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Book a boat tour from Sorrento to Capri
Visiting Capri from Sorrento is simple; just check the timetables of the ferry companies and hydrofoils departing from Marina Piccola port in Sorrento with crossings to the island of Capri. Sorrento-Capri ferry routes and hydrofoil crossings run year round.
When planning your Italy itinerary, be sure to also check on day tours departing from Sorrento. Many include direct pickup from your hotel, as well as a boat tour of the island of Capri, making them a comfortable and convenient alternative to transport by hydrofoil (aliscafo in Italian).
Ferries from Sorrento to Capri
Hydrofoils and ferries depart Sorrento for Capri year-round, with more frequent crossings from April to October.
Hydrofoils run by Gescab and fast ferries with Caremar all leave from the port of Marina Piccola in Sorrento and arrive at Marina Grande port in Capri.
The Gescab company includes vessels run by NLG, SNAV, and Alilauro Gruson.
Transport by hydrofoil is faster than the Capri ferry and there are more frequent crossings, but the cost is slightly higher. Travel time between Sorrento and Capri by hydrofoil takes about 20 minutes, while the Caremar fast ferry takes about 30 minutes.
In summer the port of Marina Piccola in Sorrento offers connections to the entire Gulf of Naples, including direct hydrofoils to Positano, Amalfi, Ischia and Procida, and Naples.
How to get to the port of Sorrento
The port of Sorrento is called "Marina Piccola" and is located near the city center. It is easily accessible on foot. The Marina Grande dock is only used for tours going to Capri and the Amalfi Coast.
On foot: The road to the port of Sorrento starts from the centrally located Piazza Tasso; just start from the railing overlooking the sea and descend the long staircase. It's about a hundred steps leading to a downhill stretch of road that takes you to the port. It takes about 10 minutes to reach the port of Sorrento from Piazza Tasso.
By elevator: If you have suitcases, small children, or you cannot easily go down many steps, a good option is to take the lift. It's located in the Villa Comunale public park (next to San Francesco Church and cloister) and costs €1.
Bus: Several buses leave for the port of Sorrento from both the train station and from Piazza Sant'Antonino. The buses are run by the companies EAV and Cooperativa Tasso. One-way bus tickets cost around €1.50 and can also be purchased on board.
Although it's quite simple to walk down to the port of Sorrento to take the hydrofoil to Capri, it's more tiring to climb the stairs on the way back. In this case, we advise you to take the bus or the lift.
If you're not staying in Sorrento and you need to get to the port of Sorrento, you can get to the center of Sorrento with the Circumvesuviana, which is the local train that connects Naples with Sorrento. You can also take a bus run by the EAV company. From the village of Meta di Sorrento there is a direct bus that takes you to the port of Sorrento.
Parking at the port of Sorrento
If you're traveling the region of Campania by car, you'll have to leave your vehicle in Sorrento before embarking for Capri. Also be aware that non-resident cars are not allowed at all on Capri during the high season starting in Easter through to the beginning of November. The parking garage closest to the departure port for the island of Capri is called Garage Marina Piccola. The daily rate (24 hours) starts at €25 per day for small cars. There are also several parking garages in the center of Sorrento that offer a shuttle service to the port. These are definitely an option to consider because the winding road to the port is always busy with traffic.
If you're traveling by scooter, you can use the parking lot adjacent to the ticket offices in the port. The daily parking rate (from morning to evening) is €5.
Timetables and crossing times from Sorrento to Capri. Fast ferry or hydrofoil?
If you're departing from Sorrento, you have a choice between taking a hydrofoil or a high-speed ferry. There's not much of a difference in terms of the crossing times, as the hydrofoil takes about 20 minutes and the fast ferry takes 30 minutes.
However, hydrofoils offer more frequent crossings, so there is more flexibility in terms of timetables. Although fast ferries offer fewer crossings, the ticket costs less than a hydrofoil.
Some hydrofoils have outdoor seating while others are indoor-only. You won't be able to select a hydrofoil with open-air seating in advance because the particular vessels used on individual crossings aren't assigned in advance.
The Caremar fast ferry, on the other hand, is always the same and has outdoor accessibility without seats.
The high-speed ferry offers a smoother ride than the hydrofoil during rough seas, so we recommend it for those who suffer from seasickness.
Our travel tips:
For the best views during the crossing from Sorrento to Capri, sit on the left side.
If the sea is rough and you think you may suffer from seasickness, be sure to sit in the back center.
On days when the sea is rough, keep an eye on the weather forecast and find out about the possible cancellation of trips.
The tobacconist at the port of Sorrento sells tickets for the Capri funicular. It's a good idea to buy them there to avoid the line at the Capri ticket office.
Booking hydrofoils to Capri from Sorrento
From mid-April to mid-October, morning crossings from Sorrento to Capri are always very crowded and you may not find seating on the first vessel. However, there are frequent crossings from 8 am to 11 am each day, so if you don't find a seat on the first hydrofoil, you'll be sure to get one on the next.
If you choose a morning crossing, make sure you purchase a round-trip ticket, because afternoon trips from Capri to Sorrento are always sold out.
Baggage
You can always bring carry-on luggage and small bags such as backpacks and handbags on board for free. For larger luggage you'll need to pay a two-euro supplement for each, payable directly at the port prior to boarding.
Children
Children are entitled to free tickets or reduced-price tickets on Sorrento - Capri hydrofoils with Gescab vessels, which include SNAB, Navigazione Libera del Golfo, and Gescab.
0-2 years: free
3-12 years: reduced-price ticket
Caremar fast ferry
0-2 years: free
3-12 years: reduced price
Animals
Companion animals are always allowed on vessels from Sorrento to Capri. Dogs must be equipped with a muzzle and a leash. Cats and other similar animals must be in a carrier. The animal's health ID card is also required.
People with limited mobility
All vessels are accessible to people with limited mobility and the crew is always available to provide assistance as needed. Hydrofoils are more accessible than fast ferries because there are no stairs inside.
What happens when the sea is rough?
When the sea is very rough, there may be cancellations of crossings between Sorrento and Capri. From April to October this happens very rarely, but it is a real possibility in the winter months.
What are the ticket prices from Sorrento to Capri?
A one-way hydrofoil ticket from Sorrento to Capri costs about €20. The Caremar fast ferry from Sorrento to Capri costs €17.
What is a low-cost way to get to Capri?
The lowest round-trip price from Sorrento to Capri is €35, using a fast ferry without any other expenses. It can be worthwhile and cost-effective to take a tour that offers hotel pickup and transport from Sorrento and includes a boat ride and the return trip.
How do I get from the port of Capri to the Piazzetta? To Anacapri?
Once you arrive at the port of Marina Grande in Capri you can take the funicular, which brings you to the Piazzetta in the center of Capri town in just a few minutes. To get to Anacapri you can take the bus; the ride is about 10 minutes.
How can I get to the Blue Grotto?
To visit the most famous attraction on Capri you can take a boat directly from Marina Grande, which will take you to the entrance of the Grotto. Marina Grande port is also the departure point for all the other excursions by gozzo or motorboat that go around the island and pass between the Faraglioni.
Can I get a private boat to take me to Capri?
Of course! There are private boat tours that depart from various locations on the coast and take you to Capri. They take you on a tour around the perimeter of the island and then dock at the port so you can have free time to explore the island on foot. Perhaps an item you can check off on your bucket list is a tasting of the famous local lemon-infused liqueur called limoncello. If you want to truly customize your visit, try the Monte Solaro chairlift, which offers spectacular views.