Ischia is the largest island in the Bay of Naples - larger than both Capri and Procida - and offers thermal baths, sandy beaches, volcanic hiking, and a more local atmosphere than its famous neighbour. Getting there from Naples is straightforward: ferries and hydrofoils operate year-round from the city centre and from Pozzuoli on the Phlegrean Fields coast, and the crossing takes between 30 minutes and 90 minutes depending on which service you take.
Departure Points from Naples
Molo Beverello (Naples City Centre)
Molo Beverello is the main hub for island crossings from Naples, located on the waterfront adjacent to Piazza Municipio and the Castel Nuovo. It is approximately 15 minutes by taxi from Naples Centrale railway station, or reachable by metro (Municipio, Line 1).
From Molo Beverello, both hydrofoil and ferry services depart for Ischia Porto. Hydrofoil crossing time is approximately 50–65 minutes. Ferry crossing time is approximately 75–90 minutes. Multiple operators - NLG, SNAV, Alilauro, and Caremar - depart from adjacent piers in the same terminal area.
This is the most convenient departure point if you are arriving by train or staying in central Naples.
Calata Porta di Massa (Near Molo Beverello)
The car ferry services to Ischia (Caremar) depart from Calata Porta di Massa, which is adjacent to Molo Beverello - walking distance in the same port area. Journey time by ferry approximately 80–90 minutes. Fares are lower than the hydrofoil but the longer journey time makes this the second choice for foot passengers.
Pozzuoli
Pozzuoli, approximately 15 km west of Naples along the coast and reachable by the Circumflegrea train line (approximately 30 minutes from Naples), offers a ferry connection to Ischia Porto. The crossing from Pozzuoli takes approximately 60–75 minutes and is operated by Caremar and occasionally other operators.
Fares from Pozzuoli are generally lower than from Molo Beverello - approximately €12–17 as of 2026 - making it a worthwhile option for budget-conscious travellers willing to add the extra transit time. Pozzuoli is also an interesting destination in itself: the Solfatara volcanic crater and the Roman amphitheatre are worth a brief stop if you have time.
The Operators
NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) is the main hydrofoil operator from Molo Beverello to Ischia Porto. Departures are frequent in season, running approximately every 45–60 minutes during the main part of the day. Fares from approximately €21–25 one way as of 2026. Tickets available on NLG’s website, at the dock, and through aggregator platforms.
SNAV also runs hydrofoil services from Molo Beverello, with some routes terminating at Casamicciola Terme (on Ischia’s northern coast) rather than Ischia Porto. Casamicciola is the main thermal spa town and this service is convenient if the baths are your primary destination. Fares are comparable to NLG. Note that SNAV’s schedule thins out in low season - confirm timetables in winter.
Alilauro operates hydrofoil services on the Naples–Ischia route and on some days also offers services from Sorrento and Pozzuoli. Fares from approximately €20–24 as of 2026. Worth checking alongside NLG and SNAV for availability on busy dates.
Caremar runs the car ferries from Calata Porta di Massa and from Pozzuoli. Journey times are longer (80–90 minutes) but fares are lower and the crossing is more stable in rough seas. Caremar is also the operator to use if you are transporting a vehicle. Fares from approximately €12–18 for foot passengers as of 2026.
Hydrofoil vs Ferry: Which to Choose
For most visitors, the hydrofoil (aliscafo) is the better option: faster, more frequent, and departing from the most central location. The crossing at around 50–65 minutes is comfortable, and modern hydrofoils have enclosed seating with some outdoor deck space.
The ferry (traghetto) is worth considering in three situations: you are transporting a car or bicycle; you are travelling in rough weather (ferries are larger and less susceptible to cancellation); or the lower fare from Pozzuoli is a meaningful factor. Outside these cases, the speed and frequency of the hydrofoil make it the clear choice.
In genuinely rough conditions - which happens mainly from November to March - both services may be delayed or suspended. Allow flexibility on your return if you are travelling in winter.
Arrival Points on Ischia
Ischia Porto is the main port and the arrival point for most services. The town of Ischia Porto has hotels, restaurants, and transport connections across the island. The port itself has a distinctive circular inner harbour (originally a volcanic crater) and the main commercial area is within walking distance of the ferry dock.
Casamicciola Terme is the spa town in the north, served by some SNAV hydrofoil routes. If your primary aim is the thermal baths - particularly the public Sorgeto beach or one of the spa hotels - arriving at Casamicciola saves an internal bus journey from Ischia Porto.
Getting Around the Island
Ischia has a bus network (SEPSA) that covers the main towns: Ischia Porto, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana, and Barano. A single bus ticket costs approximately €1.50 as of 2026 and the network runs frequently on the main routes. Taxis are available but expensive; renting a scooter or a small car gives the most flexibility for reaching quieter beaches and inland areas.
The Castello Aragonese - the medieval fortress on a volcanic islet connected to the main island by a stone bridge - is Ischia’s most iconic landmark and can be seen from most of the island. Entry costs approximately €10 as of 2026.
Booking Tips
Outside summer, tickets can be bought on the day at the dock without issue. In July and August, particularly on weekend mornings, the 8–10am hydrofoils from Molo Beverello fill quickly. Book online at least 48–72 hours ahead for peak season travel to guarantee your preferred departure.
NLG and Alilauro both have online booking. Ferryhopper and DirectFerries aggregate multiple operators and are useful for comparing options across a given date. If you are flexible on departure time, checking the aggregators gives you a clear view of all available crossings in one place.
For those who want a day trip with transport included, Ischia and Bay of Naples tours often combine a boat crossing with a guided itinerary of the island’s highlights. These are worth considering for first-time visitors who want to cover the main sites efficiently.
The Ischia island hub has more on where to stay, the best thermal baths, and how to plan your time on the island.