Naples Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Naples, the vibrant capital of southern Italy’s Campania region, is served by one main international airport conveniently located close to the city. Unlike northern Italian hubs with multiple airports, Naples’ air traffic is consolidated at a single facility, making it a straightforward gateway for visiting the city, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and the islands. This guide explains the airport’s layout and the best ways to reach key destinations.

Naples International Airport (NAP) – Ugo Niutta

Overview: Naples International Airport (IATA: NAP), also known as Capodichino, is the main airport serving southern Italy. It is located just 7 km (4.3 miles) northeast of Naples’ historic city center, making it one of the closest major airports to a European city core. It handles a mix of domestic, European, and some intercontinental flights, and is a focus city for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and easyJet, as well as ITA Airways.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal: The airport operates from one integrated terminal building. It is relatively compact and easy to navigate. Arrivals are on the ground floor, departures on the first floor. Recent renovations have improved facilities, which include a good selection of shops, cafes, and car rental desks.

Getting to and from Naples Airport (NAP):

• Alibus (ANM Line):
  The official airport shuttle bus operated by the city’s public transport company (ANM). It is the most popular and affordable public transport link. The bus runs from directly outside the terminal to two key stops in the city: Naples Central Station (Stazione Centrale / Piazza Garibaldi) and Molo Beverello (the main ferry port for hydrofoils to Capri, Ischia, etc.). The journey to the station takes 15-25 minutes; to the port, 25-35 minutes. Buses run every 20-30 minutes. Buy tickets from the ANM booth inside the airport or at the bus stop.
• Taxi:
  Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The fare to the city center or central station is a fixed rate (approximately €23-€25 as of 2025). Ensure the meter is set to the official fixed tariff (“tariffa fissa aeroporto”). This is a quick and convenient option, especially with luggage.
• Ride-Hailing (Uber/Free Now):
  Uber operates in Naples (typically Uber Black). The local app Free Now (formerly myTaxi) is also widely used to hail or pre-book regular taxis. Follow the app’s instructions for the pickup point.
• Car Rental:
  All major international and local rental companies have desks in the arrivals hall. Important: Renting a car is only recommended if you are immediately leaving Naples to explore the region (e.g., driving to the Amalfi Coast, Apulia, or countryside). Driving and, more importantly, parking in central Naples is extremely challenging and stressful. For the city itself, use public transport or taxis.
• Local Bus:
  Regular city buses (like the 3S) also connect the airport to Piazza Garibaldi, but they are slower and less convenient than the Alibus, especially with luggage.

Best for: All travelers visiting Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and the surrounding archaeological sites.

Which Airport Should You Choose for Naples?

Naples International Airport (NAP) is the unequivocal first choice for a direct arrival.

Alternative Airport Considerations:

• Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO):
  Some travelers may find better flight options into Rome. From FCO, you can take a high-speed train (Frecciarossa) from Leonardo da Vinci Airport Station to Naples Central Station (Napoli Centrale) in about 1 hour 10 minutes. This is a viable and scenic alternative if you are combining visits to both cities or find significantly better fares.
• Salerno Costa d’Amalfi Airport (QSR):
  A small airport located closer to the Amalfi Coast. It handles very few, mostly seasonal flights from select European cities. It can be a convenient but limited option if your sole destination is the Amalfi Coast.

Bottom Line: For direct access to Naples and the most flexibility, always choose Naples Airport (NAP).

Getting to Key Destinations from Naples Airport (NAP)

The airport’s proximity to the city and major transport hubs is a major advantage.

• To Naples City Center (Historic Center, Spaccanapoli):
  By Taxi: 15-25 minutes, fixed fare ~€25.
  
  By Alibus + Metro/Walk: Take Alibus to Piazza Garibaldi, then Metro Line 1 or a 15-minute walk to the historic center.
• To Napoli Centrale (Main Railway Station for high-speed trains to Rome, Sorrento, etc.):
  By Alibus: 15-25 minutes.
  
  By Taxi: 10-20 minutes, fixed fare.
• To Molo Beverello (Ferry Port for Capri, Ischia, Procida, Sorrento):
  By Alibus: 25-35 minutes (final stop).
  
  By Taxi: 20-30 minutes.
• To Sorrento & the Amalfi Coast:
  1. Take the Alibus or a taxi to Napoli Centrale station.
  2. Take the Circumvesuviana commuter train from the lower level of Napoli Centrale directly to Sorrento (approx. 70 mins). For the Amalfi Coast, get off at Sorrento and transfer to a SITA bus.
  3. Alternatively, from the airport, take a direct Curreri bus to Sorrento (schedule varies, check in advance).
• To Pompeii / Herculaneum (Ercolano):
  Take the Alibus or taxi to Napoli Centrale, then the Circumvesuviana train to “Pompei Scavi – Villa dei Misteri” or “Ercolano Scavi” stations.

Essential Travel Tips for NAP:

• Alibus is Your Friend: For most tourists, the Alibus is the perfect balance of cost, convenience, and frequency. It drops you at the two most critical transport hubs (train station and port).
• Beware of Unofficial Taxis: Only use the official white taxis with a meter and the city logo. Politely decline offers from drivers soliciting inside the terminal.
• Traffic: Naples traffic is chaotic. Allow extra time for any journey by road, especially during the day.
• Baggage Storage: If you have a long layover or want to explore Naples before moving on, there is a left luggage facility (“Deposito Bagagli”) in the arrivals hall.
• Return to Airport: For European Schengen flights, arriving 2 hours before departure is usually adequate. For non-Schengen flights, 2.5-3 hours is safer. The Alibus from the city is reliable for your return.

Bottom line: Fly into the conveniently located Naples International Airport (NAP). Take the Alibus shuttle for a cheap and easy transfer to the central train station or the ferry port. Use taxis for direct door-to-door service at a reasonable fixed rate. The airport is your perfect launchpad for exploring one of Italy’s most dynamic regions.