Naples has two main cruise terminals, and understanding the difference between them will save you a lot of confusion when you first arrive. Molo Angioino is the larger, purpose-built cruise terminal that handles the big ships – this is where most cruise passengers will dock. It’s located right in the historic port area, just a stone’s throw from the city centre. Beverello, on the other hand, is primarily a ferry and hydrofoil terminal that connects Naples to the islands of Capri, Ischia, and Procida. Some smaller cruise ships occasionally use Beverello, but it’s far more likely you’ll be using it for excursions rather than as your main arrival point.
The facilities at both terminals are pretty straightforward, and I’ll be upfront with you – they’re not going to win any awards for luxury or extensive amenities. But they’re functional, and once you know what to expect, you can plan accordingly and get on with enjoying Naples itself.
Want to know more about getting around Naples and what to see during your port call? That guide covers transport options, top attractions, and how to make the most of your time ashore.
Molo Angioino Terminal Facilities
Molo Angioino is the main show for cruise passengers. The terminal building itself is relatively modern and can handle several large ships at once, though during peak season it gets packed with thousands of passengers all moving through at the same time. Here’s what you’ll actually find inside:
- Tourist information desk: Usually staffed and surprisingly helpful. They have free maps, can answer basic questions about getting into town, and sometimes have discount vouchers for local attractions. Get there early before the rush if you want proper attention.
- Souvenir shops: Two or three small shops selling the standard fare – Neapolitan coffee, limoncello, magnets, and poorly made pasta-shaped keychains. Prices are inflated compared to shops in town, but if you forgot to buy gifts and you’re running late back to the ship, they’ll do in a pinch.
- CafĂ©/snack bar: One small cafĂ© serving overpriced espresso and pastries. The coffee is decent (it’s Italy, after all), but you’ll pay tourist prices. If you’re gasping for caffeine before heading into the city, it’ll sort you out.
- Currency exchange: There’s a bureau de change inside the terminal, but as with most port exchange services, the rates are pretty poor. You’re much better off withdrawing euros from an ATM in the city or using a card with no foreign transaction fees.
- ATMs: One or two cash machines are usually available inside or just outside the terminal. They work with international cards and give you a better exchange rate than the bureau.
- Toilets: Basic but clean facilities. Free to use, which is always appreciated.
- Luggage storage: Not consistently available. If you’re planning a pre- or post-cruise stay and need to store bags, don’t count on the terminal – arrange something with your hotel instead.
WiFi at Molo Angioino
There’s supposed to be free WiFi at the terminal, and technically it exists. In practice, it’s slow, keeps dropping out, and often won’t connect at all when the terminal is busy. If you need reliable internet to arrange transport, book restaurants, or let family know you’ve arrived safely, buy a local SIM card or use your own data. Having a high-capacity portable charger with you is essential since you’ll likely be using your phone heavily for navigation and photos throughout the day. Don’t plan your day around getting online at the port.
Beverello Terminal Facilities
Beverello is a different beast entirely. This is primarily a ferry terminal for hydrofoils and ferries heading to Capri, Ischia, Procida, and Sorrento. If your ship docks here (unlikely for large vessels), or if you’re taking a day trip to the islands, you’ll pass through Beverello. The facilities are minimal:
- Ticket offices: Multiple companies operate from here (Caremar, SNAV, Alilauro, Gestur), each with their own ticket windows. Queues can be long during summer and at weekends. Buy tickets online in advance if you’re planning an island trip.
- Waiting area: Basic seating. Gets crowded quickly, especially before popular departure times to Capri.
- Small kiosks: A few stands selling drinks, snacks, and newspapers. Nothing substantial.
- Toilets: Available but often grotty during busy periods. Use the facilities on your ship or in a café before you arrive.
- No currency exchange: You won’t find bureau de change services here. There’s an ATM outside the terminal building.
- No WiFi: Don’t expect internet access at Beverello.
What You Won’t Find at Either Terminal
It’s worth being realistic about what’s not available, so you can plan accordingly:
- Pharmacy: Neither terminal has a chemist. If you need medication, there are pharmacies in the city centre about fifteen minutes’ walk away.
- Supermarket: No proper grocery stores at the port. There’s a small Carrefour Express about ten minutes’ walk from Molo Angioino if you need supplies.
- Duty-free shopping: Unlike some cruise ports, Naples doesn’t have duty-free shops at the terminals. What you see is what you get – a couple of overpriced souvenir shops.
- Left luggage: As mentioned, don’t rely on luggage storage at either terminal.
- Extensive dining: Just the one small café at Angioino and a few snack kiosks at Beverello. If you want a proper meal, head into Naples proper.
Getting Through Security and Customs
The security and customs process at Naples can be surprisingly quick or frustratingly slow depending on how many ships are in port. Molo Angioino has dedicated security lanes for cruise passengers, and they’re generally efficient. You’ll need your cruise card and passport to get back on board, and bags are X-rayed both leaving and returning to the ship.
Keep your valuables organized in an anti-theft backpack to make security screening smoother and protect against pickpockets in crowded areas. For detailed information about what to expect and how to speed up the process, check out this guide on Naples cruise port security and customs procedures.
Practical Tips for Both Terminals
- Get off early: The tourist information desk at Angioino gets swamped quickly. If you want maps and advice without queuing, be one of the first off the ship.
- Cash is useful: While most places in Naples take cards, having some euros for small purchases, taxis, or market stalls is sensible. Use an ATM in town rather than the exchange bureau.
- Don’t rely on port WiFi: Sort out your connectivity before you arrive or accept you’ll be offline until you find a cafĂ© with decent internet. A portable charger with built-in cables will keep your devices powered throughout your port day.
- Port taxis vs. walking: Both terminals are close enough to walk into central Naples (15-20 minutes from Angioino, slightly less from Beverello). Taxis are available outside both terminals but will charge premium rates. Walking is free and gives you a better feel for the city. Invest in comfortable walking shoes for women or supportive walking shoes for men before your cruise, and pack some blister prevention just in case.
- Keep valuables secure: Naples has a reputation for pickpockets, and the port area is no exception. Keep your belongings close, especially in crowded areas near the terminals. An anti-theft messenger bag with slash-proof straps and hidden zippers provides extra security.
- Book island trips in advance: If you’re planning to visit Capri or other islands from Beverello, buy your ferry tickets online beforehand. The queues at the ticket windows can eat up a significant chunk of your day.
Comparing the Two Terminals
| Feature | Molo Angioino | Beverello |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | Large cruise ships | Ferries and hydrofoils |
| Size | Large, multiple berths | Small, compact |
| Tourist info | Yes, staffed desk | No |
| Shops | 2-3 souvenir shops | Small kiosks only |
| Food/drink | One café | Snack kiosks |
| WiFi | Free (but unreliable) | No |
| Currency exchange | Yes (poor rates) | No |
| ATM | Yes, inside terminal | Outside terminal |
| Distance to city centre | 15-20 min walk | 10-15 min walk |
Extend Your Stay in Naples
Naples is one of those cities that rewards an extra day or two beyond your cruise call. The chaotic energy, incredible pizza, and proximity to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and the Amalfi Coast make it worth considering hotels in Naples for a pre- or post-cruise stay. The historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage site with layers of history dating back millennia, and you’ll barely scratch the surface in a single port day.
Accommodation options range from budget guesthouses in the Spanish Quarter to boutique hotels near the waterfront. If you’re staying before or after your cruise, proper luggage is essential – a quality hardside carry-on and compression packing cubes will make organizing your belongings much easier. Staying longer also lets you take proper day trips to Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, or the Amalfi Coast without the pressure of rushing back to the ship.
The city is far more relaxed in the early mornings and evenings when the cruise crowds have left, and you’ll get a much more authentic sense of Neapolitan life. Plus, having a proper Neapolitan pizza at a neighbourhood pizzeria, without worrying about ship departure times, is worth the extra night alone.
Personal Experience
We docked at Molo Angioino during our Mediterranean cruise, and honestly, it’s pretty basic compared to some of the flashier ports we’ve visited. The terminal itself is functional but don’t expect much – there’s a small tourist information desk and a couple of souvenir shops selling the usual magnets and postcards. The WiFi situation is hit or miss; there’s supposed to be free access, but it kept dropping out, so I ended up just using my data. If you need to exchange currency, there’s a booth inside, though the rates aren’t fantastic. I’d recommend hitting an ATM in town if you have time.
Beverello terminal is mainly for hydrofoils and ferries, so it’s much smaller and even more stripped down than Angioino. We passed through there on a day trip to Capri, and it’s literally just a waiting area with a ticket office. The nice thing about both locations is they’re super close to the city centre – you can walk to Piazza del Plebiscito in about fifteen minutes from either one. Just outside the port gates, you’ll find plenty of taxis and tour operators ready to whisk you off to Pompeii or the Amalfi Coast. My advice? Don’t waste time hanging around the terminals. Grab what you need and head straight into Naples proper, where the real action is.
Common Questions & FAQ
Is there free WiFi at Naples cruise terminal?
There’s free WiFi at Molo Angioino, but it’s notoriously unreliable. When the terminal is busy with multiple ships in port, the connection either doesn’t work or drops out constantly. Beverello has no WiFi at all. If you need internet for navigation, bookings, or communicating with family, don’t count on the port WiFi – use your own data or pick up a local SIM card instead. Make sure you have a compact 10000mAh portable charger to keep your phone powered throughout the day.
Can I walk from the cruise terminal to Naples city centre?
Yes, both terminals are very walkable to the city centre. From Molo Angioino it’s about 15-20 minutes on foot to Piazza del Plebiscito or the historic centre. Beverello is even closer at 10-15 minutes. The walk is straightforward but busy, so keep an eye on your belongings. Taxis are available outside both terminals if you prefer not to walk, though they’ll charge premium rates knowing you’ve just come off a ship.
Where can I exchange currency at Naples port?
There’s a currency exchange bureau inside the Molo Angioino terminal, but the rates are poor compared to using an ATM. There’s a cash machine inside Angioino and one outside Beverello that accept international cards and give you the interbank exchange rate, which is much better value. If you can, withdraw cash from an ATM in the city centre rather than using the exchange booth. Don’t forget to bring a European power adapter to charge your devices in your hotel if you’re staying overnight.
What shops are available at the Naples cruise terminals?
Molo Angioino has two or three small souvenir shops selling typical tourist items like limoncello, coffee, magnets, and keychains. The prices are higher than shops in town. Beverello just has a few small kiosks selling drinks and snacks. Neither terminal has duty-free shopping, pharmacies, or proper grocery stores. If you’re looking for actual shopping, head into Naples itself.
Can I buy ferry tickets to Capri at the port?
Yes, if you’re at Beverello terminal you can buy ferry and hydrofoil tickets to Capri, Ischia, Procida, and Sorrento from the various company ticket windows. However, queues can be very long, especially during summer and on weekends. It’s much more efficient to book tickets online in advance through the ferry company websites. That way you can skip the queues and head straight to the departure gate. If you’re planning beach time on the islands, pack a waterproof phone pouch and a collapsible water bottle to stay hydrated.
Are there luggage storage facilities at Naples cruise terminals?
Luggage storage is not reliably available at either Molo Angioino or Beverello. If you’re planning a pre- or post-cruise stay in Naples and need to store bags, arrange storage through your hotel or use a dedicated luggage storage service in the city centre. Don’t count on being able to leave bags at the port terminals. Organizing your belongings with 4-piece packing cubes makes repacking at your hotel much quicker.
Is there food available at the Naples cruise port?
Molo Angioino has one small cafĂ© serving espresso, pastries, and basic snacks at tourist prices. The coffee is decent but overpriced. Beverello just has a few kiosks selling drinks and packaged snacks. Neither terminal has proper restaurants or substantial dining options. If you want a proper meal, walk into Naples city centre where you’ll find countless pizzerias, trattorias, and cafĂ©s serving authentic Neapolitan food at much better prices.
How early should I return to the ship at Naples port?
Most cruise lines recommend returning at least 30-60 minutes before all-aboard time. Security and customs at Naples can be unpredictable – sometimes it’s quick, other times there are long queues when multiple ships are in port. If you’re cutting it fine, take a taxi back rather than walking, and always have your cruise card and passport ready. Build in extra time if you’re returning from an island trip to Capri, as ferries can be delayed. Wearing compression socks during travel can help reduce leg fatigue if you’ve been on your feet exploring all day.