Quick Answer
Best overall option: Take the SITA bus from Ravello to Salerno (60 min, €2.50), then a high-speed train from Salerno to Napoli Centrale (35 min, €12), finally the Alibus shuttle to Naples Airport (20 min, €5). Total time: ~2.5 hours · Total cost: ~€19.50 ($21).
Fastest option: Direct private transfer or taxi from Ravello to Naples Airport (1–1.5 hours, €120–€150 / $132–$165).
Cheapest option: SITA bus + regional train + Alibus (~€14 / $15.50).
Naples Airport (NAP) is the closest major airport. There are no domestic flights between Ravello and Naples — land transport is the only practical solution.
Train via Salerno — The Fastest Rail Option
Ravello sits high above the Amalfi Coast and has no railway station of its own. The nearest major rail hub is Salerno, a 60-minute bus ride down the mountain. Once in Salerno, you have two excellent rail choices to reach Napoli Centrale, from where the Alibus airport shuttle departs every 20 minutes.
Step 1: Ravello → Salerno (Bus)
SITA巴士 runs from Ravello's central square (Piazza Duomo) to Salerno's bus terminal (Piazza della Concordia). Buses depart roughly every 60–90 minutes from 06:30 to 20:00. The journey takes 55–70 minutes depending on traffic on the Amalfi Coast road. Ticket price: €2.50 ($2.75) — buy at any tabaccheria or ticket machine before boarding. Validate your ticket inside the bus immediately!
Step 2: Salerno → Napoli Centrale (Train)
From Salerno's modern station (Stazione di Salerno), you can take either a high-speed train (Le Frecce / Italo) or a Regionale (regional train). The table below compares both.
| Train Type | Operator | Travel Time | Price (Standard) | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High-speed (Frecciarossa / Italo) | Trenitalia / Italo | 30–35 min | €10–€15 ($11–$17) | ~every 30–60 min | Reservation required; comfortable, luggage space |
| Regionale (regional train) | Trenitalia | 45–55 min | €5–€7 ($5.50–$7.70) | ~every 30 min | No reservation; basic but reliable |
Recommendation: For most travelers, the high-speed train is worth the extra €5–8 because it saves 20 minutes and offers more comfortable seating with luggage racks. If you're on a tight budget, the Regionale is perfectly fine — just keep an eye on your belongings.
Step 3: Napoli Centrale → Naples Airport (Alibus)
From Napoli Centrale (Piazza Garibaldi), follow signs to the Alibus stop just outside the station's main entrance. The bright blue ANM Alibus (line 3S) runs every 15–30 minutes from 05:00 to 23:30. Trip time: 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Ticket price: €5 ($5.50) — buy at the ticket machine, tabaccheria, or on board (cash only, €6 on board). The bus stops at both airport terminals (departure and arrival).
Total Journey Summary (Train Route)
- Ravello → Salerno (bus): 60 min · €2.50
- Salerno → Napoli Centrale (high-speed train): 35 min · €12 (average)
- Napoli Centrale → Airport (Alibus): 20 min · €5
- Total: ~2 h 30 min · €19.50 ($21)
Tip: Download the Trenitalia app or Italo app for real-time train schedules and mobile tickets.
Bus + Train + Shuttle — The Most Economical Option
If you're traveling on a shoestring budget, this fully overland combination is your cheapest way to reach Naples Airport. It uses the same basic route as the train option above but substitutes the high-speed train with a regional train, saving you about €5–7.
Step-by-Step Breakdown
- Ravello → Salerno (SITA bus): 60 min · €2.50. Same bus as described in the train section.
- Salerno → Napoli Centrale (Regionale train): 50 min · €5.50 ($6). No reservation needed — buy at the station ticket machine.
- Napoli Centrale → Airport (Alibus): 20 min · €5 ($5.50).
Total cost: ~€13 ($14.30) · Total time: ~2 h 45 min.
Is the Regional Train Uncomfortable?
Not at all. Regional trains on the Salerno–Naples route are clean, air-conditioned, and have overhead luggage racks. They can get crowded during peak commute hours (07:30–09:00 and 17:00–19:00), but the journey is short. Seat reservation is not possible, so aim for off-peak travel if you have large suitcases.
Night Bus Alternative (Salerno → Naples)
If you arrive in Salerno after the last train (~22:30), FlixBus and Busitalia run overnight services from Salerno to Naples (Piazza Garibaldi). Travel time is 50–60 minutes, and tickets cost €4–€8 ($4.40–$8.80). From Piazza Garibaldi, you can take a night taxi to the airport (€15–€20 / $16.50–$22) — there is no Alibus service between midnight and 05:00.
Important: No Direct Bus from Ravello to Naples Airport
Despite some outdated blog claims, there is no direct bus from Ravello or the Amalfi Coast to Naples Airport. You must change at Salerno (and sometimes also at Napoli Centrale). The only "direct" services are private shuttles or taxis (see next section).
Day Bus vs. Night Bus: Quick Comparison
| Factor | Day Bus (SITA + Train + Alibus) | Night Bus (FlixBus + Taxi) |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ~€13 ($14.30) | ~€22–€30 ($24–$33) |
| Total time | 2 h 45 min | 2 h 30 min |
| Comfort | Good (multiple seats) | Moderate (night bus can be cold) |
| Availability | 06:30–22:00 | 23:00–05:00 (limited) |
Taxi & Private Transfer — The Door-to-Door Option
For those who value convenience, privacy, or time — especially families with young children, travelers with heavy luggage, or anyone arriving late at night — a taxi or pre-booked private transfer from Ravello directly to Naples Airport is the best (but most expensive) solution.
Price Range & Providers
- Official white taxi (metered): €120–€150 ($132–$165) — depends on traffic and time of day. You can hail one in Ravello's main square, but availability is limited. Best to call in advance: +39 089 857 200 (Ravello taxi cooperative).
- Pre-booked private transfer: €100–€140 ($110–$154) — companies like NCC Positano, Amalfi Coast Transfers, and GetYourGuide offer fixed-price transfers. Advantage: meet-and-greet service, credit card accepted, child seats available.
- Ride-hailing (Uber / Free Now): Uber is limited on the Amalfi Coast. Free Now (formerly MyTaxi) works in Salerno and Naples, but pickups in Ravello are rare. Price: ~€100–€130 if available.
Compare private transfer prices on Booking.com →
When to Choose a Taxi / Private Transfer
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Late-night arrival (after 22:00) | ✅ Taxi — last bus/train options are limited |
| Early morning flight (before 07:00) | ✅ Private transfer — Alibus starts at 05:00 but may be tight |
| Group of 3–4 people | ✅ Cost per person similar to train + bus |
| Heavy luggage (multiple suitcases) | ✅ No need to navigate stairs at Salerno station |
| Traveling with infants/toddlers | ✅ Child seats available on request |
| Solo budget traveler | ❌ Not recommended — train is 7x cheaper |
Travel Time & Route
The drive from Ravello to Naples Airport follows the winding Amalfi Coast road (SS163) to Salerno, then the A30 motorway north to Naples. Average time: 1 hour 15 minutes in normal traffic, but can stretch to 1 hour 45 minutes during peak summer weekends (August–September). Drivers often know shortcuts via Vietri sul Mare to avoid the worst congestion.
Tips: Always confirm the total price before starting (especially for taxis — ask "Quanto costa fino all'aeroporto di Napoli?"). For private transfers, book at least 24 hours in advance during high season.
Air Travel & Airport Guide — Why Flying Isn't an Option (and What to Know)
Naples International Airport (NAP), also called Capodichino Airport, is the destination — so there is no domestic flight from Ravello to Naples. However, this section explains why flying makes no sense for this route and offers context for international travelers connecting through NAP.
Why No Domestic Flight?
- Distance: Ravello to Naples Airport is only ~60 km (37 miles) as the crow flies. A flight would take 10 minutes in the air — but with check-in, security, and ground transport to/from airports, the total door-to-door time would be 3–4 hours, far longer than the 2.5-hour train+bus combo.
- Cost: A short domestic flight in Italy (e.g., Naples–Rome) costs €80–€150 ($88–$165) — far more expensive than the €19 train option.
- Environmental impact: Per passenger, a flight emits ~150 kg CO₂ vs. ~5 kg for the train. Train is the clear winner for sustainability.
Naples Airport (NAP) — Quick Facts for Travelers
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Airport code | NAP |
| Terminals | 1 (main) + 2 (low-cost, e.g., Ryanair) — connected by a 5-min walk |
| Airlines | ITA Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, etc. |
| Domestic destinations | Rome FCO, Milan Linate/Malpensa, Turin, Venice, Catania, Palermo, Bari, etc. |
| International | London, Paris, Barcelona, Madrid, Amsterdam, Zurich, New York (seasonal), etc. |
| Facilities | ATMs, currency exchange, free Wi-Fi (30 min), luggage storage, duty-free shops, cafés |
Naples Airport official website →
International Arrivals: Connecting to Ravello
If you are arriving at Naples Airport from abroad and need to reach Ravello, simply reverse the directions above: take the Alibus to Napoli Centrale (20 min, €5), then a train to Salerno (35 min, €12), then the SITA bus up to Ravello (60 min, €2.50). Total: ~2.5 hours, €19.50. Or take a taxi directly from the airport to Ravello (~1.5 hours, €130–€160 / $143–$176).
Hypothetical Flight Comparison: "What if I flew to Rome and then to Naples?"
Some travelers consider flying from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) to Naples Airport as a domestic connection. But this is impractical and expensive:
- Ravello → Rome FCO: 3.5 hours by car or train + bus (€40–€60)
- Rome FCO → Naples NAP (flight): 1 hour flight + 2 hours check-in/security = 3 hours
- Total: ~6.5 hours · €120–€200 ($132–$220)
Compare with direct train from Salerno to Rome Termini (2 hours 30 min, €45–€60) — not to mention the train from Ravello to Salerno. Verdict: Flying via Rome is never worthwhile for this route.
Car Rental & Driving — Self-Drive Freedom
Renting a car gives you maximum flexibility to explore the Amalfi Coast at your own pace, but comes with challenges: narrow roads, limited parking, and traffic. Here's what you need to know for driving from Ravello to Naples Airport.
Route Overview
From Ravello, take the SS163 (Amalfi Coast Road) downhill to Amalfi, then continue along the coast to Salerno. From Salerno, take the A30 motorway north to Naples and follow signs to Capodichino Airport. Total distance: ~65 km. Driving time: 1 hour 10 minutes without traffic, but up to 2 hours in summer congestion.
Car Rental Practicalities
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Rental agencies in Ravello | None directly — nearest are in Amalfi (Europcar, Hertz) or Salerno (all major brands) |
| Typical rental cost | €40–€70/day ($44–$77) for a small car (e.g., Fiat 500) |
| Fuel cost (one-way) | ~€10–€12 ($11–$13) |
| Parking at Naples Airport | Parking P1 (short-term) €2.50/h; P2 (long-term) €15/day ($16.50). Book in advance → |
| One-way drop-off fee | Usually €20–€40 if picking up in Amalfi and dropping at airport |
Key Driving Tips
- ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone): Ravello, Amalfi, and many coast towns have restricted zones for non-residents. Your rental car may have a transponder — check with the agency. Fines can be €80–€150.
- Summer traffic: July–August, the SS163 can be bumper-to-bumper from 10:00 to 18:00. Set off before 07:00 or after 20:00 to avoid the worst.
- Parking in Ravello: Public parking costs €2–€3/hour. Overnight parking is limited — book accommodation with a private spot.
- GPS: Download offline maps (Google Maps or Maps.me) as mobile signal drops in the mountains.
Is Driving Worth It?
Yes if you're exploring the coast for several days and need flexibility. No if your only goal is to get from Ravello to Naples Airport — the train+shuttle is cheaper, faster (in summer), and stress-free.
Cost Comparison Table — All Options at a Glance
Here is every practical way to travel from Ravello to Naples Airport, compared side-by-side. Prices are in euros with USD equivalent in brackets.
| Transport Mode | Total Time | Total Cost (€) | Total Cost ($) | Transfers | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Train (high-speed) + Bus | 2 h 30 min | €19.50 | $21 | 2 (Salerno + Napoli) | Best overall ⭐ |
| 🚌 Bus + Regional Train + Shuttle | 2 h 45 min | €13 | $14.30 | 2 (Salerno + Napoli) | Cheapest 💰 |
| 🚕 Taxi / Private Transfer | 1 h 15 min | €120–€150 | $132–$165 | 0 (door-to-door) | Fastest ⚡ |
| 🚗 Car Rental (one-way) | 1 h 15 min + rental process | €60–€110 (incl. fuel & drop-off) | $66–$121 | 0 | Flexibility / exploration |
| 🚌 Night Bus + Taxi | 2 h 30 min | €22–€30 | $24–$33 | 2 (Salerno + Napoli) | Late-night arrivals |
| 🚢 Ferry + Train + Shuttle | 3 h 30 min | €18–€25 | $20–$28 | 3 (Amalfi + Salerno + Napoli) | Scenic route (good weather only) |
Winner: The high-speed train + Alibus combination offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability. If you're traveling with 2+ people, a private transfer becomes cost-competitive (€60–€75 per person for 2 people).
Traveler Tips & Local Experience
After countless trips along the Amalfi Coast, here are insider tips that will save you time, money, and frustration.
🗺️ Luggage Strategy: Use Takkyubin (Baggage Shipping)
Italian luggage transfer services — like Baggage Shipping or SpedireBagagli — can send your suitcases from Ravello to Naples Airport for €30–€40 ($33–$44) per piece. You travel light with just a daypack, and your bags meet you at the airport. Perfect if you want to avoid lifting luggage onto buses and trains. Book at least 24 hours in advance.
🚉 Station Navigation: Salerno vs. Napoli Centrale
- Salerno station is small and well-signposted. Platforms 1–4 are for regional trains; platforms 5–8 for high-speed. Elevators available.
- Napoli Centrale is huge and chaotic. Follow "Alibus" signs to the exit on the ground floor (Piazza Garibaldi). Don't take the metro or local buses — they don't go to the airport. The Alibus stop is to the left of the main exit, marked by a large blue sign.
- Pro tip: In Napoli Centrale, buy your Alibus ticket from the Tabaccheria inside the station (€5) rather than on the bus (€6 cash only).
📅 Peak Season Warning (July–September)
In August, the Amalfi Coast road (SS163) is notorious for traffic jams. A journey that takes 60 minutes in April can take 2+ hours in August. If you're traveling in high season:
- Book your train ticket at least 1 week in advance (especially for high-speed trains).
- Take the first morning bus from Ravello (06:30) to Salerno to avoid traffic.
- Avoid taxi or private transfer between 10:00 and 16:00 — you'll pay for sitting in traffic.
🎒 Packing for the Journey
- The SITA buses have limited luggage space — if you have a large suitcase (over 25 kg), consider a private transfer or luggage shipping.
- Bring cash (small bills) for bus tickets and Alibus (onboard purchase is cash only).
- Keep your phone charged — mobile tickets (Trenitalia app, FlixBus app) require a working screen.
🌅 The Scenic Option: Ferry from Amalfi to Salerno
If the weather is clear and you have an extra hour, take the SITA bus from Ravello to Amalfi (25 min, €1.50), then the ferry from Amalfi to Salerno (35 min, €10–€12). The ferry runs from April to October, offering stunning views of the coast from the sea. From Salerno, follow the train+Alibus route. Total time: ~3.5 hours. Total cost: ~€20 ($22).
FAQs: Ravello to Naples Airport — All Your Questions Answered
1. Is there a direct train from Ravello to Naples Airport?
No. Ravello has no train station. You must first take a SITA bus to Salerno (60 min), then a train to Napoli Centrale (35–50 min), then the Alibus shuttle to the airport (20 min). Total time: ~2.5 hours.
2. What is the cheapest way to get from Ravello to Naples Airport?
The cheapest combination is: SITA bus to Salerno (€2.50) + regional train to Napoli Centrale (€5.50) + Alibus (€5). Total: ~€13 ($14.30). This takes about 2 hours 45 minutes.
3. What is the fastest way to get from Ravello to Naples Airport?
A taxi or private transfer direct from Ravello to the airport takes 1 hour 15 minutes and costs €120–€150 ($132–$165). This is the only door-to-door option.
4. How long does it take to get from Ravello to Naples Airport?
It depends on the mode: 1 hour 15 min by taxi, 2 hours 30 min by high-speed train + bus, 2 hours 45 min by budget train + bus, and 3 hours 30 min if you include the scenic ferry via Amalfi.
5. Can I book a private transfer from Ravello to Naples Airport?
Yes. Companies like NCC Positano, Amalfi Coast Transfers, and GetYourGuide offer fixed-price private transfers. Prices range from €100 to €140 ($110–$154). Book at least 24 hours in advance during summer.
6. Is there a bus from Ravello directly to Naples Airport?
No direct bus exists. You must change at Salerno and/or Napoli Centrale. The only direct road option is a taxi or private transfer.
7. What time does the first SITA bus leave Ravello for Salerno?
The first SITA bus from Ravello (Piazza Duomo) to Salerno departs at approximately 06:30 (Monday–Saturday) and 07:00 on Sundays. Check the SITA Sud website for the latest seasonal schedule.
8. How much is a taxi from Ravello to Naples Airport?
A metered white taxi costs €120–€150 ($132–$165). A pre-booked private transfer costs €100–€140 ($110–$154). Prices vary depending on time of day, luggage, and summer demand. Always confirm the total price before departure.