How to get to Ischia: ferries, hydrofoils, flights and transport

How to get to Ischia

Ischia, the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, can only be reached by sea. This makes it a destination where the journey itself is already part of the experience: the ferry crossing the gulf with Vesuvius in the background is an unforgettable moment. Here is how to best organise your transfer.

By ferry and hydrofoil

Maritime connections to Ischia depart from three ports: Naples Molo Beverello (hydrofoils), Naples Porta di Massa (ferries), and Pozzuoli. The island has two main landings: the Port of Ischia and Casamicciola Terme.

From Naples Molo Beverello, hydrofoils by Alilauro and SNAV take about 50-60 minutes. From Porta di Massa, Medmar and Caremar ferries take about 1 hour 30 minutes but cost less and carry cars. From Pozzuoli, Medmar ferries reach Ischia in about 1 hour and are often the cheapest option.

Prices range from 13 to 22 euros for hydrofoils and 8 to 14 euros for ferries (foot passenger). Car transport by ferry costs 30 to 50 euros depending on the season. In summer, services run very frequently (every 30-60 minutes); in winter they are reduced.

Local tip

In high season (July-August), book the car ferry at least a week in advance, especially for weekends. Hydrofoils are faster but do not carry vehicles and are cancelled in rough seas.

By plane

Ischia has no airport. The nearest airport is Naples Capodichino (NAP), about 25 km from Naples port. From the airport, the Alibus reaches Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa in about 30-45 minutes (ticket 5 euros). A taxi from the airport to the port costs about 20-25 euros at a pre-set rate.

For those arriving from further away, Rome Fiumicino airport is also an option: from there, the high-speed train to Naples Centrale takes about 1 hour 10 minutes, then bus or metro to the port.

Local tip

If you land at Capodichino in the late afternoon, check the last hydrofoil schedule: in low season, the last run may be around 6:30-7:00 pm. In that case, it is better to spend the night in Naples and leave in the morning.

By car

To reach the embarkation ports by car, from the north take the A1 to Naples, exit at the Tangenziale towards Pozzuoli (for Pozzuoli port) or Corso Malta/Porto (for Molo Beverello and Porta di Massa). From the south, take the A3 Salerno-Naples and then the ring road.

Parking at the ports

In Naples, car parks near the piers are expensive (20-30 euros per day). Cheaper options include Parcheggio Brin (connected by shuttle to the port, about 12-15 euros per day) and the Metropark car park at Centrale Station. In Pozzuoli, parking is cheaper and easier to find.

On the island, bringing a car is not recommended in summer: roads are narrow, traffic is heavy, and in July-August there is a car landing ban for non-residents. In spring and autumn, a car is useful for exploring the island.

By bus

FlixBus and other operators connect major Italian cities to Naples Centrale Station or the bus terminal on Via Ferraris. From there, the Alibus or metro line 1 (Municipio stop) take you to the port in 15-20 minutes.

Local transport on Ischia

ETP manages the bus network connecting all six municipalities on the island. The main lines are CD (clockwise circle) and CS (counter-clockwise circle), which travel the entire coastal ring in about 70 minutes. A ticket costs 2 euros, a daily pass about 7 euros.

Microtaxis (small shared taxis) are typical of the island and convenient for short trips. Scooter rental is very popular (about 25-35 euros per day) and remains the best way to explore coves and viewpoints.