Best Day Trips from Naples: Islands, Ruins, and Coastal Drives
Naples sits at the center of one of Italy's richest travel regions. Within two hours you can stand inside a Roman city frozen in time, swim off a glamorous island, or walk past 2,500-year-old Greek temples. These are the best day trips from Naples, organized by type.
Few cities in Europe are as well-positioned for day trips as Naples. Pompeii is 30 minutes away by train. Capri takes under an hour by fast ferry. The Amalfi Coast unfolds just beyond Sorrento. Whether you have one extra day or several, the region rewards exploration in every direction. For help planning how long to spend in the city itself, see our guide on how many days to spend in Naples. And if you prefer to stay closer to the city, our things to do in Naples guide covers the city's best attractions in depth.
Ancient Ruins & Archaeological Sites
Campania is home to some of the most important ancient sites in the world. Pompeii and Herculaneum are both reachable on the Circumvesuviana commuter train from Naples Centrale, and Paestum requires only a regional train south. Before you visit, the Naples to Pompeii guide covers transport options, ticket booking, and what to prioritize inside the site. You can also compare the two buried cities in our Pompeii vs Herculaneum guide.
1. Walk the Streets of Pompeii, Frozen Since 79 AD
Rome's most famous rival in antiquity, Pompeii is 30 minutes from Naples Centrale on the Circumvesuviana. Allocate at least 3 hours. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially May to October when queues are long.
Explore1. Walk the Streets of Pompeii, Frozen Since 79 AD
Rome's most famous rival in antiquity, Pompeii is 30 minutes from Naples Centrale on the Circumvesuviana. Allocate at least 3 hours. Book skip-the-line tickets in advance, especially May to October when queues are long.
Explore
2. See Better-Preserved Roman Life at Herculaneum
Smaller and less crowded than Pompeii, Herculaneum has intact wooden furniture, original frescoes, and two-story buildings. It's a 20-minute train ride from Naples. Two hours is enough to see most of the site.
Explore2. See Better-Preserved Roman Life at Herculaneum
Smaller and less crowded than Pompeii, Herculaneum has intact wooden furniture, original frescoes, and two-story buildings. It's a 20-minute train ride from Naples. Two hours is enough to see most of the site.
Explore
3. Hike to the Crater Rim of Mount Vesuvius
Europe's only active mainland volcano offers a steep but short 30-minute hike to its rim. Take the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi, then a bus or taxi to the crater. Combine easily with a morning at Herculaneum.
Explore3. Hike to the Crater Rim of Mount Vesuvius
Europe's only active mainland volcano offers a steep but short 30-minute hike to its rim. Take the Circumvesuviana to Ercolano Scavi, then a bus or taxi to the crater. Combine easily with a morning at Herculaneum.
Explore
4. Stand Before Ancient Greek Temples at Paestum
Three Greek temples dating to the 6th and 5th centuries BC stand in extraordinary condition south of Naples. Take a direct regional train (about 90 minutes). The on-site museum holds exceptional Greek and Lucanian artifacts.
Explore4. Stand Before Ancient Greek Temples at Paestum
Three Greek temples dating to the 6th and 5th centuries BC stand in extraordinary condition south of Naples. Take a direct regional train (about 90 minutes). The on-site museum holds exceptional Greek and Lucanian artifacts.
ExploreIslands in the Bay of Naples
The three islands of the Bay of Naples, Capri, Ischia, and Procida, each have a distinct character. Capri is the most famous and most visited. Ischia suits those who want thermal spas and a full beach day. Procida is the quietest and most local. Fast ferries depart from the Molo Beverello terminal near the Naples waterfront. In summer, book ferry tickets in advance, particularly for Capri.
5. Take the Ferry to Capri for the Faraglioni and Blue Grotto
Fast ferries reach Capri in about 50 minutes. The Blue Grotto is famous but access depends on sea conditions and queues can be long. The real highlight is the walk to Villa Jovis and the views from the Faraglioni rocks.
Explore5. Take the Ferry to Capri for the Faraglioni and Blue Grotto
Fast ferries reach Capri in about 50 minutes. The Blue Grotto is famous but access depends on sea conditions and queues can be long. The real highlight is the walk to Villa Jovis and the views from the Faraglioni rocks.
Explore
6. Spend a Day on Ischia for Thermal Spas and Beaches
Ischia is the largest Bay of Naples island and the most relaxed. Thermal hot spring parks, sandy beaches, and the medieval Aragonese Castle fill a full day easily. Ferries take 60-90 minutes from Naples depending on service type.
Explore6. Spend a Day on Ischia for Thermal Spas and Beaches
Ischia is the largest Bay of Naples island and the most relaxed. Thermal hot spring parks, sandy beaches, and the medieval Aragonese Castle fill a full day easily. Ferries take 60-90 minutes from Naples depending on service type.
Explore
7. Discover Pastel-Colored Procida Before the Crowds Arrive
Italy's 2022 Capital of Culture is the least touristy of the three islands. Pastel fishing houses, car-free lanes, and uncrowded beaches reward an early start. Ferries take about 35 minutes from Molo Beverello.
Explore7. Discover Pastel-Colored Procida Before the Crowds Arrive
Italy's 2022 Capital of Culture is the least touristy of the three islands. Pastel fishing houses, car-free lanes, and uncrowded beaches reward an early start. Ferries take about 35 minutes from Molo Beverello.
ExploreThe Amalfi Coast and Sorrento Peninsula
The Amalfi Coast is one of Italy's most spectacular stretches of coastline and is very doable as a day trip from Naples, though the journey requires some planning. The full transport breakdown, including the ferry from Naples to Sorrento and the SITA bus along the coast road, is covered in our Naples to Amalfi Coast guide. Sorrento makes a good anchor point if you want to explore multiple coastal towns in one day.
8. Base Yourself in Sorrento for Amalfi Coast Access
Sorrento is 70 minutes by Circumvesuviana train from Naples Centrale and sits at the top of the Amalfi Coast road. Use it as a hub for Positano and Amalfi, or spend the day in town for clifftop views, lemon groves, and good seafood.
Explore8. Base Yourself in Sorrento for Amalfi Coast Access
Sorrento is 70 minutes by Circumvesuviana train from Naples Centrale and sits at the top of the Amalfi Coast road. Use it as a hub for Positano and Amalfi, or spend the day in town for clifftop views, lemon groves, and good seafood.
Explore
9. Drive or Ferry Along the Full Amalfi Coast Road
The UNESCO coastal road between Sorrento and Salerno passes Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The SITA bus handles the hairpin bends if you don't want to hire a car. Allow a full day and start early to avoid afternoon traffic.
Explore9. Drive or Ferry Along the Full Amalfi Coast Road
The UNESCO coastal road between Sorrento and Salerno passes Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello. The SITA bus handles the hairpin bends if you don't want to hire a car. Allow a full day and start early to avoid afternoon traffic.
Explore💡 Local tip
For the Amalfi Coast, the ferry from Naples to Positano or Amalfi (summer only) is faster and more scenic than the road. Book tickets at Molo Beverello early in the morning.
Royal Palaces and Historic Towns
The Bourbon Kingdom of the Two Sicilies left an outsized architectural legacy across Campania. The most spectacular example outside Naples itself is the Reggia di Caserta, but there are other historic destinations worth the journey. For the best timing and what to see, check our guide to the best time to visit Naples before planning a summer trip to outdoor sites.
10. Tour the Versailles of Italy at Reggia di Caserta
A Bourbon royal palace 30 minutes north of Naples by direct train, Caserta has 1,200 rooms, grand staircases, royal apartments, and vast English and Italian gardens with fountains stretching nearly 3 km. Allow half a day minimum.
Explore10. Tour the Versailles of Italy at Reggia di Caserta
A Bourbon royal palace 30 minutes north of Naples by direct train, Caserta has 1,200 rooms, grand staircases, royal apartments, and vast English and Italian gardens with fountains stretching nearly 3 km. Allow half a day minimum.
ExplorePractical Tips for Day Tripping from Naples
Most day trips from Naples are straightforward on public transport, but a few practical points will save time and frustration.
✨ Pro tip
The Circumvesuviana train to Pompeii, Herculaneum, and Sorrento departs from Naples Centrale (lower level). It runs frequently but can be crowded. Keep bags close and watch for pickpockets on busy departures.
ℹ️ Good to know
Ferry terminals: fast ferries to Capri, Ischia, and Procida leave from Molo Beverello (central). Slower hydrofoils and some Ischia ferries also depart from Mergellina harbor. Check which terminal applies to your ticket.
⚠️ What to skip
In July and August, Capri and Positano are extremely crowded by midday. Take the earliest possible ferry or bus to make the most of a day trip in peak summer.
FAQ
What is the best day trip from Naples?
Pompeii is the most popular for good reason: it's 30 minutes by train, endlessly fascinating, and can fill a full day. If you've already visited, Herculaneum is arguably more impressive for its state of preservation. For scenery, the Amalfi Coast and Capri are the top alternatives.
Can you visit Pompeii and Vesuvius in the same day from Naples?
Yes, it's a common and manageable combination. Start at Pompeii early (gates open at 9am), spend 3-4 hours, then take the Circumvesuviana one stop back to Ercolano and get a bus or taxi up to Vesuvius. You'll be back in Naples by early evening.
How do you get from Naples to Capri?
Fast ferries depart from Molo Beverello near the port and take approximately 50 minutes. In summer, book tickets in advance as morning departures sell out. The last return ferries typically leave Capri around 7:10pm, but check current schedules.
Is the Amalfi Coast doable as a day trip from Naples?
Yes, though it requires an early start. The easiest approach is to take the Circumvesuviana to Sorrento (70 minutes), then the SITA bus along the coast road to Positano and Amalfi. Alternatively, summer ferries run directly from Naples to Positano, which is faster and more scenic.
Which Bay of Naples island is best for a day trip?
Capri for scenery and glamour, Procida for authenticity and quiet beaches, Ischia for thermal spas and a more relaxed pace. Procida is the easiest to navigate in a day due to its small size. Capri rewards an early arrival before the day-tripper crowds peak around noon.