Capri is an island in the Bay of Naples off of the Amalfi Coast. Whether you're traveling from Rome, Florence, or Naples, you'll ultimately need to venture across the bay to get to Capri, either by ferry or a private boat.
Capri's vistas and relaxing resorts provide the perfect getaway to add to any tour of the region, such as with this 7-day itinerary where you can discover hidden grottoes and secluded beaches.
From Naples
Duration: About 1 hour depending on weather conditions
You will travel from Naples to Capri by a fast boat (hydrofoil), or ferry, with the option of a few companies. You'll catch the boat from Calata Porta di Massa or Molo Beverello, and it's advisable to buy tickets in advance, especially during the high season, when ferries can be crowded.
The timetables vary depending on the season, but there are typically several departures per day. Hand luggage is often included in the ticket price, but if you have oversized luggage or more than one bag, you may need to pay a bag fee. Another option is to hire a private boat for the 1-hour journey across the Bay of Naples.
From Rome
By Train and Boat
Duration: 3 hours
The distance from Rome to Capri is 167 miles (269 km). From Roma Termini, you can catch a train to Naples about every 30 minutes on either Italo or the Italian National Railway system, Trenitalia, for the about 1.5-hour journey. Departures are from early morning until about 10 pm with both companies. From Napoli Centrale, you can ride the metro, or a taxi, to either Calata Porta di Massa or Molo Beverello to catch a ferry to Capri.
By Car and Boat
Duration: 4 hours
If you opt to drive, either by renting a car or hiring a private driver, you'll first make the 140-mile (226 km) journey to Naples, and then catch the ferry to Capri from there. You'll travel along the E45 autostrada, which can become crowded in the high season. Unless you have a compelling reason to drive, the train is the faster and more convenient option to travel from Rome to Capri.
From Florence
By Train and Boat
Duration: 4.5 hours
The distance from Florence to Capri is 320 miles (515 km) and you'll want to first make your way to Naples, where you can then get on a ferry to Capri. From Firenze Santa Maria Novella station you can catch a high-speed train to Napoli Centrale on either Italo or the Italian National Railway system, Trenitalia, for a 3-hour ride.
Both train companies run services several times a day from early morning until about 8 pm, with fares at different comfort levels. Italo prices are generally a bit lower and it’s best to buy your tickets online in advance for the best deals, you can even show the conductor your ticket on your smartphone with either company, for convenience.
From Napoli Centrale, you can ride the metro, or a taxi to either Calata Porta di Massa or Molo Beverello to catch a ferry to Capri.
By Car and Boat
Duration: 6.5 hours
Having wheels — either by driving yourself, or hiring a driver — will give you a chance to appreciate the countryside as you make your way to Capri, as you pass through the regions of Tuscany, Lazio, and Campania. You'll want to drive to either Sorrento or Naples and then catch a ferry to Capri from there.
In the center of Florence, a few blocks from the train station, there are several rental car companies to choose from. It is possible to rent an automatic transmission car in Italy, however, manuals are more prevalent, and will be less expensive to hire. You’ll also want to factor in the cost of gas (prices are by liters, not gallons) for your road trip down Italy.
Traveling inland on the A1 autostrada, you could take a detour to sip wine in Montepulciano, which is about 1.5 hours south of Florence. This medieval hill town in the Val d’Orcia region in Southern Tuscany is famous for its red wines known as Vino Nobile.
You might even opt to stop in Rome along the way, depending on how many days you want to spend on the road before arriving in Naples (295 miles or 476 km) or Sorrento (320 miles or 515 km), which are both convenient spots from which to catch a ferry to Capri. From Sorrento, you'll catch the ferry from Marina Piccolo, and the ride will be about 30 minutes.
From Napoli, you can leave from either Calata Porta di Massa or Molo Beverello to catch a ferry to Capri. Since you'll need to ditch the car before you head to Capri, going with a private driver is the more convenient option to consider.