Cheap flights to Naples, Italy from $172

Naples, Italy Travel Guide

The ancient city of Naples, or Napoli in Italian, is a striking presence in the south of Italy. The city’s natural beauty on the Bay of Naples provides the perfect backdrop to the city’s urban architecture. First-time travelers booking flights to Naples are usually caught off guard by the city’s chaotic vibe. Naples is not one of Italy’s take-it-slow towns. From five-star restaurants to world-famous music festivals, Naples is a hodge-podge of excitement for visitors.

In 1995, the Naples historic center was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and more travelers are booking flights to Naples to explore the energetic city. After the city sights, visitors can take in some of Naples’ culinary treasures including pizzas and fresh seafood. Music lovers will fly to Naples in June for the city’s biggest music festival, Neapolis, which features local and international artists. Need another reason to book Naples flights? Head to the city in September for the 10-day pizza festival and gorge on world-famous pizzas while listening to local music groups and entertainment. One thing is for certain about Naples, if the sights and sounds don’t seduce you, the aromas will.

With so much history to take in, and things to see and do, it may be difficult to figure out where to start when you get to Naples. Here are some tips to help you plan your trip to Naples and enjoy the smoothest possible visit to this cultural city.

Getting to and around the city of Naples

Naples International Airport (NAP) is only around 3.7 miles away from the city center, so getting there isn’t too difficult. The cheapest way to Naples would be for you to take the Alibus, which travels to two different stops within Naples: Stazione Centrale and Piazza Municipio. Failing that, you can hail a taxi from outside of the airport. This is more beneficial if there are a few travelers in your party. You can also look into pre-arranging transport when you book your flights to Naples, although this could come at an additional cost.

Once you’ve settled in to your hotel and are ready to explore, you’ll find that it’s a good idea to get a map of the Naples bus terminals and schedules before venturing out. Stazione Centrale is the city’s central station, but the bus map provided at the station isn’t known for its accuracy. Doing a little homework ahead of time will help you get in and out quickly. Naples is considered the heart of southern Italian rail, so you won’t have any trouble getting around. The city is divided into four quarters. Despite its name, the so-called underground transport system, Metropolitana, actually runs above ground, from Giunturco, which is just east of Stazione Centrale, through Piazza Garibaldi and Bagnoli to Pozzuoli. You can buy a ticket at any station, ANM booth or tobacconist. While tickets are valid for unlimited travel on buses, trams, or the Metropolitana, they expire after one hour. Taxis are best found around taxi stands and piazzas; drivers rarely stop for fares on the street. Avoid catching a cab during times of heavy traffic, as the traffic delays could rack up your rate. Driving on your own in Naples sounds easier than it actually is, and high theft rates make mopeds difficult to rent.

Tips for your stay in Naples

• Students flood the Accademia di Belle Arti, a prestigious art institution, hoping that the talents of former alumni (Giacinti Gigante and Vincenzo Gemito, to name a few) will rub off on them. Students seeking cheap flights to Naples to learn more about art will find everything they need here. Once the convent of San Giovanni Battista Della Monache, the building was constructed in the 17th century, and was made over in 1864 by Enrico Alvino. Beyond its prominent neoclassical façade and grand staircase is the first floor gallery, housing many 19th century Neapolitan paintings.
• After an all-out air raid in 1943, the Basilica di Santa Chiara has only two things that remain undamaged: its 14th century fresco, and its chapel. When it was first built, it was meant to house more than 200 monks, and has become a popular religious destination for tourists. Stroll through its beautiful outdoor walk way, lined with ornately painted columns on your way into its stately gothic interior.
• For the opera-loving tourist, Italy has one of the leading selections of vocal prodigies, and if you’re booking your flight to Naples between October and May (opera season), you’re in luck. The Teatro di San Carlo, the opera house across the street from Galleria Umberto, is one of the largest in Italy. Built for King Charles’ birthday in 1737, construction took only six months to complete, and to this day still boasts a restored neo-classical style. Acoustics here are of the best and often compared to opera houses of Milan. And if it’s good enough for Pavarotti to sing there, you can bet it’s worth a visit.
• It’s no secret that Italians know how to celebrate, and Christmas is something they specialize in. If you book a flight to Naples during the holidays, you can forget about your one-day shindigs, because Naples hosts a month-long fiesta in the Chiana district that’s enough to make you forgo peak season. Laden with live music, gospel singers, art exhibitions, walks through historic churches, and performances onstage, you won’t leave Naples empty handed. If the kids are in tow, there’s a Christmas forest called Bosco di Natale that has special hidden surprises and children-geared acrobatic shows at Circo Vagante. Finally, be sure to check out Christmas Village, where devoted to artisans and craftspeople display their work.

Finding Flights from Naples

Escape the city vibe of Naples on a departing flight. With many great flight deals, Naples is your gateway to the world, with flights on Eurowings, Lufthansa, Finnair and other airlines to travel throughout Europe and beyond. Cheapflights can help you find the top deals on flights from Naples to the destination you want to visit.

Even though it’s a smaller airport, it’s a good idea to arrive early, so you don’t have to rush and risk missing your flight out of Naples. The airport isn’t far from the city center. If you want to take the bus, the trip takes about fifteen minutes without traffic from the city center to the airport. Taking a taxi is also an option if you want a more direct route without waiting on the bus.

Once you choose a destination, be sure to check out our Naples airport guides for more detailed travel information and helpful tips.

Naples, Italy airport overview

Naples International Airport (NAP), officially known as Ugo Niutta, is Naples’ primary aerial hub. Located 3.7 miles (5.9 km) north-east of the city center, it comprises two terminal buildings – one for passengers and another for charter operations.

Generally well-organized and efficient, public transport to and from Naples International is bountiful. However avoid the many unlicensed drivers who attempt to pick up travelers and charge them exorbitant prices. Licensed taxis are highly visible and display a list of fixed rates inside their vehicles. By the end of 2011, though, passengers will also have the opportunity to travel to and from Naples International via train, as a new railway line connecting the airport to the city is scheduled for completion by the end of the year.

As with most airports, Naples International can get chaotic at times. However, it’s generally a quick process getting in and out of the airport, and amenities are clean and adequate. Staff speak little English, but they are usually friendly and try their best to assist non-Italian speaking passengers.