How to Reach Naples Underground — Directions & Guide (2025)
Simple ways to get to Naples Underground (Napoli Sotterranea) in the heart of the historic center: exact area and meeting point, metro and bus routes, how to walk from main squares, tips from the train station and port, and practical visitor info.
See Naples Underground TicketsQuick Overview
Area: Naples Underground tours usually start around Piazza San Gaetano in the
historic center (“Centro Storico”), a short walk from Via dei Tribunali and
Spaccanapoli.
Meeting Point: Most tours of Napoli Sotterranea meet near
Basilica di San Paolo Maggiore or at clearly marked ticket offices on Piazza San Gaetano
(always check your voucher).
Closest Metro (Line 1): Dante and Museo stations are the most convenient
for walking to Naples Underground.
Nearby Bus Stops: Buses along Via Pessina, Piazza Dante and
Via Foria drop you within a short walk of the historic center.
Best Route for First-Time Visitors
A very easy option is to take Metro Line 1 to Dante. From Piazza Dante, walk under the arch into Via Port’Alba, continue into Via dei Tribunali, and follow it straight until you reach Piazza San Gaetano. The walk is roughly 10–12 minutes through a pedestrian-friendly area.
Where Naples Underground Fits in Your Plan
Naples Underground sits right in the UNESCO-listed historic center, surrounded by landmarks like San Gregorio Armeno, Naples Cathedral (Duomo), and countless pizzerias and cafés. It’s perfect to combine with a walking tour of the old town before or after you go below ground.
Option 1 — From Naples Centrale / Garibaldi Station
Best if you are arriving by train or airport shuttle at Napoli Centrale.
- Metro Line 1 (Recommended): From the Garibaldi metro stop (underneath the station), take Line 1 toward Piscinola and ride to Dante (about 4 stops). Exit onto Piazza Dante and follow the pedestrian route through the historic streets to Piazza San Gaetano.
- Alternative via Museo: From Garibaldi, you can also ride Line 1 to Museo. From there, walk down Via Santa Teresa degli Scalzi / Via Pessina to Piazza Dante or head into the side streets of the old town following signs for Napoli Sotterranea.
- Taxi from the Station: Official taxis line up in front of Napoli Centrale. Ask for Piazza San Gaetano or Via dei Tribunali (Napoli Sotterranea). The ride is short, but traffic can be heavy around the station area.
Tickets & Payment
Metro tickets cover both Metro Line 1 and many buses. You can buy a single journey or a daily ticket in the station. Validating your ticket (or tapping in if you use contactless options) is essential before entering the platforms.
Option 2 — Metro & Buses from Other Neighborhoods
From the Waterfront & Plebiscito Area
If you’re staying near Piazza del Plebiscito, Via Toledo, or the seaside, walk to Toledo station (Line 1) and ride one stop to Dante. From Piazza Dante, continue on foot toward Via dei Tribunali and Piazza San Gaetano.
Buses Near the Historic Center
Several city buses run along Via Pessina, Via Foria, and around Piazza Dante. Once you get off, it’s usually a 10–15 minute walk through narrow streets to the Naples Underground meeting point. Use a maps app and follow signs for Napoli Sotterranea.
Coming from Vomero & Hills
From hilltop neighborhoods like Vomero, use the funiculars or Metro Line 1 to reach Toledo or Dante, then walk to the historic center. Driving down into the old town is not recommended because of ZTL (limited traffic zones).
Group & Guided Tour Options
Many guided tours combine Naples old town + underground ruins, so you simply meet your guide in a central square and follow them to the entrance. This can be easier than navigating alone on your first visit.
Orientation Tip
When in doubt, aim for Via dei Tribunali or Spaccanapoli in the Centro Storico. From there, follow the crowds and signs for Napoli Sotterranea / Naples Underground toward Piazza San Gaetano.
Option 3 — Scenic Walks Through the Historic Center
Walking is often the most enjoyable way to reach Naples Underground. You’ll pass churches, artisan shops, and street food stalls on the way down into the ancient city beneath your feet.
- From Piazza Dante: Cross under the arch into Port’Alba, then continue along Via dei Tribunali. Stay on this street until you reach Piazza San Gaetano, where most underground tours begin.
- From Via Toledo: Walk up toward Piazza Dante or cut across the side streets of the historic center, following signs for Duomo or San Gregorio Armeno. From there, Piazza San Gaetano is close.
- From the Cathedral (Duomo): From Naples Cathedral, head toward Via dei Tribunali and walk west. In a few minutes you’ll reach Piazza San Gaetano and the main underground entrances.
Street Atmosphere
The Centro Storico is busy, lively, and full of scooters, even in narrow lanes. Keep to the side of the street, watch your footing on uneven stones, and enjoy the mix of daily life and ancient history as you walk.
From Naples Port & Cruise Terminals
From Molo Beverello / Stazione Marittima
If you arrive by ferry or cruise, you can walk to Via Toledo in about 15–20 minutes, then continue on foot or take Metro Line 1 to Dante. Alternatively, take a short taxi ride directly to Piazza San Gaetano.
Cruise Excursions
Some excursions include Naples Underground as part of a city tour. In that case, transport from the port is usually arranged for you, and the guide leads you through the old town to the underground entrance.
Time Planning
A typical underground visit takes about 1.5–2 hours. Add extra time to walk from the port, explore the old town, and get back to your ship—especially if you’re on a tight schedule.
Taxi & Rideshares
Official taxis are available outside the terminal. Always check the approximate fare beforehand and ask to be dropped near Piazza San Gaetano or Via dei Tribunali (Napoli Sotterranea).
Luggage & Bags
Underground passages are narrow and involve stairs. Large suitcases are not suitable. Bring only a small daypack or bag for the tour and leave bigger luggage at your hotel or port storage.
Driving, Parking & ZTL Zones
Driving in Central Naples
The historic center of Naples is a ZTL (limited traffic zone) with very tight streets. Unless you know exactly where to go and have permission, it’s better not to drive into the old town. Fines for entering the ZTL can be high.
Where to Park
If you arrive by car, park in a garage outside the ZTL, for example near the port, Piazza Municipio, or slightly further from the center, and then continue on foot or by metro to Dante or Museo.
Taxi Drop-Off
Taxis can drop you near the edges of the historic center, such as Piazza Dante or Via Duomo. From there, it’s an easy walk to Naples Underground along pedestrian streets.
Accessibility Notes
The streets around Naples Underground are cobbled and uneven, and the underground tour itself involves stairs, low ceilings, and narrow passages. If you have mobility concerns, review the accessibility details on your tour page before booking.
Practical Visit Tips
Arrive a Little Early
Aim to reach the meeting point 15–20 minutes before your scheduled tour. This gives you time to find the correct entrance, check in, and use restrooms before heading underground.
What to Wear
Temperatures underground stay relatively cool and humid, even in summer. Wear comfortable closed shoes, bring a light layer, and avoid sandals with slippery soles, as some passages can be damp.
Guides, Groups & Language
Many tours offer guided visits in English and Italian, sometimes with multilingual groups. Check the language and group size when booking so you choose an experience that matches your preferences.
Getting There Cheatsheet — Naples Underground
Main Area
Around Piazza San Gaetano in Naples’ historic center, close to Via dei Tribunali and San Gregorio Armeno.
Closest Metro
Dante & Museo (Line 1). Both are about a 10–15 minute walk from typical Naples Underground meeting points.
From Station
From Napoli Centrale / Garibaldi, ride Metro Line 1 to Dante, then walk via Via dei Tribunali to Piazza San Gaetano.
From Port
Walk or taxi to Via Toledo / Piazza Dante, then continue on foot through the old town.
Driving & ZTL
Avoid driving into the Centro Storico. Park outside the ZTL and continue by metro or on foot.
Time & Crowds
Underground tours last about 1.5–2 hours. Late morning and late afternoon are popular; booking ahead is strongly recommended in high season.
Ready to Visit Naples Underground?
Take the metro or walk through the historic center, find your meeting point in Piazza San Gaetano, and get ready to explore tunnels, cisterns, and ancient passages deep below Naples in 2025.
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