How to Pay for Public Transport in Naples? Where to get tickets and avoid fine
Figuring out how to pay for public transport in Naples is frustrating for first-timers. We explain the difference between ANM and Vesuviana tickets, how to use contactless payments on the metro, and exact airport bus fares. Learn our daily commuting secrets to save money and skip the queues.
Using public transport is the best way to see Naples from a different perspective. We see things through, and explore neighbourhoods we often forget exist. However, I don’t want to make it sweet, but Naples Public transport ticketing is a nightmare for locals, and even worse for first timers in Naples.
The city offers many lines, but they don’t share the same tickets.
At the moment, only a few lines support the Tap and Go system: Metro Line 1, funicolari, and EAV trains (Circumvesuviana/Cumana).
However, it doesn’t limit you to getting around Naples Centre and the surrounding area, as the Circumvesuviana goes as far as Sorrento (passing through Herculaneum and Pompeii Ruins), and the Cumana goes as far as Pozzuoli.
Instead of getting around Naples by bus, you need to purchase the paper ticket at a “Tabacchi” shop or download the Unico Campania App.
Even though it seems complicated, once you learn the ropes, it gets easier. While we ride the metro, buses and trams almost every day, sometimes it is hard to keep up with which ticket is the right one. In this guide, we’ll simplify Naples’ ticket system, helping you have a great time visiting the city in a sustainable way.
Public transport ticket in Naples: Where to buy?
Where do you buy a public transport ticket in Naples? You buy a public transport ticket in Naples at metro station ticket machines, authorised Tabacchi shops (look for the blue “T” sign), or newsstands. You can also purchase a ticket on board some Line 2 trains if you immediately speak to the train manager, always at the head of the train.
We often grab paper tickets at the local Tabacchi when we want to keep things old-school. Always validate your paper ticket at the green or yellow machines before entering the station. If you forget to stamp it, you risk a hefty €50 fine. Nobody wants that on holiday.
For train/metro and funicular, in the station, there are both booths and ticket machines. You can’t go wrong; these ask you for directions only (assuming you want the ticket from the location you are purchasing) and issue a valid ticket for just one trip.
If you are having trouble understanding which ticket to buy, on some Line 2 trains, you can purchase an emergency one. Speak to the train manager, always at the head of the train, and explain the situation; he will issue a ticket on the spot.
How to use the tap and go system in Naples
The tap and go (Or touch and go) system in Naples is simple. Only one card per person (the system doesn’t accept two people on the same card). When you see the sign of Visa or MasterCard, it means the system accepts tap and go. Another sign you can find is a purple sticker with the text “TAP&GO”.
The fare is calculated from the point of entry to the end point. You need to tap out, otherwise you’ll pay the total fare until the last station.
We have seen a lot of complaints, and people reported that fares are incorrect or not clear. While the system is automatic, mistakes can happen, and if you find yourself having a problem, the customer service is spotless.
The system is smart enough to combine fares between Naples Centre and the suburban areas (like Herculaneum).
Naples public transport tickets prices
With multiple train/bus/tram/metro lines, prices for each change. Also, as you recall, we talked about the different companies that manage public transport in Naples. This reflects on the tickets and the prices. Below is a summary of what you should know as a first-time visitor to Naples.
We created an accurate table for public transport ticket prices in Naples to help you budget your daily trips around the city.
| Transport Type | Ticket Price (Single Journey) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Local Bus within Naples Centre | €1.30 | Valid for one ride on ANM city buses. |
| Tram | €1.30 | Valid for one ride on the ANM tram network. |
| Metro 1 and 2 | €1.50 (Single) / €1.70 (Integrated TIC) | €1.50 for a single ride on Line 1 OR Line 2. The €1.70 integrated ticket (TIC) covers both within 90 minutes. |
| Metro Line that goes outside Naples | From €2.00 to €2.60 | Used for suburban EAV commuter lines (like Cumana) going to Pozzuoli or Herculaneum. |
| Vesuviana Ticket | €3.30 (Pompeii) / €4.00 (Sorrento) | The price scale with distance. A ticket to Ercolano Scavi (Herculaneum Ruins) costs €2.60 – Pompeii if further down the coast – €3.30. |
Naples public transport app
Naples public transport has an official APP managed by Unico Campania, which is available for download on Android and Apple devices. Instead of queuing to purchase the tickets, you can buy a digital one, paying by card. The system accepts Apple Pay and Google Wallet, too.
We used the app, and it is very functional, yet glitchy sometimes. We planned the routes to maximise our day out time exploring the historic centre, Sanita district and Spanish Quarter all at once.
It was easier than checking Google Maps, with the function to not worry about the ticket. We were right on schedule, also checking the timetable with the usual delays correctly announced.
The only downside of it is that we had to activate every single ticket on our phone before boarding. Once we forgot, but figured that out, before the train manager requested it, so we avoided the fine.
For further recommendations about Naples, see this guide.
How to stay connected in Naples? This is the best e-sim!
How to pay for public transport at Naples Airport?
The bus from Naples Airport (Still waiting for the metro line to open – It’s now postponed to early 2027) is always a tricky mission for us. If we forget to purchase the ticket in advance, we start to pray that there is no queue.
Alibus ticket is part of Naples Public transport system, but uses a different ticket. The flat fee is €5, and there are two ways to purchase it:
- Arrive in Naples, join the queue (always long), and purchase on board – Cash or card accepted – Ask for the receipt. Recently, there have been numerous problems, as the receipt is your ticket. In case of control, if you don’t have it, there is no way to prove you paid the ticket, and the driver will not vouch for you.
- The solution is to buy the ticket in advance online. Price is the same, but you have the convenience of skipping the queue and having proof of purchase. We buy it through getyourguide here, so it gets in our email inbox.
Buy the official day and weekly pass
The travel hack to save some money is to purchase a day or weekly pass. When we are back in Naples to visit our families, we often go with the one-day pass to get around. However, when on the hunt for unique things to do in Naples, we often proceed with the seven-day pass.
Both offer unlimited transport on city buses, metro lines (1,2 and 6), all the funiculars (Vomero and the best sunset in San Martino unlocked), and regional EAV trains.
The one day unlimited pass (Biglietto Giornaliero TIC) costs €5.10. The Naples public transport weekly ticket costs €16.
Recently, our friends visiting Naples were continuously making the same mistake. We don’t want you to. Be aware that the single-day ticket is valid only on the day of first use. This means that it isn’t the standard 24-hour ticket. If you validate it at 4 PM, you can use it only until midnight of the same day.
⚠️ While there are companies that offer all-in passes, with options for unlimited transport in Naples, we suggest you avoid them. From our experience, these costs double the real price, and don’t have a value.
Also, reading the review, we see more and more people reporting bugs in the system, which you’ll avoid by going only for the official public transport companies.
What’s the difference between Urban and Integrato?
Above we’ve given you the ticket price for the “integrated ticket” – Which means all modes of transport: City, suburban lines, EAV Managed (Vesuviana) and Trenitalia rail lines. You can go from Naples Fuorigrotta (Stadium) to Portici (Suburban area) using one train, which integrates the city and Trenitalia.
The cheaper version instead is great, and saves some money, if you only plan to stay within the boundaries of Naples centre. Because of the differences in the tickets, we suggest you pay the difference.
Difference between Naples ANM, Metro Naples and Vesuviana Tickets
The difference between Naples ANM, Metro Naples, and Vesuviana tickets comes down to the different companies running the local transport system. It sounds confusing at first, but we will break it down so you never buy the wrong pass. If you follow the tabs like the one above in the photo, it is from a nearby Tabacchi shop, which has all the tickets available on demand.
ANM (Azienda Napoletana Mobilità):
ANM operates the true inner-city network. This includes Metro Line 1, Metro Line 6, the four funiculars, city buses, and trams. If you are just bouncing around the historic centre and the Spanish Quarter, ANM tickets are all you will need.
Metro Naples (Trenitalia / Line 2):
Metro Line 2 is where things get slightly weird. It functions like a subway, but it is actually run by the national railway, Trenitalia. If you buy a basic single ANM ticket, you cannot use it to board Metro Line 2.
Vesuviana Tickets (EAV):
The Vesuviana tickets belong to the EAV network (Ente Autonomo Volturno). This company runs regional trains that go outside of Naples centre, like the Circumvesuviana, Cumana, and Circumflegrea. We use this service to head down the coast to Sorrento, Pompeii, or on the opposite side to Pozzuoli.
What’s the alternative to public transport in Naples?
We don’t want you to waste money on taxis. Because Uber is non-existent in Naples (it just relies on local taxis), you’ll have a hard time dealing with it.
If your goal is to see as much of Naples without having a headache about trains and buses, the easy solution is to buy a Naples Hop-on Hop-off bus.
It’s the smartest solution, also because you’ll see part of the city you’ll otherwise miss. Many viewpoints in Naples are in Posillipo and Vomero. These two areas are underserved by public transport. One of the best viewpoints is Capodimonte, and you have just a bus to get there, no metro, no cablecar. Instead, the red buses follow two routes: the seaside and the historic centre. The pass only costs €25 per person – Check it here!.
💡 Travel tip: The ticket to the hop-on, hop-off bus gives you 24 hours from activation. Technically, you might have two days to explore Naples without worrying about public transport tickets.
