Naples Metro Guide 2025: How to Get Around Naples by Metro, Trains, and Underground

Exploring the city for a few days, you’ll definitely need to use the metro, which is the best way to get around Naples, Italy. Naples Metro is relatively new and continuing to expand. Trains are very efficient and run approximately every 5 minutes in the peak time of the day. 

Within this comprehensive Naples Metro guide, we will help you understand the underground system, funicular and other rail systems you can use.

Naples Metro Guide: The Basics

Lines: Naples has three main metro lines (Line 1, Line 2, Line 6), plus several suburban train lines (Circumvesuviana, Cumana, Circumflegrea).
Operating Hours: Most metro lines run from about 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Frequency: Trains run every 6–15 minutes, depending on the line and time of day.
Tickets: Single rides start at €1.10–€1.50. Day passes and integrated tickets are available for unlimited travel on metro, bus, and funicular.
Where to Buy: Tickets are sold at metro stations, tabacchi (tobacco shops), newsstands, and ticket machines. You can also use contactless Tap&Go cards on some lines.

Understanding the Naples Metro System: Lines 1, 2 and 6

The Naples Metro primarily consists of two main lines that you’ll use:

Naples Trains: Beyond the Metro

Naples is a hub for regional trains—perfect for day trips to Pompeii, Sorrento, Caserta, or the Phlegraean Fields. Here’s what you need to know:

• Trenitalia: Mainline trains connect Naples with the rest of Italy and the Campania region.
• Circumvesuviana: The go-to train for Pompeii and Sorrento. Departures from the lower level of Garibaldi station.
• Cumana & Circumflegrea: Handy for Pozzuoli and the western suburbs.
• Funicular: Naples is built on a hill, and to reach certain areas like Vomero, Posillipo and the beautiful Certosa, you must use the funicular; 4 lines serve the city from different points.
• Tram Lines: There are 4 Tram lines, and the city is currently under work to extend the system.

Naples Metro Tickets

You can purchase Naples metro tickets with cash, coins, credit and debit cards at the machines in the train stations.

Single Journey (Corsa Singola): Valid for one trip on the metro or a bus within a certain time limit (usually 90 minutes).
Daily Pass (Biglietto Giornaliero): If you plan on making multiple journeys in a day, this is often the most cost-effective option. It allows unlimited travel on all urban public transport for 24 hours from validation.
Integrated Tickets (TIC): These allow you to use different modes of transport (metro, bus, funicular) within a specific time frame or for a specific number of days.

Where to get the ticket for Naples Metro

Never get on board without a ticket, but you also have to validate it. This is where you can buy tickets for Naples Metro:

Metro Stations: Most stations have ticket machines (which offer English/Spanish/French/German language options) or manned ticket booths.
Tabacchi Shops: Look for shops with a blue “T” sign (Tabacchi), or usually with a lot of other products in plain sight (Newspapers, Magazines). These are often authorized to sell paper train tickets. The single Journey ticket costs €1.30 or €1.60 for a single urban journey, but check current prices as they can fluctuate slightly.
Purchase the ticket on board: Some trains on the metro Line 2 allow you to purchase the ticket on board. You must go to the head of the train and talk to the manager. He will stamp you a ticket, and you can purchase it with a credit or debit card on board.

Validate your ticket

Some stations don’t have barriers, so you need to spot validators’ machines and mark your ticket before boarding. Machines are usually green or yellow. Insert the ticket, and it will be stamped with the time and station of entrance. Failure to validate can result in a hefty fine! If you don’t find the machine, board the train and look for the train manager (Capotreno), explain the situation. They are pretty flexible if you show them your goodwill.

The best Naples metro Stations

Some stations alone are worth the ticket price. These on Line 1 are often the busiest but also the prettiest. Line 1 is famous for its “Art Stations” (Stazioni dell’Arte). We make it part of our Naples Itinerary, as are cultural experiences in itself. Here are a few must-sees:

• Toledo Station: Often praised as one of the most beautiful metro stations in Europe by The Telegraph. The light panels, shades of blue colours that remind you of the sea makes you feel underwater. Believe us, it’s a dream.
• Chiaia Station: It’s a recent opening on Line 6 of Naples Metro. This unique stop is inspired by Pompeii and Herculaneum Ruins, with motives of Greek Mythology. Going down deeper, it will get you to the Hades. The dome depiction of 320 orange eyes makes this one of the most surreal stations to visit in Naples.
• Museo Station: Directly connected to the National Archaeological Museum of Naples (MANN), making it incredibly convenient to visit one of the city’s most important sites.
• Dante Station: Located right in Piazza Dante, a major hub connecting to the historic centre. The station features impressive art installations by Jannis Kounellis.
• Università Station: Designed by Karim Rashid, this station is a vibrant explosion of colour and modern design, reflecting the energy of the nearby university.
• Garibaldi Station: While not an “Art Station,” it’s incredibly practical as it’s directly beneath the main train station (Napoli Centrale), making transfers seamless.

Tips on How to Navigate the Naples Metro

Download a Map: While stations usually have maps, having one on your phone (or a simple screenshot) can be very helpful, especially for planning your route. Download this easy-to-use Map.

• Mind the Gaps: Like any metro, pay attention to the gap between the train and the platform.
• Peak Hours: Like any major city, the metro can get crowded during rush hours (roughly 7:30 am – 9:30 am and 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm). If you prefer a quieter journey, try to travel outside these times.
• Safety: While generally safe, like any public transport system in a big city, be aware of your surroundings, especially during crowded times. Keep an eye on your belongings.
• Announcements: Station names are announced in Italian and English. While not always perfectly clear, they are usually audible. Look up at the signs on the platform and inside the train to confirm your stop.
• Accessibility: Newer stations, especially on Line 1, are generally accessible with elevators and escalators. Older stations or those on Line 2 might have more stairs.

Helpful Italian phrases

You might need some Italian to get around the metro in Naples, and these are some phrases you need to memorize.

“Un biglietto, per favore” – “One ticket, please”
“Dove va questo treno?” – “Where does this train go?”
“Grazie” – “Thank you”
“Uscita” – “Exit”
“Dov’è la stazione della metro più vicina?” – “Where is the nearest metro station?”
“Potrebbe aiutarmi, per favore?” – “Could you help me, please?”

FAQ | Naples Metro Guide