A day trip to Capri from Naples: what you need to know

EuropeItalyThings to DoDestination Guides
Written By Ella White
marina piccola capri

Capri is an island just off the coast of Naples, close to Sorrento and the Amalfi coast. It’s known for its luxury hotels and shops, and is definitely an upmarket location – but don’t let that put you off. For a more affordable trip to Capri, you can easily take a day trip on the ferry from Naples. Here’s how to visit the stunning island in one day.

How to get to Capri from Naples

capri town italy

We caught the SNAV ferry which cost ~€20 each way from Naples port. Be sure to book directly through the SNAV website, as you will avoid fees and also remove the need to check in and exchange your online ticket for a physical ticket at the port. 

Book your tickets in advance including your return ferry. They do sell out despite how many run each day. We actually booked our return to Sorrento and explored the small town before catching the train back to Naples, rather than going out and back from Naples. This worked well as the ferry to Sorrento is only 20 minutes from Capri.

The ferry takes under an hour and is very straightforward and comfortable. You will be emailed the ticket directly and can show this on your phone when you arrive – no extra queueing. It arrives at Marina Grande, the main ferry port in Capri.

What to do on a day trip to Capri

Capri is a small island and you can definitely get a feel for it in one day, especially if you make the most of the public transport. Here’s how we planned our day in Capri.

What to do when you arrive at Marina Grande, Capri 

marina grande capri

After arriving at Marina Grande in the morning, walk straight off the port and catch the funicular (€2.40) or a bus or taxi up to Capri town. Marina Grande gets busy with tourists milling around after arriving or before leaving, so it’s best to head straight to Capri Town or Anacapri to get away from the crowds. The funicular station is right in front of you as you walk to the main road from the port. 

What is there to do in Capri?

In Capri Town you can explore the shops and cafes and wander the Gardens of Augustus. If you want to visit Anacapri, you can get a local bus or taxi over to explore the small town and take the Monte Solaro chairlift for amazing views over the island.

We decided to walk down from Capri Town to Marina Piccola and relax on the small beach next to the clear blue water. We later caught a bus back up the hill into the town for lunch overlooking the sea towards Naples.

The best things to do in Capri

beach in capri

Capri is a relaxing island with a slow way of life, but there is still plenty to see and do. These were our highlights:

  • Wander around the Gardens of Augustus

  • Relax on the beach at Marina Piccola

  • Take in the views from Monte Solaro chairlift

  • Explore Anacapri

  • Drink granita or eat sorbet from a lemon

  • Take a boat to the Blue Grotto

  • Go shopping in Capri Town 

  • Eat gelato by the water in Marina Grande

Should I stay in Capri or just visit for the day?

view of capri from capri town

While there are plenty of hotels and places to stay in Capri, the island is small and easy to see in a day, and it’s much more expensive than nearby Naples. For this reason, we chose to stay in Naples and visit Capri for the day.

However, if your budget isn’t an issue and you want a slow-paced trip where you’’re not packing in lots of sights, you could definitely spend a couple of luxurious nights – or even a long weekend – just on Capri.

Is Capri expensive?

hotel umbrellas in capri

In a word, yes. Capri is expensive. A day pass on the buses is about €8, a beer by the beach is about €6, a bowl of pasta in the restaurants is about €25… This is about twice what you pay for the same in Naples, but you’re paying for a far more luxury experience. This isn’t a trip to take if you’re worried about spending. But going to Capri for one day from Naples makes the trip far more affordable, and you can get a taste of the island without breaking your travel budget.

What to pack for a day in Capri

lemon granita in capri

You don’t need to bring much with you on a day trip to Capri. The way of life there is relaxed and it’s not a big place for hikes or anything that requires specialist clothes or equipment. This is what I packed for a trip to Capri:

  • Sun dress

  • Linen shirt

  • Sandals

  • Sunglasses

  • Head cover (hat or scarf)

  • Beach bag

  • Beach towel

  • SPF

  • Book

  • EU plug adapter

  • ID for the ferry (may be checked)

Find out more about how we spent two weeks in Italy here.

Ella White
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