It is super easy to take the ferry from Positano to Capri. The problem we had was that we didn’t have a clue where to buy the tickets or catch the ferry. After some research and Google translations, we figured it out! Luckily, you won’t have to do that because we already have! This post will tell you everything you need to know about taking the ferry from Positano to Capri (and some other nearby towns).
Different Ferry Companies
There are only a few ferry companies that you can choose from when taking the Positano to Capri ferry. This is because of the smaller port and where the pier is located in Positano. The upside to this is that the boats that come to Positano are smaller and faster, meaning you can spend more time on the beautiful island of Capri and less time on the ferry from Positano to Capri.
The three main companies to choose from are:
- Positano Jet – With daily departures from Positano, Positano Jet offers one of the fastest ways of getting to and from Capri.
- NLG (Navigazione Libera del Golfo) – Knowing that tourists want to get to Capri early, NLG offers some of the earliest departure times from Positano.
- Alilauro – Have a tight schedule? Alilauro offers the most daily trips to and from Capri.
Cost of the Ferry
Prices will vary depending on the company you choose and the time of year. We recommend spending a little bit more to ensure that the departure times are best suited to your trip, as opposed to what is the cheapest.
| One Way Trip | Round Trip |
| €20-30 per person | €49-55 per person |
Additional Costs
If you are taking your luggage with you on the boat, please be aware that most companies will charge an additional €2-5. Note: A backpack is not considered a piece of luggage in this case.
If you’re lucky, they’ll also be serving limoncello on the ferry from Positano to Capri, so save a few Euros to enjoy that on your way back to Positano.
Where to Get the Ferry in Positano?
There is only one place for you to get the ferry from Positano to Capri – the pier at Positano Beach (Spiaggia Grande). You will either purchase tickets online in advance or at one of the ticket booths on the beach. Once you reach the pier with your ticket, you just have to wait for your boat to arrive. Please make sure that you are paying attention to which ferry you are supposed to be taking to Capri – there can be several arriving and departing within a few minutes of each other. There are no formal lines or queues for you to wait in. The boat will show up, and it’s your responsibility to make sure that you get on it. They will be on time and depart within 10 minutes of arrival.
Where to Get the Ferry in Capri?
Getting your ferry back to Positano will be a little different in Capri. In Capri, they’re operating a much larger marina and port. There will be ferries arriving from all over the Italian coast. You’ll need to determine what dock your boat is at to ensure you get on the correct boat. There is a building right beside the pier; on the wall, there will be an electronic sign that says departures. This sign will tell what dock your ferry will be departing from. Also, there are often helpful locals and workers that can direct you!
How Long is the Positano to Capri Ferry?
It is a relatively short trip. Depending on what ferry company you choose, you are looking at 30-50 minutes to get from Positano to Capri. The major factor that could change the travel time is the weather. If the water is rough, the ferries will not be able to travel as fast.
Types of Ferries
No slow ferries here! All the ferries that leave from Positano are either a Hydrofoil or Catamaran. These boats are smaller, have very large engines, and only carry people. Because they are smaller, you can expect the ride to a little bumpier than usual. Most of these ferries will have an open deck up top and an air-conditioned inside cabin for you to enjoy.
When Do the Ferries Run?
The Positano to Capri ferry is only operational from mid-April until the end of October. If you travel between November and March, you may have to arrange a private boat or take a ferry from Naples to Capri.
Ferry Schedules
You should look directly on the ferry company’s website for accurate schedules. If their website says no ferry schedule is posted or available, don’t worry! The schedules are posted closer to the sailing date. We recommend purchasing your ticket a couple of weeks before the departure date, especially if you are travelling over the peak summer months (June-August).
Please be aware – the schedules do change. We would recommend that you check the company’s website before you leave on vacation to make sure the boat departs at the same time you planned. Typically, the only reason for the schedule to change is the weather. If the seas are rough, there is a chance they could cancel the ferry.
Hot Tip: The ferries frequently run throughout each day. Don’t be afraid to book with separate companies going to and coming from Capri; that’s what we did! We took the 9:15 am NLG ferry from Positano to Capri and the 3:15 pm Positano Jet back to Positano from Capri.
Should I Book in Advance?
We most definitely recommend booking your ferry from Positano to Capri in advance. We also recommend booking directly through the ferry company’s website. It adds peace of mind knowing that you have a schedule and a spot on the ferry. While in the morning, your ferry may not be busy, going home, everyone will want to be on the last few ferries back to Positano.
We also recommend that you print out your ferry tickets in advance. If you don’t have access to a printer or if you forgot to print off your tickets, have the email copy accessible on your phone, and they should accept that to get on the ferry. We didn’t print off our tickets, and while boarding, we showed the tickets from our phone, and they accepted them with no problem! Once aboard, they printed off a physical ticket on the ferry for us.
Private Boat Rental
If you are looking for a unique way of travelling to Capri or a different way of seeing the island, a private boat rental may be for you. While we have yet to take a private boat, we know several people who have taken a private boat around the coast and to Capri for the day – they highly recommend it!
You are guaranteed to get some breathtaking shots if you choose this option, but you pay for what you get. Private boat rentals in Positano are not cheap; they start at €850 and go up from there. A more affordable option that most private boat rental companies offer is small group tours. For around €80 per person, you can join a few other strangers and have your own private boat to and from Capri.
The two private boat rental companies we recommend are:
Positano to Capri Day Trip
Capri offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views in the world. We recommend arriving as early as possible (to Capri) before any of the large ferries and cruise ships get there. Once on the island, take the funicular up to the town of Capri, then the bus to Anacapri, and finally the chairlift to the top of Monte Solaro. You’ll have the whole place to yourself (and likely a few others) to enjoy the spectacular views. Once it starts to get a bit busy, make your way back down to Anacapri and Capri to explore the beautiful gardens and towns. If you begin with Monte Solaro, it will seem like you have the whole place to yourself because everyone else will be coming up as you are already going down.
Still not convinced? Read more of our 25 ideas for what to do on the Island of Capri.
More Ferry Options:
Naples to Capri Ferry
If you are taking the ferry from Naples to Capri, here’s what you need to know:
- Naples has daily departures to Capri, year-round.
- Ferry Companies:
- The ferry ride takes approximately 45-60 minutes.
- A one-way trip costs around €22-30.
Amalfi to Capri Ferry
If you are taking the ferry from Amalfi to Capri, here’s what you need to know:
- Amalfi has daily departures to Capri from May-October.
- Ferry Companies:
- The ferry ride takes approximately 60 minutes.
- A one-way trip costs about €23-30.
Salerno to Capri Ferry
If you are taking the ferry from Salerno to Capri, here’s what you need to know:
- Salerno has daily departures to Capri from May-October.
- Ferry Companies:
- The ferry ride takes approximately 1.5-2 hours.
- A one-way trip costs around €25-33.
Sorrento to Capri Ferry
If you are taking the ferry from Sorrento to Capri, here’s what you need to know:
- Sorrento has daily departures to Capri, year-round, with more frequent departures during the summer months.
- Ferry Companies:
- The ferry ride takes approximately 20-30 minutes.
- A one-way trip costs about €19-27.
