We are flying into Naples the end of March and will be staying in a central Naples hotel for 4 nights. We would like to rent a car and do day trips to Amalfi and Pompeii. I have read all the posts about taking the bus versus trying to drive but we would rather see things on our time and not be on a crowded bus. Ww would like to rent a car in central Naples instead of the airport since it is closer to our hotel and we will not need a car our first day in Naples. I have read pretty poor reviews of Avis/Budget rental companies in central Naples. Anyone have suggestions for a reputable car rental company?
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
11179 posts
I rented from Hertz at the train station. Encountered no issues.
Posted by
Wyckoff, NJ, USA
7297 posts
We only spent one night in Naples, but I wouldn't want to drive or park a car there. Narrow streets were jammed and drivers lawless. Parked cars jut out from the sidewalks they are parked on, and bollards only protect a few of the dashing pedestrians. Does your hotel include guaranteed parking? It is less scary, but also very difficult to park in places like Positano and Amalfi. There simply are very few street spaces, so you have to hope a tiny garage you can afford has space. Please report back after your trip about your experiences. You will be helping many future travelers.
Posted by
Washington DC Region, USA
7049 posts
I wouldn't automatically assume that trains or buses are crowded in March. Most folks don't go in March and I'm not sure you'd experience the kinds of crowds you're expecting. Public transport is cheap and easy. On the downside, I was beholden to the bus schedule when I went to Amalfi but it was worth not having to drive. Driving on the coast would be fun, but not so much in Naples. If you're a confident and aggressive driver and can drive a manual, then go for it. Report back how it went.
Posted by
OP
3 posts
Not really planning on driving in Naples other than to get out of town. I already spoke with our hotel and they have parking for a daily fee. We are staying in the Chiaia neighborhood on the west side of Naples so our plan looking at the map is to avoid as many small city streets as possible. My husband will be doing all the driving and narrow roads with traffic and cliffs don't bother him. He has also been driving a manual for 35+ years so that has never been an issue for us when traveling internationally. We will also be renting a small compact car. I agree that I don't want to be on a bus time table which is why we would like to drive ourselves and be able to go when and where we'd like. It will also not be tourist season yet on the Amalfi coast so hoping traffic won't be as bad.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
It's easier to reach Pompeii Scavi by using the Circumvesuvian, 40 minutes by train.
https://www.sorrentoinsider.com/en/naples-to-sorrento-train-schedule
Rather than driving thru Naples, especially in the morning, consider taking the above train to Sorrento and renting a car there.
If you've never driven in Italy, please read this.
https://media.sumo.com/3edd7a94b19350d13b81f277e1c2f5b5c0f917d5965b529d238da52daa2b93f6
ZTL zones in Naples. Scroll down and enlarge map.
https://mobile.accessibilitacentristorici.it/ztl/campania/napoli/mappa
Posted by
Hampshire, UK
399 posts
The OP does appear to have given this careful consideration, but I would add my concerns. I have driven in many parts of Italy, and the worst place I have driven is on the outskirts of Naples for all the reasons already stated. Driving the Amalfi coast, for me as a driver, is a huge disappointment because you don't get to see that much as you are spending all your time concentrating on driving to take in any sights.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16893 posts
The area around Naples is also the worst car/bus/vespa/pedestrian/triple-parking traffic combination I've experienced, compared to much of Italy and the rest of Europe. March won't have the tourist traffic, but it's still a densely populated area. Back when I did it, I was based in Sorrento and never drove into Naples proper. Every rental company is likely to have complaints, but also look at Europcar, which is a major player in Italy.