Flying Space-A io Naples is the perfect way to kick off a visit to southern Europe. Whether you want to stay local and explore Italy or venture farther afield, the proximity of Naval Support Activity (NSA) Naples to a major international airport and train station makes it a convenient launch point.
Here’s what you need to know about flying Space-A to NSA Naples.
If you are new to Space-A flying, read our Quickstart Guide to Military Space-A Flights first to get a basic understanding of how the process works.
1. NAS Norfolk is the only CONUS terminal with regular missions to and from Naples.
Other regular missions via Naples are primarily to and from Naval Bases in Europe, including Naval Air Station (NAS) Sigonella (Sicily), NSA Souda Bay (Greece), and Naval Station Rota (Spain). Naples also has occasional flights to/from Ramstein Air Base (Germany).
Visit the NSA Naples Air Mobility Command (AMC) page to see their current flight schedules.
2. NSA Naples is part of a Patriot Express Route.
The Patriot Express (PE) mission from NAS Norfolk operates every other Monday and continues to Souda Bay after Naples.
Learn more about flying Space-A on the Patriot Express here.
3. You will receive a stamp in your passport upon landing at NSA Naples.
The immigration process at Naples is easy. Space-A passengers whose destination is Naples have their passports stamped at the military passenger terminal. This is the “Schengen stamp” needed to show proof of where and how you entered the Schengen area within Europe.
Note that passengers arriving on the Patriot Express from Norfolk who are in transit to Souda Bay will not get a passport stamp in Italy.
4) NSA Naples has two bases in the immediate Naples area.
The Air Terminal is on the Capodichino (“Capo”) base, adjacent to Naples International Airport. The main services at the terminal are a USO and a cafe, but the latter has limited hours.
The Support Site is about 16 miles north of Naples in the town of Gricignano di Aversa. Most base facilities are located on the Support site.
There is a free shuttle bus between the two bases. The schedule is available at the passenger terminal.
(NSA Naples also has a third location called Gaeta. It is a small installation farther up the coast, about 55 miles northwest of Naples.)
5) NSA Naples has two base lodging facilities.
Navy Gateway Inns & Suites (The Capo Inn) is on the Capo site, a 5-10 minute walk from the terminal.
Navy Lodge is on the Support Site.
Contact the facilities directly for current rates and reservation policies.
6) Most well-rated lodging options close to the air terminal are small guest houses.
Lodging options rated at least 8 out of 10 (on Booking.com) near the Capo base and Naples airport include:
Terminal 1 Guest House: An airport-themed guest house with double, triple, and quad rooms.
MIRIS Home Guest House: Small, well-decorated rooms with all the basics. They have single and double rooms.
La Maison du Flavien: Modern décor and some rooms with balconies. They have double and king rooms.
Click here to search for more hotels near Naples airport (but pay attention to those reviews!).
Click here to search for hotels in Naples city center (near the train station).
7) The best way to get around the Naples area is using public transportation.
The only taxi service with access to NSA Naples is Muto Travel (+39 339 1618395) but it’s only a 5-minute walk from the air terminal to the main Capo gate and about 10 minutes to Naples International Airport.
Bus service between Naples airport and Naples city center takes about 15 minutes.
Alibus goes from the airport to the main train station (Napoli Centrale) at Piazza Garibaldi. From there, you can catch trains to locations throughout Italy. Alibus also services the Naples seaport (about 35 minutes from the airport).
Purchase bus tickets online or from the vending machines in the arrival area of Naples airport.
Rental cars are available at the airport, but driving is not recommended for exploring the Naples area. Trains are efficient and inexpensive. You can get to Rome within 1 hour on the bullet train, and popular cities like Florence and Venice are also easily accessible by train.
8) You can join tours through the USO and base MWR.
If you land in Naples and want to leave the logistics of planning excursions to someone else, check out the tours offered by USO Naples and Naples MWR.
The USO works with an agency called S&G Tours. They offer day trips to locations within a few hours of Naples, plus overnight tours to other countries in Europe. Get more details here.
MWR Naples Tickets & Travel also offers an extensive list of local experiences, day trips, and multi-day adventures.
9) Retirees can shop at the NEX and Commissary at NSA Naples.
Retirees and other Space-A passengers not stationed in Italy can purchase any non-rationed items.
Ready to Fly Space-A to Naples?
Start planning your trip to Italy! Now that you have the intel you need about flying Space-A to Naples, check out the rest of our Space-A Location Guides to get similar information about other military passenger terminals you might transit.
Also, make sure you have everything you need to fly Space-A, including the required documentation and the recommended gear/clothing. Then, start tracking military flight schedules and get ready to hop to Naples!