Naples Transport: The Insider's Guide
From hidden water taxis to free electric shuttles, here is exactly how to navigate Florida's Paradise Coast without a car in 2025.
✅ The Good News
- 🚍 It's Cheap: CAT Buses are mostly $2.00, and downtown shuttles are completely free.
- ⚡ Free Downtown Rides: The "Slidr" electric service eliminates the need for Uber on 5th Ave.
- 🚤 Scenic Commutes: The Water Shuttle turns a dinner trip into a sunset boat tour.
⚠️ The Realities
- 🛑 No "Bird" Scooters: You will not find public scooters scattered on sidewalks here.
- 🌙 Early Nights: Most bus routes stop by 7:30 PM. Late-night options are Uber/Lyft only.
- 🚗 Car-Centric: Outside of Old Naples and the Beach, a car is still the primary mode of travel.
Detailed Transport Options
⚡ Slidr: Free Downtown Shuttle
Best for 5th Ave & PierFor short trips within Downtown Naples (5th Ave S, 3rd St S, Tin City, and Naples Pier), you do not need an Uber. Slidr is a free, on-demand, 100% electric service. You hail it via an app, just like a rideshare.
🚤 Naples Bay Water Shuttle
The "Water Taxi"More of a scenic experience than a fast commute, the "Blue and White" boats offer a hop-on, hop-off service looping around Naples Bay. It’s the perfect way to "bar hop" or shop without worrying about parking.
🚌 CAT Bus & Beach Trolley
Route 29 is Free!The Collier Area Transit (CAT) system is modern, clean, and bike-rack equipped. The highlight for 2025 is the Paradise Beach Trolley (Route 29), which runs seasonally to handle beach traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a bike share program in Naples?
No. Naples does not have a public docked bike-share system (like CitiBike). However, there are excellent private rentals available. Big Momma's Bicycles and Naples Cyclery are the local favorites. Many will deliver the bikes directly to your vacation rental.
Why can't I find Bird or Lime scooters?
Naples maintains strict city ordinances against "dockless" scooter share programs to keep sidewalks clear and safe. You can buy or privately rent an electric scooter, but you won't find them scattered around town for rent via an app.
How do I pay for the bus?
For 2025, CAT has upgraded many fareboxes to accept contactless payment (Credit/Debit/Apple Pay). However, it is always smart to carry small bills ($1, $5) just in case. Drivers cannot make change.
Are there Ubers in Naples?
Yes, Uber and Lyft are very active and reliable. Wait times in Downtown and North Naples are usually under 10 minutes. Pro Tip: Surge pricing is common during "Season" (Jan-April) evenings, especially after sunset.
