How To Get Around Capri: Bus, Funicular, Taxi
Capri, the most fashionable island in Italy, is a highly sought-after destination for its numerous attractions. From picturesque towns to astounding viewpoints, lush gardens, and great beaches, it’s easy to see why so many people fall in love with the island!
What’s not as easy is figuring out how to get around Capri efficiently, especially if you have limited time and want to make the most of it. Which is why I wrote this post!
Let’s start with a quick overview of Capri’s main areas, so you have an idea of where exactly you’ll be moving around.
1️⃣ The first location is Marina Grande, the major ferry port, and where most visitors arrive, so this will likely be your first stop. Marina Grande is also where you’ll catch the funicular up to Capri town.
2️⃣ Capri Town is the bustling heart of the island, full of shops, cafes, and hotels. It sits on cliffs above Marina Grande, and it offers the high-end restaurants and shopping opportunities the island is well-known for.
3️⃣ Anacapri is the island’s second town, much quieter and located on a hilltop west of Capri town. It’s a much more laid-back area with charming streets and buildings, as well as historic sites like Villa San Michele.
4️⃣ Then there’s Marina Piccola, a small harbor and beach area on the southern side of the island, popular for swimming and sunbathing.
Some of these spots are very walkable, like the town centers, but to travel between some of the locations, you’ll need to use some sort of transportation. The hills and limited roads around the island make some transfer options better than others for certain trips.
I know it can initially seem confusing, but in this article, we’ll go over all the ways to get around the island of Capri, and which options are the best for each location so your visit is a breeze.
Walking in Capri
Walking is great for short distances, and to explore Capri town and Anacapri center, where you’ll be wandering along its narrow alleys, and getting purposefully lost in its enchanting corners.
Besides, some attractions, like Villa Jovis, can only be reached by walking or hiking since no roads or buses go there. So be ready for some good steps if you want to explore off the beaten path, and pack comfortable shoes.
Pros and Cons of Walking in Capri
✓ It’s free!
✓ It offers spectacular views of your surroundings.
✓ It’s easy to explore the narrow streets and back alleys of the towns.
✓ It allows you to get to places where no transfers can access.
✕ Some paths are quite steep.
✕ It’s not ideal if you have luggage or mobility issues.
✕ You need to wear comfortable shoes, some roads can get slippery when it rains.
Capri Bus Service
Public buses run back and forth connecting these spots roughly in this order:
Marina Grande ⇄ Capri Town ⇄ Anacapri ⇄ Marina Piccola.
You can hop on at Marina Grande, ride up to Capri town, continue to Anacapri, and then down to Marina Piccola, or go the other way around. It’s a handy loop covering all the major points!
Frequency & Operating Hours
Buses run roughly between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the journey, from around 6 AM until late at night. Some services stop running earlier in the evening, though.
Below is the current timetable for each of the journeys.
Bus terminals and bus stops
In Capri town, buses start from Piazza Martiri d’Ungheria on Via Roma, just a short walk from the Piazzetta.
The main Anacapri bus terminal is Piazza della Pace. It’s the hub for most routes. Buses to Capri Town, Marina Grande, Marina Piccola, Faro di Punta Carena, and Blue Grotto all start or pass through here.
Insider tip: If you’re going from Anacapri to Capri and the queue at Piazza Vittoria is huge, walk along Viale De Tommaso and hop on at an earlier stop or at the last stop on the Capri-Anacapri route (Faro di Carena 32). It usually saves time!
Bus Tickets
The standard fee is €2.40, and you can purchase the ticket at the tabacchi and kiosks in Marina Grande, Piazzetta in Capri Town, and the bus terminals in Capri and Anacapri.
→ You can also purchase the ticket on board from the driver, but that costs a bit more, €2.90.
→ Then there is a 3rd option, which is buying your tickets and validate them on the ATC GO app (IOS / Android), which is the official app to buy Capri bus tickets. This is what I always do; it saves me time and hassle.
→ If you’re traveling with large suitcases, you’ll have to buy an extra ticket for each suitcase (hand luggage-sized suitcases are accepted without an extra fee).
Daily Pass: A daily pass might be convenient if you think you’ll be taking the bus at least 4 times during a single day. For example, if you’re visiting Capri on a day trip and plan on exploring all the main locations.
The unlimited day pass costs €8.20 (of which €1 is refundable once you give back the card) and is valid until midnight on the day you used it.
Useful Things To Know
Crowds: In peak summer months, buses can get packed, especially midday. It can get so crowded that you might not be able to enter the teeny tiny buses, and you might need to wait for the next one.
This happens very often, so make sure to leave with a lot of time, especially if you’re traveling with a group tour and need to meet in Marina Grande at a certain time, or if you bought your ferry ticket already.
If you’re traveling with luggage, with small children, or in a group, consider taking a taxi to your destination, or else plan to travel outside rush hours (approximately between 10 AM and 4 PM).
Accessibility: Some buses and stops can be tricky for people with mobility issues due to the narrow streets and hilly terrain of the island of Capri. If this applies to your group, taking a taxi might be a safer option.
Night Service: There’s no official night bus service on Capri after midnight or so, so plan your evening outings according to the bus schedule. Taxis or walking are your alternatives after the buses stop running.
Pros and Cons of the Bus
✓ It’s affordable.
✓ It covers all the main stops.
✕ It’s crowded in the high season.
✕ Some routes are not very frequent.
✕ It has limited schedules in the late evening.
Funicular from Marina Grande to Capri Town
The most convenient way to travel from Marina Grande, where you’ll probably arrive, to Capri Town is by taking the funicular. It’s a short ride up the hill that’s super scenic, and will take you to the town in merely 5 minutes.
The funicular runs approximately every 15 minutes, with more frequent departures during peak times.
Tickets: The fare for the funicular is €2.40, and tickets can be purchased at the offices in Marina Grande right next to the ticket offices for the ferries.
If you’re going to use it multiple times in one day, then consider the unlimited day pass that costs €8.20 (of which €1 is refundable once you give back the card) and is valid until midnight on the day you used it.
Pros and Cons of the Funicular
✓ It’s super quick – just 5 minutes to reach Capri town!
✓ It’s very scenic as it takes you above Marina Grande.
✓ It’s convenient for ferry arrivals.
✕ Expect long queues during the peak season.
Taxis and Private Transfers in Capri
A comfortable yet pricier option to move around is a taxi or a private transfer.
It might be the best option for you if you arrive with a lot of luggage, have mobility issues that would make taking the bus more complicated, or simply want to skip the hassle of planning your transfers and get on with it.
→ There are various taxi stands in key locations around the island, including near the ferry terminal in Marina Grande; in Piazzetta, the main square in Capri town; in the beach and harbor area of Marina Piccola; and in Piazza Vittoria, the main square in Anacapri.
The typical rates for the more common routes (Marina Grande to Anacapri, or Capri town to Marina Piccola) will range between €20 and €30, though the exact fare will depend on your journey.
→ There’s also a phone app, Taxi Capri, through which you can request your ride to your current location. You’ll have to download the app (IOS / Android) and register first, so I recommend oing this before your trip.
→ You could also book a private driver through your hotel to take you around the island, either for a single journey or to wait for you as you explore a location and then drive you to the next. You can expect prices to start at around €60 for a one-way journey.
Pros and Cons of the Taxi
✓ It’s a door-to-door service, so it’s super convenient.
✓ It’s flexible and works around your own schedule.
✓ Great for people with mobility issues, small children, or a lot of bags.
✕ It’s much more expensive than public transportation.
✕ It can be hard to find taxis at busy times.
Scooter & Electric Bike Rentals
How about zipping around Capri on a scooter? It’s an exhilarating and practical way to explore the island, with the added benefit of avoiding the crowded buses or sticking to a schedule.
They’re also a great option for exploring less accessible spots like Faro di Punta Carena or Grotta Azzurra.
You’ll need a license to rent a scooter in Capri, and it’s only recommended for experienced drivers, as the streets are narrow and hilly and require some skill to drive them safely.
→ A good alternative if you don’t feel comfortable riding a scooter is to rent an electric bike – it will take you to all the same places, without tiring your legs.
You can rent scooters at Oasi Motor, located in Marina Grande, or at Capri Rent-a-Scooter in Anacapri. They’re both highly-rated, reputable agencies, and you can also inquire about e-bikes there.
Pros and Cons of Renting a Scooter
✓ It gives you ultimate freedom to explore the island.
✓ You’ll have flexibility in your schedule and itinerary.
✓ It’s super fun!
✕ Traffic can be difficult to navigate at peak times.
✕ Capri is full of steep hills and narrow streets, which can make driving stressful.
✕ You’ll need a license and experience to drive a scooter in Capri.
Getting Around Capri by Water Taxi
Water taxis are the island’s quick and easy way to move along the coast. They’re basically small private boats that work like regular taxis.
You hop in, tell the captain where you want to go, and off you go. No waiting for ferries, no crowds, just a straight shot to your destination with sea views the whole way.
They’re perfect if you want to reach beach clubs like La Fontelina or Da Luigi without hiking down the steps. Or, for example, you could use them to get from Marina Grande to Marina Piccola when you don’t feel like dealing with the bus lines. It’s pricey, but definitely the most pleasant way to get around.
You’ll usually find water taxis lined up at Marina Grande, right by the main ferry pier. You can book one in advance or you can walk up to the kiosk, ask for the price, and they’ll quote you based on distance and number of people.
Rides are normally short – think 5 to 15 minutes, depending on where you’re heading.
Pros and Cons of Taking a Water Taxi
✓ Fast and very convenient, especially in summer when buses get packed.
✓ A scenic way to move around the island.
✓ Great for reaching beach clubs without long walks or stairs.
✕ More expensive than any other transport on the island.
✕ Not ideal if the sea is rough.
✕ You can only travel between coastal spots, not inland areas like Capri Town or Anacapri.
Insider Tips for Getting Around Capri
You should now have a better idea of how to get around this beautiful island, depending on where you’re going and your individual preferences. However, I’ve compiled a few tips below to help you even further and ensure you have a hassle-free, deeply enjoyable time in Capri.
▶️ Early Funicular Rides: If you arrive by ferry, try to catch the earliest funicular up to Capri town, as the lines can get incredibly long by mid-morning.
▶️ Avoid bus rush hours: The buses can get super packed with day tourists at around noon and early afternoon, and around 4 PM when everyone wants to get back to Marina Grande to get on the ferry. Either take it outside of peak hours, choose a different transport method, or be prepared to get in line at the bus stop with plenty of time.
▶️ Walk when you can: Capri is quite small in size, which means many of its iconic spots are super easy to explore on foot (and it’s even more scenic!). The centers of Capri and Anacapri, especially, are meant to be walked.
▶️ Buy your tickets ahead of time: You can get your funicular and bus tickets at the kiosks in Marina Grande and other key locations around the islands. This will save you time, as the lines right before the bus departs can get long, and it will also be cheaper than buying them onboard.
▶️ Combine transportation options: You can mix and match your transfers for the best experience, choosing what’s more convenient for each journey. For example, take the ferry to Marina Grande, the funicular up to Capri town, from there the bus to Anacapri, and then a taxi or walk to some of the nearby attractions.
▶️ Be mindful of the weather: Boat services are affected by the weather, and some land transport, like taxis, will also be harder to get on rainy days. So check the weather and plan accordingly, ideally having a transport backup plan.
▶️ Take the chairlift to Monte Solaro: If you have time, enjoy another scenic ride to the island’s highest point, Monte Solaro, which offers glorious views of Capri, the sea, and, on clear days, you may even spot the Amalfi Coast in the distance.
▶️ Use taxis strategically: Taxis are limited and expensive, but they can be just what you need at times (the first transfer with luggage to your hotel, if you’re with a big group, in bus rush hour). It’s a good idea to have the taxi app handy, and ideally book them in advance.
▶️ Ask locals for help: Don’t be shy to ask for directions or help! Staff at the harbor, shops, and hotels will likely know the answers to your questions and be happy to help, but you can also reach out to a local on the street to point where the bus station is or recommend a restaurant.
▶️ Be aware of what attractions aren’t accessible by vehicle: Some of the island’s most beautiful spots, like Villa Jovis, Punta Carena Lighthouse, the Natural Arch, and the sea caves, can’t be accessed by car or bus, so be prepared to walk, or take a boat to get to them.