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Understanding Napoli Centrale, the main train station in Naples is key to ensuring your trip to Naples or Campania goes smoothly. The chances are high you’ll be coming through the station or Piazza Garibaldi at least once or twice during your time in Naples so let us share with you everything you need to know.
Navigate Napoli Centrale train station like a local with our complete guide
How to Navigate Napoli Centrale Station
Napoli Centrale is Naples’ primary train station. This is where most of the transport connections for Naples and Campania converge, making the station a focal point for any trip to the city and region.
Between the underground station, main central station, Piazza Garibaldi and the large taxi rank, there is a lot to Napoli Centrale. Visitors often get confused here and we have helped out many people with how to navigate the station efficiently.
To help you avoiding missing connections or going round in circles, on this page I’ll share with you:
- A quick introduction to Napoli Centrale train station
- Train connections at Napoli Centrale
- Travelling between Napoli Centrale and Naples Airport
- Taxis at Napoli Centrale train station
- Metro and bus links at Napoli Centrale
- Amenities and services in Napoli Centrale
- Eating and drinking at Napoli Centrale, and nearby
- Where to stay near Napoli Centrale
A Quick Introduction to Napoli Centrale Train Station
Here is a brief overview of the key facts and information about Napoli Centrale train station:
- The station is located in Piazza Garibaldi in the center of the city of Naples Italy, around 4 km/2.5 miles from Naples Capodichino Airport and approximately 3 km/1.9 miles from Naples’ port.
- This train station is Campania’s principle hub for inter-regional high speed trains (for major Italian cities like Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan), regional/local – known commonly as ‘intercity’ trains – train lines (for Sorrento, Pompeii and Salerno) and Naples’ metro (underground/subway) system.
- Napoli Centrale is also a major public transport hub with Naples’ buses and trams, as well as being home to the city center’s largest taxi rank
Naples train station and the Galleria Garibaldi are useful locations for visitors as they offer a range of services and amenities
- Napoli Centrale has a long history, dating back to the 19th century and has undergone several renovations and expansions over the years.
- Today, Naples train station is one of the busiest and most modern train stations in Italy. It’s on a par with Roma Termini, Florence Santa Maria Novella, Milano Centrale and Venice Santa Maria Lucia in terms of connections, services, amenities and accessibility.
The majority of the train platforms at Napoli Centrale are located on the ground/street level, with some important distinctions; the platforms for the local trains for the Campi Flegrei lines are located on the lower level, and the platforms for the Circumvesuviana/Campania Express trains are located downstairs opposite the ticket desks in the lower level.
To access the main metro (line 1) you’ll need to make your way to the Galleria Garibaldi opposite Napoli Centrale in Piazza Garibaldi.
Organize your transport easily and stress-free for any trip to Naples and Campania:
Everything you need to know about getting around Naples can be found here
Train Connections At Napoli Centrale
As the busiest railway station in southern Italy, Naples Central is a hub for connections within the Campania region and beyond. Here is an overview of the main trains operating out of Napoli Centrale that you are most likely to use:
Naples <> Sorrento (including stops for Pompeii and Herculaneum)
Served by the Circumvesuviana and Campania Express lines, this train is both a commuter line for locals, and a tourist route for visitors.
The distinction between the two – the Circumvesuviana and Campania Express – is that the Circumvesuviana train stops at more local stations compared to the Campania Express, which only stops at select locations.
The trains for Sorrento go from the platforms under Napoli Centrale, known officially as the Napoli Garibaldi station
It is these lines that visitors should use to get to Pompeii, Herculaneum (and Mount Vesuvius by extension) or Sorrento. All trains on this line end at Sorrento, but the timings and stops between Naples and Sorrento vary.
It is important to check the timetables in advance of your trip, or at the very least, confirm the stops at Napoli Centrale for your travel day at the ticket desks.
Personally I prefer the Campania Express line to get to Sorrento as it arrives faster, and offers a more comfortable journey.
Tickets are a little more expensive compared to the regular Circumvesuviana line, but the increased comfort and efficiency makes it worth it.
Click to view the essential things you should always have when traveling:
Naples <> Salerno
The city of Salerno is just 45 minutes away from Naples, with regular trains departing from Napoli Centrale. Using the train is not only the easiest way to reach Campania’s second city, it is also a convenient option for getting to the Amalfi Coast.
From Salerno train station you can walk to the historic center of the city in around 20 minutes, change trains to get to Vietri sul Mare or take the local bus that follow’s the famous road along the Amalfi Coast to the town of Amalfi.
Salerno is a major train station, offering connections via high-speed and regional trains to locations in Campania and beyond
This line also has stops on the outskirts of Ercolano (near the site of Herculaneum) and in the modern town of Pompeii, not far from the Amphitheatre entrance. In situations where the Circumvesuviana trains aren’t running or there is a delay, the regular intercity line to Salerno is a good alternative for reaching these major sites.
You can connect to buses, taxis and ferries for the Amalfi Coast in either Salerno or Sorrento after taking a train, but there is no train line that goes along this part of the coast at all.
The only Amalfi town that has a train line is Vietri sul Mare, which is not directly connected to Sorrento or the Circumvesuviana line at all.
Naples <> Rome
With travel time between Rome and Naples being only 1 hour 15 minutes using the high speed Italo or Frecciarossa trains, there’s no reason not to do a day trip to the Eternal City.
There are several high-speed trains daily running between Napoli Centrale and Roma Termini, as well as multiple slower ‘intercity’ trains. On average, the slower line takes around 3 hours to arrive in Rome, but is cheaper and offers a more more scenic journey if you aren’t in a hurry.
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Naples <> Florence
Getting to Florence from Naples is extremely easy using Italy’s high speed trains; the journey time via Italo or Frecciarossa averages around 3 hours.
As such, a day trip to Firenze from Naples is viable, providing you are willing to get up early and arrive back late. For a detailed itinerary about visiting Florence from Naples, click here.
Generally the trains that go to Florence are the same that go to Rome – the stop in Rome is brief to allow passengers to get on/off, before departing again.
The cost of your train tickets will depend on the train type you opt for (high-speed versus intercity), the operator, the class you choose (regular, Prima or Business), the time of day you are travelling and whether you want added luxuries such as reserved seats or lounge access.
We’d recommend using Trainline (as we do for all train travel) to review all of your options and to book in advance:
Other Naples Train Connections
Travelling Between Napoli Centrale and Naples Airport
Getting to and from Napoli Centrale and Naples International airport couldn’t be easier – there are two main options:
1. Alibus
This bus runs frequently throughout the day. Departures leave around every 15-20 minutes from early in the morning through to late at night. The bus picks up and drops off right at the airport terminal and Napoli Centrale/Piazza Garibaldi. Tickets can be bought online in advance for a particular date, (but are not time-specific) or you can purchase on board the bus from the driver.
This bus service also drops off and picks up at Naples port, making getting between the airport, train station and ferry/cruise terminals extremely easy.
The Alibus stops and picks up right outside Napoli Centrale in Piazza Garibaldi
2. Taxi
I talk more about taxis at Napoli Centrale in detail below, but the headline is that you’ll find large ranks with plenty of cars at both the airport and train station.
Fares are fixed and clearly stated in the cars (with an option sometimes to pay by the meter). On occasion you may find yourself sharing with other travellers – this is the city government’s attempt to reduce traffic in Naples center, and not a scam run by Naples’ taxi drivers. If you are sharing a journey with other passengers, your fare will be reduced/split accordingly.
Use the official taxi ranks where you will find only fully licensed drivers ready to take you to your next destination
In either of these cases you should allow around 20-30 minutes to get to/from the airport/train station, and a further 20 minutes if you are looking to connect to Naples port.
Taxis at Napoli Centrale
Outside Napoli Centrale on the street level you’ll find Naples’ biggest taxi rank, with a constant flow of cars available all day.
From the train station drivers will be able take you to your accommodation, to the port for ferry connections to the Neapolitan Islands (Capri, Ischia, Procida), Naples International Airport, or even on to destinations further away such as Sorrento and the Amalfi Coast.
If you need a cab from Napoli Centrale, just head straight outside on the street level where you’ll find the taxi rank
Some key destinations have fixed fares but most drivers will give you the option of paying by the meter. This is not a hustle; Naples traffic is unpredictable, and as such it can work out cheaper to use the meter instead of a fixed fare. However, it can work the other way, so it is a gamble, and is entirely up to you – do whatever you feel most comfortable with.
There is a flow to the taxi line, with the drivers managing things well and it moves fast. Have your location address up on your phone if possible so the driver knows exactly where you want to go. Taxi drivers’ English levels can vary significantly so do not rely on being able to talk to them fluently.
If you are approached while in line and offered a car, ignore these offers as unfortunately they are probably not being offered by licensed taxi drivers. All official taxis are white, will have the taxi sign on top of the car, set prices on the car doors and clearly displayed license numbers so it will be obvious if you are being offered a ride in an unofficial taxi.
Metro and Bus Connections at Napoli Centrale
Napoli Centrale is the main hub for public transport connections in Naples, which extends the city transit network beyond the regular trains. Here you will find options for:
The Metro
Naples underground/subway network, while small compared to cities like London or New York, is efficient and convenient. The main metro lines 1 and 2 connect at Napoli Centrale, but line 1 is the one you are most likely to use as it gets closest to some of the major sights. To access the lines, follow the signs from the main entrance area of the train station on the ground level.
Naples’ metro system is a convenient way to get around the city center area
You will go downstairs as if heading for the Circumvesuviana platforms, but follow the signs for ‘Linea 1’ and you will turn right, go down an escalator and come out in Napoli Piazza Garibaldi. This is a small shopping area with some cafes, but walk down a few minutes and you will come to the ticket office, machines and entrance barriers for the Metro.
Buses
Napoli Centrale and Piazza Garibaldi is a nexus for bus connections in Naples, with several services starting, passing through, and terminating here.
Piazza Garibaldi is the official bus stop for the Alibus airport and port connection service, as well as a frequently used pick-up/drop-off location for long distance coaches and bus tours.
Check your bus route or tour instructions for the specific location of any pick up point.
For areas not covered by the metro you can use Naples’ bus network
Trams
Naples has a small number of tram lines which supplement the transport coverage offered by the metro and bus network, many of which connect via Napoli Centrale.
When using Naples’ buses and/or trams I’d recommend referring to Google Maps for up to date information when planning your journey. While not always 100% accurate, it will point you in the right direction in my experience.
Navigating public transport in any unfamiliar city can be daunting and confusing; use our full guide to transport in Naples to understand everything you need to know about the city’s buses, trams, trains, funiculars and more:
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Amenities and Services in Napoli Centrale
Napoli Centrale offers a wide range of amenities and services, including shops, passenger lounges, luggage storage, bathrooms, and free WiFi throughout the station. Here is an up-to-date overview of everything available:
Ground level
On this level (accessed from the street and piazza outside) you’ll find most of the amenities and services at Napoli Centrale station:
- Train ticket desks and machines – in the main entrance area you’ll find numerous ticket offices for the major Italian train operators (Italo, Frecciarossa) as well as places to buy tickets for the local lines. You’ll also find multiple personnel in the entrance area to help with questions and ticket inquiries
Need a train ticket on the day of your trip? Look for machines like these throughout the station
- Shopping – throughout this level you will find numerous shops offering essentials, souvenirs (perfect for any last minute gifts), food and drink, and fashion – you’ll even find an official store for SSC Napoli, Naples’ famous football team
- Currency exchange and ATM – right inside the main entrance, slightly to the right you will find a currency exchange and a free-to-use ATM for cash withdrawals.
- Luggage storage – with the large overhead arrival/departure signs in front of you in the main entrance area, walk for a couple of minutes to the left until you arrive at the blue and yellow branded ‘Kipoint – KiBag’. Here you can store bags safely and conveniently at a reasonable rate
Kibag is also a good place to pick-up a new suitcase if you (like us!) tend to buy a lot when travelling
To the right of the departure/arrival boards in the main entrance area you’ll find the lounges for Italo and Frecciarossa customers. These are not automatically included with regular ticket bookings, you will need to book these separately in order to access the private waiting areas and catering options.
Lower level
This level, accessed either by descending the stairs in Piazza Garibaldi, using the escalators in Galleria Garibaldi, or by using the stairs or elevators in the main entrance area of Napoli Centrale features more services and amenities beyond those above:
- Hire car offices – Turning right at the base of the large stairs in the main entrance area you’ll find a number of offices for rental cars. Depending on your provider you will then be directed to your vehicle pick-up point near the station.
- Bathrooms – continuing past the hire car offices, you’ll find Napoli Centrale’s bathrooms. Note that there is a cost to use these – currently 1 euro 20 cents – which can be paid by card (via a contactless tap at the entrance turnstiles) or cash. I would recommend using cash to access the bathrooms quickly as the card machines can take some time to register your payment.
- Shopping – There are several outlets on this level also, offering everything from fashion to food and drink.
- Ticket desks and ticket purchase machines – there are a small number of ticket machines on this level, dotted along the main gallery. At the end of the gallery (opposite end from the bathrooms) you will find the ticket desks for train tickets to Pompeii, Herculaneum and Sorrento via the Circumvesuviana/Campania Express lines.
An important note about accessibility at Napoli Centrale:
Napoli Centrale is accessibility friendly throughout almost all of the station, with elevators and ramps allowing movement between the different levels for those with mobility challenges.
The one exception to this is getting to the Circumvesuviana/Campania Express platforms which currently can only be accessed via stairs. Anyone with mobility challenges should consider going to the Porta Nolana train station to access the Circumvesuviana trains, where there are escalators and lifts/elevators.
Eating and Drinking at Napoli Centrale Station, and Nearby
Napoli Centrale is full of places to eat and drink. You’ll find big brands offering fast food as well as smaller bars/cafes with Italian staples.
Most options are focused around the food court area. This is accessed via the ground level, left of the main departure/arrival boards, and spread across two floors.
Note that there are no real restaurants in Napoli Centrale train station offering a more refined dining experience, the focus here is quick and convenient eating and drinking.
If you are looking for a more relaxed lunch/dinner while you wait for your train, or something genuinely Neapolitan to kick-off/sign-off your visit here, consider going to Franco Gallifuoco Pizzeria, located just a few minutes away outside the station.
Here you can enjoy some authentic Neapolitan pizza just a stone’s throw from Naples train station.
If you’re not wanting to fill up too much before a journey, or just want a taste of Naples, don’t be afraid to ask to share a pizza – the restaurant won’t mind
Where to Stay Near Napoli Centrale
While there are plenty of options when it comes to hotels and self-catering rentals near Napoli Centrale, we do not recommend staying in this area of Naples.
Like most major cities, during the evening, the area around the train station changes and you will not find many places to have a nice aperitivo or dinner.
With areas like Piazza Dante only 15 minutes away via Metro line 1, consider staying there if you are looking for convenience, with access to more places to eat and explore.
The only exception to this would be if you are transiting through Naples, arriving late or departing early, and need to be as close to the train station as possible. If this is the case, take a look at your accommodation options here:
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To sum up…
Understanding how to navigate Napoli Centrale train station is absolutely crucial for any trip to Naples – it’s almost impossible to avoid it at some point during your time here!
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