Naples Public Transportation Guide: Alibus, Metro & Castle Visiting 2025

Navigate Naples with confidence using this comprehensive guide to the city's transportation network. Whether arriving at Capodichino Airport via the Alibus shuttle, exploring historic sites by metro, or visiting Castel dell'Ovo and other magnificent attractions, understanding Naples' public transport system transforms your journey from challenging to effortless.

🚍 Alibus Airport Shuttle: Your Gateway to Naples

The Essential Airport Transport

The Alibus airport shuttle represents the only public transportation option connecting Naples Capodichino Airport with the city center. This dedicated service operates on a strategic route that connects travelers directly to Naples' two most important transport hubs: Napoli Centrale railway station and the ferry port complex.

Operating Schedule:

• Monday-Friday: 05:30 AM to 11:50 PM from airport
• Saturday-Sunday & Holidays: 05:30 AM to 11:39 PM from airport
• Return from Port: 06:00 AM to 12:12 AM (weekdays), 06:00 AM to 12:00 AM (weekends)
• Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes throughout the day

Journey Times and Pricing:

• Airport ↔ Napoli Centrale: Approximately 15 minutes, €5 one-way
• Airport ↔ Ferry Port: Approximately 35 minutes, €5 one-way
• Central Station ↔ Ferry Port: Approximately 20 minutes, €5 one-way

Alibus Route and Key Stops

1. Naples Capodichino Airport

Located outside Terminal 1, beyond parking lot P5. Follow clear signage from the arrivals area to reach the dedicated Alibus stop.

2. Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale)

The main railway station serving high-speed trains to Rome, Florence, and Milan. The Alibus stops on the corner of Via Novara, directly across from McDonald's for easy identification.

3. Varco Pisacane

Near the Casetta Rossa restaurant. Use this stop for ferries departing from Calata di Massa terminal.

4. Varco Immacolatella/Porta di Massa

Strategic stop for SITA bus connections to the Amalfi Coast and ferries to Sicily and Sardinia.

5. Molo Beverello

The primary ferry terminal for high-speed hydrofoils to Capri, Ischia, and Procida. This location also provides easy walking access to Castel dell'Ovo (approximately 800 meters).

🚇 Naples Metro System: The Underground Network

Metro Line 1: The Tourist's Best Friend

Known as the "Metro dell'Arte" (Art Metro), Line 1 serves as Naples' primary tourist transportation artery. This modern subway line connects the northern district of Piscinola with Piazza Garibaldi, featuring 19 stations adorned with contemporary art installations that transform routine travel into cultural discovery.

Operating Schedule:

• Piscinola to Garibaldi: 06:00 AM to 10:22 PM
• Garibaldi to Piscinola: 06:20 AM to 11:02 PM
• Saturday Late Service: Extended until 01:00 AM
• Frequency: Every 10-14 minutes

Key Tourist Stations:

• Garibaldi: Central railway station and Circumvesuviana connections
• Università: Historic center access and archaeological sites
• Municipio: Closest to Castel dell'Ovo, Royal Palace, and ferry terminals
• Toledo: Via Toledo shopping district and Spanish Quarters
• Dante: National Archaeological Museum area
• Museo: Direct access to Capodimonte Museum

Metro Line 2: Suburban Connections

Operating between Pozzuoli and San Giovanni a Teduccio, Line 2 primarily serves residential areas and provides access to the Flegrea archaeological zone. While less tourist-focused, it offers valuable connections to Piazza Amedeo for Via dei Mille shopping and Chiaia district exploration.

Operating Details:

• Schedule: 05:20 AM to 11:20 PM daily
• Frequency: Every 8 minutes
• Integration: Connects with Line 1 at Piazza Garibaldi and Piazza Cavour

🎫 Naples Transportation Tickets and Pricing

Single Journey Options

Metro Line 1: €1.10 per journey
Metro Line 2: €1.30 per journey
Bus, Tram, Funicular: €1.10-€1.30 per journey

Integrated Time-Based Tickets

90-Minute Integrated Ticket: €1.60-€1.80

Valid for unlimited transfers between metro, buses, trams, and funiculars within the 90-minute window. Essential for longer journeys requiring multiple connections.

Daily Pass: €3.50-€5.10

Unlimited travel until midnight on all ANM transport services. Ideal for tourists planning multiple sightseeing stops.

Weekly Pass: €12.50-€13.50

Seven consecutive days of unlimited travel. Cost-effective for extended Naples stays.

🚋 Funicular Railways: Conquering Naples' Hills

Four Historic Lines

Naples' funicular system provides scenic transportation to the city's hilltop neighborhoods, offering both practical transport and spectacular panoramic views of the Bay of Naples.

Funicolare Centrale: Via Toledo to Vomero neighborhood
Funicolare di Chiaia: Piazza Amedeo to Vomero (historic 1889 line)
Funicolare di Montesanto: Montesanto to Vomero (popular for Castel Sant'Elmo)
Funicolare di Mergellina: Mergellina to Posillipo neighborhood

Operating Schedule:

• Daily Operation: 07:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Saturday Extension: Centrale line operates until 02:00 AM
• Frequency: Every 10 minutes
• Pricing: €1.10 (same as metro tickets)

🚂 Circumvesuviana Trains: Gateway to Ancient Wonders

Essential for Pompeii and Herculaneum

The Circumvesuviana railway system, operated by EAV, provides crucial connections to Naples' most famous archaeological sites. These suburban trains depart from the lower level of Napoli Centrale station, requiring separate tickets from the main ANM transport network.

Key Destinations and Costs:

• Naples to Herculaneum (Ercolano Scavi): €2.60, 10-minute journey
• Naples to Pompeii (Pompei Scavi): €3.30, 30-minute journey
• Naples to Sorrento: €3.60-€4.60, 60-70 minute journey

Service Details:

• Frequency: Approximately every 30 minutes
• Operating Hours: 05:41 AM to 22:11 PM from Naples
• Platform: Usually Track 3 at Naples Garibaldi station
• Comfort Level: Basic trains without air conditioning or reserved seating

🏰 Reaching Castel dell'Ovo: Multiple Transport Options

From Naples Airport

Via Alibus: Take Alibus to Molo Beverello stop, then walk 800 meters (10 minutes) along the scenic waterfront to Castel dell'Ovo. Total journey time: 45-50 minutes, Cost: €5.

From Naples Central Station

Via Metro Line 1: Take Line 1 from Garibaldi to Municipio station (3 stops, 8 minutes), then walk 5 minutes to the castle. Total cost: €1.10.

Via Alibus: Direct connection from Central Station area to port, then short walk to castle. Journey time: 25 minutes, Cost: €5.

From Other Naples Locations

Historic Center: Walking distance (15-20 minutes) via Via Toledo and waterfront promenade
Chiaia District: 10-minute walk along Via Partenope
Vomero Hills: Funicular to city center, then metro or bus to waterfront area

🚕 Alternative Transportation Options

Official Naples Taxis

Licensed white taxis offer door-to-door service with fixed rates for airport transfers and transparent metered fares for city journeys.

Fixed Airport Rates:

• Airport to Central Station: €21
• Airport to Ferry Port: €24
• Airport to Via Partenope Hotels: €28.50
• Airport to Archaeological Museum: €24

Booking Options:

• Street Hailing: Look for official white taxis
• Taxi Ranks: Available at major hotels, stations, and attractions
• Phone Booking: Consortaxi (+39 081 2222), Radio Taxi Napoli (+39 081 5564444)
• Apps: Uber (connects to licensed taxis), FreeNow, GOXGO

Shared Transportation

Taxi Collettivo (Shared Taxi): €6 per person for airport-city center routes. Departs when 3+ passengers present, includes receipt, operates between main transportation hubs.

📱 Essential Transportation Apps

Planning and Navigation

Moovit: Comprehensive route planning, real-time updates, works across all Naples transport systems
Google Maps: Integrated public transport directions, walking routes, traffic conditions
MooneyGo: Digital ticket purchasing for multiple Italian cities, English language support

Booking and Payments

Trainline: High-speed and regional train reservations with mobile tickets
FreeNow: Licensed taxi booking with upfront pricing
Uber: Connects to official Naples taxis with app convenience

🚢 Ferry Connections from Naples

Island Access

The ferry terminals near Castel dell'Ovo provide connections to the stunning islands of the Bay of Naples.

Ferry Destinations and Costs:

• Capri: 40-50 minutes, €40-50 return tickets
• Ischia: 60 minutes, approximately €40 return
• Procida: 40 minutes, €30-40 return tickets

Seasonal Operations:

• Summer (April-October): Full schedule with multiple daily departures
• Winter (November-March): Reduced service due to weather conditions
• Booking Advice: Advance online reservation recommended during peak summer months

⚠️ Transportation Tips for Visitors

Safety and Security

Pickpocketing Awareness: Extra vigilance on crowded Circumvesuviana trains and busy metro stations
Late Night Travel: Use taxis after metro closing times, especially from Central Station area
Ticket Validation: Always validate to avoid fines; inspections are frequent

Practical Considerations

Accessibility: Limited elevator access in older metro stations; Sorrento station fully accessible
Language: Basic Italian phrases helpful; transport apps provide English interfaces
Cash vs. Cards: Carry cash for taxi rides; some accept cards but not universally

🎯 Transportation Strategies by Travel Purpose

Airport Arrival Strategy

First-Time Visitors: Alibus to Central Station, then Metro Line 1 for city exploration
Hotel Guests (Waterfront): Alibus direct to port area, short taxi or walk to accommodation
Island Travelers: Alibus to Beverello for immediate ferry connections

Sightseeing Optimization

Castle-Focused Day: Metro to Municipio, explore waterfront area on foot
Multi-Site Visits: Daily pass for unlimited metro/bus travel
Archaeological Focus: Circumvesuviana for Pompeii/Herculaneum day trips

Master Naples' transportation network to unlock effortless exploration of this magnificent city. From the reliable Alibus airport connection to the artistic Metro Line 1 stations, each journey becomes part of your Naples adventure. Whether visiting the legendary Castel dell'Ovo or embarking on day trips to ancient Pompeii, understanding these transport options ensures seamless travel throughout your Neapolitan experience.