Naples operates on southern Italian rhythms that can disorient travelers accustomed to northern European efficiency. The city is loud, chaotic, and occasionally frustrating , but knowing the practical details in advance turns potential hassles into manageable logistics.
Naples Travel Tips: Practical Information
Naples Airport and Transport
Naples International Airport (NAP, Capodichino) is 7km northeast of the city center. The Alibus shuttle runs from the airport to Piazza Garibaldi (Central Station) and on to the Port of Naples (Molo Beverello) every 20 to 30 minutes from 06:30 to 23:30. Tickets cost 5 EUR and are valid for 90 minutes on all ANM public transport.
Buy tickets from the driver (cash only) or at the airport tobacco shop. The journey to Piazza Garibaldi takes 15 to 20 minutes. A taxi from the airport to the Centro Storico or Chiaia costs a fixed rate of 25 EUR (2025 tariff), posted on a sticker inside the taxi. Insist on the fixed rate. The taxi stand is outside the arrivals terminal; ignore drivers approaching inside the terminal.
Getting Around Naples
Naples has two metro systems: Metro Line 1 (ANM, modern, connects the Centro Storico to Vomero) and Metro Line 2 (Trenitalia, connects Pozzuoli to Gianturco via Piazza Cavour and Mergellina). A single ANM ticket (TIC) costs 1.50 EUR and is valid for 90 minutes on buses, funiculars, and Metro Line 1. A daily ticket (TIC Giornaliero) costs 4.50 EUR.
Tickets are sold at metro stations (machines take cards), tabaccherie (tobacco shops, look for the blue ‘T’ sign), and newsstands. Metro Line 1 runs until 23:00 (last train). The four funicular railways (Centrale, Chiaia, Montesanto, Mergellina) connect the lower city to Vomero. Funiculars are included in the ANM ticket system and run until 22:00 (00:30 Friday and Saturday).
Taxis in Naples are metered: flag fall at 3.50 EUR (weekdays 06:00 to 22:00), 5.50 EUR on Sundays and nights. A cross-city trip (Centro Storico to Vomero) costs 10 to 15 EUR. Use the app-based services FreeNow or ItTaxi to hail cabs , they work like Uber and eliminate haggling. Uber itself is available in Naples but only for Uber Black (higher-priced limousines).
Safety in Naples
Naples has a reputation for crime that is partly outdated and partly real. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. Petty theft is the main risk: pickpocketing on crowded buses, on the Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, and in the streets around Piazza Garibaldi. Wear cross-body bags, keep phones in front pockets, and do not leave bags on the back of chairs at outdoor restaurants.
The area around Piazza Garibaldi and the station feels unsafe after midnight , take a taxi rather than walking. The Quartieri Spagnoli (Spanish Quarter) is best explored during daylight; at night, stick to the main streets (Via Toledo, Via Chiaia). The Camorra (Naples’ organized crime) has no interaction with tourists whatsoever. Scams targeting tourists are less common in Naples than in Rome or Florence
the “friendship bracelet” routine and petition scams operate on Via Toledo and near the Duomo. A firm “no, grazie” and continuing to walk handles them.
Tipping and Payments in Naples
Restaurant bills in Italy include a coperto (cover charge) of 1 to 3 EUR per person and sometimes a servizio (service charge) of 10 to 15%. Check your bill , if servizio is included, no additional tip is expected. If it is not included, rounding up the bill (leave 2 to 5 EUR on a 50 EUR meal) is appreciated but not mandatory.
Tipping taxi drivers is not expected , round up to the nearest euro. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted in hotels, mid-range restaurants, and shops. Many small pizzerias and cafes are cash-only. Carry 50 to 100 EUR in cash for these situations.
Naples Frequently Asked Questions
Is Naples safe to visit?
Yes, for tourists exercising normal urban precautions. Naples’ crime reputation is largely a legacy of 1980s-90s Camorra violence that has no bearing on the tourist experience today. Street crime is lower than in Barcelona or Paris. Petty theft is the only real concern.
How many days do I need in Naples?
Three full days minimum: Day 1 for the Centro Storico churches and the MANN museum, Day 2 for Pompeii or Herculaneum, Day 3 for Capri or Vesuvius. If you want to explore the Amalfi Coast properly, add 2 to 3 more days and consider splitting your stay between Naples and Sorrento as a base for the coast.
Can I drink the tap water in Naples?
Yes, Naples’ tap water is safe and drinkable. It comes from the Serino aqueduct, a Roman-era water system still in use. In the Centro Storico, street fountains (known as “napoli”) provide free, cold, potable water , look for the brass spouts on corners. Bring a refillable bottle.
See Naples weather by month and the best time to visit Naples for trip planning.
