Getting around Naples is easier than it seems. The centre can be covered almost entirely on foot, while for longer distances there is a network of metro, funiculars and buses that covers the tourist areas well. The key is knowing which mode is best each time — and knowing when, for convenience, it’s worth relying on a private car.
Metro and art stations
Line 1 is the most useful for visitors: it crosses the centre connecting Piazza Garibaldi (central station) to strategic stops such as Toledo, Municipio (near the port and the castles), Dante and Museo, before climbing up to the Vomero. Several stops are genuine art stations: Toledo, with its blue mosaics, is considered one of the most beautiful metro stations in Europe and is worth a photo even if you aren’t catching a train.
Line 2 (run by Trenitalia) crosses the city from east to west and is handy for reaching Mergellina, Pozzuoli and the Campi Flegrei.
Funiculars
Naples has four funiculars (Centrale, Chiaia, Montesanto and Mergellina) that connect the lower city to the Vomero hill. They are a fast and scenic way to reach Castel Sant’Elmo and the Certosa di San Martino without the climb on foot. The Funicolare Centrale, which rises from Via Toledo, is the most used.
Buses and trams
The ANM bus network reaches the areas not covered by metro and funiculars, including the seafront and the Posillipo hill. The service is widespread but affected by traffic, so times aren’t always reliable. For the airport there is the dedicated Alibus shuttle, connecting Capodichino to Piazza Garibaldi and Molo Beverello.
Tickets and passes
The fare system is integrated: a single ticket is valid on metro, funiculars, buses and city trams. The main options:
- Single urban ticket (~€1.30): valid 90 minutes with changes.
- Day ticket: worth it if you expect more than 3–4 rides in a day.
- Campania Artecard: combines transport and museum admissions, ideal if you visit many sites.
Tickets are sold at tobacconists, newsstands, automatic machines in stations and often via app. Remember to validate them on your first ride.
Taxis and private drivers
Official taxis are white and fitted with a meter. For the most common routes — such as airport-centre or centre-port — there are fixed fares set by the City Council: always ask for them before setting off. The private hire (NCC)service is instead a private car booked in advance at an agreed price: no meter, the driver waits for you at the time and place arranged. It is the most convenient option for transfers to and from the airport, evening journeys or trips with luggage.
Getting out of Naples
For trips to Pompeii, Ercolano and Sorrento the reference public transport is the Circumvesuviana (EAV), which leaves from Naples Garibaldi and Porta Nolana. It is cheap but often crowded, without air conditioning and prone to delays: keep an eye on your luggage. Alternatively there is the Campania Express, a more comfortable tourist train with fewer stops. For the islands, hydrofoils leave from Molo Beverello. When you want comfort and want to optimise your time, a private transfer takes you to your destination with no changes or queues.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best ticket for public transport in Naples?
For the city, the integrated Unico Napoli ticket (about €1.30, valid 90 minutes on metro, funiculars, buses and trams) covers most journeys. If you plan many trips in one day, a day ticket is better value. If you are also visiting museums, the Campania Artecard includes transport and admissions.
Is the Naples metro convenient for tourists?
Yes, especially Line 1: it connects the central station to the centre (Toledo, Municipio, Dante) and to the Vomero hill. Several stations, such as Toledo and Università, are genuine works of art and worth seeing in their own right. Line 1 and the four funiculars cover the tourist areas well.
How do I get to Pompeii or Sorrento by public transport?
With the Circumvesuviana (EAV), the railway line that runs from Naples Porta Nolana and Garibaldi to Ercolano, Pompei Scavi and Sorrento. It is cheap but often crowded and prone to delays: keep an eye on your belongings. Alternatively there is the Campania Express (tourist train) or a more direct private transfer.
Do taxis in Naples have fixed fares?
Yes, for the most common routes (such as airport-centre or centre-port) there are fixed fares set by the City Council. Always ask for the fixed fare before getting in and make sure the meter or the fare card is visible.
When the right ride is a transfer
For the airport, day trips or journeys with luggage, a private car with driver saves you changes, waits and queues: just hop in.
Request a transfer
