If you are staying in Rome and would like to take a day trip to Capri, the first thing to keep in mind is that travel times between Rome and Capri are quite long, so the time you have remaining to enjoy the island if traveling from Rome to Capri and back in one day will be quite limited. We suggest you consider staying for at least one night on Capri or in Naples to be able to enjoy the island to the fullest. That said, with careful planning you an also enjoy a quick jaunt to the island even from Rome.
Please note:
In the high season months of July and August, the island is very hot and crowded. We do not recommend attempting a day trip during this season, as you may find that you spend most of your time waiting in long lines for attractions and transportation. Either opt for a day trip in a quieter season, avoiding the high-season crowds, or plan to spend at least one night on Capri. If you do decide to take a day trip to the island in high season, the best option to make the most of your time is to book an organized tour from Rome, like the one-day tour that departs directly from the Termini train station.
Getting from Rome to Capri
Decide on an itinerary before you set off from Rome, keeping in mind that you won't be able to see everything on the island in just one day. Try to depart as early as possible in the morning, and opt for the fastest possible transportation option. The fastest public transportation to reach Capri from Rome is the high-speed train that runs from the Termini station in Rome to the central train station in Naples in about an hour and 15 minutes. Naples has high-speed ferries to Capri that depart from the Molo Beverello pier and arrive in Marina Grande on Capri in about 50 minutes. To get from the train station in Naples to the Molo Beverello pier, the fastest option is the taxi (about EUR15 for the 10-minute ride).
What to See and Do in One Day on Capri
Here's a suggested itinerary for a day trip to Capri departing from Rome:
830: arrive in Naples and take the ferry to Capri
9:30 - 11:30: boat tour of the island and/or visit the Blue Grotto
1130 - 3:00: visit Anacapri and a quick lunch
3:00 - 5:00: visit the historic center of Capri and shopping
6:00: Return to Naples and then to Rome
9:30 - Capri by Sea
After arriving at the port of Marina Grande, spend your first hours on Capri taking a boat ride around the island, choosing between a trip circling the entire coast or one that stops at the Blue Grotto. There are a number of different boat companies at the port that offer boat tours, perfect for admiring the beautiful coastline of Capri from the water. Otherwise, you can spend a few hours on the beach at Marina Grande or head straight to Anacapri by taxi or public bus along the spectacular scenic road along the water's edge (known as the "Mamma Mia Road").
Boat Tour with a Stop at the Blue Grotto
Duration: about 2 hours
Please Note: in June, July, and August, the line to enter the Blue Grotto can stretch into the hours, so the best strategy is to arrive first thing in the morning. The Grotto opens at 9AM, and the line begins forming shortly after, so try to be waiting at the entrance as soon as it opens to ensure you'll have time to visit!
11:30 - 13:00: Anacapri
Get off the bus near the cemetery or the post office and explore the historic center of Anacapri at your own pace, enjoying the cobbled streets, flower-covered houses, and the beautiful churches of Santa Sofia and San Michele. Take a break with a quick lunch featuring the island's traditional street food (a "panino caprese" with mozzarella, tomato, and basil; or a slice of pizza and torta caprese chocolate and almond cake) and continue on to Piazza Vittoria. Here you can choose to take the chair lift up to the top of Mount Solaro to take in the splendid view over the entire island and Bay of Naples, or continue on foot to Villa San Michele, the former residence of the Swedish physician Axel Munthe. The villa is set along a scenic lane overlooking the Marina Grande port and Sorrentine Peninsula.
Website: Villa San Michele
3:00 - 5:00: Capri, The Piazzetta, and The Faraglioni
From Piazza Vittoria, take a bus or taxi back to Capri town and take in the chic and bustling Piazzetta, home to the Cattedrale di Santo Stefano and clock tower. Stop here for a coffee or gelato, or wander along Via Camerelle, the island's "most luxurious street" lined with designer boutiques and high-end hotels. You can spend the rest of your visit shopping, strolling through the Gardens of Augustus, or walking out to the Tragara scenic overlook. The latter two options both offer breathtaking views over the famous Faraglioni, Capri's famous sea stacks that tower over the waters just offshore.
To end your day trip to Capri and return to Rome, go back to the Marina Grande port by taking the funicular down from the Piazzetta and the ferry back to Naples.
Practical information for Organizing a Capri Day Trip from Rome
Thinking of staying overnight on Capri? Take a look at hotels!