• Hydrofoils: Hydrofoils are fast and run frequently, leaving from Molo Beverello in Naples and arriving at Ischia Porto in about 50 minutes. They have air-conditioned indoor areas with restrooms and often a small snack bar. Double-hulled “catamaran” hydrofoils also run on this route. This model is just as fast, but it’s not the best option if you suffer from seasickness because it tends to sway more. Unfortunately, you cannot choose the type of vessel in advance. The type of hydrofoil used for your crossing will depend on the time and the ferry company.

• Ferries: Ferries are a slower but more economical option, taking about an hour and a half to get to Ischia Porto. They indoor areas as well as outdoor spaces with benches, which are perfect if you want to experience the crossing from the outside, or if you have bulky luggage. Ferries to the island of Ischia leave from Calata Porta di Massa, which is another area inside the Port of Naples. Ferry crossings are only cancelled in extremely bad weather, so you can usually expect them to run even with rough seas, as opposed to hydrofoils, which can often be cancelled if weather or sea conditions are poor. If you want to save a few euros on your crossing, taking the ferry is your best option. Ferries can transport vehicles, but residents of the Campania region aren’t allowed to embark cars and motorcycles during high season (from Easter to mid-October).

The overall crossing time depends on whether or not the ferry stops in Procida. This stop takes place on some hydrofoil and ferry crossings.

Crossings from Naples to Ischia are active all year round.
High season (April-October): There are more trips in high season, on average every 30-60 minutes, from early in the morning until late at night.
Low season (November-March): There are fewer crossings on the winter timetables, and the crossings may be suspended if there’s bad weather or rough seas.
First ferry from Naples to Ischia: around 5:30-6:00 am
Last ferry from Naples: around 10 pm

• Departure from Naples: Alilauro, SNAV, NLG and Caremar hydrofoils depart from Naples Molo Beverello. Ferries depart from Calata Porta di Massa. (The port of Mergellina is no longer used for this route.)

• Arrival on Ischia: There are three main ports on the island. Most routes arrive at Ischia Porto, the main port on Ischia, but some make a stop or dock in Casamicciola and Forio. Double check your arrival port and any intermediate stops when booking, especially in relation to where your accommodations are located.

The Port of Naples is very large and is divided into several piers. Most boats for Ischia depart from two areas:

Molo Beverello (hydrofoils and fast ferries): passengers only, no vehicles
Calata Porta di Massa (ferries and fast ferries): cars, motorcycles and passengers

Molo Beverello is located in Piazza Municipio, near the Maschio Angioino castle. It’s right in the city center, so it’s easily reachable on foot from many popular areas of the city, such as Piazza Plebiscito and Via Toledo.

• From Naples Capodichino Airport

  • Alibus: Alibus buses depart from the arrivals area and stop at Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale train station) and Molo Beverello/Calata Porta di Massa. The ticket costs 5 euros and can be purchased on board or in advance online. Under normal traffic conditions, the bus ride takes about 30 minutes.

  • Taxi: There’s a fixed taxi fare to the port, currently around 21 euros. Always ask your driver for the fixed rate before you depart. Many taxis also offer shared rides for 5 euros per person.

• From Napoli Piazza Garibaldi train station

  • Taxi: The fixed rate from the train station to the port is around 15 euros.

  • Metro (subway): Take Line 1 towards Piscinola and get off at the Municipio stop. The ride takes five minutes and the station has an exit directly for Molo Beverello.

Calata Porta di Massa is also located within the port area of Naples, about a 10-15 minute walk from Molo Beverello, crossing the cruise terminal.

• From Naples Capodichino airport

  • Alibus: Get off at the last stop, right at Calata Porta di Massa. Cost 5 euros, about 30 minutes of travel.

  • Taxi: Taxis offer a fixed rate of around 20 euros.

• From Napoli Piazza Garibaldi train station

  • Metro (subway): Take Line 1 and get off at “Università” (first stop from Garibaldi, about 3 minutes). Walk about 10 minutes towards Varco Immacolatella. If you’re traveling with a lot of luggage, we recommend you take a taxi instead of walking.

  • Taxi: Taxis from Piazza Garibaldi have a 15-euro fixed rate to the port.

Cruise ships dock at the Stazione Marittima, halfway between Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa. You can easily walk to either departure area for Ischia. However, we don’t recommend going to Ischia for a day trip because it’s too large to visit in one day. If you want to take a day trip, we recommend you visit Capri, Pompeii, Sorrento or Naples.

During the summer, residents of the Campania region aren’t permitted to embark vehicles on ferries to Ischia. It’s difficult to find parking on the island, so you might want to consider leaving your car at a paid parking lot in Naples. The average per-day cost to leave your vehicle is around 25-30 euros. Here are two options:

• Good Parking: Located near Molo Beverello, limited spaces.

• Tirrenia Parking: A more convenient option if you’re departing from Calata Porta di Massa; you can book online.

• Book in advance: Especially in the summer, it’s better to buy tickets online to avoid long lines and sold-out routes.

• Arrive early: We recommend you show up at the port at least 20 minutes in advance, or 30 in high season. Check if you have an “open” ticket, which must be exchanged for a boarding pass at the ticket office in the port, or if you have a ticket with a QR code that allows you to board directly.

• Luggage: One carry-on is usually included in the ticket price. If you have larger suitcases, there is a supplement of around 2-3 euros per bag.

• Check the weather: Hydrofoils and catamarans are more sensitive to rough seas than ferries. If the sea is rough you can call the ferry company to see if crossings have been suspended.

• Naples-Ischia hydrofoils: Inside seating, air conditioning, restrooms, snack bar

• Naples-Ischia ferries: Scenic outdoor areas, restrooms, snack bars, vehicle transport, more space for bulky luggage.

• Plan your itinerary: The hydrofoil crossing is short. Use your time to check the EAV bus timetables or plan for a taxi, so you know how to get around as soon as you disembark.

• Real-time ferry schedules: Timetables can change frequently, especially in low season or due to bad weather, so make sure you stay informed.

• Online booking: All ferry companies now offer online ticketing on Blublu.travel

• At the ticket office: You can buy tickets directly at the ticket offices, but in high season there are often long lines and popular routes sell out quickly, so we recommend buying your tickets in advance online.

Ferries depart all year round from Naples to Ischia Porto, Casamicciola Terme and Forio d’Ischia.

The ferry companies operating on this route are:

• Caremar

• Medmar

• Alilauro

• Snav

• Medmar

Crossings run frequently during high season, up to every 30 minutes at peak times. The main ferry companies are: Caremar, Medmar, Alilauro and SNAV. Alilauro and SNAV make the crossing mostly with hydrofoils, but also offer some crossings with high-speed ferries. You can reach the island of Ischia from Naples or the Port of Pozzuoli. There are no major differences in terms of service between the different companies.

• High season (April-October)

  • Frequent crossings (every 30-60 minutes from 6 am to after 9 pm).

  • Many companies operate both hydrofoils and ferries

  • Reservations recommended due to high number of tourists

  • Longer boarding times on weekends and in July/August

• Low season (November-March)

  • Less frequent crossings, usually every 1-2 hours

  • Fewer tourists

  • Check weather, because hydrofoils may be canceled in the event of rough seas

The distance between Naples and Ischia is about 18 nautical miles (around 33 km). It’s a pleasant crossing with views of the Naples skyline, Mt. Vesuvius, and Procida.

• One small carry-on bag is usually included in the ticket price.

• Larger bags (trolley bags, large suitcases, or sports equipment) may require a supplement of 2-3 euros.

• Upon arrival at Ischia Porto, if you have bulky luggage and the hotel is not close by, you can take a taxi or use one of the porter agencies that offer luggage transport services.

• Animals are allowed on board, but dogs must have a leash and muzzle, while cats and small animals must be in a carrier.

• Some companies require a supplement (usually 3-5 euros) and your pet’s health records.

Italian law requires ferry companies provide accessibility options for passengers with reduced mobility. However, we recommend contacting the company in advance to make sure the specific vessel you plan to travel on has adequate ramps or elevators. Hydrofoils generally have fewer steps for boarding, but its indoor spaces are usually narrower.

If you’re looking for privacy and want to upgrade your basic transfer to a scenic tour, you can rent a private boat with skipper departing from the Port of Naples. You can also rent a private boat directly on Ischia, if you’d prefer taking a tour of the island. This is an exclusive option that’s ideal for small groups or couples. Prices start around 1000 euros for a full-day rental of a boat with skipper and drinks on board.

• In high season we recommend you book well in advance.

• If you want to take a boat tour around the island of Ischia, it’s usually less expensive to take a hydrofoil to the island and then rent a boat after your arrive. Prices start from 200-300 euros for a half day.

The island of Ischia is quite large, with several small towns (Ischia, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno, Forio, Serrara Fontana, and Barano). Once you disembark, you can head to other locations on the island.

In Ischia Porto, the island’s main port, you can get transport to all the main destinations on the island. Transport options from the minor port, Forio Casamicciola, are more limited.

• EAV bus: This bus travels to all the main towns on the island. Tickets cost a few euros and can be purchased at newsstands or tobacconists.

• Taxis: You can get a taxi at the taxi stand just outside the port. Official taxis are white and usually marked with the name of the town they’re from.

• Scooter or car rental: Renting a car or scooter will give you more independence to get around the island. However, the roads are very busy in summer, especially in areas that are popular with tourists. Renting a scooter is the most convenient option.