Getting to Capri: Ferries from Naples, Sorrento, and Positano

Getting to Capri is straightforward from anywhere along the Bay of Naples, and the boat journey — across some of the clearest water in the Mediterranean — is part of the appeal. The island has no airport and no bridge, so the ferry or hydrofoil is the only way in. The main departure points are Naples, Sorrento, Positano, and Amalfi, with Naples and Sorrento running year-round services and the Positano and Amalfi routes operating seasonally.

From Naples

Hydrofoil (Aliscafo)

The hydrofoil from Naples is the fastest and most frequent connection to Capri. Departures leave from Molo Beverello, which is in the city centre adjacent to Piazza Municipio — a 15-minute taxi from Naples Centrale station, or reachable by metro (Municipio stop, Line 1).

Journey time is approximately 50–60 minutes depending on sea conditions. Fares run approximately €24–28 each way as of 2026. Two main operators run this route: NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) and SNAV. Both are reliable and use similar vessels — a comfortable, enclosed hydrofoil with airline-style seating and often outdoor deck space.

Departures are frequent in season: roughly every 30–60 minutes from early morning to early evening. The last return from Capri is typically around 7–8pm, though schedules vary by season and should be confirmed at purchase.

Car Ferry (Traghetto)

A slower car ferry also operates from Naples (Calata di Massa, adjacent to Molo Beverello) and takes approximately 80 minutes. Fares for passengers are slightly cheaper than the hydrofoil — approximately €16–20 as of 2026 — but the journey time makes it less appealing for day visitors. As noted, private vehicles are not admitted to Capri in season, so the car ferry is mainly useful for residents and commercial deliveries.

From Sorrento

The Sorrento route is the most popular for visitors already based on the Sorrentine Peninsula or Amalfi Coast, and many people find it the most convenient departure point regardless of where they are staying — Sorrento is easily reached from Naples by the Circumvesuviana train (approximately 65–75 minutes, approximately €4.50 as of 2026).

Hydrofoils from Sorrento’s Porto di Marina Piccola take approximately 25 minutes to Marina Grande on Capri. Fares are approximately €18–22 each way as of 2026. This is the shortest crossing of any public service to Capri, and conditions are usually calmer than the Naples route because the boat travels within the bay rather than across the open water.

Several operators run this route, including NLG and Alilauro. Services depart frequently from approximately 7am to early evening in season. The Sorrento dock is a short walk or a brief cab ride from the centre of Sorrento.

From Positano

A seasonal hydrofoil operates between Positano and Capri from approximately April to October, with the exact dates depending on the year. Journey time is approximately 50 minutes and fares run approximately €20–26 as of 2026. The service is operated by NLG and runs once or twice daily in each direction during the season — far less frequent than the Naples and Sorrento routes, so confirm schedules carefully.

This route is most useful if you are already staying on the Amalfi Coast and want to combine a day on Capri with your base in Positano or the surrounding area.

From Amalfi

The Amalfi to Capri connection is also seasonal (typically April to October) and takes approximately 1 hour 10 minutes. Fares are approximately €22–28 as of 2026. Like the Positano route, frequency is limited — usually one departure per day in each direction. The service gives travellers based further along the Amalfi Coast a direct option without backtracking to Sorrento or Naples.

Ferry vs Hydrofoil: Which to Choose

For the vast majority of visitors, the hydrofoil (aliscafo) is the right choice. It is faster, more frequent, and the journey on a clear day — skimming across the bay with Vesuvius visible behind you and the island ahead — is genuinely enjoyable. The ferry (traghetto) offers more deck space and more stability in choppy conditions, and is larger, which means it is sometimes less affected by cancellations in moderate swells. But for a day trip or a direct connection, the hydrofoil wins on every practical measure.

In rough weather — which happens most often in winter and spring — both services can be suspended or delayed. If you are travelling in October or November, allow flexibility in your return schedule.

Getting Around Capri

No private cars registered outside the island are permitted from April to October. This is not a hardship — the island is small enough that most of its attractions are walkable from the two main towns (Capri and Anacapri), and the public transport network covers everything else.

Funicular

From Marina Grande, the funicular climbs to the Piazzetta in Capri town in approximately 4 minutes. It runs frequently during opening hours and costs approximately €2 as of 2026 each way. This is the most efficient way to reach the main town from the port — the alternative is a steep uphill walk or one of the shared taxis.

Buses

A local bus network connects Marina Grande, Capri town, Anacapri, Punta Tragara, Marina Piccola, and the road to the Blue Grotto. Tickets cost approximately €2 as of 2026 per journey and can be bought at tabacchi shops or in some cases on the bus. The buses are small, frequent on the main routes, and the only public way to get between Capri town and Anacapri (a 20-minute ride).

Taxis

Capri’s taxis are open-top convertible cars — a distinctive local institution and, in good weather, a pleasant way to travel. They are not cheap: fares from Marina Grande to Anacapri run approximately €15–20 as of 2026. Shared taxis (up to four passengers) reduce the per-person cost.

Scooters

Electric scooters and golf carts are available for hire in both towns for travellers who want flexibility without the expense of a taxi. Rates start from approximately €25–35 for a half-day as of 2026. They are banned on some paths and not permitted on the main coast road in peak hours.

When to Go

The best time to visit Capri is May, June (before mid-July), or September and October. The weather is warm, the water is clear, and the island is manageable. July and especially August bring extreme crowding: the Blue Grotto queue can stretch to several hours, the Piazzetta is packed from breakfast, and ferries can be standing room only. November to March is quieter still, but some hotels and restaurants close for the season, and the hydrofoil runs less frequently.

If you must go in peak season, take the earliest possible ferry — a 7am departure from Sorrento gets you on the island before the day-trip hordes arrive on the 10am and 11am boats, and the difference in atmosphere is substantial.