Hello all,
I have be searchig the net for hours trying to figure out what is the best ferry to take. I need to take two ferries. Sunday POSITANO to CAPRI. Want early fery like 8am. Second ferry is CAPRI to NAPLES. Th eissue is when I go to the websites, i can see the ferry options but it doesnt say how long it takes to get there. I need a glossery of terms for aliscafo-nave veloce-traghetto. How long for each? Also if there is not a early ferry from Positano I can take taxi to sorrento and take one from there. Sorry for all the questions but I am so confused especially when I go to the indiv. ferry websites and they are all in italian! Help!
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
Ferry from Sorrento to Capri is about 30 - 40, minutes so Positano to Capri is probably about the same, if it is direct.
A hint about translating websites: Google search for a free Italian to English translation website. Bookmark this. Then when you need something translated, copy and paste it onto the translation website page and follow their directions for translating Italian to English. The translations are not always 100% but close enough to understand what they are saying.
Avoid taxis in this area, if possible, and arrange a car service (I think I have posted to you about this previously) For whatever reason, most point of service cab fares are outrageous here. The bus may be a better option to Sorrento if an early ferry is not available, but, I bet it is. According to www.amalficoastweb.com there is one at 8:45am but not sure how long it takes. Also try these sites: summerinitaly.com and slowtrav.com/italy
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
For the Capri - Naples run you will need to take the aliscafi boats because they go to Naples Beverello port which is the one you need. It will take about 40 mins. Aliscafi are hydrofoil boats, traghetti are traditionally powered boats. The Caremar company run big car ferries the nave veloce(fast).
Posted by
OP
beverly, MA, USA
66 posts
Thanks! So I hope I figured this out right.... please let me know:)
If I take this ferry (CAP-NAP)
09.35 Aliscafi/Jet N.L.G. - Linea Jet Molo Beverello € 17.00
I will arrive at MB harbor around 10:20 then have 30 min drive to airport (by car service). I will be at airport at 10:50 for 12:40 flight. Is this ok?
One more question, I understand that the Caramar has the nave veloce ferry. Is this one slower than the aliscafi one?
Stephanie
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Where is your flight to? My understanding is that you should be at the airport three hours before any transcontinental flight eg to USA, two hours for other flights. Naples is not a big airport and check-in lines can be long at times. Check with your airline.
Not wanting to be pessimistic but think that you should be prepared to get an earlier boat anyway to allow for delays, choppy seas etc. Traffic in Naples can be horrendous and there are excavations, for a new Metro line, around the port which may affect the roads.
IMO the old rule ie when time is of the essence, calculate how long it will take and then double it applies here. Would rather kill an hour drinking coffee at the airport than have to book and pay for another flight!
The Caremar nave veloce is not as fast as a passenger only hydrofoil.
Posted by
St. Louis, MO (formerly, Windermere, FL)
340 posts
I did not realize you will be trying to make it to a flight from Naples Airport when I posted earlier. Honestly, with such an early flight have you considered switching your itinerary around so you spend your night in Capri first and then stay in Positano, or even better for an early flight, Sorrento or somewhere near Pompeii? There is a bus from Sorrento that efficiently gets you to the airport from the Sorrento train station. There may also be one from Positano, but I'm not sure. Or you could take a private car from any of those towns. It seems like a lot of moving from one hotel to another, but if you really want to stay on Capri rather than just day trip to it, that might be less stressful.
The Naples airport is relatively small and easy to navigate once you are there, but traffic on the peninsula and in Naples is unpredictable so timing is uncertain. Sorry for the confusion and good luck :-)
Posted by
OP
beverly, MA, USA
66 posts
Thanks for worrying. My travel agent said we would have to be at airport (flight to france then to back to boston) 2 hrs before so if flight leaves at 12:40 be there at 10:40. I agree with not stressing about being late and hopefully not missing my flight! One thing to ease the stress is using a car service to get to airport. Instead of 30 min. as a local told me, I will add extra 30 min. and take earlier ferry. Thanks!!