How do you get around Naples and reach Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast?

Getting around Naples

The historic center (Spaccanapoli, Quartieri Spagnoli, Duomo) is dense and best covered on foot — many streets are too narrow or crowded for buses to be useful. For longer hops, especially up and down the hills toward Vomero, the metro and funiculars do the heavy lifting.

Metro

Line 1 links the center (Municipio, Toledo, Dante) with Vomero and the northern suburbs; several stations, including Toledo and Municipio, are treated as art installations with mosaics and light features, so it's worth riding even a stop or two just to see them. Line 2 is faster for east-west trips (Cavalleggeri to Piazza Garibaldi/Napoli Centrale) but has less frequent service and plainer stations.

Funiculars

Naples has several funicular lines (Centrale, Montesanto, Chiavamone) climbing to Vomero — these count as regular transit, not tourist rides, and are the quickest way up the hill, especially with luggage, avoiding switchback roads.

Buses and trains for day trips

City buses cover flatter areas the metro misses but sit in traffic. For Pompeii and Sorrento, the Circumvesuviana suburban rail line is the standard option; it's crowded and best boarded early, with bags kept close.

Tickets and passes

A single Unico Campania ticket covers metro, funicular, and city buses within a validity window and is the simplest option for short stays. Day passes suit anyone doing several hill crossings or museum-hopping; they don't suit visitors sticking to one neighborhood on foot, where single tickets are cheaper overall.

From Capodichino Airport (NAP)

The Alibus shuttle runs from the airport to Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale) and Piazza Municipio, taking roughly 20-30 minutes depending on traffic — the lowest-effort, lowest-cost option, though standing room only at peak times. Taxis operate on a fixed flat fare to the city center and are worth it with heavy luggage or late arrivals. There is no direct rail or metro link from the airport itself.

Practical notes

Rush hours (roughly 7:30-9:30 and 17:30-19:30) get metro cars and funiculars packed; avoid these with bulky luggage. Last metro and funicular runs are typically before midnight, earlier on Sundays, so plan late returns by taxi. Pickpocketing is a real concern on crowded buses and the Circumvesuviana — keep bags zipped and in front of you. Step-free access exists at newer Line 1 stations but is inconsistent elsewhere, so travelers with mobility needs should check specific stations in advance.