America's Cup in Naples: Metro and cable cars open until 2 a.m.

The National Association of Magistrates (ANM) has presented its transportation plan for the America's Cup pre-regattas in Naples. The proposal calls for metro and funicular services to be extended until 2 a.m. from Thursday, September 24th to Sunday, September 27th , but the unions have not signed it. The meeting has been adjourned, and the final word has yet to arrive.

ANM's plan for the four days of regattas

The public transport company's proposal includes the inclusion of Line 1 , Line 6 , and the Mergellina and Chiaia funiculars . The extensions would be tailored to the needs of each individual facility, to accommodate the return of the public after the regatta days.

The package is worth €250 , provided by the City of Naples. The countdown has already begun: the preliminary regatta of the Louis Vuitton Cup will take place in the Gulf from September 24 to 27, 2026 , with AC40 catamarans , and according to the City's estimates, it will attract at least 600 people to the city , including enthusiasts, tourists, and industry professionals.

The unions do not sign the agreement

USB, Orsa, Faisa Confail, and Ugl Fna said no. The proposal, they explain, isn't enough: bus service must also be strengthened, with dedicated lines, especially since bus services are limited on Saturdays and Sundays.

The issue of bonuses on Line 1

The most controversial point concerns pay. According to the union secretariats, those who work Friday or Saturday until 2 a.m. would not receive the bonus, which would be granted on Thursdays and Sundays if the shift were extended from 11:45 p.m. to 2 a.m.

The unions are also calling for an increase to the 15 euro per hour wage for strictly essential personnel, with shifts distributed equally among workers.

Buses, ticket inspectors and parking

UGL FNA insists on the need to increase the number of buses, ticket inspectors, and traffic wardens to assist tour buses. The union also says more parking is needed, because for an international event, simply improving the metro and funiculars isn't enough.

The final request concerns resources. For all the trade unions, the €250 is not enough to ensure the safe operation of the transport system, and the National Magistrates' Association (ANM) should ask the Municipality, its partner, for a budget increase.

What changes for those who move around the city

Until the agreement is signed, the regular timetable will remain in effect. Line 1 will extend its service until 1:30 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights, while during the rest of the week, services will end much earlier. Regarding Line 6, Mayor Gaetano Manfredi confirmed that technical evaluations are underway for an ordinance to extend service during weekend evenings.

The advice, valid all week, is simple: leave your car at home and use public transportation. To navigate detours and route changes, it's a good idea to keep an eye on city traffic updates.

Traffic on the seafront and the ships

From September 21st to 27th, Viale Anton Dohrn and Via Francesco Caracciolo, between Viale Dohrn and Piazza Vittoria, will be closed to vehicular traffic. On those same days, parking will be prohibited and vehicles will be removed from both sides of the road, while the Riviera di Chiaia bus lane will be one-way toward Piazza Vittoria.

Cycle path and maritime connections

The cycle paths on Via Caracciolo between Piazza della Repubblica and Piazza Vittoria will be closed from September 7th to October 5th . The sea also has its own rules: the Port Authority's ordinance establishes an area reserved for regattas in front of the seafront, with navigation restrictions from 8:00 a.m. on September 21st to 8:00 a.m. on September 28th . Hydrofoils heading to the islands may take about 10 minutes longer, ferries up to 20.

Those who want to follow the races from the sea or from the mainland can count on several free observation points along the seafront , from the Race Village to the areas overlooking the gulf.

The regattas and the countdown to 2027

Training and fleet racing are scheduled for Thursday, September 24, while from Friday to Sunday, the waterfront village offers shows, big screens, and entertainment, with the awards ceremony scheduled for Sunday at 6:30 pm . The Neapolitan pre-regattas are the second preliminary event of the Louis Vuitton Cup and pave the way for the final match of the America's Cup, scheduled for Naples on July 10, 2027. To be prepared for the event, it's a good idea to start with the complete guide to the 2027 America's Cup in Naples.

FAQ

What time do the metro and funiculars run during the regattas?

The extension until 2 a.m. is included in the ANM proposal for the nights of Thursday, September 24th, to Sunday, September 27th, on Line 1, Line 6, and the Mergellina and Chiaia funiculars. However, the unions' signature is required; without an agreement, the standard timetable will remain in place.

How much does the America's Cup transportation plan cost?

The Municipality of Naples has allocated 250 euros . The trade unions consider this amount insufficient and have asked the National Magistrates' Association (ANM) to negotiate an increase in resources for staff and services.

Which roads are closed on the seafront

From September 21st to 27th, traffic and parking are prohibited on Viale Anton Dohrn and on Via Francesco Caracciolo between Viale Dohrn and Piazza Vittoria. The bike lane on Via Caracciolo remains closed until October 5th.

Connections to the gulf islands are changing

Yes. Port Authority Ordinance 99/2026 requires alternative routes around the Race Area from 8:00 a.m. on September 21st to 8:00 a.m. on September 28th. Navigation times may increase by approximately 10 minutes for hydrofoils and 20 minutes for ferries.