The island of Capri is located on the southern coast of the Gulf of Naples and on the opposite of the Sorrento peninsula. The island of Capri is one of the destinations tourists go to when they visit Italy. It is also known for its coastline and grandiose villas. There is only one way to go to Capri and it is by sea.
Since there is no other option for transport to Capri, it might be tempting to book a ferry ticket in advance to secure a ticket. You can definitely book a ferry ticket to Capri in advance. However, it is not required. You can purchase a ticket at one of the ticket booths on the day of your travel.
If you are not sure if booking a ticket in advance is a good idea, this article will talk about the pros and cons of booking tickets ahead of time.
What You Need To Know About Capri Ferries
The island of Capri is a great destination to go to if you plan on having a relaxing holiday or a day trip when you are in Italy. To reach Capri, you will need to ride a ferry. The only way to visit Capri is by sea and you can find ports in mainland Italy and on the island of Ischia.
The ports going to Capri can be found in Naples, Castellammare di Stabia, Salerno, and Sorrento. There are also ferries from Positano to Capri but they mostly operate during the summer months. Other ferry companies travel to and from Capri year-round. These companies use hydrofoils or catamarans and you can get to Capri between 15 to 50 minutes depending on your point of departure. While ferries operate year-round, slow ferry routes and high-speed ferry routes can be canceled if the sea is rough.
You will also be able to explore the Amalfi coast with the Capri to Sorrento and Capri to Positano ferry routes. The ferry schedule to Capri varies and the start of operation can be as early as 4:00 AM. There are high-speed ferries as well as slow ferries that go to Capri. If you are not in a rush, slow ferries are great for taking in the beautiful scenery while en route to Capri. The main port in Capri town is Marina Grande and ferries that carry tourists dock at this port.
If you have rented a car in Italy and are planning on bringing it to Capri, you probably won’t be able to take it with you onboard. Cars are not allowed to embark on the island for most part of the year. Only residents of Capri are allowed to take their vehicles onboard. Non-residents can take their vehicles to the island between November and Easter only.
Five ferry companies operate to and from Capri:
– SNAV
– NLG
– Positano Jet
– Alilauro
– Caremar
You can definitely bring luggage with you but take note that these companies have their own baggage allowance policy. Make sure to know the ferry’s policy regarding luggage to make sure your luggage can be taken on board.
Do You Need To Book Capri Ferry Tickets In Advance?
It is possible to book Capri ferry tickets in advance, but you do not have to. You can buy tickets on the day of your travel in one of the ticket booths at the port. If you decide to buy tickets directly at the port, make sure you allot extra time before your departure so you won’t be in a rush to board the ferry.
If you are planning on booking your ticket in advance, you can book it online through various accredited websites. If you do book tickets online, you will still need to pick up your printed tickets at one of the ticket booths at the port. Make sure to double-check which port and ferry company you booked the ticket with to avoid delays.
Pros And Cons Of Booking Ferry Tickets In Advance
There are definitely pros and cons to booking ferry tickets in advance.
One of the advantages of booking your tickets in advance is that you will be able to secure a ticket on your intended departure date and time. If you are traveling, you will be able to secure tickets and seating for everyone in your group. This is helpful in peak seasons where tickets can sell out fast as everyone is trying to book tickets at the same time. You will also be able to find cheaper or discounted ferry tickets if you decide to book in advance.
Booking ferry tickets in advance can also have its disadvantages. Ferries from Naples to Capri or from other ports to and from Capri can be delayed. If you already have booked the ticket in advance, you are stuck with the ticket that you have. You might not be able to get a refund or won’t be able to cancel your booking depending on the ferry company’s refund or cancellation policies. This could delay your itinerary for the day. You may also need to have your tickets printed at the ticket booth. Although there may be a separate booth for those who booked online, you will still need to line up at a ticket booth to get your printed ticket.
Wrap Up
Booking tickets in advance is great, especially if you like planning ahead. But, there may be circumstances where you wish you did not book a ticket ahead of time. There are several ferry companies going to and from Capri so if you are booking in advance, check which ferry company has the date and time that best fits your itinerary.
This article talked about the pros and cons of booking ferry tickets in advance to help you decide before you buy a ferry ticket to Capri. If you have any other questions, let us know how we can help!
