Capri on a budget
Overview
Capri can be an expensive day trip from Positano because the ferry is a substantial cost before you buy lunch or local transport. Keep spending manageable by choosing one part of the island, comparing takeaway menus and leaving paid attractions optional.
Start with your outward and return sailings. The examples below use operator prices checked on 24 October 2026; they are planning examples, not a quote for your travel date.
On this page
Start with the ferry cost
NLG's Positano–Capri page lists an adult return at €48 for its 1 April–3 November 2026 schedule. The Capri landing contribution is an additional €5 from 1 April–31 October, and NLG lists luggage at €5 per piece each way.
Alicost's Capri page lists an adult Positano return at €43.50, plus the same seasonal landing contribution. Check both operators for your date: departure times, luggage conditions, fuel adjustments and availability can change.
Use our Positano-to-Capri ferry directions for the dock approach. Going down to the port involves Positano's hills and stairs; allow time to collect tickets and find the correct boarding point. Plan the uphill return to Brikette as well.
Where to eat on a budget: two takeaway options
Capri Pasta, Via Parroco Canale 12 in Capri town, publishes a changing takeaway menu of pasta, salads, fried snacks and sandwiches. It is useful if you want a quick lunch near the Piazzetta rather than a full restaurant meal. Ask for the current portion price before ordering.
Al Buco Food & Wine, Via Tommaso de Tommaso 32 in Anacapri, advertises takeaway pizza, salads and prepared dishes. It fits an Anacapri day better than travelling across the island just to buy lunch.
These are named places to compare, not a promise of the island's lowest prices. Check the displayed menu, portion size, drinks and any service charge. Neither first-party page supplied a current itemized retail price list during this check, so no sandwich or pizza price is quoted here.
Free walks or one paid viewpoint
A lower-spend plan can focus on walking around Capri town and Marina Grande, with time to stop at publicly accessible viewpoints. Stay on signed public routes and check any gate, access restriction or admission sign before entering a garden or attraction.
If Anacapri and Monte Solaro are your priority, budget separately for the journey there. The chairlift operator publishes current prices and opening information. Treat the chairlift as an optional purchase rather than part of a free-viewpoint itinerary.
Choose Capri town or Anacapri as the main part of your day. Adding the lighthouse, several beaches and paid attractions makes the day harder to manage around a fixed return ferry.
Keep swimming optional
A public beach visit can avoid a lounger purchase, but use the signed public area and check current access and sea conditions. Do not infer that a beach-club photograph shows a free area or that a rocky entry is suitable for everyone.
Bring drinking water, sun protection and suitable footwear. Skip swimming when conditions or entry and exit are unsuitable, and leave enough time to return to Marina Grande without rushing.
Three itemized transport scenarios
These examples apply to the published adult return fares and €5 landing contribution for 1 April–31 October 2026. They exclude food, island transport, attractions and any ticket adjustment. A smaller ferry subtotal does not guarantee a suitable return sailing.
Keep the day simple: arrive at Marina Grande, spend the main part of the day in your chosen area, have takeaway lunch and return to the port for your booked sailing. Recheck the operator's live notices before leaving Positano and before setting off back to the port.
| Cost item | Alicost, before luggage | NLG, no chargeable luggage | NLG, one chargeable bag |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult return ferry | €43.50 | €48 | €48 |
| Capri landing contribution | €5 | €5 | €5 |
| Chargeable luggage, return | Check operator terms | €0 | €10 |
| Listed transport subtotal | €48.50 before any luggage charge | €53 | €63 |
| Food and drinks | Add your chosen menu items | Add your chosen menu items | Add your chosen menu items |
| Island transport and attractions | Add the routes and tickets you choose | Add the routes and tickets you choose | Add the routes and tickets you choose |
Luggage, weather and the return to Brikette
Carry a day bag with water, sun protection, any medication and a charged phone. Check the ferry operator's baggage rules; a small bag should not automatically be assumed free under every ticket.
If you are checking out, enrol for hostel luggage storage through the guest app. It requires receipt of your agreement to the terms and is subject to availability. Storage is free until 15:00; if you have not returned by then, bags are automatically transferred to the porters, who charge for storage. A full Capri day may therefore mean paid porter storage. See the complete luggage-storage arrangements.
Ferries can be disrupted by weather. Keep a mainland alternative and check your return options before committing to an island trip. Once back in Positano, use the ferry-dock-to-hostel directions; the local Interno bus and regional SITA service use different stops.
FAQs
Is Capri expensive for a day trip from Positano?
The ferry is the main starting cost. In the dated examples above, the adult return plus landing contribution is €48.50 with Alicost before luggage or €53 with NLG without chargeable luggage. Food, local transport and attractions are additional; check the selected sailing before buying.
Where can I find a simple takeaway lunch?
Compare Capri Pasta on Via Parroco Canale in Capri town with Al Buco on Via Tommaso de Tommaso in Anacapri, depending on your itinerary. Both publish takeaway options on their own websites. Check the current menu and price before ordering.
Can I leave my bags at Brikette for the whole day after checkout?
Enrol through the guest app, agree to the terms and check availability. Hostel storage is free until 15:00. Bags left after that are automatically transferred to the porters and porter storage is charged, so plan for this if you will return from Capri later.
What is the cheapest way to plan the day?
Compare suitable return ferry tickets first, choose one main area and keep paid attractions optional. Buy food after checking the menu and account for any bus or funicular fare. Do not choose a cheaper departure if it leaves no practical return connection.
