Getting to Ischia is simple thanks to the vast network of ferries and hydrofoils connecting the island with the port of Naples.
Connections to Ischia are offered by various boat, ferry and hydrofoil companies. Departures are available from Pozzuoli, Naples Mergellina, Naples Molo Beverello or Naples Porta di Massa. Pozzuoli is reachable via the Naples Tangenziale bypass, Via Campana exit. Only Medmar and Caremar ferries to Ischia Port or Casamicciola leave from this port. The crossing lasts approximately 1 hour. It is possible for non-Campania residents to board vehicles. The ferries often provide a commuter shuttle service to Procida which lengthens the journey time by a small amount. However, the crossing is still shorter than the crossing leaving from Calata Porta di Massa (Naples’ commercial dock). When boarding cars, if the sea is too rough boarding at Pozzuoli is preferable.
Both Molo Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa are found in Naples’ commercial port. While the two are fairly close, they are not right next to each other – so it is best to let any taxi drivers know exactly which one you are departing from. Alilauro, Snav and Caremar hydrofoils leave from Molo Beverello. Caremar and Medmar ferries leave from Calata Porta di Massa. Hydrofoils take approximately 50-60 minutes to reach the island. Ferries take approximately 90 minutes. Mergellina is located close to Naples’ famous Via Caracciolo, the city’s esplanade with tourist port. Some Alilauro hydrofoils depart from this landing, however services are limited and, in some seasons, there are no Mergellina-Ischia services in operation.
