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Getting Around Naples
The only mode to really get around Naples and stay sane is to walk. However, Naples is an immense, sprawling city, so sooner or later it's advisable to use the means of public transport (bus, car and metro). It may be a bit complex but it's in any case better than going by private car or taxi. Furthermore it is the best solution to avoid heavy traffic jams. The public transport ticket is the same no matter which way of transport you use, you can buy it at counters in the metro/train/funicolare stations and in all the shops that show the logo Gira Napoli - Napoli Pass.
By Bus:
Don't wait to find timetables at the bus stop, counting on regular buses was until a couple of years ago impossible in Naples, due to the very disordered and complex traffic, you will at most find the interval of time between two consecutive buses. Nowadays, however, the situation has greatly improved and the new bus lines, characterized by an R in front of their number (eg. R1), are quite fast and if you'll loose one you won't have to wait more than 5 minutes for the next one to arrive.
By Metro:
You will observe 2 metro networks. The first metro network starts from the Gianturco passing by Napoli-Piazza Garibaldi, the railway station, and goes to Pozzuoli, the local call this just Metropolitana or "Metropolitana di Piazza Garibaldi". This serves the hystorical centrum and is the one you'll most likely use as tourist. Be a bit careful when using the Metropolitana, especially in the dead hours. The second and newest line serves for the moment the newest part of the city leaving from Piazza Vanvitelli and going to Secondigliano, in the near future also this metro should arrive to Napoli-Piazza Garibaldi. The local call this Metropolitana Collinare to distinguish it from the previous one.
By Funiculars:
A really nice way to get a perfect view on the city is using the funiculars scaling the hill of the Vomero from stations at Piazza Montesanto, Amadeo and Augusto.
By car:
You must have a lot of care in Naples if you rent a car to tour Italy. The city isn't more crowded than Florence or Rome or that routes are in worse condition. But in some manner the way the traffic flows the indomitable Neapolitan spirit and the complete disregard for traffic laws combine to make driving in Naples a harrowing experience. (It has been said that Neapolitans hesitate at green lights because they know everyone runs red lights, in fact Neapolitans treat red lights as stop signs.) If you do decide to bring a car into the city make sure you leave nothing of value in it not even in the trunk. Break-ins are common. And while we’re on the subject of warnings do not wear flashy jewelry, carry much cash in your wallet (or even carry a purse or wallet at all for that matter). Pick pocketing and purse snatching are rampant.
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