Ferry timetables offer several crossings in the morning from Positano to Capri with a late afternoon return. The first ferry in the summer is at 9 am with a late afternoon return. Therefore, this service is useful if you’re in Positano and want to take a day trip to Capri. The crossing lasts about 40 minutes and allows you to take in lots of scenic views, passing from the Gulf of Salerno to the Gulf of Naples.

The travel time between Capri and Positano is about 30 minutes.

From Positano there are hydrofoils and motorboats that depart for Capri. The motorboats are small boats used only for passenger transport. You can’t take cars or other motor vehicles on board from Positano to Capri.

During high season (from April to October), there are direct daily trips between Positano and Capri. During the rest of the year, there are a couple of trips only on some days of the week; alternatively, you must first go to Sorrento and then take the hydrofoil and the ferry to Capri.

In Positano, the hydrofoil leaves from the Spiaggia Grande pier, while in Capri the landing takes place at the Port of Marina Grande, the island’s main port. From here you can easily continue your journey to the center of Capri or Anacapri using the funicular, taxi or bus.

Departure point in Positano for Capri

Positano doesn’t have an actual port but rather only a docking pier, so during rough seas it’s common for crossings to be cancelled. All the hydrofoils leave from here for Capri, Ischia, Naples and the other towns of the Amalfi Coast.

The pier is located at Spiaggia Grande in Positano.

The dock where ferries to Capri depart is located next to Spiaggia Grande, in Via del Brigantino, on the right side of the beach facing the sea.

Getting there is easy; just go down any of the staircases located at various points in the town. If you take the staircase that starts at State Road 163 where the Sita bus stops, it takes about 20 minutes. From Piazza dei Mulini, the last point you can get to by car, it takes about 10 minutes.

The area around the dock is pedestrian only, and a porter service is available for luggage. For people with disabilities, the town of Positano is difficult to access because it is made up entirely of steps. If you’re traveling with small children we recommend using a sling or baby carrier instead of a stroller.

At the port you will find the ticket offices of the various ferry companies that offer crossings: Positanojet (Lucibello), Alicost, Alilauro, NLG and Grassi Junior. NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) also offers combined tickets that allow you to visit Capri and Positano in a single day, departing from Naples, Castellammare or Sorrento.

• Book in advance, especially in high season. The Positano-Capri route is very popular. Always buy a return ticket as well.

• Arrive early at the pier, as boarding can take a while due to crowds.

• If you’re traveling with bulky luggage, use the porter service available in Positano.

• If you have small children, it’s best to use a sling or baby carrier rather than a stroller, given the many steps.

Hydrofoils offer cabin seating and sometimes an outdoor seating area to enjoy the view. Basic amenities such as restrooms and, on some boats, a small snack bar are available on board.

The best time to travel by ferry from Positano to Capri is between May and September, when the sea is generally calm and there are frequent trips. In the winter months, sea conditions can make direct connections impossible and it is necessary to go to Sorrento to reach Capri.

Differences between high season and low season

High season: from Easter to the end of October. During this period there are direct trips every day with frequent schedules. It’s important to book tickets online. Always check the weather conditions because hydrofoils can be cancelled in the event of rough seas.

Low season: from the end of October to the beginning of April. During this period the Positano-Capri route is still covered on some days of the week by direct crossings. It’s not necessary to book, but it is important to check the timetables and weather conditions in real time. Crossings during this period can easily be suspended. The alternative is to leave from the Port of Sorrento. You can find out about sea conditions by calling the ferry company.

Booking the hydrofoil to Capri

The Positano - Capri route is very popular and the hydrofoils don’t have a large capacity, so we always suggest you book in advance. You can book online on this page or on Blublu.travel. At the pier there are also ticket offices for direct purchase of tickets. Tickets are always refundable in the event of cancellations due to rough seas.

Several companies operate on the Positano-Capri route:

• Positano Jet (Lucibello)

• Alicost

• Alilauro

• NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo)

• Grassi Junior

• Cooperativa Sant’Andrea

NLG also offers combined tickets for visiting both Capri and Positano in one day, departing from Naples, Castellammare or Sorrento. Grassi Junior and Cooperativa Sant’Andrea are the two local companies that also offer connections in winter. There are no major differences between the boats of the various companies. They are all hydrofoils or fast ferries with seats inside.

The pier of Positano is located in a pedestrian-only area. Hydrofoils between Positano and Capri are passenger-only and cannot transport vehicles. For luggage there is a porter service, which is especially useful for transporting suitcases between the lower and upper parts of the town. You can find porters at the pier of Positano or ask your hotel to book the service.

Children up to six years old are entitled to a reduced-price ticket. The price varies between the different ferry companies.

Pets can be brought on board for a fee. You must have all the pet's documents, leash and muzzle.

In addition to the ferry, there are two alternative options for reaching Capri from Positano. You can rent a private boat with a skipper or opt for a group boat tour.

Private boat with skipper

Renting a private boat to Capri is the ideal choice for those who want maximum privacy, comfort and flexibility. This type of experience allows you to:

• choose your departure and return times based on your needs.

• customize your tour with stops to swim in the most beautiful coves.

• visit spectacular caves such as the Blue Grotto, the White Grotto and the Green Grotto.

• sail around the Faraglioni and take unforgettable photos.

This option is perfect for couples, families or groups of friends who want to have an exclusive experience. Prices start at around 800 euros for a boat with a captain, for up to six people. On this page you can check out the different types of boats: https://www.capri.com/en/l/private-boat-tour-positano-capri

Small-group tours

Group tours are a less expensive option. These tours:

• offer an experience similar to the private boat, but shared with other people.

• include a pre-established itinerary with transfer to Capri, free time to spend on land, a tour of the island, and return trip to Positano.

• are available with prices starting from 150 euros per person.

Group tours are ideal for singles and couples who want to visit Capri in one day.

Once you disembark at Marina Grande, you can:

• take the funicular to the center of Capri, then head to the Piazzetta and the Gardens of Augustus.

• take a taxi or bus to explore Anacapri.

• take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto.

Marina Grande can be very crowded, so we recommend you plan in advance where you want to go upon arrival. You may have to wait in line for the bus or funicular, so it’s best to know where in advance where you plan to go.

How long is the trip from Positano to Capri?

The crossing takes about 40 minutes.

How much does the ferry cost?

The ticket price varies depending on the ferry company and whether it’s high season or low season, but it’s usually around 25 euros per trip.

Can I bring luggage?

Yes. The ticket price includes one carry-on bag, and for a small fee you can take a large bag on board.

Can I take a scooter on board?

No. Ferries to Capri are passenger-only, and the port of Positano is a pedestrian-only area, so you can’t get there with a scooter.

What happens if the trip is cancelled due to rough seas?

Sea crossings to Positano can quite frequently be cancelled due to rough seas, because Positano doesn’t have an actual port, but rather a dock that’s very exposed to the wind. If you need to reach Capri during rough seas, you can head to Sorrento and take a hydrofoil from there. Cancellations are much less frequent from Sorrento.

Is there a difference between the various ferry companies?

No. All the companies offer a similar level of service and comfortable boats.

Yes. Ferry ticket prices stay the same in both low and high season and there aren’t any discounts for booking in advance.