Naples International Airport, officially Aeroporto di Napoli-Capodichino Ugo Niutta, known as NAP, serves as the primary gateway to Naples and the Campania region, located 7 kilometres northeast of the city centre in the Capodichino district. Handling over 13 million passengers in 2024, it ranks as southern Italy’s busiest airport, connecting to over 100 destinations across Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa with airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, Volotea, and ITA Airways. Its single-terminal design, modern amenities, and efficient transport links offer a practical experience for travellers exploring Naples, the Amalfi Coast, or connecting to other destinations.
The passenger experience at NAP is generally smooth due to its compact size, though peak seasons can test its capacity. The two-story terminal features check-in and arrivals on the ground floor and departure gates on the first floor, with 20 gates and 53 check-in desks across three sections: A for Schengen flights, B for domestic, and C for non-Schengen. Check-in and security typically take 20 to 30 minutes, but summer peaks can extend queues to 45 minutes, particularly for non-Schengen flights requiring passport control. Passengers are advised to arrive two hours early for domestic flights and three for international to account for security and immigration. Bus transfers to planes are common due to the lack of jet bridges, which can be less convenient in poor weather. Accessibility is well-supported with ramps, lifts, and wheelchair assistance, though pre-booking with airlines 48 hours in advance is recommended. Signage is clear in Italian and English, but some travellers note occasional understaffing at information desks.
Access to the airport is convenient, with multiple transport options. The Alibus shuttle, operated by ANM, connects to Piazza Garibaldi (Napoli Centrale station) and Piazza Municipio in 15 to 20 minutes for £4.25, running every 15 minutes from 6:30 AM to 11:40 PM.
Taxis outside the arrivals area offer fixed fares of £15 to £21 to central Naples, taking 10 to 30 minutes via the A56 Tangenziale, though traffic can add delays. Car rental agencies like Avis, Europcar, and Hertz are located at the main car park, a short walk from the terminal. A metro station on Line 1, due by 2026, will further enhance connectivity. The drive to the city centre via the A56 takes about 10 minutes without traffic, but congestion is common during peak hours. Parking includes 1,650 spaces across P1 (long-term), P2, P3, and P4, with rates starting at £5 per day, and a 15-minute free transit zone for drop-offs.
The airport’s layout is straightforward, with the ground floor housing check-in, baggage claim with seven carousels, and a shopping arcade, while the first floor hosts departure gates and most shops. Section C, dedicated to non-Schengen flights, includes 16 e-Gates for automated passport control, though manual checks can slow progress during busy periods. Congestion at security or passport control is common in summer, so Fast Track passes, available for £6.80 online or at kiosks, are recommended. The Passngr app or airport website provides real-time gate and wait-time updates. The terminal operates from 3:30 AM to 10:30 PM, closing overnight, though passengers inside before closure may stay.
Dining and retail options are adequate for a mid-sized airport. Airside, 24 shops include duty-free stores with perfumes, wines, and Campania specialties like buffalo mozzarella, alongside fashion boutiques. Dining options range from McDonald’s pre-security to Neapolitan pizza at Pizzeria A Casa Mia and Italian snacks at cafés, open 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Travellers note higher prices and suggest dining in Naples for better value. Free Wi-Fi, via the “NAPLES_AIRPORT_FREE” network, is available for four hours, and charging stations are strategically placed.
Facilities cater to essential needs. Luggage storage on the first floor costs £10 per item, and wrapping services are £10. The Pearl Lounge, open 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, offers snacks, drinks, and showers for £25, accessible to all passengers. A tourist information kiosk provides maps and multilingual advice. Family amenities include baby-changing rooms and play areas, while accessibility features cover reserved parking and disabled toilets. A chapel is open 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and a medical point operates during terminal hours. Smoking is restricted to outdoor areas landside. The Benbo Capsule Hotel, 250 metres away, offers sleep pods from £30, with nearby hotels like Millennium Gold starting at £80.
On-time performance is generally reliable, with 150 daily flights, though delays averaging 15 to 30 minutes can occur due to summer crowds, weather, or air traffic control issues. The single runway can contribute to congestion. Real-time updates are available via the airport website or Flightradar24. EU regulations allow up to €600 compensation for delays over three hours if airline-related.
Connections are limited, as NAP focuses on point-to-point routes to cities like Rome, London, and Paris. Minimum connection times are 45 minutes for domestic and 60 minutes for international flights. Schengen-to-Schengen transfers avoid passport control, but non-Schengen passengers face border checks, adding up to 30 minutes. The single terminal simplifies navigation, though re-clearing security for connections can slow progress. Checking airline schedules via the Passngr app is advised.
