Capri island: Day Trips and Tours from Rome

Nicknamed the "island of sweet idleness" by Emperor Augustus — there's no better way to sum up the island of Capri.

With limited road vehicles, the island is a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the capital city. Day trips to Capri from Rome are a great way to slow down and enjoy "La Dolce Vita" (the sweet life).

Here’s everything you need to know about the island of Capri, one of the most captivating day trips from Rome.

How to get to Capri island from Rome?

Capri is an island located just over 40 kilometers off the coast of Naples and is only accessible via ferry.

From Rome to Capri island by car

If you're starting your day trip to Capri island from Rome by car, it's an easy drive down the E45 to Naples. You can park in Naples and then catch the ferry over to the island. Driving from Rome to Naples takes around 2.5 hours.

From Rome to Capri island by train

One of the quickest ways to access Capri from Rome is by train. You can take a high-speed train from the Roma Termini station to Naples which takes just over an hour. Tickets cost anywhere between €14 and €73, depending on when you travel.

From there, hop in a taxi to the Molo Beverello pier, which takes just 10 minutes and costs around €15.

Depending on which ferry you take, the ride varies from 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. Ferry tickets start at around €20 and prices are dependent on whether you choose a high-speed ferry.

Guided tour to Capri island from Rome

Tours to Capri often meet at a designated point in the center of Rome. From there, you'll travel by bus to the pier in Naples, and catch a ferry to the island.

You'll be escorted back to Rome from your quick jaunt to Capri island by bus, and the tour lasts approximately 15 hours. Meeting times are around 7 AM.

What is the typical itinerary of a day tour to Capri island from Rome?

Starting out early, you'll be met by your tour coordinator and board the bus. It takes around 2.5 hours to reach the ferry port from Rome and the journey flies by as you take in the stunning Italian countryside views.

Once at the port, you'll board a ferry and sail to the island, which takes roughly an hour. When you reach the island, you'll have free time to explore the Blue Grotto cave.

You can also choose to wander around the idyllic streets and try the exquisite dishes the local restaurants have to offer.

After an afternoon spent in paradise, your day tour to Capri island will come to a close, as you head back on the ferry to the mainland. Your bus will be waiting for you at the port to make the journey back to Rome, arriving in the city late in the evening.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Capri island?

There are several different types of tours to Capri. These vary from day trips to tours over multiple days that include other hot spots around Italy.

Day trip to Capri island from Rome

Day tours to the island of Capri begin early, around 7 AM in the center of Rome. Once you reach the island by bus and ferry, you'll be taken to the Blue Grotto cave, followed by free time in Capri. Some tours also include lunch overlooking the Bay of Naples.

Boat tour to Capri island from Rome

If you want to enjoy the many sights of the south coast of Italy, a day trip to Capri on a boat tour from Rome is for you.

The tour includes train travel from Rome to Naples, where you'll board your boat and cruise around the island and the picturesque Sorrento Coast. You'll visit some of the natural wonders of the island, and you can enjoy snorkeling in its crystal clear waters.

Private tour to Capri island from Rome

Private tours include pickup and drop-off to your hotel in Rome by a private driver in a luxury vehicle. You'll also have your own tour escort to show you the best spots in Capri.

Alongside a private boat tour of the wondrous island, you'll enjoy stops at the Gardens of Augustus, as well as the famous Blue Grotto cave. You'll also experience the panoramic viewpoint of Monte Solaro by chairlift.

2-Day tour to Capri island plus Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento from Rome

This 2-day tour is a whirlwind way to see several of Italy's most incredible sights. After stopping in Naples for lunch, you'll enjoy a guided tour of the ancient city of Pompeii which has been so well preserved over time.

Carrying on your excursion, you'll head to Sorrento where you'll stay overnight and enjoy a formal dinner. After a refreshing night’s sleep, you'll catch the ferry over to Capri island, where you'll visit the most iconic sites before heading back to Rome.

How much does a tour to Capri island from Rome cost?

Day trips to Capri cost from €150 to €200 per person and include transport from Rome by bus and ferry. There is also a tour coordinator on hand to make sure your day runs smoothly. Boat tours are limited to 12 people and include snacks and beverages.

Tour prices for Capri day trips with round-trip high-speed train tickets from Rome start from €280 per person.

Private day tours to Capri island from Rome start at €900 per person. This includes access to Monte Solaro by chairlift, entrance to the Gardens of Augustus and a private two-hour boat trip around the island. A private driver, luxury vehicle and tour guide are also included.

The 2-day tours to Capri, Naples, Pompeii and Sorrento from Rome cost from €560 to €600 per person. The tour provides a guided tour of Pompei and accommodation overnight in Sorrento.

What will you see and do on Capri island?

Blue Grotto cave

The cave is the most famous landmark on the island. Despite needing to duck to enter the cave, it is a relaxing experience and you'll be awestruck by its sparkling azure waters. The Grotto Azzurra (Blue Grotto) has been so beloved over time that Emperor Tiberius used it as his own private swimming pool.

Rough seas can cause the cave to close. Check the Capri island official website to see if the Blue Grotto Cave is open before you visit.

The Gardens of Augustus

Just outside the center of Capri sit the botanical gardens of Augustus, once known as Krupp Gardens. These gardens have incredible vistas out over the sea and show off the wide range of flora that can be found on the island.

You can also view the Via Krupp hairpin bends from the gardens, which is one of the most unusual and photographed sites on the island.

Monte Solaro

The highest point on the island, Monte Solaro towers over the beaches, gardens and boats below. The mountain provides the most far-reaching panoramic views that you'll find anywhere on Capri.

Surprisingly, hiking Monte Solaro is fairly easy and accessible from Anacapri, but if walking doesn't interest you, you can choose the chairlift instead. The chairlift makes the almost 600-meter journey to the summit in just 12 minutes and leaves from Piazza Vittoria in Anacapri.

When is Capri island open over the year?

The island is technically open to visitors all year round, but hotels, shops and restaurants are all closed from November to March. Day trips to Capri don't run during the winter months for this very reason.

When is the best time to visit Capri island?

Those visiting Capri any time between April and October can enjoy warm and sunny days of up to 29 degrees Celsius on the island.

July and August are the busiest months for tourism, with lots of day trips heading to Capri island. Those who prefer a quieter and more authentic experience may choose to visit in May, June or September instead.

Are there any tours to Capri from other cities in Italy?

Yes, there are other tours departing from several other cities in Italy:

• Capri day trips and tours from Sorrento
• Day tours to Capri island from Naples
• Capri island day trips from Positano
• Day trips and tours to Capri from Amalfi
• Capri day trips from Salerno

What are the other day trips from Rome?

• Amalfi Coast day trips from Rome
• Positano day tours from Rome
• Day trips to Tivoli from Rome
• Hadrian's Villa day tours from Rome
• Day trips to Florence from Rome
• Vesuvius day trips from Rome
• Day tours to Tuscany from Rome

Travel tips

• While the ferry journey to Capri is mostly calm, if you experience seasickness, ensure you have tablets on hand to calm your stomach.
• Make sure to bring your swimsuit on your day trip to Capri island. The waters are warm and you can swim at Marina Piccola, Marina Grande or Palazzo a Mare.
• There are ample opportunities to take fantastic pictures — particularly at the Blue Grotto or the viewpoint of Monte Solaro. Bring a smartphone or camera to capture the magnificent sites.