Getting Around Capri

Getting Around Capri
Getting Around Capri
Getting Around Capri
Getting Around Capri
Getting Around Capri

How do you get from one point to the other on the island of Capri? You can choose from three different transportation options: bus, funicular, and on foot.
Make sure you wear comfortable shoes, because the center of Capri is a pedestrian-only area and often a scenic walk is the only way to get between different spots in town.

The main connections on the island:
  • Port of Marina Grande - Capri: Funicular

  • Capri - Anacapri: Bus

  • Center of Capri and Anacapri: On foot

Essential tips for getting around easily

The main problem with Capri is that crowds gather in certain areas of the island at certain times.

The most problematic areas are Marina Grande (the port), the Piazzetta, the Blue Grotto and the chairlift to Monte Solaro, from 10 am to approximately 4:30 pm.

Here are our tips for getting around more easily.

Arrive early: Start your day early, taking a ferry around 8 am from Naples or Sorrento to get to Capri before the tourist groups and cruise ships arrive. If you're an early riser you could take the first hydrofoil at 7 am and enjoy the island all to yourself.
Plan: If you haven't looked at a map of Capri, take the chance to do so during your hydrofoil crossing so you'll know in advance on how to get around the island and how to organize your day. Take an especially good look at the area around the port so you can figure out how to move quickly to either Capri or Anacapri. If you want to visit the Blue Grotto, make this your first stop in the morning and try to get to the entrance by 9 am. There are some places where you won't find crowds even on the busiest days: the Pizzolungo path, Villa Lysis, the Astarta Park, and the Migliera in Anacapri.
Stay overnight: If you're able to spend the night in Capri we recommend doing so, because after 6 pm there are few people who stay on the island. If you can't stay overnight, we suggest visiting the center of Capri early in the morning, before 10 am.

Funicular

To get to the center of Capri from Marina Grande, the fastest method is the funicular, which climbs uphill through lemon groves and drops you off directly in the Piazzetta.

Funicular Marina Grande - Capri

  • Departures: every 15 minutes (more often at peak times)

  • Duration: 4 minutes

  • Ticket price: €2.40

Small bags may be taken on board for free, but there is a surcharge of €2.40 for larger bags.
Dogs who are leashed and muzzled can be brought on board, but you must purchase a ticket for them (€2.40).
Capri funicular schedule

The ticket office in Marina Grande is located at the entrance of the funicular, but at the end of the arrival pier, on the right (with the sea at your back), near the hydrofoil ticket offices. You can also bring small animals with you. For large luggage, you need to buy an additional ticket.
The funicular closes from January to March for maintenance. During these months, there is a replacement bus service.

Tips on how to manage the line at the entrance

Starting at 10 am during high season there's often a long line at the entrance to the funicular. Here are our tips for getting around as quickly as possible.

  • Buy your funicular ticket at the port of Naples or at the port of Sorrento. The tobacconists at the port usually have tickets available.

  • As soon as the hydrofoil docks at the port, get in line to be among the first to disembark. Locate the entrance to the funicular in relation to the pier where the hydrofoil is docking.

  • Head quickly toward the entrance of the funicular.

This will save you precious time compared to all the other people on the same hydrofoil as you. However, if you arrive and see that the line is really long, head toward the Banchinella pier from where buses to Capri depart. This is a lesser-known option and therefore less crowded.

Be careful about the walking route

Many visitors make the mistake of attempting to walk from the port to the center of Capri. On the maps, the distance seems to be walkable in 15 minutes, but in reality this time only applies to the downhill route (from Piazzetta square to the port). The uphill route is much more challenging and has several sections with steps. It's not recommended, especially if you have luggage and during the hot summer months.

Public buses

Don't picture large city buses: public buses on Capri are minibuses which carry about 10 passengers seated. Large buses wouldn't be able to navigate the narrow island lanes. In the summer they're almost always crowded and there are often long lines at the bus stops, even though they run more frequently than in other seasons.

Ticket prices

  • Single tickets: €2.40 (€2.90 if purchased on board)

  • Small bags may be taken on board for free, but there is a surcharge of €2.40 for larger luggage

  • All-day ticket: €7.20 (plus €1 deposit)

  • Small and medium dogs that are leashed and muzzled can be brought on board, but you must purchase €2.40 ticket for them.

Bus routes and times

Usually buses run every 15-20 minutes, and more often in high season

  • Capri-Anacapri - 15 minutes

  • Capri-Marina Piccola - 10 minutes

  • Capri-Marina Grande - 10 minutes

  • Marina Grande-Anacapri - 25 minutes

  • Marina Piccola-Anacapri - 25 minutes

  • Marina Piccola-Anacapri - 25 minutes

  • Anacapri - Punta Carena Lighthouse - 20 minutes

Capri bus schedules

The bus terminal in Capri is in Piazza Martiri d'Ungheria (along Via Roma, near the Piazzetta). The bus terminal in Anacapri is in Piazza della Pace (better known as "Piazza Cimitero"). If you're coming from Capri and need to change buses to go to the Blue Grotto or the Punta Carena lighthouse, don't get off when the driver shouts "Anacapri" as that's Piazza Vittoria; wait for the next stop.

If you need to go from Anacapri towards Capri and there's a long line at the Piazza Vittoria stop, go back along Viale De Tommaso to catch the bus at an earlier stop. That way you'll be sure to get on board instead of having to risk waiting for the next bus due to overcrowding.

On foot

If you feel like walking, in many cases you can also do without the bus or the funicular. Especially on certain summer days when the lines for the buses seem to stretch for miles, it's worth taking a nice walk on foot. A bonus is that you'll get an incredible view from any street on Capri.

Walking times

  • Capri - Marina Grande (port): 15 minutes or less. The road begins at the Piazzetta behind the clock tower, then follow the signage for the port.

  • Marina Grande (port) - Capri: 30 minutes. Take the road that climbs opposite the "banchinella," where ships and boats dock (pier 21). The road is a steep uphill climb with a number of steps, so best avoided if you have luggage.

  • Capri - Marina Piccola: It's not worth the effort to take the bus. Just walk there by taking the Via Mulo stairs, which begin at Due Golfi, down to the port.

  • Anacapri - Marina Grande (port): 20 minutes along the spectacular Scala Fenicia stairway, which begins at the gardens of Villa Axel Munthe. There are around 1,000 steps that are quite steep, so you need to be in good shape.

  • Capri - Anacapri: 1 hour. Note: all uphill

  • Anacapri - Capri: 30 minutes. Keep an eye out for the staircases as they're a shortcut.

Taxis

Taxis are located at the port and in central locations, but can also be hailed along the road or booked by phone. Taxi drivers who work in Capri are generally courteous and helpful. They can also be tour guides if ​​you have little time and want to see the island of Capri quickly.

Capri taxis are seven-seat convertibles, excellent for immersing yourself in the island atmosphere. Bring a scarf and sunglasses to feel like a real star. The cost is determined by a taximeter, but the most frequent routes have predetermined rates. For a tour of the island of Capri you can negotiate the rate. Pricing is based on a series of variables including the season, the duration, and the route.

How much does a taxi cost on Capri?

Here's a list of taxi rates between Capri and Anacapri.

2024 pricing information provided by the City of Capri

Route

1-4 people

5-6 people

MARINA GRANDE - CAPRI or VICEVERSA

EUR 17.00

EUR 22.00

MARINA GRANDE - ANACAPRI or VICEVERSA

EUR 23.00

EUR 28.00

MARINA GRANDE - MARINA PICCOLA or VICEVERSA

EUR 22.00

EUR 27.00

CAPRI - ANACAPRI or VICEVERSA

EUR 18.00

EUR 23.00

CAPRI - MARINA PICCOLA or VICEVERSA

EUR 15.00

EUR 20.00

CAPRI - GROTTA AZZURRA or VICEVERSA

EUR 35.00

EUR 40.00

CAPRI - FARO or VICEVERSA

EUR 30.00

EUR 35.00

ANACAPRI - GROTTA AZZURRA or VICEVERSA

EUR 23.00

EUR 28.00

ANACAPRI - FARO or VICEVERSA

EUR 23.00

EUR 28.00

MARINA PICCOLA - ANACAPRI or VICEVERSA

EUR 25.00

EUR 30.00

MARINA GRANDE - GROTTA AZZURRA or VICEVERSA

EUR 40.00

EUR 45.00

MARINA GRANDE - FARO or VICEVERSA

EUR 38.00

EUR 43.00

Minimum rates and supplements

  • Minimum fare: EUR 9.00

  • Starting fare: EUR 6.00

  • Charge per increment (1st to 40th): 25 euro cents

  • Charge per increment beyond the 40th: 20 euro cents

  • Distance per increment: 70 meters

  • Time interval per increment: 12 seconds

Supplements

  • Holidays: EUR 2.00

  • Supplement for each person beyond the 4th passenger: EUR 2.00

  • Night supplement (10 pm to 6 am): EUR 2.00

  • Phone call/radiotaxi supplement: EUR 2.00

  • Taxi reservation via phone/radiotaxi supplement: EUR 5.00

  • For each bulky item exceeding dimensions of cm. 40 x 50 x 50: EUR 2.00

  • For each small pet: EUR 2.00

Source: Città di Capri - Section V - Traffic police

Phone numbers for calling a taxi

Luggage transport service

Most hotels, villas, and holiday homes in Capri offer a luggage porter service. Many of these accommodations are located in pedestrian-only areas where you can only get there on foot. You can leave your luggage with the porters located at the hydrofoil or ferry exit. They'll take your luggage directly to your accommodation.

Luggage porter service can be booked through your hotel or directly at the port, where the porters are stationed with their trolleys. The porter will take your luggage and give you an ID tag. The porter will then take your luggage to your destination (hotel, villa, or any other structure) and you can walk to your destination without needing to worry about hauling your luggage with you.

Porter service fee: Porter service fees vary depending on the distance and the number of bags. The average price is around €10-€15 per bag for routes between Marina Grande port and the center of Capri or Anacapri.

Can I transport my own luggage?

It's possible to transport your luggage on Capri by yourself, but take these points into consideration:

  • Large luggage requires an additional ticket on the funicular and buses

  • Check the location of your hotel, how far you have to walk, any climbs and descents

  • Most of the streets in Capri are made of basalt, which is quite difficult for rolling wheeled luggage

Renting a scooter

You can rent scooters at the port of Marina Grande, in Capri, and in Anacapri. Rental times vary from a few hours to a whole day or several days. A driver's license is all you need for renting. Mopeds can carry two people. Rental rates for scooters generally start at around €40-€50 per day, but may vary depending on the model and the season (high season involves higher costs). Discounts are available for multi-day rentals.

A scooter is a good solution for quickly reaching the areas of the Punta Carena lighthouse and the Blue Grotto and for moving between Capri and Anacapri. The center of Capri and Anacapri are not accessible to scooters.

We recommend renting a scooter only if you have previous experience driving one.

Scooter rental - book online

Mount Solaro chairlift

The chairlift goes from Piazza Vittoria, in the center of Anacapri, to the top of Monte Solaro at 1,932 feet above sea level. Once you reach the top, you can take in the view of the entire historic center of Capri, the Faraglioni rocks, and Mount Tiberio, all the way to Punta Campanella and the Sorrento Peninsula.

The ride lasts 12 minutes and all the chairs are for one person. Children can be carried on a parent's lap, but the chairs suspended in the air and protected only by a bar that's easy to slip under. We recommend taking small children in a baby carrier and avoiding the chairlift altogether for older and more active children. The chairlift staff will help you embark and disembark on departure and arrival.

Mount Solaro chairlift hours

  • May to October: 9:30 am - 5 pm

  • November to February: 10:30 am - 3:30 pm

  • March and April: 9:30 am - 4 pm

  • Prices: €12 round-trip, €9 one way, free for children 7 and under

We suggest purchasing a one-way ticket up to the top and then walking down, passing through the valley of Cetrella where you'll find the former residence of writer Compton Mackenzie and the hermitage of Santa Maria a Cetrella overlooking the sea.

Getting around by boat

To visit Capri by sea you can rent a canoe; a rubber dinghy; a traditional Sorrento gozzo boat equipped with awnings and a cooler; or a motorboat, with or without a skipper. During the boat trip you can stop for lunch in a restaurant along the coast, stop in a local store to get supplies for a picnic, or ask the boat company in advance to provide groceries on board so you can taste the sweetest peaches, the most savory mozzarella, and the authentic tomatoes of Capri.

A more economical alternative to renting a private boat is to book a spot on a group boat tour. A boat tour of the island lasts about two hours, including a visit to the Blue Grotto aboard a rowboat. Blue Grotto opening hours depend on the influx of tourists, because only a few rowboats can enter at a time.

Book a boat tour of the island

Boat tours from Sorrento to Capri
Boat tours from Positano to Capri

If you arrive on Capri with your own boat, you can moor at the tourist port of Marina Grande. For those who choose to drop anchor, it's best to stop at least 300 meters off the coast.

Nature trails

A great way to escape the crowds and take in the breathtaking views in total solitude is to hike one of the many trails that crisscross the island.

Sentiero dei Fortini: This is considered one of the most spectacular trails on the island. It covers the entire western coast of Capri, from the Blue Grotto to the Punta Carena lighthouse. It offers breathtaking views of the sea and allows you to explore ancient forts.

Passeggiata del Pizzolungo: This trail takes you from the Piazzetta to Capri's most untamed natural beauty and mystery. It offers spectacular views and takes about 2-3 hours to complete.

Monte Solaro: You can reach Monte Solaro by chairlift or choose to hike up. From the summit, you'll enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view that extends over the Gulf of Naples and the Amalfi Coast.

La Migliera: This trail offers spectacular views of Marina Piccola bay and the Faraglioni rock formations.

Via Krupp: This is a scenic road connecting the Gardens of Augustus to Marina Piccola, offering breathtaking views of the Faraglioni rocks and the coast. It's the easiest trail of all to walk, especially downhill.

Sentiero del Passetiello: A trail for experienced hikers that connects the Piazzetta to Monte Solaro, offering panoramic views along the way.

Cetrella: After exploring Monte Solaro, take a walk to Cetrella for panoramic views of this small village nestled in the mountains.

How to get to the beaches on Capri

Marina Grande

  • The island's largest and most accessible beach

  • Located near the main port

  • Suitable for families with children

  • Accessible for the disabled

  • Easy to reach on foot from the port or by cable car/bus from the center

Marina Piccola

  • Beautiful view of the Faraglioni

  • Several pebble beaches and beach resorts

  • Two free beaches on the sides of the Scoglio delle Sirene

  • Reachable by bus from Capri or on foot by going down Via Mulo. You can also reach it from the center of Capri, passing through Via Krupp (although this road may be closed at certain times for safety reasons)

Ai Faraglioni

  • Spectacular views at the foot of the Faraglioni rock formations

  • Two private resorts: La Fontelina and Da Luigi

  • Reachable on foot from the Belvedere di Punta Tragara or by boat from Marina Piccola. There are no free beach areas, you need to pay to enter one of the beach clubs. No sand, only reef and concrete platforms.

Bagni di Tiberio

  • Historic beach with the remains of a Roman villa

  • Private beach and small free beach

  • Reachable by boat from Marina Grande or from a small road near the church of San Costanzo

Punta Carena lighthouse

  • The only "beach" with sun until sunset. No sand, only reef and concrete platforms.

  • Free area, private beach club, and bar with deck chairs

  • Reachable by bus from Anacapri or on foot/by taxi

Gradola (near the Blue Grotto)

  • "Il Riccio", a small beach club with a restaurant and small free area

  • Rocks for diving, deep water

  • Reachable by bus, taxi, or on foot by taking the path from the Blue Grotto

FAQ - Frequently asked questions

Distances from Capri

From Capri to Sorrento: 30 minutes by ferry
From Capri to Naples: 50 minutes by ferry
From Capri to Positano: 40 minutes by ferry
From Capri to Pompeii: 30 minutes by ferry to Sorrento + 30 minutes by car

How long does it take to see Capri on foot?

You need a couple of hours to visit Capri town, and another couple of hours to visit the town of Anacapri. Keep in mind that it will take about 30 minutes to get from the port to the Piazzetta in Capri town and another 30 to travel between the towns of Capri and Anacapri.

Can I drive to Capri?

There are ferries that embark vehicles to Capri, but visitors cannot bring cars or motorcycles to the island from April to October.

How do I get to the Faraglioni on Capri?

The only way to reach the Faraglioni is by sea (with a boat tour or rental) or via the two nearby private beach clubs: Luigi ai Faraglioni or La Fontelina. The best way to take in the beauty of the sea stacks, however, is from above. We suggest the scenic overlook in the Gardens of Augustus.

How do I get to the Blue Grotto on Capri?

You can reach the Blue Grotto from the Marina Grande port by boat or from the town of Anacapri by bus (the Anacapri - Grotta Azzurra route).

Is it possible to walk from Capri to Anacapri?

You can move between Capri and Anacapri on foot, considering the slopes and being cautious when traveling along the carriage road (there are stairs that allow you to cut some hairpin bends). The downhill route takes about half an hour. An alternative is to use the beautiful Scala Fenicia, which connects Anacapri to Marina Grande (bear in mind that the steps are numerous and high, so the route is challenging).

Do I need a car on Capri?

To visit the island of Capri, it is not necessary to have a car. Many distances can be easily covered on foot, alternatively there are several bus lines and the funicular that connects the port with the Piazzetta. If you prefer, you can move from one part of the island to another with one of the numerous taxis that serve Capri and Anacapri, or rent a scooter.

Is it easy to get around Capri?

Capri is a small island, the distances between the various attractions are limited and it is easy to visit the historic center on foot. Furthermore, many streets are pedestrian, so there are no dangers related to car traffic. The only difficulty is that the streets are often sloping, sometimes with steps or ramps. For some, therefore, getting around Capri on foot can be tiring. The beaches and bathing establishments are further away from the inhabited centers and can be reached more easily by bus or taxi.

Can you walk around Capri island?

The historic centers of Capri and Anacapri are small and can be explored on foot without problems. The distances between the two municipalities, between the historic centers and the port or the main beaches, are a few km and, unless you are a trekking enthusiast, can be covered by bus, taxi or scooter.

How big is the island of Capri?

The island of Capri is 6.2 km long and a maximum of 2.7 km wide, for a total surface area of ??10.3 square km.

How much does a taxi cost from Capri to Anacapri?

The taxi fare from Capri to Anacapri varies based on the number of passengers and luggage. Generally speaking, the ride costs between 18 and 25 euros.

How long does it take to walk around Capri?

The historic center of Capri can easily be explored on foot in a few hours. To visit even the center of Anacapri you need a whole day (excluding trekking and beaches).