Naples Transportation

Most travelers using the Metropolitana to visit Naples are disappointed that it does not stop in the heart of the downtown area. This is currently being corrected by the construction of a new line, but in the meantime there is a roundabout way of doing this: the Funicolare.

There are two main ports in Naples: Napoli and Mergellina.
Naples can be reached from the islands quickly by Aliscafi (a twin-hulled ferry). There are several companies offering different times and rates.

We rented a car for a day from Hertz.

It was really an easy unbureaucratic procedure. I had already in advance made a reservation via internet. Really easy!

Make sure you check your car for scratches and any other major anomalities before you take the car keys and please have the scratches marked on the papers.

On handing back the car it will be examined thoroughly for any signs of an accident.... so you want to make sure you don't pay the predecessor's scratches.

After a day full of experiences we handed over the car in Napoli city centre - whithout new scratches =)

Buy a UNICO ticket at any Tobacchi shop for 1Euro-90min. You can also buy weekend tickets for approx. 3Euro The tickett is good for bus and train. The trains run from stop to stop about every 15-20 minutes. Buses somewhat similar. They will take you everywhere you need to go. Try to avoid taxis as they are VERY expensive.

A one-way ticket from Rome costs 10 EUR (check with Trenitalia) & it takes less around an hour to get there. You'll arrive to the Central Station - just try to get out of there! Go to a calmer neighborhood, 'coz it's too crazy!

Naples is just 3 hours drive from Rome and 1.5 hours drive from Pescosolido (where VT Motagna lives).

The route is very scenic. Even the motorway is not so boring as the motorways usually are ! Don't forget to keep some coins or little cash with you because in Italy you have to pay Motorway Charges !

Not so bad to land in Naples while flying beside the sleeping (??) Vesuvio! Napoli's airport dramatically improved in the latest year due to a change in management. As far aas airlines are corned, there are lots of direct international connections to there, and the distance from the airoport to the city is quite reduced. You will easily find two different buses going downtown: one is a normal urban line (relatively slow and crowded, of course) for 0.77 Euro; the second one isan air-conditioned express-bus (2 Euro) that will leave you to the main railway station (Piazza Garibaldi) and then to Piazza Municipio/Molo Beverello, where the boats leave to Sicily, Eolie, Capri, Ischia, Sorrento.

Walking from the Naples train station to the attractions may be a little too much, plus you have to fight the crowds and traffic and mostly the dirt and trash along the streets.

The buses are also crowded, but I'd choose to take the bus over walking. The tickets cost 0.77 euros each and are valid for 90 minutes.

Bus #1 will take you from the train station to the port of Naples. Bus #R2 will take you from the train station to the attractions as well.