We are a little concerned about taking a taxi in Naples to the Airport. We will be staying at the Europa Grand Hotel & Restaurant (recommended by Rick Steves) and need to catch a very early taxi (4am) to the airport. Question: It concerns me taking a taxi that early. How can we be sure the taxi is indeed a licensed taxi and driver? Are there any suggestions anyone would recommend?
Thank you.
Ask the hotel to call a taxi for you.
Why do you need to go that early?
The trip from downtown Naples to the airport by taxi is 10-15 minutes, at the most. The airport is just 3 miles from the city center (or less).
Take offs at NAP are not allowed before 7am (for noise abatement reasons, due to the vicinity to the city), therefore the earliest flights will push out of the gate at 6:55am.
If you are at the airport by 5:30, you will be more than early. I don't even think the checkin counters open before 5:30am.
EDIT: Just checked the website of the NAP airport. The check in hall opens at 5:30am and closes at 10pm. If you go earlier than 5:30a you might have to wait outside until they open the doors and you will be at the mercy of the bad Neapolitan airport night scammers!! Wooohooo! (that was meant to scare you and make you sleep an hour longer)
How can we be sure the taxi is indeed a licensed taxi and driver?
Isn't this piece of paper (noting the license #) posted inside taxis pretty much everywhere? Why does Naples pose such a fear? It's just like taking a taxi anywhere else (you can confirm prices with the hotel or airport website). Roberto is right - 4am seems a bit too early to check into the airport. Is your flight at 6am?
What time is your flight? I'd also suggest asking your hotel the day prior to travel to prearrange a Taxi to the airport at the appropriate time. They will know the most reliable local cab firms and may have arrangements with a particular firm for that type of service, with a flat rate.
I have made this trip dozens of times. The night before departure, I ask the hotel receptionist to reserve a taxi for me for the next morning. It has never not shown up nor has it been late. If the hotel calls the taxi, you should feel secure that it's licensed.
Ask the hotel to arrange for a taxi to be there at hotel at 05:10-05:15. The taxi ride is 10 min at that time in the morn. The airport check in opens at 05:30 and the first flight leaves at 06:55 (actual take off are not permitted before 07:00). The taxi flat rate is 19€, if it hasn't changed recently. Actually I think your hotel is next to the station, even closer to the airport. I think the flat rate from there is a couple of euro less than the piazza Plebiscito area
I'm so glad to have come across this post as I am in the exact same situation and was planning on leaving at 4am for a 7:00 flight. Thank you for the very helpful info!
My apologies I don't mean to hijack this post but have a question re; safety of catching a cab from Stelle Hotel early in the morning. Would you say I have anything to be concerned of as long as I get the hotel to call a cab? Do you think Stelle is a decent/safe choice? We're only there for one night to catch a flight back home; the more I read the more concerned I get re; staying in that area. Would love to hear your feedback. Thanks so much for your insight!
I don't know the Stelle Hotel but it's next to the central station, so you could even cross the street and go to the taxi stand in front of the station. Or you can ask the hotel to call you one. The official licensed taxis in Naples are white, they have the taxi sign on top, and bear the shield of the City of Naples on the side. The area near the station is not my favorite but it's fine. I think the flat taxi fare from there to the airport is about 15-20 €. The trip at that early time in the morning is about 10 min (the airport is practically downtown). For a 7am flight, if you leave the hotel by 5:30 you will be fine.
Thanks so much! Really appreciate your feedback :)
I stay in the area near the station frequently, it is filled with hawkers of all kinds of goods during the day and evening, but they won't be out at that hour.
