You have just landed at Naples Capodichino airport, and Sorrento is your final destination. The two are only about 50 kilometres apart, but the journey involves navigating one of Italy's most chaotic cities and a famously winding stretch of coast. The good news: there are five distinct ways to make the trip, each with its own trade-offs in cost, speed, and comfort. This guide breaks them all down.
Option 1: The Circumvesuviana Train
The Circumvesuviana is the local commuter train that connects Naples to Sorrento, stopping at Pompeii, Herculaneum, and around 30 other stations along the way. It departs from Napoli Garibaldi station (directly below the main Napoli Centrale station) and arrives at Sorrento's terminus in the town centre.
Pros
- Cheapest option: a single ticket costs around 4.20 euros
- Frequent service: trains run roughly every 30 minutes
- Stops at Pompeii and Herculaneum — useful if you want to visit on the way
Cons
- Journey time: approximately 70 minutes, often longer with delays
- From the airport, you need to get to Garibaldi station first — either by Alibus (6 euros, 20 minutes) or taxi (around 15 to 20 euros)
- Crowded and uncomfortable in summer: the trains are often standing-room only, with no air conditioning on older carriages
- Petty theft is common — keep valuables close
- No luggage storage: large suitcases are awkward in the narrow carriages
Total journey time from airport: approximately 90 to 120 minutes
Total cost from airport: approximately 10 to 25 euros per person
Option 2: SITA Bus or Curreri Bus
Curreri Viaggi operates a direct coach service from Naples airport to Sorrento. The bus departs several times per day (check the seasonal timetable) and takes around 75 minutes in good traffic. SITA buses also connect Naples to the Amalfi Coast, but they are less practical for the airport-to-Sorrento route.
Pros
- Direct from the airport — no connections required
- Affordable: approximately 10 euros per person
- Luggage space in the underfloor hold
Cons
- Limited departures: only 5 to 6 per day
- Traffic-dependent: Naples traffic can add 30 to 60 minutes
- Drops off at Sorrento station, not at your accommodation
Total journey time from airport: 75 to 135 minutes
Total cost: approximately 10 euros per person
Option 3: Private Transfer
A private transfer is a pre-booked car or minivan with a professional driver who meets you at the airport arrivals hall with a name sign. The driver loads your luggage, and you are taken directly to your accommodation in Sorrento — door to door, no stops, no stress.
Pros
- Door-to-door service: from airport arrivals to your exact address
- Fixed price: no meters, no surprises
- Comfortable: air-conditioned vehicle, often a Mercedes or similar
- Ideal for families and groups: child seats available on request, and the per-person cost drops significantly with larger groups
- Available 24/7: drivers monitor your flight and adjust for delays
Cons
- More expensive than public transport: typically 90 to 130 euros for the car (not per person)
- Must be booked in advance
BlueKeys offers private transfers from Naples airport to Sorrento starting from 90 euros. The service includes meet-and-greet at the airport, flight monitoring, child seats on request, and the option to add a stop at Pompeii for a small supplement. For groups of 3 or more, a private transfer often works out cheaper per person than two Circumvesuviana tickets plus the Alibus — and it is incomparably more comfortable.
Total journey time from airport: 60 to 75 minutes
Total cost: from 90 euros for the car
Option 4: Taxi
Official white taxis are available outside the arrivals hall at Naples airport. Naples taxis are regulated, and there is a fixed fare for airport-to-Sorrento journeys (around 110 to 130 euros). However, not all drivers will agree to the fixed fare, and you may be quoted a metered rate instead, which can end up higher.
Pros
- No advance booking needed
- Available immediately
Cons
- Price negotiation required: insist on the tariffa predeterminata (fixed fare)
- Quality varies widely
- No child seats available
- Language barrier can be an issue
Total journey time from airport: 60 to 90 minutes
Total cost: 110 to 150 euros
Option 5: Ferry (Seasonal)
From April to October, high-speed ferries and hydrofoils connect Naples (Molo Beverello port) to Sorrento. The crossing takes approximately 35 minutes and offers beautiful views of Vesuvius and the coastline. However, getting from the airport to the port adds significant time and complexity.
Pros
- Scenic and enjoyable
- Fast crossing: 35 minutes on the water
Cons
- Getting to the port from the airport takes 30 to 60 minutes by taxi or Alibus + metro
- Seasonal only
- Luggage must be carried on and off
- Cancelled in rough seas
Total journey time from airport: 90 to 150 minutes
Total cost: approximately 25 to 40 euros per person (including port transfer)
Which Option Should You Choose?
Here is the honest breakdown:
- Budget solo travellers: Circumvesuviana train — uncomfortable but cheap
- Couples: Private transfer — split between two, it is worth the comfort
- Families with children: Private transfer — car seats, air conditioning, and no wrestling luggage onto trains
- Groups of 4+: Private transfer — per-person cost is often comparable to public transport
- Adventure seekers arriving in summer: Ferry — if you have time and the schedule works
Book Your Transfer
BlueKeys private transfers from Naples to Sorrento start from 90 euros. Heading to the Amalfi Coast instead? See our Naples to Amalfi Coast transfer. Meet-and-greet service, flight monitoring, and door-to-door comfort. Once in Sorrento, explore the coast by sea with a boat tour or a Capri boat trip. Contact us for a custom quote.
