If you’re on a cruise docking in Naples, you’ll have no shortage of excursion options! However, I really cannot think of a better way to spend a port day than in Capri. The logistics of getting to Capri and the fact that it’s an island away from our cruise ship made me a little nervous, but it actually turned out to be much easier than I expected! I’d recommend this as a DIY excursion, as doing it on your own was significantly cheaper than booking with a company or with the cruise line. Here’s how to get to Capri from Naples if you’re visiting on a cruise!
Read More: Full Review: 10 Day NCL Epic Mediterranean Cruise
Docking in Naples
Naples’ cruise port is one of the easiest ones we docked in on our Mediterranean cruise! Cruise ships dock at the Naples Port, located here. It’s right across the street from the famous Castel Nuovo, and only about a 10-15 minute walk into town for shopping or dining.
What makes the docking location super convenient though, is the proximity to the ferry docks! Molo Beverello is the name of the station that is home to dozens of ferries going everywhere from Sorrento, Ischia, Procidia, and of course- Capri! The docks are located right next to the cruise ship pier. Upon disembarking the ship, simply walk to the end of the pier and before you cross the street, turn left. You’ll walk only about 20 yards before running into the cluster of ticket counters. From the deck of the cruise ship to the ticket counters, it’s only a few minute walk!
Naples Ferry Terminal & Buying Tickets
When you arrive at the Molo Beverello terminal, you will need to get in line for tickets right away. To board the ferry you actually need printed tickets. So if you purchased them ahead of time online, you will unfortunately still need to get in line to get physical tickets prior to boarding. We docked in Naples and were off the ship by 6:30 am, so there were very few people and short lines. However, if you are docking later in the morning or afternoon, I would recommend allowing yourself time as the crowds will likely be much larger.
Unfortunately the ticket windows were only selling one-way tickets, and we were not able to purchase our return ticket here. We were instructed to purchase those on the island once we arrived. Once you have your outbound ticket, you can check your slip number on the departures board, located right next to the ticket counters. Once that is displayed, you can make your way over to your ferry and settle in for the 45 minute ride.
The Ride to Capri
Once onboard, settle into your seat and kick back. If possible, a window seat is where you want to be! On the way to Capri, sitting on the left will give you views of the Amalfi Coast in the distance. However, sitting on the right will give you views of the island of Capri as you approach. There isn’t a bad window seat on the boat!
There was a small outdoor section that you could sit in on the aft of the ferry, but we quickly realized it was the smoking section and made our way indoors. The seats inside were plush and comfortable, and I even took a quick nap on the way to Capri! The ferries also have bathrooms and snack bars onboard. Soft drinks, water, coffee, and small packaged snacks were for sale if needed.
When You Get to Capri
One you arrive in Capri, there are a couple things you are going to want to do right away. The first is purchase your return ferry ticket. It may be stressful to commit to a return time immediately after arriving, but ferries sell out frequently and it’s best to confirm your seat on one right away. The ticket counters are located here. Once you dock, make your way to the end of the pier and turn right when you hit the street. There will be booths with several ferry operators lined up (pictured above). They all provide very similar services, so go with the one that has the return time that works best for your schedule. We ended up taking SNAV out to Capri and NLG on the way back. The experiences were comparable, but if I had to choose, NLG’s ferries were nicer and more comfortable.
Once you have your return ferry ticket, you’ll also want to purchase your funicular tickets. This little stand is easy to overlook, but a photo of it is above. Right next to the ferry booths is a desk with a small white sign reading “Biglietteria Funicolare”, which means Funicular Ticket Office. Here, you will purchase a round-trip ticket to ride the funicular up to Capri Town. The ride is €2,40 each way. Very important to purchase your round-trip tickets here, as the lines at the top of the funicular can get insanely long. Best to buy them now and get it out of the way!
Getting to Capri Town
Once you have your funicular tickets, it’s time to head to the heart of Capri! Walk across the street to the lower funicular station, located here. When we arrived at about 8:15 am, there was no line and we were able to walk right on. However, when we returned to the station later in the afternoon, you can see in the photo above how insane the crowds got! The funiculars are not large and can only hold 140 passengers at a time. Either do your best to get to Capri early in the morning, or definitely expect a wait to get to the top.
Once in the funicular, the ride to the top is only about five minutes long. If you can, try to stand in the front car by the window for views as you climb the mountain. You will then arrive in Capri Town at the upper funicular station, located here.
Just outside of the upper station is Piazza Umberto, that is the perfect place to take in the views. Then, take some time wandering through the tight, picturesque streets. Pop into small bookstores, shop for some Capri linens, do some luxury window shopping on Via Camerelle, or even make your way over to the Giardini di Augusto for some killer sea views.
Read More: 5 Tips for Day Tripping to Capri from Naples
Returning to Naples
Once it’s time to return to Naples, it’s as simple as retracing your steps. Grab your ticket to the funicular and ride that back down to the port. Try to be mindful of crowds at the top funicular station and allow yourself extra time to wait, if needed! Once down at the docks, take a peek at the departure board for your slip number. Since you’ve already purchased your return ferry ticket, you can walk right to the boat and board right away. From there, kick back on the 45 minute ride back to Naples.
Time Back in Naples
Once you arrive back at the Molo Beverello ferry terminal, I’d highly recommend spending a little bit of time in Naples, if you can. We took just about a 10-15 minute walk into the city and did some quick exploring. The Galleria Umberto I is an absolutely stunning indoor shopping center that has a huge glass ceiling and dome. Inside, you will find some restaurants, shops, and coffee shops. It’s worth popping in for a few minutes to take it in! After, we grabbed some authentic Napoli pizza at Pizzeria Vincenzo Capuano on their outdoor patio. In Naples, it’s custom to actually cut pizzas with scissors instead of a pizza cutter, and this restaurant was the first place to do that!
After, we grabbed an “exploding lemonade” next door at Acquafrescaio. This is one of those things that became big on TikTok, but it’s actually pretty cool. The lemonade is mixed with club soda, and then at the very last second, a scoop of baking soda. The lemonade then fizzles up and you’re forced to bend over and spread your legs to chug it before it gets all over you. A super fun way to end the day before making the quick walk back to the cruise ship!
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