NAPLES - GETTING AROUND
You will be surprised how easily you can get
around by foot. Interesting spots are almost on every corner and most distances
(especially in the historic center) are small and can be walked in a matter of
minutes.
While walking,
remember: For Neapolitan drivers, red lights are mere suggestions; cross busy
streets carefully, and stick with a crowd if possible. Always look both ways
when crossing a street, because a lot of driver`s scoff at the notion of a
one-way street. The zebra stripes (white lines) in the street meant to indicate
pedestrians have the right of way mean absolutely nothing here.
Naples` public transportation system is fairly
difficult to understand for the first time visitor, since different lines are
operated by different companies and sometimes interexchange is not allowed
between different providers. With the creation of the organization
UnicoCampania with the aim of managing an integrated fare system for the whole
region of Campania, has seen a real simplication of the tariffs. Within city
limits, integrated tickets are available for use on any kind of vehicle and
company. These tickets are available for about €1.60 for one hour of validity,
and €4.50 for a day. Besides, a Corsa Semplice ticket, valid for one ride in
only one transport company, is available at the fare of about €1.10.
The Metropolitana
(subway) has three lines: line 1 (managed by ANM) from Piazza Dante to the
Vomero and beyond; line 2 is actually a commuter rail service operated by
Trenitalia, crosses the city from west to east and have 10 stations within the
city limits; Line 6 (managed by ANM) is a light subway connecting Fuorigrota to
Mergellina with 4 stops with plans to expand this line to the port.
The funicular train
(www.metro.na.it) takes passengers up and down the steep hills of Naples.
Centrale connects the lower part of the city to Vomero. Daily departures are
from Piazzetta Duca d`Aosta just off Via Roma. The same tickets valid for buses
and the Metro are good for the funicular.
The bus (run by
Azienda Napoletana Mobilità S.p.A., or ANM) is not the most reliable way to get
around Naples. Still, if you`re planning on making stops along the Corso
Umberto (the city`s main commercial street), the bus is a good bet since it has
a dedicated bus lane. Tickets can be used on buses, the metro and the funicular.
There are several ferry and hydrofoil
services that connect Naples and local ports and islands. Ferry and hydrofoil
services leave from either Molo Beverello, Porta di Massa(approx. 0.6 miles by
foot from Beverello), Mergellina or Pozzuoli Cumana . Some then of them are
listed here:
-Metrò del Mare has
several lines that connect Naples and Sapri; Bacoli and Salerno and Sorrento;
Monte di Procida and Salerno; and, Amalfi and Sapri. Besides the main stops the
ferry service also connects many smaller communities. The Metro del Mare
webpage has schedules, timetables and location of ticket counters. It seems to
only operate in summer.
-L.N.G. has a
hydrofoil service that connects Naples with the island of Capri, along with
Sorrento, Positano and Amalfi.
-AliLauro has a
hydrofoil service that connects Naples with the islands of Ponza, Ventotene,
Procida, Ischia, Capri and Eolie, and the towns of Formia, Castellamare,
Sorrento, Positano, Amalfi and Salerno. Alilauro operates from both the Molo
Beverello and Mergelina.
-MedMar, Caremar
and SNAV operate hydrofoils and ferries. Reaching one of the islands in the
gulf by ferry can take up to 70 minutes (hydrofoils are much faster, but more
expensive).
For most of the
year, the sea is calm, and in any case when it happens to be rough the boats`
runs are stopped. Ferries also have open decks, which are particularly
attractive and scenic to use in spring and summer. The sunlight is bright here,
so cover up or use sunscreen to prevent sunburns.
Taxis and the Metro are the quickest ways to see Naples. Taxis are the most expensive way, though. Before getting into a taxi, make sure it is licensed. Licensed taxis will have a city crest on the door and a taxi number. Also, make sure it has a meter. By law, licensed taxis must display a list of set fares in a number of languages (Italian, English, French, German and Spanish). Check for such fares and agree to them before starting the journey.
By Car
It is not recommended to drive in the city
due to traffic congestion, ancient streets not ideal for cars, and parking
shortages in the city. We recommend you leave your car parked and use public
transportation to visit the city, you may consider parking your vehicle at your
hotel (at a few). Some additional parking options are near the center of Naples
with unlimited and safeguarded parking or the open air parking on the outskirts
of the city. Public metro and bus transport to the center is available.
Note: the city
centre is a ZTL zone with no access to visiting car drivers, only available for
residents with special permits. Centro Storico, Mezzocannone and Piazza del
Gesù are part of the ZTL zone (`Zona Traffico Limitato`).
On-street parking
in Naples applies in the central area (Via Foria ,Via Cyril, Via Carbonara and
Via Poerio plus nearby streets and on Piazza Mercato) on parking bays with blue
lines on Monday-Sunday from 8:00am-8:00pm; Monday-Saturday 1st hour is about
€2.00, after that €2.50/hour; Sunday (and Public Holidays) is about €1.00 for
every 2 hours.