Public transport in Naples explained for visitors

Naples Metro system

For the average visitor to Naples the Metro system is of limited use at this moment in time. There are plans to extend the network, for example from the Universita terminus south of the historic centre to Central Station and to the airport but that is all for the future.

Line 1 is the Metro line of most interest to visitors connecting Central Station and the historic centre, plus a stop close to the port, but most of the network is further out to the suburbs.

The Universita station is at the southern edge of the historic centre, not too far from the ferry/cruise port and several sights. It offers a quick option to the National Archaeological Museum at Museo Station with a stop along the way at Dante/Toledo Station near Santa Chiara and at the western end of Spaccanapoli.

Line 6 of the Metro in its current length is of no interest, but is due to be extended into the city centre.

Line 2 of the Metro is operated by a different company to lines 1 and 6. Again it has limited use to the visitor apart from perhaps as an alternative to the bus between Central Station and the National Archaeological Museum near Cavour Station.

Funicular railways in Naples

The 4 funicular railways (inclined railways), take you up the hill to the Vomero district where you'll find fabulous views. Castel Sant'Elmo, and Certosa and Museum of San Martino are major attractions but for many the journey may be the memory that lingers.

Funiculare Centrale, one of the longest in the world, leaves from Via Toledo by Galleria Umberto.

A full list can be found by clicking through on the banner link below.

Note if you have a vision of a tourist like experience for the funicular, with great vistas of the city as you ascend, think again - most of the journey is through underground tunnels.

Naples buses and trams

The most useful local transport getting around the centre of Naples are the buses. There is for the first time visitor an impenetrable number of route numbers.

Unless you are staying in a hotel in the suburbs your travel will be in and around the centre of Naples. Here the buses travel down just a few main roads that cut through the centre. For most tourist journeys you will have a choice of several routes to complete your journey.

If you want to be prepared and not waste time finding out which bus you want, print out the central part of the transport map or pick one up from the tourist office and it will be much, much simpler.

City tickets are not valid on the boat services, the airport bus, hop-on hop-off sightseeing buses or the Circumvesuviana rail network outside Naples city centre.