Quick answer — Sorrento to Capri at a glance
- Hydrofoil ferry — 20 min, €22 each way, departs Marina Piccola from ~07:30
- Regular ferry — 25–30 min, €16–18 each way, open deck views
- Private boat tour — full day from €800/boat (≈€133/person for 6), island circuit included
- Blue Grotto — €18 extra, open ~60–70% of days Apr–Oct, arrive before 10:00
- Best months — May, June, September (warm + manageable crowds)
| Option | Duration | Cost (one way) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hydrofoil (NLG/SNAV) | 20 min | €22/person | Speed, comfort |
| Regular ferry | 25–30 min | €16–18/person | Budget, open deck |
| Private boat (gozzo) | Full day 7–8h | €800–1,100/boat | Groups of 4–8 |
| Group boat tour | Full day 7–8h | €80–130/person | Solo, couples |
| Blue Grotto entry | ~5 min inside | €18/person (cash) | Add-on, weather permitting |
Capri sits in the Bay of Naples just 5 kilometres off the Sorrentine Peninsula. From Sorrento, you can see the island across the water. A day trip to Capri is one of the essential experiences of any southern Italian holiday, and Sorrento is the easiest departure point. This guide covers transport, sights, costs, and a crowd-free itinerary.
How to Get to Capri from Sorrento
Public Ferry — Hydrofoil (Aliscafo)
The hydrofoil is the fastest crossing — 20 minutes from Sorrento's Marina Piccola to Capri's Marina Grande. NLG and SNAV operate the service; a one-way ticket costs approximately €22 in 2026 (return tickets are simply two singles at the same price). The enclosed, air-conditioned cabin seats around 200 passengers in airline-style rows. The ride is smooth in calm conditions but can feel bumpy in the open stretch between Punta del Capo and Capri. In peak season (June–September), departures run every 30 minutes from 07:25 to 19:30; in shoulder months expect every 45–60 minutes with the last return around 18:00. Schedules change annually, so always verify on Capri.net ferry schedules. If prone to seasickness, sit mid-vessel — the sealed cabin means no stepping outside for fresh air.
Public Ferry — Regular Ferry (Traghetto)
Caremar's regular ferry takes 25–30 minutes and costs €16–18 one way — saving a family of four €16–24 on the round trip. The real advantage is the open deck: stand at the rail with the Lattari mountains behind you, Vesuvius smoking faintly to the north, and Capri's white cliffs growing ahead. On a clear morning, this is one of the most photogenic 30 minutes of any Italian holiday. The ferry also has a small indoor cabin with bench seating if the weather turns. Departures are less frequent — typically 4–6 per day in summer, 2–3 in shoulder months — with the first around 07:30 and the last return from Capri around 18:30. Plan your day around the timetable carefully: miss the last boat and you face a €200+ water taxi or an unplanned overnight on Capri.
Private Boat Tour
A private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri turns the journey into the main event: swimming stops in secluded bays, a full circumnavigation past the Faraglioni and Natural Arch, a Blue Grotto visit (conditions permitting), plus 2–3 hours free on the island. BlueKeys private Capri boat tours start from €800 for up to 8 passengers including skipper, fuel, snorkelling gear, and refreshments. Your local skipper knows the hidden coves no ferry passenger sees — and at €133–183 per person for a group of six, it is surprisingly competitive. For the ultimate experience, consider a luxury yacht charter. You can also book a dedicated Capri boat tour that circles the entire island.
Guided Group Boat Tour
Group day trips from Sorrento cost €80–130 per person and carry 10–20 passengers on a larger vessel. Departures are usually between 09:00 and 10:00 from Marina Piccola. The itinerary typically includes a partial circumnavigation of Capri (passing the Faraglioni and the lighthouse at Punta Carena), one or two swimming stops, an optional Blue Grotto visit (€18 entry usually extra), and 2–3 hours free on the island. Some operators include a light lunch on board — bruschetta, pasta salad, and local wine — while others leave you to eat on Capri. Everything is organised for you — no timetables or tickets to manage — though you sacrifice flexibility and go where the group goes. For solo travellers and couples wanting a boat experience without the cost of a private charter, this is excellent value.
Ferry Timetable 2026 — Sorrento to Capri
Below is the indicative schedule for the 2026 summer season (June through September). Shoulder months (April, May, October) have fewer departures — typically the earliest and latest services are dropped. Always verify times on Capri.net or at the ticket offices in Marina Piccola, as schedules shift by a few minutes each year and can be cancelled in rough weather.
| Operator | Type | Departure (Sorrento) | Arrival (Capri) | Duration | Price (one way) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NLG | Hydrofoil | 07:25 | 07:45 | 20 min | €22 |
| Caremar | Regular ferry | 07:30 | 08:00 | 30 min | €16.50 |
| SNAV | Hydrofoil | 08:10 | 08:30 | 20 min | €22 |
| NLG | Hydrofoil | 09:00 | 09:20 | 20 min | €22 |
| Caremar | Regular ferry | 09:35 | 10:05 | 30 min | €16.50 |
| SNAV | Hydrofoil | 10:15 | 10:35 | 20 min | €22 |
| NLG | Hydrofoil | 11:00 | 11:20 | 20 min | €22 |
| Caremar | Regular ferry | 12:00 | 12:30 | 30 min | €16.50 |
| NLG | Hydrofoil | 13:30 | 13:50 | 20 min | €22 |
| SNAV | Hydrofoil | 14:30 | 14:50 | 20 min | €22 |
| Caremar | Regular ferry | 15:00 | 15:30 | 30 min | €16.50 |
| NLG | Hydrofoil | 16:00 | 16:20 | 20 min | €22 |
| SNAV | Hydrofoil | 17:30 | 17:50 | 20 min | €22 |
| NLG | Hydrofoil | 19:10 | 19:30 | 20 min | €22 |
Return services (Capri to Sorrento) mirror the outbound schedule with the last hydrofoil typically departing Capri at 19:50 and the last regular ferry at 18:30. Set an alarm on your phone — missing the last boat is an expensive mistake.
Step-by-Step Ferry Guide — Buying Tickets and Boarding
Step 1: Get to Marina Piccola. From Sorrento's Piazza Tasso, follow the signs to the port — a steep 10-minute walk down Via Luigi de Maio, or take the free municipal elevator near the church. Taxis to the port cost €8–10. Arrive at least 20 minutes before departure, or 30 minutes in July and August when queues are longest.
Step 2: Buy your ticket. Three options: (1) at the ticket booths along the harbourfront — each operator (NLG, SNAV, Caremar) sells only their own services, cash and cards accepted; (2) online via NLG/SNAV websites or Capri.net — online tickets show a QR code on your phone, no printing required; (3) through your hotel concierge, who may charge a small €1–2 markup but saves you the queue. Ask for "Capri, andata" (one way) or "Capri, andata e ritorno" (return).
Step 3: Find the right dock. Marina Piccola has two main piers. Hydrofoils (NLG and SNAV) depart from the left pier as you face the sea. Regular ferries (Caremar) depart from the right pier. Signs are small — when in doubt, ask a port worker or follow the crowd with the same coloured ticket.
Step 4: Board and find a seat. Boarding starts 10–15 minutes before departure. On the hydrofoil, seats are unassigned — board early for a starboard (right-side) window seat, which gives the best views as you approach Capri. On the ferry, head straight for the open upper deck — the front rail offers the best photo opportunities.
Step 5: Arrival at Marina Grande. The funicular station is directly ahead (€2.20 one way to Capri town, or buy a day pass for all buses and funicular at €6.90). Taxis and convertible taxis wait to the right, and the bus station for Anacapri is to the left. Boat tour touts will try to sell Blue Grotto tickets — politely decline if you already have plans.
What to See on Capri
The Blue Grotto (Grotta Azzurra)
Capri's most famous attraction is a sea cave where sunlight enters through an underwater opening, creating an electric blue glow. You transfer to small rowing boats that duck through a one-metre-high entrance; the experience lasts about 5 minutes inside and costs €18 cash. The grotto is closed when the sea is rough, which happens roughly 30–40% of days in season. On a private boat your skipper takes you directly there and waits are minimal — well worth €18. Arriving by ferry from Marina Grande adds a €15 return motorboat plus €2 booking supplement, pushing the true cost to €35+ per person with potentially 30–60-minute queues in peak summer. Verdict: absolutely visit from a private boat or in shoulder season with short queues; otherwise consider the free Green Grotto or White Grotto as alternatives.
Capri Town (Capri Centro)
The funicular whisks you from Marina Grande to Capri town in 5 minutes. The Piazzetta — officially Piazza Umberto I — is the island's famous social hub, ringed by cafes with eye-watering prices (espresso €7) but an unbeatable atmosphere. Walk to the Giardini di Augusto (€1 entry) for panoramic views of the Faraglioni and Via Krupp.
Anacapri
The quieter town at the top of the island, reached by bus or taxi from Capri town (15 minutes). Highlights:
- Villa San Michele: Axel Munthe's former home, now a museum with what many consider the finest view in Campania (€10)
- Monte Solaro chairlift: single-seat ride to the island's highest point at 589 metres for 360-degree Bay of Naples views (€12 return)
- Chiesa di San Michele: Baroque church with a remarkable majolica tile floor depicting the Garden of Eden
The Faraglioni
Three iconic sea stacks off Capri's southeast coast. Boat tours pass through the natural arch in the middle stack — a memorable experience. You can also view them from the Giardini di Augusto.
Capri Itinerary — Key Stops
07:25 — Depart Sorrento. First NLG hydrofoil (€22). Arrive before the Naples day-trippers.
07:45 — Arrive Marina Grande. Walk straight to the funicular and ride up to Capri town (€2.20 or day pass €6.90). At this hour, you will have the machine to yourself.
08:00 — Piazzetta and Giardini di Augusto. The Piazzetta is nearly empty at 8am — a completely different atmosphere from the noon crush. Walk 10 minutes to the Giardini di Augusto (€1 entry) for morning-light views of the Faraglioni and Via Krupp. Spend 30 minutes here.
08:45 — Natural Arch and Pizzolungo Trail. A 20-minute walk to the Arco Naturale, then the Pizzolungo cliff trail with Faraglioni views from below. Allow 60 minutes for the loop — free, shaded, beautiful.
10:00 — Bus to Anacapri. €2.20 (or day pass €6.90 covering all buses and funicular). Sit left for the best cliff-road views.
10:20 — Monte Solaro Chairlift. 12-minute ride over lemon groves to the 589m summit. 360-degree panorama. Small cafe at the top (espresso €2.50). Allow 30–45 minutes.
11:15 — Villa San Michele. €10 entry. Garden terrace with the finest bay view in Campania. Allow 30 minutes.
12:00 — Lunch in Anacapri. Prices are 20–30% lower than Capri town. Ravioli capresi €14, Falanghina €5. Full lunch with primo, water, coffee: €20–25 per person.
14:00 — Swimming at Marina Piccola (Capri). Free rocky beach with extraordinarily clear water. Sunbed hire €15–25. Bring water shoes.
16:00 — Depart Capri. 16:20 hydrofoil to Sorrento (€22). Back by 16:40.
Estimated total: Hydrofoil return €44 + day pass €6.90 + Giardini di Augusto €1 + Monte Solaro €12 + Villa San Michele €10 + lunch €22 + gelato €4 = approximately €100 per person.
Budget Options
Capri's shops and restaurants are priced for a wealthy clientele, but the cliffs, water, views, and walking paths are free. Here is how to do it at both ends of the spectrum.
Under €55 per person (ferry + walking)
- Take the Caremar regular ferry at 07:30 — €16.50 each way (€33 return), open deck, only 10 minutes slower than the hydrofoil
- Walk up from Marina Grande instead of paying €2.20 for the funicular — a shaded 15-minute path
- Giardini di Augusto (€1) for the Faraglioni view, then the free Pizzolungo trail to the Natural Arch — 90 minutes of coastal walking
- Walk to Anacapri via the Scala Fenicia — 921 ancient steps, 40 minutes, extraordinary views, completely free
- Skip Monte Solaro (€12) and Villa San Michele (€10) — walk to the free Migliera viewpoint instead (30 minutes, overlooking the Faraglioni and Punta Carena lighthouse)
- Pack a panino, fruit, and water from a Sorrento supermarket (€4–5) — eat at the Migliera viewpoint or Marina Piccola rocks
- Free swimming at Marina Piccola's rocky beach or from the rocks below Via Krupp
- Total: €39–45 per person. Add a gelato (€4) and an espresso away from the Piazzetta (€1.50) and you stay under €55.
Luxury day — €550 per person (couple) or ~€350 (group of 4)
- Depart 09:00 by BlueKeys private boat from €800 (gozzo, up to 8 pax) or luxury yacht from €1,500 — swimming stops, prosecco, and fruit on board
- Blue Grotto at 10:30 before the queues (€18 + €2 booking per person) — your skipper times the morning window
- Full circumnavigation of Capri (90 minutes) — White Grotto, Green Grotto, Punta Carena lighthouse, thread through the Faraglioni arch
- Lunch at Ristorante Da Giorgio on Via Roma — insalata caprese €16, scialatielli ai frutti di mare €24, delizia al limone €12, Falanghina €28. Approximately €110–130 for two
- Shopping on Via Camerelle — Prada, Ferragamo, custom-fit handmade Capri sandals in 20 minutes (€50–180)
- Monte Solaro chairlift from Anacapri (€12 return) for late-afternoon light over the bay
- Skipper collects you from Marina Grande for a leisurely return to Sorrento by 18:00
- Total for two: boat €800 + Blue Grotto €40 + funicular €4.40 + lunch €120 + chairlift €24 + sandals €120 = approximately €1,100 for two (€550/person). Group of 4 sharing the boat: ~€350 each.
Best Time to Visit Capri — Month by Month
Capri's season runs from April through October. Here is what to expect each month.
| Month | Avg. Temp | Sea Temp | Crowds | Blue Grotto Open | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April | 16–19°C | 16°C | Low | ~50% | Quiet, cool, some closures — good for walkers |
| May | 19–23°C | 18°C | Moderate | ~60% | Ideal — warm, green, uncrowded |
| June | 23–27°C | 22°C | Moderate–High | ~70% | Best overall month — warm seas, long days |
| July | 26–30°C | 25°C | High | ~75% | Hot and busy — go early, swim often |
| August | 27–31°C | 27°C | Very High | ~75% | Peak crowds, peak heat — avoid if possible |
| September | 23–27°C | 25°C | Moderate | ~65% | Excellent — warm sea, thinning crowds |
| October | 19–22°C | 22°C | Low | ~45% | Autumn light, quiet, some rain risk |
The sweet spot is late May through mid-June or the first three weeks of September. The sea is warm enough for swimming (22–25°C), the Blue Grotto has its best opening odds, and the island is busy but not overwhelmed. Aim for a Tuesday or Wednesday — weekends draw Italian day-trippers from Naples.
Capri with Children — Practical Tips
Leave the stroller in Sorrento. Capri's narrow lanes, steep staircases, and cobblestones make pushchairs impractical. Use a baby carrier or sling for under-3s.
Best activities for kids. The Monte Solaro chairlift (ages 5+, under-8s on an adult's lap, €12 return) and the funicular (€2.20) both thrill children. The Giardini di Augusto (€1) has wide paths and wall lizards that fascinate toddlers. For ages 8+, the Pizzolungo trail to the Natural Arch is a free adventure with caves and overhangs.
Swimming. Marina Piccola has a shallow pebble beach — the paid establishments (€15–25/person) provide sunbeds, umbrellas, changing rooms, and showers. Bring water shoes.
Eating. Skip the Piazzetta restaurants. In Anacapri, trattorias serve pasta in bianco for children (€6–8) even if it is not on the menu. Pizza €8–12. Gelato at Gelateria Buonocore — small cones €3.
Timing. First ferry, morning highlights, early lunch, afternoon swim, 15:00–16:00 ferry home. Skip the Blue Grotto with children under 6.
Family of four budget (2 adults + 2 children 4–12): Ferry return ~€99 + funicular day passes €27.60 + Giardini di Augusto €4 + chairlift €42 + lunch €60 + gelato €14 = approximately €250 for a full day.
What to Wear and Bring
- Comfortable walking shoes — Capri involves a lot of walking on stone paths and steps
- Swimsuit — there are bathing platforms and small beaches near Marina Piccola
- Sunscreen and hat
- Cash — the Blue Grotto entrance and some smaller shops only accept cash
- Light layers — it can be windy at the top of Monte Solaro
Plan Your Capri Day Trip
Book a private boat tour from Sorrento to Capri with BlueKeys — experienced local skippers, swimming stops in hidden coves, and full-day itineraries tailored to your group. Explore all Amalfi Coast boat tours, Capri boat tours, or browse our full private boats collection.
