Naples — Molo Beverello
Only hydrofoils, no cars. It's the port closest to central Naples and the metro (Municipio stop): the natural choice if you arrive by train or plane.
50′ about
- Vessel Hydrofoil
- Car Not allowed on board
How to get to Ischia
Ischia can only be reached by sea. Here you'll find which port to leave from, the difference between ferry and hydrofoil, how long the crossing takes, where to land and whether to bring your car. No fluff.
Molo BeverelloHydrofoil · no car
~50′
Porta di MassaFerry · with car
~1h 30′
PozzuoliFerry and hydrofoil
25–60′
Where to leave from
Three mainland ports connect to Ischia. The right choice depends on how you arrive in Naples and whether you have a car.
Naples — Porta di Massa
Naples' ferry port, a few minutes' walk from Beverello. It carries cars and is more stable in rough seas.
1h 20′–1h 30′
- Vessel Ferry
- Car Yes, by booking
Pozzuoli
The shortest crossing and generally the cheapest. If you arrive by car from the motorway, it's the best choice: you avoid Naples city-centre traffic altogether.
25′–60′
- Vessel Ferry and hydrofoil
- Car Yes, by booking
Choosing your vessel
Ferry or hydrofoil?
There's no single best option: it depends on what you're bringing and how much you care about time.
| Hydrofoil | Ferry | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Faster | Slower |
| Car on board | No | Yes |
| Price | Higher | Lower |
| In rough seas | Suspended first | More stable |
| Bulky luggage | Limited space | No problem |
| Outdoor deck | No | Yes |
| Ideal for | Those travelling light and in a hurry | Families, luggage, cars, those prone to seasickness |
Our advice: if you're travelling as a couple with one trolley case each, take the hydrofoil. If you're a family, with children, large suitcases or a car, take the ferry — the extra time pays off in comfort.
How to reach the port of departure
If you arrive by plane
From Naples Capodichino airport, the direct link to the port is the Alibus, which stops at Central Station and continues to Molo Beverello. Alternatively, taxis have a fixed fare to the port: ask the driver before getting in.
If you arrive by train
From Naples Central Station you can take the Alibus, or Metro Line 1 to the Municipio stop, from which Beverello is a few minutes' walk. Porta di Massa is a little further along the same port road.
If you'd rather not drive
From March to November our bus lines to Ischia run: you board at one of the stops spread across Northern and Central Italy, the ferry is already included in the price, and you arrive straight at your hotel. No connections to work out.
If you arrive by car
From the north (A1 motorway), it's best to exit towards Pozzuoli without entering Naples: you'll save time and avoid traffic. If you're not bringing your car, you'll find supervised car parks at the port with a daily rate: it's often the cheapest and most relaxed solution.
Arrival
Which port on Ischia to land at
The island has three landing points: choosing the right one saves you time and a transfer.
Ischia Porto
The main landing point, served by all companies.
Convenient for Ischia · Barano
Casamicciola Terme
The island's second stop, on the north side.
Convenient for Casamicciola · Lacco Ameno
Forio
A smaller, seasonal landing point, on the west side.
Convenient for Forio · Serrara · Sant'Angelo
In your quote we'll tell you which port is best based on the hotel you choose — and if the hotel has a shuttle, we'll let you know.
Do you really need to bring a car?
In most cases, no — and we'll tell you even if it means selling you one less service. Bringing a car adds a lot to the cost of the trip, parking on the island is scarce and expensive, and the roads are narrow and busy in summer.
Ischia is served by a bus network connecting all the towns, there are taxis and mini-taxis, and many hotels offer a shuttle to and from the port and the beach. For the odd trip, you can rent a scooter or car locally.
Please note: in peak season, restrictions on non-resident cars landing on the island apply. The rules change from year to year: always check before you leave, or ask us.
The shipping companies
The main companies connecting Ischia to the mainland are Caremar, Medmar, SNAV and Alilauro, alongside seasonal connections from other spots around the bay.
On timetables: they change every season and can vary with weather conditions. That's why we don't publish them here — you'd find outdated data. Check the company's website the day before you leave — or let us handle it: if you ask us for the ferry in your quote, we'll point you to the right sailing for your hotel and your schedule.
Frequently asked questions
The questions we get asked most
How long is the crossing to Ischia?
It depends on the port and the vessel. By hydrofoil from Naples Molo Beverello it takes about 50 minutes. By ferry from Naples Porta di Massa it takes about 1 hour 20-30 minutes. From Pozzuoli the crossing is the shortest: about 40-60 minutes by ferry and 25-40 minutes by hydrofoil.
Ferry or hydrofoil — which is better?
The hydrofoil is faster but doesn't carry cars, has less luggage space and is more affected by rough seas. The ferry is slower but more stable, cheaper, carries cars and has outdoor decks. If you're travelling without a car and with light luggage, choose the hydrofoil; if you have family, bulky luggage or a car, choose the ferry.
Which port is best to leave from?
If you arrive in Naples by train or plane, Molo Beverello is the most convenient because it's close to the centre. If you arrive by car from the motorway, Pozzuoli is best: you avoid Naples city-centre traffic altogether, the crossing is shorter and prices are generally lower. Porta di Massa is the choice for ferries with a car from Naples.
Is it worth bringing a car to Ischia?
In most cases, no. The cost of bringing a car is high, parking is scarce and expensive, and the island's roads are narrow. The island is well served by buses and many hotels offer a shuttle. In peak season, restrictions on non-resident cars landing on the island also apply: always check before you leave. It's best to leave your car in a supervised car park at the port of departure.
Which port on Ischia should I land at?
Ischia has three landing points. Ischia Porto is the main one and is convenient for Ischia and Barano. Casamicciola Terme is ideal for Casamicciola and Lacco Ameno. Forio is a smaller, seasonal landing point, convenient for Forio, Serrara Fontana and Sant'Angelo. Choose the port closest to your hotel — we'll tell you which one in your quote.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
If you're travelling on foot, usually not: sailings are frequent and you can also buy tickets at the counter. If you're bringing a car, however, booking is strongly recommended, especially on weekends, around 15 August and on long weekends, because car spaces sell out.
What happens if the sea is rough?
In rough seas, sailings can be delayed or cancelled, and hydrofoils are suspended before ferries. That's why, if you have a connecting flight or train, it's best to allow a wide margin and prefer the ferry. If a sailing is cancelled, your ticket is normally rebooked onto the next one.
Can you take care of the ferry for us?
Yes. When you request a quote you can ask to have the ferry included: we'll recommend the port and the most convenient sailing based on your hotel and arrival time, and add it to your package.
We'll take care of the ferry
Choose your hotel: in your quote you can ask us to include the ferry. We'll recommend the port and sailing based on the property and your arrival time. Free quote, no obligation, reply within 24 hours.