How to get from Naples to Ischia
Which boat, which pier, which port, and how to move around the island.
Ischia is the largest island in the Gulf of Naples, a volcanic island known for its thermal springs. It can only be reached by sea, and the main choice is the type of boat, because hydrofoils and ferries leave from different piers in Naples.
Hydrofoil
Hydrofoils leave from Molo Beverello. Timetable listings give roughly 50 to 65 minutes to Ischia Porto, depending on the operator and the boat.
Ferry
Regular ferries leave from Calata Porta di Massa, a different pier from the hydrofoils. Listings give roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes. Check which pier your ticket is for before you set off.
Organised tour
Organised tours from Naples handle the transport for you. Check what is included before you book.
Where the boats arrive
- The main port is Ischia Porto. Some sailings call at Casamicciola, and some hydrofoils continue to Forio, so check which port your ticket is for.
- Some sailings stop at Procida on the way, which adds time.
Getting around the island
- Buses are run by EAV, and the bus station is at Ischia Porto.
- Two circular lines go around the island, starting and finishing at the Ischia Porto bus station: the CS (counter-clockwise) and the CD (clockwise). EAV renumbered them in September 2025, so you may see them listed as 198 (CS) and 197 (CD).
- Tickets have to be validated on board. Check EAV for where to buy them, and for current fares and timetables.
What to see
The sights are spread around the island, so it helps to choose one or two areas.
- The Aragonese Castle (Castello Aragonese), on a small island joined to Ischia Ponte by a stone bridge, with views over the Gulf of Naples.
- Monte Epomeo, the island's highest peak at about 790 metres, with hiking trails to the top.
- Sant'Angelo, a small fishing village in the south of the island.
- Forio, with the Church of the Madonna del Soccorso on a promontory over the sea, and the La Mortella gardens, created by Susana Walton from 1958.
- Lacco Ameno, with the Mushroom, a tuff rock named for its shape.
- The thermal parks, such as the Poseidon Gardens in Citara Bay, Negombo and the Gardens of Aphrodite.
Before you go
- Check the time of the last boat back to Naples and keep time for it. Rough sea can disrupt sailings.
- Thermal parks and gardens have their own opening days and tickets: check their official websites.
- Timetables, tickets and opening hours change: check the boat operators and EAV before you travel.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get from Naples to Ischia?
By boat from the port of Naples. Hydrofoils leave from Molo Beverello (roughly 50 to 65 minutes) and regular ferries from Calata Porta di Massa (roughly 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 45 minutes). The main arrival port is Ischia Porto.
Do the boats leave from the same pier?
No. Hydrofoils leave from Molo Beverello and regular ferries from Calata Porta di Massa. Check which one your ticket is for.
Which port should I arrive at?
Ischia Porto is the main port. Some sailings go to Casamicciola and some hydrofoils to Forio, so check the port on your ticket and choose the one closest to where you're going.
How do I get around Ischia without a car?
By EAV bus: two circular lines, the CS and the CD (renumbered 198 and 197 in September 2025), start and finish at the Ischia Porto bus station.
Can I visit Ischia as a day trip from Naples?
Yes. Boats run in both directions several times a day, so you can go and come back the same day. Check the last boat back before you set off.
How to get from Naples to Capri
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How many days do you need in Naples
It mainly depends on whether you also want day trips outside the city.
Plan the rest of your trip
See how many days to allow and what else fits into a day trip.