We are planning to rent a car in Naples at the airport to explore the Tuscany region. We chose picking up the car rental at the Naples airport because we were able to get an inexpensive shuttle from Amalfi to the airport and the rental car location seems to be in close proximity to the autostrada and easier than driving in the city. Is our plan to pick up the car at this location a good one with the least amount of stress and complication? Next, we will be staying in Sienna the last two days and then traveling to Florence to fly out. We were set to return the car at the Florence airport but I am rethinking this because driving in Florence seems difficult. Second, might it be a better option to return the car in Sienna and take the train to Florence? Additionally, we were going to rent through LocAuto but then I read some terrible reviews regarding demands to pay for damages that weren't caused during the rental and unauthorized charges to credit cards for unverified damages. Does anyone have an opinion about this rental company and as to which rental car company is ethical and good to deal with? Any help on this would be appreciated very much.
Posted by
Surrey, UK
240 posts
I rented a car from Naples airport many years ago, and I recall it was quite straightforward getting on to the autostrada. I also remember getting lost in the cemetery on the way back (it's the size of a small town).
You won't be driving in Florence (you don't mention staying there) and it's possible to get to the airport on the autostrada.
I don't know the rental company you mention and personally I would only use one of the majors - eg Hertz.
Hope this helps.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16551 posts
Your plan looks good. Another option could have been to rent the car in Salerno or Sorrento, rather than Naples, and driven from there. But of course you need to check the pricing and compare that with the deal you got from the airport.
I use a broker, called www.autoeurope.com, when I rent cars in Italy, then I get the best deal from my needs.
I always get the No Deductible option, because lots of companies charge you for minor damages, and deductibles are at least 1000€. Your credit card might cover the deductible portion, but you have to pay first, get the documentation, then ask the credit card to reimburse you. I select No ded. option in Autoeurope website, so that I don't have to deal with that. It's about 5-7 dollars more a day.
Locauto was an Italian brand that was highly reputable. About 10 years ago the company was acquired by Enterprise. Enterprise maintained the brand in Italy because of the good reputation, however you are in fact renting your car from Enterprise. When you go to the rental desk, you will notice they have logos of Enterprise and all their other brands (like Alamo, National), along with Locauto.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA area (USA)
291 posts
If you pick up at the Naples airport you should have a straight shot onto the autoroute to head north. We were in Italy in January and drove Rome - Compania - Tuscany and back - the autoroutes were easier than driving on an interstate highway through a large US city. You may want to look at returning the car at the Florence train station when you arrive in Florence. There are posts on the forum from a native with a route to the train station that minimizes hassle and avoids any ZTLs (traffic limitation zones). As far as rental companies, we’ve rented from Avis a couple of times and had very good experience. Good luck with the trip!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16551 posts
To return the car to the Florence airport see the thread below at the 3rd comment and also the last comment by me.
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/dropping-rental-car-off-in-florence
If you decide to return downtown to the Borgo Ognissanti office, follow the instruction in this thread:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/florence-car-rental-zlt-zone
If the company you rent from (like other companies) does not to use the Interpark Europa on Borgo Ognissanti but use the Underground garage under the station, about 300 m. away, the instructions for that garage are here:
https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/italy/car-rental-return-at-firenze-santa-maria-novella-station