Capri is one of the most beautiful islands in the world. It's also, logistically, one of the more confusing destinations in Italy for first-time visitors. There's no direct train, no bridge, and the ferries don't leave from Rome.
Here's a complete, step-by-step guide to getting from Rome to Capri — including the fastest routes, the cheapest options, and the easiest way to do it without the stress.
The Short Answer
There is no direct route from Rome to Capri. You need to get to either Naples or Sorrento first, then take a ferry or hydrofoil to the island. The fastest door-to-door journey takes about 3.5 hours. Here's how.
Option 1 — Rome to Naples by Train, then Ferry to Capri ⭐ Recommended
This is the fastest and most reliable route.
Step 1: Rome to Naples by High-Speed Train
- Departure: Roma Termini station
- Arrival: Napoli Centrale station
- Journey time: 1 hour 10 minutes (Frecciarossa high-speed train)
- Price: From €20–€45 depending on booking time
- Frequency: Every 30 minutes throughout the day
- Book at: trenitalia.com or italotreno.it
Step 2: Naples to Molo Beverello Ferry Port
- From Napoli Centrale, take the Metro Line 1 to Municipio station (10 minutes)
- Molo Beverello ferry port is a 5-minute walk from Municipio
- Or take a taxi from Napoli Centrale — about €15, 15–20 minutes
Step 3: Ferry or Hydrofoil from Naples to Capri
- Hydrofoil (Aliscafo): 50 minutes — faster, more expensive (~€25 each way)
- Ferry (Traghetto): 80 minutes — cheaper (~€15 each way), easier for luggage
- Operators: Caremar, SNAV, Navigazione Libera del Golfo
- Frequency: Every 1–2 hours throughout the day
- Tip: Book in advance in summer — boats sell out
Total journey time: approximately 3 hours
Option 2 — Rome to Sorrento by Train, then Hydrofoil to Capri
A slightly longer route but worth it if you want to spend time in Sorrento too.
Step 1: Rome to Naples by High-Speed Train
Same as above — Roma Termini to Napoli Centrale, 1 hour 10 minutes.
Step 2: Naples to Sorrento by Circumvesuviana Train
- From Napoli Centrale, take the Circumvesuviana regional train to Sorrento
- Journey time: 65 minutes
- Price: approximately €4
- Warning: The Circumvesuviana is notorious for being crowded, hot, and occasionally delayed. Keep valuables secure.
Step 3: Sorrento to Capri by Hydrofoil
- Journey time: 25 minutes
- Price: approximately €20 each way
- Frequency: Several departures daily
- Sorrento ferry port is a short walk from Sorrento train station
Total journey time: approximately 4 hours
Option 3 — Join an Escorted Tour (Easiest)
If the logistics above feel overwhelming — especially in peak summer when boats are crowded and trains are packed — the easiest solution is to join one of our escorted tours that includes Capri as part of the itinerary.
Tours that include Capri:
- Jewels of the South 7 Days — includes two nights on Capri, Blue Grotto excursion, and all transfers from Rome
- Italy: Capri Excursion from Rome 3 Days — our most popular short tour, specifically designed for a Capri day trip or overnight from Rome
- Fantasia Mediterranea 11 Days — includes Capri as part of the full southern Italy circuit
- Fantasia All Italy 17 Days — the grand tour, including Capri, Pompeii, Sicily, and more
With an escorted tour, all transfers — train to Naples, ferry to Capri, hotel transfers — are handled for you. You simply show up at the meeting point and follow your guide.
Once You're on Capri
The ferry docks at Marina Grande — the main port on the island. From there:
- Funicular up to Capri Town (5 minutes, €2.20) — the main village with restaurants, shops, and the famous Piazzetta
- Bus to Anacapri (20 minutes, €2) — the quieter upper village with the Monte Solaro chairlift
- Boat tour around the island — includes the Blue Grotto, sea caves, and the Faraglioni rock stacks
The Blue Grotto
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra) is Capri's most famous attraction — a sea cave illuminated by an extraordinary blue light caused by sunlight refracting through an underwater opening. Entrance is by small rowboat only.
Important: The Blue Grotto closes in bad weather and rough seas — which happens frequently. If it's closed on your visit, the boat tour around the island is still spectacular.
Practical Tips
Book ferries in advance in summer — July and August departures from Naples and Sorrento sell out, especially on weekends.
Travel light to Capri — wheeled luggage on ferries and the funicular is awkward. A backpack or soft bag is much easier.
Arrive at the port early — ferry boarding typically closes 15 minutes before departure. The ports in Naples and Sorrento get extremely crowded in summer.
Check the weather — rough seas can cancel hydrofoil services and close the Blue Grotto. The ferry (traghetto) is more stable in choppy conditions than the hydrofoil.
Last ferry back — check the last departure time from Capri back to Naples or Sorrento before you go. Missing the last boat means an unplanned overnight on the island.
How Long Should You Spend on Capri?
- Half day: Enough for a quick visit to Capri Town — not enough for the Blue Grotto or Anacapri
- Full day: The minimum for a proper visit — Blue Grotto in the morning, lunch in Capri Town, Anacapri in the afternoon
- Overnight (1–2 nights): Highly recommended — Capri at dusk and dawn, when the day-trippers have gone, is completely different from the crowded midday experience
Our Jewels of the South 7 Days includes two nights on Capri — the ideal amount of time to see everything without rushing.
Ready to Visit Capri?
Browse our escorted Italy tours including Capri or contact us to plan a custom itinerary.
Savitar Tours is an IATA, IATAN, and ASTA-accredited travel agency based in Los Angeles, California. CST #2138920-40.
