Naples to Capri by Ferry: Tickets, Operators and Booking Guide

The hydrofoil crossing from Naples to Capri takes roughly 50–60 minutes, costs from approximately €24 as of 2026, and runs frequently enough that missing one departure is rarely a problem. What matters more than the journey itself is knowing which operator to book with, where to buy tickets, and how far in advance you need to act - especially in the summer months when demand is genuinely intense.

The Three Operators

NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo)

NLG is the dominant operator on the Naples–Capri route and runs the most frequent hydrofoil service from Molo Beverello. In high season they operate from early morning to mid-evening, with departures roughly every 30–60 minutes and more frequent slots around the main commuter waves (7–9am and 5–7pm). Fares run from approximately €24–28 one way as of 2026.

NLG also operates the Sorrento–Capri hydrofoil (approximately 25 minutes, from around €18–22 as of 2026), which is the preferred connection for travellers already based on the peninsula or Amalfi Coast.

Tickets can be bought on the NLG website, at the ticket booth on Molo Beverello, or through aggregator platforms including Ferryhopper and DirectFerries.

SNAV

SNAV operates hydrofoil services from Molo Beverello that broadly mirror NLG’s timetable, particularly in peak season. Fares are comparable - from approximately €25–27 one way as of 2026 - and occasional promotional fares bring this lower on specific sailings. SNAV tickets are available on their website and through the main aggregator platforms.

One practical difference: SNAV’s timetable can be slightly thinner than NLG’s outside the peak months (November to March), so confirm schedules before booking if you are travelling in low season.

Caremar

Caremar operates the car ferry (traghetto) from Calata di Massa, which is adjacent to Molo Beverello and follows approximately the same direction. The crossing takes around 80 minutes and fares start from approximately €16 as of 2026. Private cars registered outside Capri are not permitted on the island from April to October, so the car ferry is primarily for Capri residents and commercial deliveries during season. For passenger-only travel, the hydrofoil is almost always the better choice.

Where to Buy Tickets

Operator websites directly: NLG and SNAV both have online booking systems. This is the most straightforward option and guarantees you the correct operator’s confirmed departure.

Aggregators: Ferryhopper and DirectFerries both index Naples–Capri crossings from NLG and SNAV, and allow side-by-side comparison. Prices are typically the same as booking direct - aggregators take a commission from the operator, not a surcharge from the passenger. The advantage is visibility: you can see multiple departure times across both operators at once.

At the dock: Ticket windows at Molo Beverello sell same-day tickets from both operators, plus Caremar. In shoulder season this is perfectly manageable. In peak season, expect a queue.

How Far in Advance to Book

• November to April: No advance booking needed in most cases. Hydrofoils may be reduced to 3–5 sailings per day, but passenger numbers are low.
• May and October: A few days’ notice is usually sufficient. Worth checking online the night before to confirm schedules.
• June and September: Book 2–5 days ahead for busy departure times (8–11am, 4–6pm). Open-jaw combinations (outbound NLG, return SNAV or vice versa) can help find earlier slots.
• July and August: Book at least a week ahead for specific early morning slots. The 7am and 8am departures from Naples fill quickly with day-trippers and commuters. If you have flexibility on return time, a single outward ticket and same-day return works well.

What to Expect at Molo Beverello

The dock for NLG and SNAV is on the waterfront near Piazza Municipio - the same area as the ferries to Ischia and Procida. Signs in the terminal direct you to the correct booth and boarding gate. If you have a pre-booked ticket, you will receive either an e-ticket (print or phone) or be directed to the check-in desk to collect a boarding card.

Luggage: there are no formal baggage limits on passenger hydrofoils for carry-on bags, but large suitcases can be checked into the hold on some sailings. Day-trippers typically travel light. Larger items should be confirmed with the operator at booking.

Check in at the boarding gate at least 15–20 minutes before departure. The hydrofoils board efficiently and doors close before the scheduled departure time.

Seasonal Variations

The summer timetable (roughly May to October) adds significantly more departures than the winter schedule. Some crossings - particularly the Positano and Amalfi seasonal routes - only operate from approximately April to October. The Naples routes run year-round, but with fewer slots between November and March.

Weather cancellations happen. Both operators may suspend services or replace hydrofoil crossings with slower ferry crossings in rough sea conditions, which occurs most frequently from October to March and occasionally in spring. If you are travelling in shoulder season and the crossing is critical, allow flexibility on your return. The hydrofoil companies will typically offer a refund or rebooking for cancellations caused by weather.

Getting the Most Out of the Day

On Capri, the funicular from Marina Grande covers the climb to Capri town in around four minutes. Most of the island’s sights are reachable on foot from the two main centres - Capri town and Anacapri. For boat tours around the island including the Blue Grotto, Capri boat trips depart from Marina Grande and can be booked in advance or on the day (though advance booking in peak season avoids the queue).

The best strategy in July and August: take the first available ferry, ideally 7am or 8am, and be back on the water by 4–5pm before the evening rush builds at Marina Grande.