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If you are planning a trip to Procida and arriving by car, the first question is inevitable: where should I leave my car? For most of the year, the island enforces an ordinance banning non-resident motor vehicles from disembarking, and even outside the restriction period Procida remains a small island with narrow streets and limited parking. In most cases, the smartest option is to leave your car on the mainland — either in Pozzuoli or Naples — and reach the island on foot. In this guide, we explore all the available options, with pros, cons and estimated parking costs for each departure port.
Every year, the Municipality of Procida issues an ordinance restricting non-resident vehicles from entering the island, generally valid from April 1st to October 31st. During this period, only residents, authorized workers and exempt categories (such as doctors, contracted professionals and disabled visitors) are allowed to bring a vehicle onto the island. For all other tourists, vehicle boarding is prohibited.
Even outside the restriction period — typically from November to March — bringing a car to Procida is not always the best idea. The island covers only 4 km², many streets in the historic center are narrow and one-way, and parking spaces are limited and expensive. For sightseeing purposes, even in winter, it is usually much more convenient to leave your car in a mainland parking facility and board the ferry as a foot passenger.
Pozzuoli is the recommended departure port for travelers arriving by car from outside Naples (A1 motorway, Rome, Florence, Tuscany). The port is located in the city center, easily accessible from the motorway exit (Pozzuoli–Via Campana), and offers shorter crossing times (about 30–40 minutes compared to 60 minutes from Naples). Parking areas nearby are plentiful and generally cheaper than in Naples.
Advantages of Pozzuoli: lower parking costs, shorter ferry crossing, parking facilities located just a few meters from the boarding area, direct motorway access. Disadvantages: fewer daily departures compared to Naples, especially during the low season (4–6 crossings per day in winter).
Calata Porta di Massa is the main port for traditional ferries carrying vehicles (Caremar, Medmar). It is located within Naples commercial harbor area, close to the Maritime Station. This is the best option if you are staying in central Naples or arriving by cruise ship.
Advantages of Calata Porta di Massa: many departures throughout the year, multiple ferry operators available, close to central Naples. Disadvantages: higher parking costs compared to Pozzuoli, city traffic and a longer crossing time (around 1 hour).
Only hydrofoils to Procida depart from Molo Beverello, making it the right choice only if you travel without a vehicle and want the fastest crossing possible (~40 minutes). The port is located in the historic center of Naples, directly in front of Piazza Municipio and just a short walk from Castel Nuovo.
Important: street parking in this area of Naples is limited and often crowded, and leaving your car on the street for multiple days is strongly discouraged. Always use a secure parking garage.
To give you a rough estimate, here is the average cost for 7 days of parking during the high season:
To this amount, you must add the ferry ticket cost, which is also cheaper from Pozzuoli (around €9 one way) compared to hydrofoils from Beverello (€19–22). For a family of four staying one week, the difference between departing from Pozzuoli and Beverello can exceed €200.
If you want to avoid parking entirely, consider reaching the port by train. Naples Central Station is only about 10 minutes away by taxi or metro from both Beverello and Calata Porta di Massa, while Pozzuoli can be reached via the Cumana railway (from Naples Montesanto) or by Trenitalia Line 2 (Pozzuoli Solfatara station). This is often the fastest and most eco-friendly solution, especially during the summer months when city traffic can become chaotic.
For travelers arriving by car, the best option for reaching Procida is usually leaving the vehicle in Pozzuoli: cheaper parking, shorter ferry crossings and direct motorway access. Calata Porta di Massa is a good alternative if you are staying in Naples or traveling with a vehicle during periods when boarding is allowed. Beverello only makes sense if you want the fastest hydrofoil crossing and are willing to pay higher prices for both parking and tickets. Always remember that from April to October vehicles are generally not allowed on the island, so plan accordingly and enjoy Procida the way it is best experienced — on foot.
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