Italy Ferry Guide: Best Routes to Capri, Tickets and Island-Hopping Tips 

At first glance, getting to Capri looks like one simple crossing, but the boat you choose decides your port, your price and how much of the day you actually spend on the island. This guide sorts out the main crossings so Italy ferries feel straightforward before you reach the dock. 

Whether you’re leaving from Naples, Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, or fitting Capri into a wider Italy itinerary, the details below keep your day moving. You’ll know which port, which boat and which ticket to choose. 

Naples to Capri: ports and crossing times 

Naples has two main ports for Capri. Molo Beverello handles hydrofoils and fast catamarans, while Calata Porta di Massa, about a 15-minute walk east, handles conventional ferries and all vehicle sailings. The ferry from Naples to Capri takes about 50 minutes on a fast boat and up to around 80 minutes on a slow one, arriving at Marina Grande, where a funicular climbs to the Piazzetta. Alilauro, Caremar, NLG and SNAV all run the route. 

Castel Nuovo faces Molo Beverello, which makes a quick photo stop for anyone who loves castles in Italy before boarding. 

Route	Crossing	Port
Naples, fast boat	About 50 minutes	Molo Beverello
Naples, slow ferry	About 80 minutes	Calata Porta di Massa
Sorrento	25–30 minutes	Marina Piccola
Amalfi	Just over 1 hour	Amalfi (April–October)

Crossing from Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi 

The Sorrento to Capri ferry is the shortest crossing, at roughly 25 to 30 minutes from Marina Piccola. 

Coastal sailings are seasonal. The Positano to Capri ferry runs from April through October, typically with a couple of morning departures and late-afternoon returns. The Amalfi to Capri ferry follows the same seasonal pattern and takes just over an hour. Timetables are usually published around the end of March, so check them before you lock in a day trip. 

Tickets and timetables 

Buying Italy ferry tickets ahead of time is wise in July and August and on summer weekends. At other times you can often buy at the port shortly before departure. A hydrofoil from Naples costs about €25–30 one way, and fares vary by operator. If you plan to leave Capri in the afternoon, buy your return in advance. 

Compare Italy ferry routes by arrival port and total travel time as well as price. The last Naples departure for Capri leaves at 9 p.m. from June to September and 7 p.m. the rest of the year. On the island, porters charge about €10–20 per bag. 

When the ferries run: seasons and shoulder months 

Capri and the Amalfi Coast score well for anyone comparing the best places to visit in October, but the catch is a shortening ferry season. Positano and Amalfi sailings run from April through October, so late autumn is when schedules thin and the final departure dates matter. In July and August the crossings are at their busiest, so build slack into your day either way. 

Beyond Capri: Ischia, Procida and Sicily 

Naples is the hub for Italy island hopping in the bay. Procida is about 35 minutes by fast boat, Ischia about 60 minutes and Capri about 50. Caremar and SNAV serve Procida, while Medmar is one of four operators on Ischia. 

For longer hops, overnight ferries in Italy link Naples with Palermo in about 10 hours 15 minutes, with cabins. GNV, Grimaldi and Tirrenia run them from the commercial berths rather than Molo Beverello. If you’d like to pair the islands with extra seaside time, browse beach vacations for ideas. 

Choosing your crossing 

Match the port to your base: Naples for the fastest direct run, Sorrento for the shortest crossing, and Positano or Amalfi for a scenic start in season. Add the smaller islands once Capri is done. If you want transport and stays handled together, Italy vacation packages can fold the crossings into one plan. Travelodeal can help you choose a base in Naples, Sorrento or on the Amalfi Coast, so your ferry mornings stay simple.

Frequently asked questions