Discover the best ways to get around Capri with funiculars, buses, taxis, boats, and walking routes for easy island exploration.
Getting around Capri doesn’t have to be stressful, and honestly, figuring out the island’s transportation is half the fun! From the moment your ferry pulls into Marina Grande, you’ve got a solid mix of options: the iconic funicular, cheap public buses, open-top taxis, scenic walking trails, and boat tours that take you places no road ever could.
This guide covers every way to move around Capri, Italy, so you can spend less time figuring out logistics and more time soaking it all in.
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Funicular Capri 🚡
The Capri funicular is the most iconic way to kick off your visit. Built way back in 1907, it runs a 670-metre track connecting Marina Grande straight up to the Piazzetta in Capri Town in just four minutes flat. It’s fast, it’s scenic, and it’s genuinely a fun part of the island experience!
Funicular Key Facts
- Route: Marina Grande port to Piazza Umberto I, Capri Town
- Journey time: approximately 4 minutes
- Schedule: every 15 minutes from 6:30 am to 8:30 pm; runs continuously during peak season
- Luggage policy: small bags ride free; larger bags require a supplement; oversized luggage needs porter service or a taxi
- Seasonal closure: closed January through Easter for maintenance; a replacement bus runs during this time
- Where to buy: ticket office at Marina Grande near the hydrofoil booths, or at the Piazzetta in Capri Town; contactless Tap & Go payments accepted at the turnstiles
- Accessibility: fully accessible with elevators at both stations; overnight guests get a priority lane to skip the queue!
How to Get Around Capri Using the Funicular
When you step off the ferry at Marina Grande, the funicular station is easy to spot: head to the far end of the pier and turn right, right next to the hydrofoil ticket booths. We recommend tapping your credit card at the turnstile using the Tap & Go system rather than waiting in the ticket line. From April through October, expect real crowds between roughly 10 am and 4:30 pm. The good news? During peak times, the funicular runs non-stop instead of every 15 minutes. If you’re staying overnight on the island, use the hotel guest priority lane and skip the line entirely!
On the way back down to Marina Grande, the late afternoon queue can be just as brutal. Our suggestion: walk down via Via Mulo or the old funicular path instead. It’s a scenic 10-minute downhill stroll and way better than waiting around. The funicular also connects seamlessly with the island’s bus network and taxi stands, making it a great jumping-off point for Anacapri, Marina Piccola, and the Blue Grotto.
One of the easiest ways to explore Capri? Don’t miss this funicular guide.
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Capri Bus 🚌
The public bus is hands-down the most affordable way to get around Capri, and it covers destinations the funicular simply doesn’t reach. Two separate companies (ATC and Staiano) run the little orange minibuses that connect all the major areas of the island. Just a heads-up: there’s no combined daily pass across all three transit operators, so you’ll need to buy individual tickets for each ride.
Bus Key Facts
- Routes: Marina Grande ↔ Capri Town; Capri Town ↔ Anacapri; Anacapri ↔ Blue Grotto; Anacapri ↔ Punta Carena Lighthouse; Anacapri ↔ Marina Piccola
- Journey times: Capri to Anacapri is about 15 minutes; most other routes run 10 to 20 minutes
- Schedule: every 15 to 20 minutes; more frequent April through October
- Luggage policy: one bag per person allowed; a supplement applies for larger bags; strollers must be folded
- Where to buy: ticket offices in Marina Grande, at the Piazzetta in Capri Town (Piazza Martiri d’Ungheria), and in Anacapri at Piazza della Pace; Tap & Go accepted when boarding; on-board purchase available too
How to Get Around Capri by Bus
We recommend buying your ticket before boarding whenever you can, since on-board tickets cost a little more per ride. In Anacapri, the stop near Piazza Vittoria, by the Monte Solaro chairlift, fills up quickly during the day. A great local trick: walk about 100 metres up Viale Tommaso de Tommaso to the stop before it and board there to guarantee a seat.
During summer, buses sometimes skip intermediate stops when they’re already packed, so build in some extra time on busy days. For the Capri-to-Anacapri stretch, we suggest grabbing a right-side seat heading uphill for seriously gorgeous coastal views! Buses are also your best budget-friendly option for reaching the Blue Grotto and Punta Carena Lighthouse without shelling out for a taxi.
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Taxis in Capri 🚕
Capri’s open-top convertible taxis are genuinely unlike anything else in Italy, and they’ve become a symbol of the island in their own right. They’re more expensive than the bus or funicular, but for groups, travellers with heavy luggage, or anyone with limited mobility, the value is real.
Taxi Key Facts
- Pricing: fixed island-wide fares apply; always confirm the price before you get in as taxis run on fixed fares, not meters
- Luggage policy: your best bet for oversized bags that go beyond bus and funicular limits
- Where to find: taxi stands at Marina Grande port, Capri Town Piazzetta, and Anacapri Piazza Vittoria
- Booking: arrange through your hotel or call local operators directly
- Tipping: not expected, but rounding up is always appreciated
How to Get Around Capri by Taxi
For groups of four or more, splitting a taxi can actually make a lot of financial sense. We especially recommend taxis for anyone arriving with large suitcases, since rolling luggage over Capri’s basalt stone streets is a real workout! Taxis are also the most practical option during the funicular closure in January and early spring when the replacement bus service can get crowded.
Some visitors negotiate a private island tour by taxi, which gives you the flexibility to stop at scenic overlooks and quieter spots on your own schedule. During peak summer season, early morning or after 5pm are your best bets for shorter waits at the taxi stands.
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Walking in Capri 🥾
Walking is honestly one of the best ways to experience Capri. Much of Capri Town is a pedestrian-only zone, and some of the most breathtaking viewpoints can only be reached on foot. Plus, it’s completely free and lets you go at your own pace!
Walking Key Facts
- Cost: free!
- Luggage: walking with large bags on Capri’s stepped, cobblestone paths is genuinely tough; arrange porter service or a taxi for heavy items
- Footwear: sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip are a must; sandals and heels won’t cut it on most trails
- Sun and water: bring plenty of water and sunscreen; shade is limited on coastal paths
- Navigation: Google Maps works great on the island; physical maps are available at the Marina Grande tourist office
- Areas to avoid: the main road between Capri and Anacapri has no sidewalks in sections and is not safe for pedestrians
Best Walking Routes and Hiking Trails in Capri
We recommend starting with the walk from the Piazzetta in Capri Town down to Marina Grande, a clearly marked 15-minute descent via steps that beats waiting in the funicular queue any day. Within Capri Town, the pedestrianised streets around the Piazzetta are perfect for a leisurely stroll, and the Gardens of Augustus offer panoramic views over Marina Piccola and the famous Faraglioni.
For hikers, the Pizzolungo path circles the eastern side of the island, past Villa Malaparte and sea arches, offering incredible coastal scenery. 🌊 In Anacapri, the Migliera trail winds through terraced vineyards to a quiet belvedere above Punta Carena Lighthouse. Monte Solaro can also be hiked down from the summit back to Anacapri, roughly one hour through pine and oak woods, with a stop at the Hermitage of Cetrella along the way. Note that Via Krupp is permanently closed to the public.
Top Walking Tours in Capri
For anyone who wants real local insight alongside the scenery, we suggest booking a guided walking tour! Private walking tours covering Capri Town and Anacapri hit highlights like Villa San Michele, the Phoenician Steps, and the Gardens of Augustus. Several operators also run half-day guided hikes along the Pizzolungo trail or up Monte Solaro. Booking ahead during peak season, June through September, is a smart move.
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Chairlift on Capri (Monte Solaro Chairlift) 🪑
The Monte Solaro chairlift is one of those experiences that genuinely sticks with you. Departing from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri, it glides you up to the summit of Monte Solaro at 589 metres above sea level, floating over lemon groves and terraced gardens the whole way. The views of the Faraglioni, the Gulf of Naples, the Amalfi Coast, and Mount Vesuvius on a clear day are absolutely worth the ride!
Monte Solaro Chairlift Key Facts
- Location: Piazza Vittoria, Anacapri (Via Caposcuro); the bus from Capri Town stops a short walk away
- Hours: June to August: 9:15 am to 6:00 pm (Fri/Sat extended later); April, May, September, October: 9:15 am to 5:00 pm; February, March, November, December: 9:30 am to 4:00 pm; closed in January
- Journey time: approximately 12 to 13 minutes to the summit
- Views: sweeping panoramas over Anacapri, the Faraglioni, the Gulf of Naples, and the Gulf of Salerno
- Luggage and accessibility: single-seat chairs with a basic safety bar; not recommended for young children under 8 or visitors with significant mobility challenges
- Tickets: purchased on-site at the station; no advance booking currently available; arrive early in summer to avoid the line!
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Boat Tours Around Capri ⛵
Some of Capri’s most iconic sights, including the Blue Grotto, the Faraglioni sea stacks, and the Green and White sea caves, can only be fully appreciated from the water. Whether you join a shared group tour or charter a private boat, getting out on the sea around Capri is something you really don’t want to skip.
Boat Tour Key Facts
- Departure points: Marina Grande is the main hub; group tours depart from Pier 23 (Molo Banchinella)
- Tour options: shared group circumnavigation tours and private boat charters are both available at Marina Grande
- Blue Grotto entry: entrance is by small rowboat inside the cave and is paid separately on-site; not included in boat tour prices
- Luggage: leave large bags at your hotel or in port storage; bring only what you need for the water!
- Important note: the Blue Grotto closes when sea conditions are rough, no matter the forecast; morning departures give you the best shot at getting inside
How to Make the Most of a Capri Boat Tour
We recommend booking your boat tour in advance during peak season, especially if the Blue Grotto is high on your list. Operators including Laser Capri and Motoscafisti at Marina Grande offer both shared and private options, with tours ranging from a one-hour island loop to a full half-day private charter with stops for swimming and snorkelling. Keep in mind that access to Blue Grotto is never guaranteed, regardless of which tour you book, so morning departures give you the best odds. If the grotto is closed on the day of your tour, your ticket typically stays valid for a direct transfer to the cave on a later boat.
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Scooter Rental Capri 🛵
Renting a scooter gives you maximum freedom to explore the island, especially for reaching spots like Punta Carena Lighthouse or quieter coastal roads that buses don’t serve as frequently. That said, Capri’s roads are narrow and winding, and summer traffic can be intense, so this option works best if you’re a confident rider.
Scooter Rental Key Facts
- Rental locations: available at Marina Grande port, Capri Town, and Anacapri; a valid driver’s license is required
- Luggage: scooters carry two passengers but minimal luggage; not the move for heavy bags
- Parking: limited and strictly regulated in town centres; check with your rental operator for designated spots
- Best use: scooters shine for multi-day visitors who want to explore at their own pace; for a single day trip, the bus and funicular cover most needs without the hassle
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How to Get from Capri to Anacapri
The easiest and cheapest way between Capri Town and Anacapri is the public bus, which covers the roughly 15-minute route for a small per-ride fare. During peak season, the stop near Piazza Vittoria fills up fast, so hop on one stop earlier at Viale Tommaso de Tommaso to grab a seat. A taxi is a great option for groups or anyone hauling luggage, with fixed fares applying island-wide.
If you’re feeling adventurous, the Scala Fenicia (the Phoenician Steps) is a historic staircase of around 921 steps connecting Anacapri to the Marina Grande area below. It’s a serious physical challenge, but the coastal scenery along the way is stunning! Allow at least 45 minutes and skip this one during midday in summer.
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Your Capri Adventure Starts Now!
Getting around Capri really is manageable once you know your options. For most visitors, the sweet spot is combining the funicular for that dramatic arrival from Marina Grande, the public buses for affordable travel to Anacapri, the Blue Grotto, and Punta Carena, and your own two feet for exploring Capri Town. Add a boat tour around the island and a ride up the Monte Solaro chairlift, and you’ve got the full Capri experience covered!
Whether it’s your first trip or your fifth, this island always finds a way to surprise you. Buy your tickets at the port, arrive early to beat the crowds, and leave the car keys back on the mainland because you absolutely won’t need them. Capri, Italy is waiting for you and trust us, it lives up to every bit of the hype! 🍋☀️
FAQs
What is the cheapest way to get around Capri?
The public bus is your most affordable option. Walking is free and covers most of Capri Town plus several scenic trails, without spending a cent!
Can I bring a car to Capri?
Nope! Private cars are not allowed on the island without special authorisation from local authorities. Leave your car on the mainland and use the island’s buses, taxis, funicular, or a rental scooter.
How much is the bus in Capri?
Bus tickets are purchased at ticket offices in Marina Grande, at the Piazzetta, and in Anacapri, or via Tap & Go when boarding. Buying on board from the driver costs a little more, so grabbing your ticket at the port when you arrive is the smarter move!
Is Capri easy to walk around in?
Capri Town itself is very walkable, and the pedestrianised centre around the Piazzetta is made for exploring on foot. The island is hilly with lots of steps and uneven surfaces, so sturdy shoes are non-negotiable! The main road between Capri and Anacapri is not pedestrian-safe in certain sections.
How do I get from Marina Grande to the Blue Grotto?
You’ve got two solid options. Join a group boat tour from Marina Grande that circles the island and stops at the Blue Grotto when sea conditions allow, or take the bus from Marina Grande to Anacapri, then transfer to the local bus to the Blue Grotto. Either way, entry to the grotto itself is paid separately on-site and access depends entirely on sea conditions that day.
