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How to Get to Ischia

How to Get to Ischia

Ischia Campania, Italy Travel Guide

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Naples International Airport (NAP) is the closest and most convenient airport for travelers heading to Ischia. It handles numerous domestic and international flights.

Information

  • NAP serves as the main gateway to the Bay of Naples islands.
  • Airlines include ITA Airways, Ryanair, easyJet, Lufthansa, British Airways.
  • Direct flights to Naples are mainly available from European hubs.

Airport Transfers to Naples Port

From Naples Airport (NAP) to Ischia, several transfer options lead to the ferry ports.

Transfer Options

  • Alibus: Express bus service from NAP to Piazza Garibaldi and Molo Beverello port (€5).
  • Taxi: Available outside terminal, around €20-€30 to Molo Beverello/Porta di Massa.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-book for convenience, direct to port (can include ferry tickets).

Seasonal Flight Pricing

Shoulder seasons offer a good balance of flight availability and reasonable prices.

High Season Costs

Booking well in advance is highly recommended.

Low Season Service

Flight frequency decreases, and prices are generally lower. However, some routes may have limited service.

Airport Facilities & Services

Available at NAP

  • Various restaurants and cafes.
  • Duty-free and retail shops.
  • Car rental agencies.
  • Currency exchange services and ATMs.

Ferry/Hydrofoil from Naples

  • Molo Beverello: Mainly hydrofoils (faster, passenger-only).
  • Porta di Massa: Handles ferries (slower, carry vehicles outside peak season).
  • Alilauro, SNAV, Caremar are common operators.
  • No direct flights from North America or Asia to Naples. Connections happen through major European cities.

Land Transportation to Naples

Train Connections

Naples Central Station connects to cities across Italy via high-speed trains (Trenitalia, Italo). From there, take Alibus or a taxi to the port.

Long-Distance Buses

Long-distance bus services connect Naples to various Italian cities. The main bus terminal in Naples is near Piazza Garibaldi.

Self-Driving & Restrictions

Driving to Naples is possible, but taking a rental car onto Ischia via ferry is generally not allowed during peak season (mid-April to October) due to traffic regulations.

Sea Arrivals

Mainland Departure Ports to Ischia

Several mainland ports connect to Ischia via ferry or hydrofoil.

Departure Points

  • Naples (Molo Beverello): Popular for hydrofoils (Alilauro, SNAV, Caremar).
  • Naples (Porta di Massa): Main port for ferries (Caremar).
  • Pozzuoli: Offers another mainland port with ferry connections (Caremar, Medmar), potentially cheaper.

Ischia Arrival Ports

Ischia has multiple ports to choose from, depending on your final destination on the island.

Ischia Ports

  • Ischia Porto: Main arrival point for most ferries and hydrofoils. Bustling hub.
  • Casamicciola Terme: Some ferries and hydrofoils serve this port, north of Ischia Porto.
  • Forio: Certain hydrofoils offer direct service, convenient if staying on the western side.

Immigration Procedures at Seaports

No specific immigration procedures occur upon arrival in Ischia from mainland Italy. You will have already completed immigration clearance at your first port of entry into the Schengen Area (e.g., Naples Airport).

Arrival Details

  • Immigration cleared at first Schengen entry.
  • Ischia arrivals are domestic connections.
  • River transportation options are not applicable to Ischia.

Connections to Land Transportation

Upon arrival at Ischia Porto, Casamicciola, or Forio ports, local transport is readily available.

Next Steps from Port

  • Local buses are available just outside ferry terminals.
  • Taxi stands are clearly marked for transport to your accommodation.
  • These options offer transport anywhere on the island.

Departure Information

  • No specific exit fees or taxes are levied for departing from Ischia or Italy.
  • Flight taxes are typically included in your airline ticket price.
  • For international flights from Naples Airport, arrive 2-3 hours before departure.
  • For ferry/hydrofoil, arrive at Ischia port 15-30 minutes before departure.
  • Purchase your ferry or hydrofoil tickets in advance, especially during peak season.
  • Allow buffer time for transport delays, especially during busy periods.

Arrival and Departure Tips

Airport Facilities for Departing Travelers

Naples International Airport offers standard facilities for departing travelers.

Services Include

  • Check-in counters.
  • Security checkpoints.
  • Duty-free shops.

Ischia Port Facilities

Ischia's ports possess basic waiting areas for travelers.

Services Include

  • Ticket offices.
  • Small cafes or newsstands for last-minute purchases.
  • Comfortable waiting areas.

Enjoy the Journey

The journey to Ischia is part of the experience, offering scenic views of the Bay of Naples and the coastline.

Island Transition

The transition from mainland bustle to island tranquility sets the tone for your visit to Ischia.

Seamless Travel

Ischia's popularity means that transport links, while frequent, experience high demand. Planning is beneficial.

Driving & Parking

Driving Considerations in Naples

Roads in Naples, especially in the city center, can be congested and chaotic. Drivers exercise caution. Border crossing information is not applicable for travel to Ischia from mainland Italy.

Tips for Driving

  • Exercise caution on busy Naples roads.
  • Parking near Naples port can be difficult and expensive.
  • Consider parking at a secure facility outside the city center.

Italian Train Services

Naples Central Station is a major railway hub connecting Naples to cities across Italy via high-speed trains.

Train & Bus Info

  • Trenitalia's Frecciarossa and Italo services offer rapid connections.
  • Long-distance bus services connect Naples to various Italian cities.
  • Main bus terminal in Naples is typically near Piazza Garibaldi.

Rental Car Restrictions on Ischia

Peak Season Prohibition

Generally, you cannot take a rental car onto Ischia via ferry during peak season (mid-April to October).

Purpose of Regulation

This regulation seeks to reduce traffic congestion on the island.

Alternative Action

Consider renting a car on the mainland (Naples) and parking it there, then travel to Ischia by passenger ferry.

Ischia's Island Accessibility

The journey to Ischia from mainland Naples often involves a scenic ferry or hydrofoil ride, a transition setting the tone for your island escape.