Ischia Ferries
Everything you need to know about ferries to and from Ischia — the Ischia Porto terminal, connections from Naples and Pozzuoli, car-ferry options and how to plan your visit.
The port: Ischia Porto
Ischia's main ferry terminal is Ischia Porto, a striking natural harbour formed inside an ancient volcanic crater. Most scheduled passenger services — hydrofoils and ferries from Naples and Pozzuoli — dock here. The harbour mouth opens onto the Tyrrhenian Sea and the town of Ischia wraps around the crater rim, so the arrival itself is one of the island's more memorable moments. From the port, taxis and buses connect to the island's main resorts: Ischia Ponte, Casamicciola, Lacco Ameno and Forio.
Routes to and from Ischia
The primary connection is from Naples (Molo Beverello and Mergellina), operated by Caremar and SNAV among others, with hydrofoils taking around 50 minutes and conventional ferries roughly 1–1.5 hours. Pozzuoli, just west of Naples and close to the motorway, is an increasingly popular alternative — the crossing is similar in time and the port is easier to reach by car if you're bringing a vehicle. Seasonal connections also link Ischia to Procida and Capri, making a multi-island loop straightforward.
Taking a car to Ischia
Unlike Capri, Ischia is fully accessible to private vehicles, and the car ferry is a practical option for longer stays. Car ferries depart from Naples (Calata Porta di Massa) and Pozzuoli. In July and August, car spaces are heavily in demand — book as far ahead as possible, especially for summer-weekend departures. Outside peak season, availability is usually good and walk-up is often possible.
Planning tips
Ischia is larger and less crowded than Capri, and most visitors base themselves for several nights rather than doing a day trip. The thermal spas, particularly at Poseidon Gardens and the Negombo, are the main draw. Ferry frequency is high in summer — multiple daily departures in each direction — but drops significantly in winter. Check the timetable if you're travelling in November to March, and allow flexibility in case of rough weather on the bay.
Ports & terminals
- Ischia FerriesView on map →
Ferry routes from here
Frequently asked questions
- Which port do ferries to Ischia use?
- Most scheduled ferries and hydrofoils arrive at Ischia Porto, in the north-east of the island, which is set in a circular volcanic crater. Some slower car ferries also serve Casamicciola and Forio.
- How long is the ferry from Naples to Ischia?
- Fast hydrofoils take around 50 minutes from Molo Beverello or Mergellina in Naples. Conventional car ferries take roughly 1–1.5 hours.
- Can I take a car to Ischia?
- Yes — unlike Capri, Ischia permits private vehicles. Car ferries run from Naples (Calata Porta di Massa) and from Pozzuoli. Book car space well ahead in summer.