First, welcome to Naples!
I know you're on vacation, you traveled a long way, and the cost of living in your city is probably much higher than in Naples, but I’d like to offer you some advice so you can choose the best way to get around town like a local.
"Tourist menu", "for tourists"—these phrases often carry a negative connotation, and that’s a shame, because tourists keep traveling and support the economy.
It’s true that not everyone notices the same things or can distinguish what’s authentic from what’s staged, but if you want to go deeper, keep reading.
Taxis in Naples: What You Need to Know
What are taxis like in Naples?
That’s a great question. Heads up—you won’t find the neat, quiet lineups like at JFK (New York), ultra-clean or ultra-modern cars, or credit card machines front and center. If you've never seen cabs in New York, here's a photo I took recently.
In Naples, things are more chaotic—just like the traffic. They say that if you can drive in Naples, you can drive anywhere. I don’t recommend trying it yourself.
Of course, it’s not always like this, but this article is here to help you when something doesn’t go as it should.
English-speaking ability among taxi drivers isn’t always fluent, but that’s usually fine for basic conversations. What you should know is that drivers often go for the “best” fares—like trips along the coast (though with Salerno’s new Airport, many may head there directly)—and they often prefer tourists over locals.
Some drivers will ask “Where are you going?” before you even get in. Don’t worry—it’s your right to get in first and tell them afterward. They must follow the queue.
How to spot an official taxi
- White cars with a “TAXI” sign on the roof
- Visible license number
- Often a “CP” code on the door
- Working meter inside
- they have to be in line. They can't approach you while you're at the airport, station or port
These features help distinguish them from unlicensed drivers.
Pre-Fixed Urban Fares & How to Request Them
Few tourists realize you can request a fixed urban fare—a set rate approved by the local Municipality—for certain routes.
From Capodichino Airport in Naples to Teatro San Carlo, for example, the predeterminated fare is €24.50 (fare is current as of the day I am writing).
You can check those rates displayed in the cab.
"The fare chart in both Italian and English must be clearly displayed on the back of the front right seat and on the front part of the vehicle, to allow the passenger to freely choose, before the start of the ride, one of the two fare systems".
The Pre-Fixed Urban Fares includes people and luggage. You must ask for it once you’re seated and before the ride starts.
The driver cannot refuse and must provide a receipt before departure, stating the route and agreed amount.
Metered rides
If there's no set fare for your route—or you prefer not to use it—just make sure the meter is on when your ride begins.
Pro tip: Download Google Maps on your phone (even with no data connection) to track your route and follow your saved points of interest.
Digital Payments & Receipts
Even if the credit card machine (POS) isn't always visible or may be out of order, it’s legally required.
Some drivers have escorted tourists to ATMs or rounded up fares to cover POS fees—just be aware.
Number to request a cab in Naples
If you are out and about in the city and don't see a cab or want to book one here is one of the official numbers +390815707070. Sometimes it has happened to me that they do not accept reservations for example on holidays (a few days before Ferragosto) or at particularly chaotic times. Ask for information to make the best arrangements. When you have to leave, remember that Naples Airport is not open all night.
What to Do If You Have a Problem
If something goes wrong, remember the CP code and license number, then file a report using the official form in this page.
Shared Taxis
I’ve never taken them, but there are shared taxis at Capodichino Airport—you split the ride with other tourists for a small fee (around €5, if I recall).
Uber in Naples: App Ready, But Boycotted
If you’ve looked it up: yes, Uber exists in Naples, but it has long been boycotted by taxi drivers.
I can’t say what’s right or wrong—but it’s not fair to argue every time someone chooses public transport like a taxi and feels they have no choice.
Uber in Naples is run by private drivers and some taxi drivers. It appeals to foreigners accustomed to checking fares and reviews and choosing their ride.
Uber fares should be just slightly higher than traditional taxis.
As you know in Uber the prices are dynamic. In my screenshot you find just one example.
Alibus: Cheapest Way from the Airport to Downtown
Here’s an other alternative: the Alibus departs regularly from a stop near Capodichino Airport.
It costs €5 per person each way and runs frequently. If you’re traveling solo or in a small group, it’s a budget choice.
You can pay by card or cash on board. Routes are fixed, so it depends which city stop you need. It typically connects Capodichino Airport with Naples’s Molo Beverello port.
Just note that seats may be limited. Here the departures.
NCC (Private Transfer Services)
Finally, there’s also the NCC: a private, dedicated ride that you can also book through your hotel. On my last ride from Capodichino Airport to Beverello Port—two adults and two kids—they charged between €50 and €60.
Naples Metro Line 1 – Capodichino Station (Coming Soon)
It’s not operational yet, but the new Capodichino Metro Station is set to connect Naples Airport to downtown in just 9 minutes.
We’ll see exactly when that opens—but it's a service many tourists and locals have been waiting for, much like the metro in cities like Milan or Paris.
Naples’s metro stations are works of art—don’t miss the Toledo and Chiaia stations!
Now that you know all your options from Capodichino Airport to the city center, which one will you choose?
