Naples Cruise Port Guide & Day Trips from Naples (UPDATED 2023)

Welcome to Naples cruise port!

Set in the heart of the Campania region and home to the most delicious pizza in Italy, impressive history and Mount Vesuvius, Naples is the third-largest city in Italy and one of the largest Mediterranean ports. Due to its diverse cultural heritage and proximity to famous destinations such as Pompeii, Sorrento, Capri Island and Amalfi Coast, the port of Naples is a frequent stop in Mediterranean cruise itineraries. In this article, read about:

• Naples cruise port (Naples cruise terminal, getting around, helpful info & links)
• Top 15 things to do in Naples port, including day trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum, Mount Vesuvius, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Capri Island

Visit also our cruise port guides to Palermo, Taormina (Messina), Civitavecchia (Rome), La Spezia (Florence), Cagliari (Sardinia), Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus), Crete (Heraklion), Marseille

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Naples Cruise Port

Naples is the third-largest city in Italy after Rome and Milan, and the port of Naples ranks among the largest ports in the Mediterranean. Naples cruise terminal is located in the southern part of the city, within a short walking distance from the historic center.

The Naples cruise terminal is called Stazione Maritima, and it consists of several piers. The main pier where the cruise ships dock is Molo Beverello, situated next to the busy marina and 100 meters away from the ferry port terminal from where you can take ferries to Sorrento and Capri island.

The terminal building is large and consists of a multitude of modern facilities, such as a brand-new shopping mall, tourist information desks, ATMs, restrooms, cafeterias, restaurants, and a spacious parking lot for tour buses and taxis.

Helpful info & links:

• See Naples cruise port on Google maps
• Naples port area is flat and wheelchair accessible, however, the city is partially uphill so make sure you wear comfortable footwear.
• The currency in Italy is EURO (€). ATMs are available at the cruise terminal area and in the city. Local currency and credit cards are widely accepted. See the currency converter
• You can get a public bus on Via Nuova Marina (“via” means “the street” in Italian) that runs parallel to the port, only a 5-minute walk upon exiting the terminal. The metro stations “Municipio” and “Università” are the closest ones, reachable in less than a 10-minute walking distance from the cruise terminal.
• Public buses, trams, metro and funiculars in Naples are operated by ANM – Azienda Napoletana Mobilità. TIC – Ticket Integrato Campania, is an integrated fare for public transport in Naples and there are single, hourly, daily, 7-day, monthly and annual TIC tickets and passes. The single ticket is valid for 90 minutes and costs 1.50€, while the daily ticket starts from 4.50€. You can purchase the tickets at tabacchi (tobacco stores), news kiosks, and ticket machines at Metro and funicular stations and at some bus stops. You can read in detail about public transport in Naples at https://www.anm.it/
• Naples central station (Napoli Centrale) is located at Piazza Garibaldi, around 3 km/1.9 miles (a 35-minute walk, or a 15-minute drive) northeast of Naples port. Trains in Italy are operated by the national company Trenitalia, and you can check the timetables and prices at https://www.trenitalia.com/
• The best way to get from Naples cruise port to Naples central station is to take the subway at the Municipio metro station and get off at the Piazza Garibaldi station at Stazione Centrale di Napoli (Napoli Centrale railway station). The metro ride lasts 15 minutes, and trains go every 10 minutes. You can also take tram line 1, or bus line 151. You can catch these in Via Cristoforo Colombo, opposite the cruise terminal. A single ticket is 1.50€ per person one-way, and there are two stops at the Naples central station – Corso Garibaldi and Piazza Garibaldi. Alternatively, you can take a taxi or walk. A taxi ride lasts about 10 minutes and costs up to 20€ one-way depending on the number of passengers. However, agree on the price beforehand. You can also walk to the central station and it takes about 30 minutes to get there.
• Circumvesuviana is a regional train line that serves the area around Mount Vesuvius and connects Naples to Herculaneum, Pompeii and Sorrento. The line departs from the lower level of Napoli Centrale station at Piazza Garibaldi (you don’t physically leave the building, you just turn left at the end of the platform and keep going following the signs above). Tickets cannot be purchased online, but are available directly at the station. Check out Circumvesuviana train schedules
• The Campania Express is a special version of the Circumvesuviana train line. It is ideal for tourists as it doesn’t have as many stops as Circumvesuviana and is much more comfortable (guaranteed seats, air-conditioning, luggage storage). This line only stops in Garibaldi/Central Station Naples, Ercolano Scavi (for Herculaneum and Mount Vesuvius), Pompei, and Sorrento. These trains go faster and cost more than regular lines (around 15€ roundtrip). Check out the Campania Express train schedules
• Outside the Naples cruise terminal, right next to the imposing medieval castle Castel Nuovo, there is a Hop on hop off bus stop. Hop on Hop off bus tours stop at major city attractions and cover 2 different routes. Check out Naples Hop on Hop off sightseeing bus tours on Viator and Get Your Guide
• If you’re planning to visit several attractions of Naples in a day, or you’re staying for a few days in the city, The Naples Pass is the most convenient option. This official tourist pass of the city allows you to access more than 100 attractions, get discounts at museums, restaurants and shops, and enjoy unlimited rides on public transport. Book the Naples City Pass Ticket
• Naples International Airport (Aeroporto Internazionale di Napoli) is located 7 km/4.3 miles (a 20-minute drive) northeast of Naples cruise port. To get from Naples to the airport, you can get the Unico Alibus shuttle that operates on the route Naples International Airport/Central Station/Piazza Municipio (port) or vice versa. This ticket will also allow you to use all means of transport of the companies belonging to the Unico Campania within the urban area of Naples. The single ticket is valid for 90 minutes from the first validation and it costs 5€. You can check the timetables at https://www.unicocampania.it/
• The best time to visit Naples is between March and October, as the temperatures are pleasant and the weather is dry and warm. To get useful cruise packing tips, check out my article What to Pack for a Cruise in 2023 – Top 60 Cruise Essentials
• Explore Naples tours, activities and shore excursions
• Book a private transfer to/from Naples
• Rent a car in Naples
• Search the best Mediterranean cruise deals!
• Get an e-sim card to have access to the Internet at all times!
• Search the hotels in Naples

Top 15 Things to Do in Naples Cruise Port

Naples is a large city and there are plenty of options to choose from if you decide to stay and explore the historic city center. Naples is also the main gateway to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, Herculaneum, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast and Capri Island. Below I share with you the top 15 things to do and see in the port of Naples, including the shore excursions to the above destinations.

Before I share the best things to do in Naples, I invite you to grab your copy of the “Mediterranean Cruise Port Guide”, the most comprehensive guide to 45 Mediterranean cruise ports (including Naples), packed with practical information, expert tips & unforgettable experiences! (PDF format/200 pages)

1. Castel Nuovo

Also known as Maschio Angioino castle, Castel Nuovo is located at the exit of the cruise terminal area. This massive 13th-century military castle dominates the harbor and Piazza Municipio with its Neoclassical Palazzo San Giacomo, which houses the City Hall. The castle has five imposing towers and served as a royal seat for the kings of Naples, Aragon, and Spain until 1815.

It features an elegant, 15th-century white marble Renaissance triumphal arch, integrated into the gatehouse, and a Palatine chapel, where you can find a great variety of valuable artworks made by notable Renaissance painters and sculptors. Today, Castel Nuovo houses a civic museum containing extensive art collections dating from the 15^th to the 20^th centuries, while some halls of the castle are used for temporary cultural exhibitions and events.

Check out Castel Nuovo tours & tickets

2. Castel dell Ovo

The majestic seaside castle is located at the southernmost tip of Naples city, on a peninsula (a former island) with an excellent strategic position that dominates the Gulf of Naples. It is situated 1.5 km/1 mile or a 20-minute walk from the Naples cruise port and is well worth visiting, as it is the oldest standing fortification in Naples built by the Normans in the 12^th century.

It is also known as the Castle of the Egg, named after the legend saying that the Roman poet Virgil planted a magical egg into the castle’s foundations. The castle served as a royal residence, the State Treasury, and a prison, and today consists of halls often used for exhibitions and other events. There is no entrance fee, and you can climb to its two towers and an observation deck from where you can take in the breathtaking views of the Gulf of Naples and Mount Vesuvius in the distance.

Explore Castel dell Ovo tours and activities

3. Piazza del Plebiscito

Situated around 800 meters, or a 10-minute walking distance from the Naples cruise port, the 19th-century Piazza del Plebiscito is one of the largest and most beautiful squares in Naples. The construction of the square began in the first decade of the 19^th century and was commissioned by Joachim Murat, the King of Naples and Napoleon’s brother-in-law.

With its 53-meter high dome and Greek-style columns, a large, monumental Basilica San Francesco di Paola (Church of Saint Francis) dominates Piazza del Plebiscito. The Basilica was built in the Neo-classical style and is reminiscent of Rome’s Pantheon. Simple, yet impressive, the interior of the church features valuable and beautiful architecture and artwork. The renowned 18th-century San Carlo Theater and Opera House (Teatro di San Carlo), as well as the 17th-century sumptuously decorated Royal Palace of Naples (Palazzo Reale di Napoli), are other two important buildings that you can see around the square.

Check out Piazza del Plebiscito tours and activities

4. Naples National Archaeological Museum

Museo Archeologico Nazionale ranks among Naples’ top attractions and is located 2.2 km/1.3 miles or a 30-minute walk from the Naples cruise port. It is also easy to reach it by public transport and metro. Housed in the 17th-century palace, the museum features priceless collections of artwork and artifacts from different prehistoric and historic periods, including the art and artifacts recovered from the Mount Vesuvius eruption of 79 A.D.

Bronze statues, frescoes, mosaics (the most important one being Pompeii’s famous Alexander Mosaic dating from 100 BC) and everyday objects found on the buried sites of Pompeii and Herculaneum are kept in the museum. The Archeological museum is also home to ancient artwork dating from the Roman era that includes Farnese Bull, the largest ancient marble sculptural group ever found. Check out the Archeological Museum website for more information on opening hours and prices.

Check out Museo Archeologico Nazionale tours and tickets

5. Naples Cathedral

Also known as Duomo di San Gennaro, or the Cathedral of the Assumption of Mary, it is the main church of Naples completed in the 14^th century in honor of Saint Januarius, the patron saint of the city. It is located 2 km/1.2 miles or a 25-minute walking distance from the Naples cruise port. It boasts a stunning neo-Gothic façade and an equally impressive interior featuring art-filled chapels, and 4th-century mosaics and relics.

Explore Naples Cathedral tours and activities

6. Naples Old Town

Naples is a vibrant city bursting with life, full of colorful, authentic streets where you can find plenty of shops, restaurants, cafes, bars, street sellers, and much more. There are several streets you can explore, and they are all within a walking distance from Naples cruise port (you need to be able to walk slightly uphill to reach the central parts of the town).

The most famous ones are the pedestrian streets Via Toledo and Via Chiaia – they are both located a 15-minute walking distance from the port and they meet at Piazza del Plebiscito and Fontana del Carciofo. They are super crowded and packed with countless shops, restaurants, bars, and pizzerias offering mouth-watering pizzas, panzerotti, pasta, and other Italian authentic dishes.

Last but not least, another famous street that traverses the Naples historic center is Spaccanapoli – a narrow, straight, and long promenade where you can explore historic churches, palaces, bustling piazzas, unique shops, and a large number of restaurants, bars, and open-air cafes.

Explore Naples downtown walking tours and activities

7. Taste the Local Pizza

When it comes to tasting pizza in Naples – it is an absolute must! The pizza was invented in Naples, and in every place where I tried it – that was the best pizza I’ve ever had in my life! For over one century, L’Antica Pizzeria da Michele has had the reputation of making the best pizza in Naples, and that’s where Julia Roberts was featured indulging in a slice of pizza in the “Eat, Pray, Love” movie. The pizzeria is only 20 minutes’ walk away from the port!

Check out Naples food tasting tours and activities

8. Galleria Umberto I

Located only a 10-minute walking distance from Naples cruise port, Galleria Umberto I stands next to San Carlo Theater and near Piazza del Plebiscito. It is a cross-shaped, glass-and-iron-covered public shopping gallery built in the 19^th century, declared by UNESCO a World Heritage Site. Featuring a large glass dome and the Art-Nouveau architectural style, the gallery is home to numerous cafes and shops, and you can access it for free.

Explore Galleria Umberto I tours and activities

9. Galleria Borbonica

Also known as Bourbon Gallery or Bourbon Tunnel, it is an impressive underground passage built for military purposes to connect the Royal Palace to military barracks in Naples. It is situated 2 km/1.2 miles, or a 25-minute somewhat uphill walk from the Naples cruise port and represents one of the most unique places you can visit in Naples. Constructed in the 19^th century, the stunning underground tunnels served as an escape route for the royal inhabitants, and also as a shelter for Naples residents during the bombardments during World War II.

Time permitting, I highly recommend you take one of the Bourbon Tunnel tours, as they are a fascinating way to discover the important and emotional moments in the history of Naples. On tour, you can visit underground caves, a restored ancient cistern, vintage artifacts dating from WWII, pieces of sculptures, old cars and bikes, and much more. If you are seeking some adrenaline rush, you can go for an adventure or Speleo tour as well. Overall, I was truly impressed by the visit, and I strongly suggest you put it on your Naples bucket list.

Check out Galleria Borbonica tours and activities

10. Pompeii

Pompeii visit is by far the most popular day trip from Naples, due to the huge historical importance of this world-famous archaeological site. Nestled at the foothills of Mount Vesuvius, the ancient city of Pompeii, along with Herculaneum and other neighboring towns, was buried under 4 to 6 meters (13 to 20 ft) of volcanic ash and pumice in the eruption of the powerful Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD.

When a group of explorers rediscovered the ancient site in the mid-18^th century, they were astonished to find out that under the thick carpet of dust, debris, and volcanic ash – the ancient city of Pompeii was largely preserved. The everyday life of this wealthy city was frozen at the moment it was buried, thus the excavated site offered a unique snapshot of Roman life and its inhabitants.

Pompeii archeological site has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the most visited attractions in Italy. Today, visitors can roam through the elegantly paved streets of ancient Pompeii, admire the ruins of the lavish mansions and villas of distinguished Romans, visit their elaborate bathhouses, a multitude of Roman temples, a massive 20.000-capacity Amphitheatre of Pompeii, and more. You can learn about the tragic destiny of the ancient city and over 2.000 Pompeii residents on a self-guided tour, or on a guided tour which I highly recommend.

If the weather is hot and sunny, make sure you bring a hat and water, as the largest portion of the Pompeii Archeological Park is not shaded. Keep an eye on your belongings, as there are many pickpockets on the trains in particular. Wear comfortable shoes, as there is a lot of walking involved. The ruins of Pompeii are wheelchair accessible.

Check out Pompeii tours and activities from Naples

How to Get from Naples to Pompeii?

The distance from Naples cruise port to Pompeii Archeological Park is 25 km/15.5 miles, or a 25-minute driving distance. There are several ways to get from Naples to Pompeii.

• BOOK A TOUR – Although it takes a full day to explore Pompeii, cruise ships offer half-day tours to Pompeii from Naples. Trips to Pompeii usually include either only the transfer to Pompeii Archeological Park with an entrance ticket included, or Pompeii guided tour. However, in my experience, I wouldn’t recommend you book a cruise ship shore excursion because you probably won’t have enough time to explore the site on a guided tour. The cruise ship excursions are usually crowded as Naples is one of the busiest ports, so the time spent on site is quite limited and the groups are big. Alternatively, I suggest you book either a small-group tour or a private tour to fully enjoy the place. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you book Pompeii skip-the-line tickets to avoid long queues and crowds.
• BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER – In case you’ve already booked your entrance tickets to Pompeii, the private transfer is the best, fastest, and most convenient option to get to the ruins. It’s even cheaper than a taxi and guarantees you a safe return to the ship. Compare the transfer prices from Napoli to Pompei
• TRAIN FROM NAPLES TO POMPEII – Naples to Pompeii train ride is another efficient and relatively fast way to get to the archeological site. Take the train Naples Circumvesuviana at Napoli Centrale (Naples central train station at Piazza Garibaldi) and get off at Pompei Scavi/Villa Dei Misteri stop. The train ride lasts 30-35 minutes, and trains go every 30 minutes. Once you get off at Pompeii Scavi-Villa Dei Misteri, the entrance to the archeological site is only a 5-minute walking distance. The Circumvesuviana line to Pompeii is quite busy, and you might not be able to get a seat. There is no luggage disposal area. Due to the large crowds on the trains, I suggest you save at least one hour for the ride each way.
• TAKE A TAXI – The prices start at  50€ one-way and vary based on the number of passengers. Always agree on the price first. The ride lasts around 25 minutes.

11. Herculaneum Ruins

Located around 15 km/9.5 miles, or less than a 30-minute driving distance from Naples cruise port, Herculaneum is another ancient city in Campania that was destroyed in the Vesuvius eruption in 79 AD along with Pompeii and several other neighboring towns. Smaller in size than Pompeii, but equally wealthy, Herculaneum was a popular resort town and seaside destination for many Roman patrician families.

Like Pompeii, the excavations of this archeological site started in the mid-18^th century, and the city that was buried beneath 16 meters of ash and dust was found almost intact (even more preserved than Pompeii). The interior decoration of Roman mansions and houses, marble statues and artwork, wooden structures, jewelry, fabric, everyday objects, and even food were found well preserved, witnessing the daily life of the Romans captured in the moment of their tragic death.

Today, visitors can stroll through the ruins of Herculaneum and visit the wealthy Roman’s notable houses, sumptuously adorned baths, halls decorated with frescoes and mosaics, splendid arches and columns, spacious atriums… The most popular ruins are Men’s Baths, Hall of the Augustals, Samnite House, House of Relief of Telephus, and Fornici. It takes only 2-3 hours to visit Herculaneum, which is an ideal option for a half-day trip.

Some parts of the Herculaneum ruins are not wheelchair accessible, and it is highly recommended to leave kids’ strollers or pushchairs at the free bag check counter at the entrance.

Explore Herculaneum tours and activities from Naples

How to Get to Herculaneum from Naples?

• BOOK A TOUR – You can visit Herculaneum with a cruise ship shore excursion or on a private, customized tour (always the most convenient option!)/small group tour. The archeological site is not as large as Pompeii, and a Herculaneum tour lasts from 2-3 hours.
• BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER – It takes a 30-minute drive to get from Naples to Herculaneum and it’s always the most comfortable option. Compare the prices of a private transfer
• TAKE A TRAIN TO HERCULANEUM – A train ride is an alternative option. Take the Circumvesuviana train at Naples central station (Napoli Centrale – Piazza Garibaldi) and get off at the “Ercolano Scavi” stop, located a 10-minute walk from Herculaneum. Circumvesuviana train line runs every 30 minutes between Naples and Sorrento and has several stops, including Pompeii and Herculaneum stops. The train ride from Naples to Herculaneum lasts 15-20 minutes. Check the timetables here.
• TAKE A TAXI – A taxi ride from Naples to Herculaneum lasts around 15-20 minutes and costs 40-50€ per taxi, one-way. The price depends on the number of persons in the vehicle. Always agree on the price first.

12. Mount Vesuvius

Towering over the city of Naples and the ruins of the ancient Pompeii, Herculaneum, and neighboring cities, the mighty Vesuvius dominates the Gulf of Naples and is one of several volcanoes that form the Campanian volcanic arc. Vesuvius has become notoriously world-famous due to the eruption in 79 AD that buried the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii, Herculaneum, Oplontis, and Stabiae, killing 16.000 people overall.

The Vesuvius has erupted over 50 times for thousands of years, and its last eruption lasted from 1913-1944. It is still considered active, and one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world. Although experts claim that a cataclysmic eruption can happen at any time, over 3 million people live within 20 miles of the Vesuvius crater, with 600.000 of them in the danger zone.

Today, it is possible to visit the Vesuvius National Park and explore its trails, the Great Cono crater (Il Gran Cono) situated at 1.000 meters above sea level, and the park’s rich historical and cultural heritage, consisting of the museum, archeological sites, the Roman villas, and historical buildings. If you are into hiking, there is a network of 11 paths of a total length of 54 km (33.5 mi) that you can explore and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of Naples, Lazio, and the Campania region. The entrance ticket to the Vesuvius National Park is 10€.

Explore Mount Vesuvius tours and activities from Naples

Hot to Get from Naples to Mount Vesuvius?

• BOOK A TOUR – Cruise ships normally offer the Mount Vesuvius hiking tours, but the number of spots available on these tours is quite limited, so make sure you pre-book the tickets to assure your spot. If you look for a more personalized, convenient, and often cheaper option, you might want to have a look at Mount Vesuvius private tours or small group tours. They are the best way to explore the site at your own pace and get the full story from a local guide.
• BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER – The distance between the Naples cruise port and Mount Vesuvius is roughly 20 km/12.5 miles, or a 30-minute driving distance. Compare the transfer prices
• VISIT VESUVIUS BY TRAIN – Take the Circumvesuviana train for Sorrento or Poggiomarino via Pompeii at Naples central station (Stazione Centrale – Piazza Garibaldi) and get off at either Ercolano Scavi station (the one where you get off for Herculaneum) or Pompei – Villa Dei Misteri (the one where you get off for Pompeii). From both train stations, you can hop on the local bus going to Vesuvius. The local bus company is EAV, and the buses run quite rarely (every hour or even more). Check the timetables and prices on their official website: www.eavsrl.it.
• TAKE A TAXI – The taxi ride from Naples cruise port to Mount Vesuvius lasts around 30 minutes and the price starts at 50-60€ per vehicle one-way, although it can vary based on the number of persons. Agree on the price beforehand.

Note: If you consider renting a car, I advise you not to do it. The traffic in Naples can be crazy and the drive up to the volcano is quite complicated. There is a parking lot at the National Park area, but still, you need to take a shuttle bus or walk at least 30 minutes from the parking to reach the entrance.

The Mount Vesuvius hike is moderate and you should wear comfortable shoes. Bring a hat, water and of course a good camera. The visit to the crater lasts approximately 1.5 hours. Check the weather because if it rains, you won’t be able to see the crater (it is closed for safety reasons).

13. Sorrento

Located on the opposite side of the Gulf of Naples, about 50 km/31 miles from the port of Naples, Sorrento is a magnificent cliffside town and a popular tourist resort on the Sorrentine Peninsula. Sorrento boasts a scenic coastline, gorgeous landscapes, and a multitude of colorful houses, and is widely known for its wood-carving traditions, ceramics, marquetry, and lacework shops.

You can stroll through its lively Tasso Square (Piazza Tasso), the central square where you’ll find quaint shops, restaurants, and bars serving delicious Italian specialties and local wine. Delight in the views of the picturesque port of Sorrento – Marina Grande, browse the shops of Via san Cesareo – the main shopping hub of the city, visit a beautiful 14th-century Cathedral of Sorrento, or take in the breathtaking views of the bay from Villa Comunale park and gardens.

Explore day trips to Sorrento from Naples

How to Get from Naples to Sorrento?

• BOOK A TOUR: Cruise ships and independent tour operators offer a wide variety of shore excursions to Sorrento, which is the best option if you want to have a Sorrento guided tour and hear fascinating stories and legends associated with this beautiful coastal town.
• TAKE A FERRY FROM NAPLES TO SORRENTO – The fastest and one of the most pleasant ways to reach the town is to take a ferry to Sorrento from Naples cruise port. You’ll avoid the traffic congestion, and you’ll start your day with stunning views of the Gulf of Naples and the dazzling aquamarine waters of its bay. The ferry ride can take between 35 minutes to 1h 10 minutes, depending on the ferry company. You embark on the ferry at Molo Beverello ferry station, located only a 5-minute walking distance from the cruise ship’s dock. The ferries run every 90 minutes, and the main ferry company that provides the ferry services is Alilauro. You can check rates and departure times on their website: http://www.alilauro.it/. Depending on the ferry company, the ticket prices vary from 13 € to 20 € per person one-way, as well as the frequency of the service. You can purchase the tickets at the ticket office at Molo Beverello, or online (I highly recommend you buy them at the ferry station because the ride can sometimes be canceled due to rough weather, etc.).
• BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER TO SORRENTO – The distance between Naples cruise port and Sorrento is 50 km/31 miles or a 1-hour driving distance. This is the most comfortable and safest option, especially for families with kids and groups of more than 3 people. Check out the best transfer deals from Naples to Sorrento
• TAKE A TRAIN FROM NAPLES TO SORRENTO – The train ride is another popular and convenient option. The train from Naples to Sorrento departs from Naples central station – Napoli Stazione Centrale (from Napoli Porta Nolana and Napoli Garibaldi stations), and there are two rail lines going to Sorrento: Circumvesuviana line or Campania Express. Check out Circumvesuviana train schedules and Campania Express train schedules to Sorrento.
• TAKE A TAXI – The taxi ride lasts around 1 hour and costs around 100€ per vehicle one-way, although they might vary based on the number of persons.
• BUS FROM NAPLES TO SORRENTO – This is the longest option that I wouldn’t recommend for cruise passengers. The journey by bus from Naples to Sorrento lasts over 1 hour 30 minutes and departs from Naples Central Station. The ticket prices start at 5€ per person, one-way. There is also a shuttle bus operated by Curreri Viaggi that goes from the Naples International Airport to Sorrento, and it costs 10€ one way.

14. Amalfi Coast

A trip to the marvelous Amalfi Coast is one of the most attractive day trips from Naples. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this scenic stretch of coastline is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Italy. Dramatic mountain cliffs, eye-catching, colorful villages, terraced vineyards, secluded pebbled beaches, and bright-yellow lemon groves are the typical landscapes you can admire while you travel through this gorgeous region.

Amalfi Coast consists of a multitude of villages, the most famous one being Amalfi – a tiny, seaside village boasting narrow, cobblestone streets lined with cafes, shops, and typical Italian restaurants, and a beautiful St. Andrew Cathedral (Cathedral of Sant’ Andrea). The cathedral dominates the main village square – Piazza del Duomo, and dates from the 9^th century when the original church was built. The Cathedral features a magnificent 18th-century Norman-Arab-Byzantine façade and the splendid Cloister of Paradise that served as a burial ground for the noble Amalfi families back in the Middle Ages. In the village, you’ll also find many authentic shops selling colorful hand-painted ceramics and the region’s signature limoncello liquor.

Explore Amalfi Coast day trips from Naples

Besides Amalfi, there are many other places you can visit, such as the picturesque village of Positano, Praiano, Furore, Ravello, the Sirenusas (the Gallos, or Li Galli) archipelago, Fornillo, the Bay of Positano, and much more. It takes more than one day to visit Amalfi Coast, however, if you stay one day in Naples – you should carefully plan an Amalfi Coast day trip from Naples so you can get the most out of it.

How to Get from Naples to Amalfi Coast?

• BOOK A TOUR: To get the most out of the Amalfi Coast in a day, the Amalfi Coast tour from Naples is by far the best option for cruise ship passengers. Cruise ships offer various shore excursions to Amalfi Coast that you can choose from, or you can opt for one of the independent tour operators’ tours as these are often more flexible and cheaper. Explore Amalfi Coast day trips from Naples
• BOOK A PRIVATE TRANSFER  – The distance from Naples cruise port to Amalfi Coast is about 65 km/40.5 miles, or up to a 1h 30-minute driving distance. This is definitely one of the fastest and most efficient options. Check out the best private transfer deals
• TRAIN FROM NAPLES TO AMALFI COAST – This is another popular option. To get to Amalfi Coast, the best option is to embark on a train at Napoli Centrale (Napoli Piazza Garibaldi station) to Vietri Sul Mare, one of the villages of the Amalfi Coast. The train ride lasts about 1 hour and has one connection stop at Salerno. The ticket prices start at 4.70 € per person, one-way, and you can check the timetables on Trenitalia.com. From Vietri Sul Mare, you can use the local public transport – SITA buses, to get to other villages. Another option is to take a train directly from Naples to Salerno (a 40-minute ride, departs from Napoli Centrale), and then take the SITA local bus to Amalfi, Maiori, Minori, Ravello, and other villages. It takes a 45-minute driving distance to reach Amalfi from Salerno. Check SITA bus schedules on the company’s official website. Last but not least, you can take the train to Sorrento, and then switch to one of the SITA buses that serve Amalfi Coast villages. This is a better option if you want to visit Positano or Praiano villages, as they are closer to Sorrento than to Salerno (the distance from Sorrento to Positano is 16 km/10 miles, or a 35-minute drive, and from Salerno to Positano is 65 km/40.5 miles, or 1 hour 20 minutes driving distance).
• BUS FROM NAPLES TO AMALFI COAST – You can catch one of the SITA buses in Naples and go straight to the Amalfi Coast, but this option is the least convenient and the slowest one. There are only several departures daily. Check the timetables here.
• TAKE A FERRY: From April to October, you can take a train/ferry to Sorrento, and then take a local bus to Amalfi Coast. An alternative option is to take a train or bus to Salerno, and then take a round-trip ferry or hydrofoil ride to Positano, Minori, and Amalfi. The departure point in Salerno is Concordia Square (Piazza Della Concordia), opposite the train station. Check the ferry connections and timetables here: https://www.livesalerno.com/
• TAXI FROM NAPLES TO AMALFI COAST – The prices start at 100€ per vehicle, one-way, and depend on the number of persons in the vehicle. Agree on the price first.

15. The Island of Capri

Known as “the Island of Dreams”, Capri is one of the most exclusive Italian resorts and a popular day trip from Naples. The tiny island boasts a great number of natural attractions and historic sights, and its main city bears the same name as the island – Capri.

You can take a boat to the Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzura), a magical sea cave boasting incredible blue and silver colors of water that change based on the sunlight coming into the cavern’s mouth. Faraglioni rocks are another must-see natural treasure of Capri island, situated in the south of the islet. You can stroll through Marina Grande, the vibrant harbor and the main port of Capri, full of shops, restaurants, and bars where you can savor Italian specialties and great local wines.

Explore Capri Island day trips from Naples

You can visit the splendid Gardens of Augustus, Marina Piccola – home to the mythical Siren’s rock, where according to the myths the sirens seductively sang to Odysseus, or the 19^th century luxurious Villa San Michele – the home of famous Swedish physician Alex Munthe.

In the town of Capri, explore Piazza Umberto I (known as Piazzetta), the bustling central square packed with brand stores, bars, and fancy restaurants, featuring a beautiful clock tower that represents the iconic symbol of the town. There are several churches and historical landmarks nearby, such as the baroque Church of Santo Stefano that dominates the square, or Certosa di San Giacomo (the Charterhouse of St. Giacomo), the 14th-century Carthusian monastery and one of the oldest buildings on the island. If you are into archeological ruins, head over to Villa Jovis, the impressive ruins of a grand Roman palace dating from 27 AD, located on the northeastern coast of Capri.

There are many other attractions on Capri island, and one day is definitely not enough. However, if you want to take a glimpse of this stunning piece of paradise, there is an easy way to get there.

How to Get from Naples to Capri Island?

• BOOK A TOUR: The cruise ship shore excursions department normally offers Capri tours, however, I suggest you book this tour with a reputable independent tour operator as it’s cheaper. Check out the best Capri Island tours from Naples
• NAPLES TO CAPRI FERRY RIDE – The ferry ride varies from 50 minutes to 1h 30 minutes, and there are several companies providing ferry transport. Some of them depart from Molo Beverello and some of them from Calata Porta di Massa (located next to it). The ferry ticket prices start at 14.80 € per person one-way and generally depend on the type of ferry. There are high-speed, regular, and slow ferries, and the frequency depends on the season (from April to October they are more frequent due to the number of tourists). You can check the timetables on the Naples ferry schedule website.

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Wrapping Up

Campania region boasts so many beautiful places to visit, and you can visit Campania’s main highlights by taking the Mediterranean cruise and visiting the Naples cruise port. I’ve listed only the most popular day trips from Naples, but in reality, there are many more of them. Whatever you choose to do, make sure you plan your day ahead to fully enjoy this wonderful port of call! Until the next visit, Arrivederci Napoli!

Visit also our cruise port guides to Palermo, Taormina (Messina), Civitavecchia (Rome), La Spezia (Florence), Cagliari (Sardinia), Barcelona, Valencia, Palma de Mallorca, Santorini, Athens (Piraeus), Crete (Heraklion), Marseille

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