.

A Common First-Timer Mistake: The Fixed Fare Confusion

You get in a taxi. The driver smiles and nods when you say "Centro". He starts the meter. You think it's fine. The meter hits €18, then €25, then €32 as he takes a scenic route. You arrive and argue, but you're tired and pay. The fixed fare was €22. I've heard this story many times. The fix is simple: say "Tariffa fissa? Ventidue euro?" and wait for a clear "Sì" before closing the door.

Best Option by Travel Scenario

• Solo Traveler with Backpack: Alibus (€5) for ease, or Bus 180 (€1.20) if on a tight budget. Motorbike taxis aren't really a thing here.
• Couple with Suitcases: Alibus (€10 total) is perfect. Splitting a taxi (€11-12.50 each) is also good value for door-to-door.
• Family of 4 with Kids & Luggage: Taxi (€22-25 total) is the best value and least stressful. One taxi fits 4 with bags. Alibus would cost €20 anyway.
• Late Night Arrival (after 11:30 PM): Official Taxi (24/7, fixed fare + surcharge). Pre-book a transfer for absolute certainty.
• Early Morning Departure: From city to airport for a 6-7 AM flight: Pre-book a taxi via Free Now app or ask your hotel to book one the night before. The first Alibus (6:30 AM) might be too late.
• Traveler Connecting to a Ferry: Alibus - it terminates at Molo Beverello port. A taxi is fine too, but port traffic in summer is horrific; allow 60+ minutes from airport.
• Business Traveler: Taxi or pre-booked private car. The time savings and professionalism are worth the cost.
• Budget Backpacker: Bus 180 (€1.20) to Piazza Garibaldi, then walk or use a TIC ticket for a metro/tram to your hostel.
• Person with Mobility Issues: Taxi or Private Transfer. Buses require steps and lack dedicated spaces.
• Group of 5 or More: You'll need a larger taxi (max 4) or a van. Pre-book a private van transfer online to avoid hassle.
• Naples Cruise Port Transfer: If your cruise leaves from the main port (Molo Beverello), the Alibus stops right there. From the other cruise terminal (Stazione Marittima), it's a 5-10 minute walk from the Alibus stop.

Frequently Asked Questions: Naples Airport to City Centre