Right, let’s sort this out properly. Getting from Naples Airport (also known as Capodichino Airport) to the cruise port at Molo Beverello or Porto di Napoli isn’t complicated, but the option you choose really does depend on when your flight lands and how much time you’ve got before boarding. The port is only about 6-7 kilometres from the airport, so you’re not looking at a marathon transfer here. Most people overthink this and end up stressed about nothing.
The three main ways to get there are the Alibus shuttle, a regular taxi from the rank, or a pre-booked private transfer. Each has its place depending on your circumstances, and I’ll break down when each one makes sense so you’re not standing in arrivals wondering what to do.
Alibus Shuttle: The Budget Option
The Alibus is Naples’ official airport shuttle service and it runs between the airport and the port area, stopping at Napoli Centrale train station along the way. It’s the cheapest option at around €5 per person, and tickets can be bought at the airport, from ticket machines, or sometimes directly from the driver.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Frequency: Buses run roughly every 15-30 minutes during the day, though this can vary and isn’t always reliable
- Time: The trip takes 20-30 minutes in light traffic, but can stretch to 40-45 minutes if you hit rush hour or the bus is making multiple stops
- Luggage: There’s space underneath for suitcases, but if the bus is packed with locals and other travellers, squeezing on with cruise luggage can be awkward
- Stops: The bus doesn’t drop you directly at all cruise terminals, so you might need a short taxi ride from the bus stop to your specific pier
When it makes sense: If your flight lands mid-morning, you’re travelling light, and your ship doesn’t sail until late afternoon or evening, the Alibus is perfectly fine. It’s also good if you’re on a tight budget or travelling solo. But if you’ve got an early afternoon boarding time or you’re with kids and multiple bags, the time saved with other options is worth the extra cost.
Taxis: The Middle Ground
Official white taxis wait at the taxi rank right outside Naples Airport arrivals. They’re metered, regulated, and generally reliable. The fare to the cruise port is usually fixed at around €23-€30 depending on which terminal you’re heading to and the time of day.
Key points about Naples taxis:
- Speed: A taxi will get you to the port in 20-25 minutes in normal traffic, sometimes less
- Direct service: You’ll be dropped right at your cruise terminal, no messing about with bus stops
- Luggage: Most taxis can handle two to three large suitcases plus hand luggage without issue
- Cost: For two or more people, the per-person cost is comparable to a private transfer
When it makes sense: If your flight arrives and you’ve got a few hours before boarding but don’t want to faff about with bus schedules, a taxi is ideal. It’s also the best backup plan if your flight is delayed and you need to get to the port quickly. Just make sure you use the official rank and not random drivers approaching you in arrivals.
One thing to watch: Naples taxi drivers have a reputation. Most are completely fine, but a handful try to overcharge tourists. Always confirm the fare is metered or agree on the fixed price before you set off. If they refuse to use the meter or quote something ridiculous like €50, walk away and get another taxi.
Private Transfers: Worth It for Groups or Peace of Mind
A pre-booked private transfer means a driver meets you at arrivals with a name board, helps with luggage, and drives you directly to your ship. Prices typically start around €60-€80 for a standard car, or €90-€120 for a larger vehicle if you’re a group of four or more.
Why people book them:
- Guaranteed service: Your driver will be there when you land, even if your flight is delayed
- No language barriers: Everything’s arranged in advance in English
- Space: You can request a vehicle size that fits your group and luggage
- Time-sensitive situations: If your flight lands at an awkward time or you’re cutting it fine with boarding, a private transfer removes the risk
When it makes sense: If you’re travelling with family or a group of four or more, the cost per person for a private transfer often works out similar to taxis but with more space and less hassle. It’s also the smart choice if your flight arrives in the evening when buses are less frequent, or if you’ve got young kids and lots of gear. For solo travellers or couples on a budget, it’s probably overkill unless you just really value convenience.
Want to know more about what to expect when you arrive? Check out our detailed Naples cruise ship port guide for terminal layouts, security procedures, and boarding tips.
Flight Timing: Which Option to Choose
Your flight arrival time is the biggest factor in deciding which transfer method works best. Here’s a practical breakdown:
| Flight Arrival Time | Best Option | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Before 9 AM | Alibus or Taxi | Plenty of time before boarding; save money with the bus or get there faster with a taxi |
| 9 AM – 12 PM | Taxi or Private Transfer | Boarding often starts around 1-2 PM; you want to get there without delays |
| 12 PM – 2 PM | Private Transfer | Cutting it close; eliminate any risk of missing the ship |
| After 2 PM | Any option works | Most ships don’t sail until evening; even the bus gives you time |
The general rule: if your flight lands less than four hours before your ship’s scheduled departure, don’t mess about with the budget option. A taxi or private transfer is worth the peace of mind. Cruise lines usually recommend arriving at the port at least two hours before sailing, and that’s sensible advice.
What About Driving Yourself?
Some people ask about hiring a car at the airport and driving to the port. Honestly, unless you’re planning to explore the Amalfi Coast or Pompeii before your cruise, this doesn’t make much sense. Naples traffic is chaotic, parking at the port is limited and expensive, and you’ll spend more time stressing about the car than enjoying your pre-cruise buffer. If you are driving, our Naples cruise port parking guide covers the main lots and costs.
If you’re actually looking at transfers from Rome instead (since some people get confused between Naples and Rome’s cruise port), you’ll want to check Civitavecchia airport transfers which is a completely different situation and much longer trip.
Luggage and Group Considerations
The number of people you’re travelling with and how much luggage you’ve got completely changes the economics of transfers:
- Solo or couple with one bag each: Alibus is fine if you’ve got time; taxi if you’re in a rush
- Family of four with multiple cases: Private transfer or taxi makes more sense; splitting the cost four ways brings the price down to reasonable levels
- Group of six or more: Book a minivan transfer in advance; trying to coordinate multiple taxis is annoying
One thing people don’t think about: cruise luggage is bulkier than normal holiday luggage. You’ve probably packed for a week or more, and you might have formal wear for dining. That extra bulk means the Alibus can feel cramped even if you’d normally be fine on public transport. Having a good set of compression packing cubes helps maximize your luggage space, and a digital luggage scale ensures you won’t get caught out with overweight bags at the airport.
Extend Your Stay in Naples
If your flight gets in the day before your cruise sails, staying overnight in Naples is actually a smart move. You’ll avoid any stress about tight connections, and you get to explore one of Italy’s most underrated cities. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the pizza here is genuinely the best in the world (sorry, everywhere else).
There’s plenty of accommodation near the port area or in the Spanish Quarter if you want to be within walking distance of restaurants and sights. Hotels in Naples range from budget-friendly B&Bs to upscale waterfront properties, and most are used to dealing with cruise passengers with luggage. A pre-cruise night also means you can board the ship relaxed and refreshed rather than frazzled from rushing through airports and transfers. Plus, if your flight is delayed, you’re not panicking about missing the ship.
If you’re spending time exploring Naples before your cruise, pack a theft-proof backpack for day trips and make sure you’ve got a universal power adapter for Europe since Italian outlets are different from UK and US plugs. A high-capacity portable charger is essential for keeping your phone powered up while you’re out sightseeing and taking photos.
Personal Experience
We landed at Naples Airport around 2 PM for our Mediterranean cruise, and I have to say the transfer to the port was way easier than I expected. We’d booked a private transfer because our flight arrival gave us plenty of time, but honestly, with four people and luggage, splitting the cost made it almost the same price as taking taxis. The driver was waiting right at arrivals with our name on a sign, and we were at the port in about 25 minutes. No stress, no figuring out where to go, just straight onto the ship.
My sister took a different approach when she did the same cruise last year. Her flight got in super early, around 8 AM, so she just hopped on the Alibus shuttle. It’s cheap and runs pretty regularly, though she said it took closer to 40 minutes with all the stops. If your flight’s cutting it close though, I’d skip the shuttle and grab a taxi from the rank outside arrivals. They’re metered and will get you there in 20 minutes, maybe less depending on traffic. Really, it just depends on your timing and how much you’re traveling with.
Essential Items for Your Naples to Cruise Transfer
Whether you’re taking the Alibus, a taxi, or a private transfer, having the right gear makes the journey smoother. Here are the essentials you shouldn’t leave home without:
A hardside carry-on suitcase is worth its weight in gold for protecting your valuables during the transfer, and quality packing cubes keep everything organized when you’re unpacking on the ship. Keep your important documents and electronics in a secure messenger bag that you can keep with you at all times.
Don’t forget your portable phone charger with built-in cables for the transfer itself—your phone will be your lifeline for boarding passes, cruise documents, and keeping in touch with your travel companions. A cable organizer keeps all your charging cables tidy and accessible.
For your cruise itself, you’ll want compression socks for the flight and sea days, a hanging toiletry organizer for your cabin bathroom, and travel shoe bags to keep your dirty shoes separate from clean clothes. A compact travel steamer is brilliant for getting wrinkles out of formal wear for dinner without having to queue for the ship’s laundry service.
Common Questions & FAQ
Can I walk from Naples Airport to the cruise port?
Technically yes, but it’s about 6-7 kilometres and you’d be dragging luggage through busy streets with no pavement in places. It would take well over an hour and isn’t safe or practical. Just take the Alibus, a taxi, or a transfer.
What if my flight is delayed and I miss my ship’s departure?
Contact your cruise line immediately if you know you’re going to be late. They may hold the ship for a short time if multiple passengers are affected, but don’t count on it. This is why travel insurance that covers missed departures is essential. You’ll need to make your own way to the next port at your own expense if the ship sails without you.
Is Uber available at Naples Airport?
Uber exists in Naples but isn’t as reliable or widespread as in other cities. The official taxi rank is your better bet for availability and price. Private transfers booked in advance are more dependable than hoping an Uber driver will be nearby when you land.
Do I need to book the Alibus in advance?
No, you can just buy a ticket when you arrive at the airport. There are ticket machines and usually a ticket office, or you can sometimes pay the driver directly. Having some euro coins or small notes helps as machines don’t always take cards.
How early should I arrive at the cruise port?
Most cruise lines want you there at least two hours before sailing, and some say three hours for international cruises. Don’t cut it fine. Security, check-in, and boarding all take time, and if you’re late, the ship will leave without you.
Can a Naples taxi fit four people and four large suitcases?
Standard taxis can be tight for four people with full cruise luggage. You might need to request a larger vehicle or take two taxis. This is where a pre-booked private transfer with a specified vehicle size makes more sense.
Are there left luggage facilities at Naples Airport if I want to explore the city first?
Yes, there’s a left luggage service in the airport terminal. If your flight lands early and your ship doesn’t board until afternoon, you could store your bags and spend a few hours in the city centre. Just factor in the time to get back to the airport, collect your bags, and then transfer to the port. Wear comfortable walking shoes if you’re planning to explore Naples’ historic streets.
What happens if the taxi driver refuses to use the meter?
Walk away and get another taxi. Official taxis are required to use the meter or charge the fixed fare to the port. If a driver is being difficult about it, they’re probably trying to overcharge you. There are always other taxis available at the airport rank.
What should I pack for a Mediterranean cruise from Naples?
Check the weather forecast, but Mediterranean cruises can have variable conditions. Pack a lightweight jacket for women or packable jacket for men for cooler evenings on deck. If you’re cruising in spring or autumn, a women’s rain jacket or men’s waterproof jacket is worth bringing. For shore excursions, you’ll want comfortable walking shoes for women and blister prevention patches for all those cobblestone streets. Don’t forget reef-safe sunscreen for beach days, a waterproof phone case for water activities, and a quick-dry towel that won’t take up half your suitcase.