Naples International Airport – officially Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino – sits just 7 kilometres northeast of the city centre. Four transport options connect the terminal to central Naples: the Alibus shuttle, licensed taxis, private transfers, and rideshare apps.
Choosing the wrong option at Naples airport costs you time, money, or both – often within the first ten minutes.
The Alibus: Cheap, Direct, and Faster Than You’d Expect
The Alibus airport shuttle runs every 20 minutes between the terminal and two central stops: Piazza Garibaldi (Naples Centrale train station) and Piazza Municipio near the port. The fare costs €5 per person, and the journey takes approximately 20-30 minutes depending on traffic. However, the Alibus runs from 6 AM to midnight only – late-night arrivals have no shuttle option available.
Buy your Alibus ticket from the clearly marked machine inside the arrivals hall before you exit. Therefore, skip the queue at the driver and board immediately when the bus pulls in.
Why Most Travellers Overpay at the Taxi Rank
Naples operates a fixed-fare taxi system for airport journeys. The official rate from Capodichino to the city centre sits at €23 for up to four passengers, regardless of traffic or time of day. A Naples airport transfer booked through a licensed private operator typically costs €30-€40 but includes door-to-door service with a named driver holding your sign at arrivals.
Additionally, unlicensed drivers approach passengers aggressively in the arrivals hall. They charge €40-€60 for identical journeys and operate without meters or fixed rates. Always walk past them to the official white taxi rank outside the terminal exit.
How to Choose the Right Option for Your Situation
Match your choice to your circumstances honestly:
- The Alibus suits solo travellers and couples arriving before midnight with manageable luggage and flexible timing.
- Official taxis work best for groups of three or four, splitting the €23 fixed fare below the Alibus cost per person.
- Pre-booked private transfers justify the premium for families with young children, heavy luggage, or very early morning arrivals.
- Rideshare apps including Uber operate in Naples but frequently surge-price during peak hours, removing their cost advantage entirely.
- Never accept offers from drivers inside the terminal – licensed operators always wait outside at the official rank or hold printed name signs.
As a result of the fixed taxi tariff system, official cabs offer genuine price transparency that rideshares cannot consistently match during busy periods.
The Alibus is the right answer for most travellers arriving before midnight with two bags or fewer. Step out of arrivals, turn left, find the clearly marked stop, and board the next departure.