How to Get To Naples Italy

Ready to experience Naples, Italy? Discover top attractions, travel tips, and more!
Written By: Andrea Spallanzani
Reviewed by: Rick Orford
How & Why We Created This Article

This article has been written, reviewed, and fact-checked by Rick and I. We live in Italy and travel throughout the country to help you make the best choices for your trip. We wrote this piece to help you have the best trip possible on your next trip to Italy. Portions of this article have been written using assistive AI tools to help with tasks like research, spell-checking, grammar, and translation.

Last Updated March 22, 2024

In this article, you'll learn how:

  • Naples, Italy, is a vibrant city with rich cultural heritage, famous for its food and historic landmarks like Castel Nuovo and the Cathedral of Saint Januarius.
  • Travelers can easily reach Naples by air, train, bus, or car, with options like Naples International Airport, Naples Central Station, and well-connected highways.
  • Naples has chaotic traffic, so driving is not recommended, but convenient options like buses, cruise ships, and ferry boats are available for visitors.

Wondering how to get to Naples? Naples, Italy, is one of Italy’s most important cities. It is home to over 2.1 million residents. It is located on the Gulf of Naples in southern Italy and is the capital of the Campania region. Naples is a major cultural and commercial center home to many universities, museums, theaters, and other important cultural institutions. The city has also earned a name for its food and drink, with many famous restaurants and vineyards. Naples is a popular tourist destination and attracts millions of visitors each year.

When traveling to Naples, you do not want to miss a few key points of interest. The first is the Castel Nuovo, also known as the Maschio Angioino. This castle was built by Charles I of Anjou in 1279 and is now a popular tourist attraction. It has been used as a prison, a royal residence, and a military barracks over the years, so there is plenty to see and explore. 

Another central point of interest in Naples is the Cathedral of Saint Januarius. According to legend, this cathedral houses two vials containing the dried blood of Saint Januarius, which are said to liquefy three times a year. If they don’t melt, it’s said to be an ominous sign for the city.

Ways to get to Naples, Italy

Naples, Italy, is located on the southwestern coast of the country. It is a popular tourist destination and can be reached by air, bus, train, or car.

Travel MethodDeparture CityApprox. Travel TimeNotable Information
By PlaneVarious CitiesVariesNaples International Airport (NAP)
By TrainRome, Milan, etc.VariesNaples Central Station
By CarRome, Milan, etc.VariesUse A1 autostrada, consider traffic
By BusRome, Milan, etc.VariesModern buses, comfortable, frequent departures
By Cruise ShipMediterraneanConvenientTerminal within walking distance of attractions
By Ferry BoatMediterranean IslesConvenientAccess to various Mediterranean islands

By plane

Shadow Image of a Plane Flying during Sunset

Naples, Italy, is located in the Campania region on the Tyrrhenian Sea. Naples can be reached by flying into Naples International Airport (NAP), located about 5 miles southeast of downtown Naples. The airport provides flights to destinations in Europe, North Africa, and the Near East, and is home to nearly 400 aircraft. Several airlines fly into Naples, making it an easy-to-reach destination. It is estmated 

There are a few options for getting into the city. after arriving at the airport.

Shuttle to downtown Naples, Italy

Naples Airport is about 25 minutes from the city center of Naples via a shuttle named Alibus. The shuttle service is available to the Napoli Centrale train station or the Port of Naples. The cost for a one-way trip is €5. The shuttles depart the airport every 15 minutes to the train station and every 35 minutes to the port. 

Taxi to downtown Naples, Italy

The quickest way to reach downtown from Naples airport is by taxi. Taxi service is available at the airport and can take travelers directly to their destination in the city center. The taxis are metered, and fares start at approximately €13. There is also a baggage surcharge of €1.50 for each piece of luggage that is carried.

Naples, Italy, by Train

The city is served by Naples Central Station, located in the heart of Naples. Trains arrive and depart from here to destinations all over Italy.

Several trains travel to Naples, including high-speed, regional, and InterCity trains. The type of train you take will depend on your destination and how much time you have.

Rome to Naples by train

If you’re staying in Rome, there are several significant trains to Naples, Italy. The high-speed train trip typically takes an hour and 13 minutes. There’s an average of 96 trains run daily between the two cities, so pick the right one. The most popular train is the Frecciarossa, a high-speed train or the other train company Italo. There’s also the Intercity train, which has a few different classes of service and makes the trip in around two hours.

Whichever train you choose, be sure to plan and reserve your seat!

Milan to Naples by train

There are several significant trains from Milan To Naples, Italy. The most convenient high-speed trains (Frecciarossa or Italo) travel from Milan to Naples in about 5 hours. 

Florence to Naples by train

The most popular train route from Florence, Italy, to Naples is the Frecciarossa. The Frecciarossa is a high-speed train that offers ample legroom and several amenities, including Wi-Fi and power outlets. The trip takes just under 3 hours, making it a very convenient option for those traveling between these two cities. 

Is there a nonstop train from Florence to Naples? Yes. Direct train connections exist between Florence and Naples. On weekdays, approximately 86 direct trains run daily between the two cities. This number falls slightly to around 82 direct trains on weekend days.

Venice to Naples by train

The “Frecciarossa” is a high-speed train that makes the trip from Venice to Naples five and half hours. It’s one of Italy’s most comfortable and efficient trains, with plenty of amenities like air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a bar car.

Getting to Naples by car

white fiat 500 on its way to Naples Italy

Naples is located about 228 kilometers from Rome, almost 775 kilometers from Milan, about 480 kilometers from Florence, and about 721 kilometers from Venice. These distances can vary depending on the route taken.

The drive from Naples to Rome usually takes around 3 hours, while the drive to Milan can take up to 7 hours. The drive to Florence usually takes 5 hours, and the drive to Venice usually takes 8 hours. In addition, if you’re considering a layover in Florence, definitely check this out!

If you’re looking to take your car from one of Italy’s major cities – Rome, Milan, Florence, or Venice – to Naples, the most direct way is via the A1 autostrada, which can be quite congested during busy times. 

Parking options in Naples

There are several options if you’re looking for a place to park your car in Naples, Italy. You can find street parking, public parking garages, or private parking. Street parking is available throughout the city, but it can be challenging to find a spot during busy times. Public and private parking garages are located in the city center and charge a fee for use.

Traffic situation

Naples, Italy, is known for its chaotic traffic and dangerous drivers. Although it is possible to drive in Naples, it’s not advisable. The traffic is always backed up, and it’s easy to get lost. Drivers here are known for their aggressive behavior and often don’t follow the road rules. There are also a lot of pedestrians and scooters on the streets, which can make driving even more dangerous. If you choose to drive in Naples, be prepared for a frustrating experience and be very careful on the roads.

Getting to Naples by bus

Rome to Naples by bus

a picture of a bus

The main bus route from Rome to Naples takes around three and a half hours, and regular departures are throughout the day. The buses are modern and comfortable, and a toilet is on board. 

Milan to Naples by bus

The main bus route from Milan to Naples goes via Bologna. The journey is about eight hours, with buses departing every two hours. The bus seats are comfortable and have air conditioning available.

Florence to Naples by bus

There are several different bus routes from Florence to Naples, but the most common one goes via Arezzo and Perugia. The journey is about six hours, with buses departing every two hours. The buses are comfortable and have air conditioning. The bus stops in Arezzo, Perugia, and Florence.

Venice to Naples by bus

There are several different ways to go from Venice to Naples, but the most common and popular method is the one that goes through Padua. From there, it’s about an eight-hour bus ride to Naples. 

Cruise ship

Naples is one of the most popular ports in the Mediterranean for cruise ships. Arriving in Naples by cruise is very convenient because the cruise terminal is right downtown and within walking distance from most tourist spots in the city. It’s also our preferred way to arrive in Naples (other than by taking the train). Outside the terminal, you can find taxis that can take you to areas that are not easy to reach by walking.

Ferry boat

Naples is also one of Italy’s major hubs for ferry boats to the Mediterranean Islands. Not only can you visit Ischia or Capri, but you can also take ferry boats from Naples to all the Islands in the Gulf of Naples, to Sicily, Sardinia, Eolian islands, and many more.

FAQs

Is it worth visiting Naples Italy?

Yes. Naples is very worth visiting. As the third largest city in Italy after Milan and Rome, Naples stands as one of the country’s most populous and culturally vibrant metropolises. Naples presents several facets, from upscale waterfronts to bustling urban lanes, all permeated by the city’s singular heritage. 

Why is Naples so famous?

It is because Naples is blessed with a prime coastal location on the Italian Peninsula’s southeast edge. It’s a dazzling metropolis rich in history since its Bronze Age founding. This vibrant city’s historical center boasts UNESCO World Heritage status, while the surrounding area harbors archaeological gems like Pompeii and Herculaneum, offering glimpses into ancient times.

Final Thoughts

Many visit Naples, Italy, as a gateway to the Amalfi coast, Pompeii, or other cities. But, I’d say if you travel to Naples, spend some time exploring the city. In our opinion, Naples, Italy, might be the most Italian city there is!