Car Rental Recommendation Outside of Rome

Posted by ocmudrunner on 03/17/15 06:34 AM

I'm concerned about driving in Italy period, but I have booked some time in Tuscany and understand it's the best way to see the hill towns. That said, I'm looking for the best options outside of Rome's city center. Any suggestions (full addresses or links appreciated).

After we leave Tuscany, we plan to drop-off the car in La Spezia and train to Cinque Terre. And VERY poor planning on my part, but after this -- I need to get down to Sorrento. A friend suggested I look into taking a plane from Genoa to Naples or Florence to Pisa. But she suggested I do the first because they offer a non-stop flight. Does this sound like a wise plan?

Trying to make the most of a 2 week honeymoon and want to show my fiance the Amalfi Coast (even though I realize it is also coastal like Cinque Terre).

Thanks for your help in advance!

Kathy

Posted by Roberto da Firenze ⚜

San Francisco Bay Area (USA)

03/17/15 07:02 AM

16243 posts

There are no concerns about driving in Italy. I don't understand all this fear about driving in ITALY. They even drive on the right side of the road, like the US or Canada. Are you from Australia?

Rent through a consolidator to save money:
www.kemwel.com or www.autoeurope.com.
They work primarily with Avis-Budget, Europcar, Hertz.
If picking up in Rome choose a location near the Tiburtina train station. Easier to get on the freeway and out of town. Exact addresses vary depending on which rental company you pick.

If you are at the Cinque Terre for a short time (2 nights), you might consider keeping the car and drive to Sorrento, then you can return the car there. If your Cinque Terre stay is longer, than its not worth keeping the car because you won't be able to use it while at the Cinque Terre and it will stay parked the whole time.
You can take a train from the Cinque Terre to Naples (change in La Spezia and possibly Rome) then the CircumVesuviana commuter train from Naples to Sorrento.
Going all the way to Genoa to fly to Naples makes no sense whatsoever. Not sure what you mean by "or Florence to Pisa". There are no flights from Florence to Pisa and there are no flights from either to Naples. The train is much faster and easier than anything else.

Posted by ocmudrunner OP

03/17/15 08:00 AM

2 posts

Thanks Roberto -- I live in the US and my concern is the HUGE traffic circle in the heart of Rome ... I've been to Italy before but didn't require a car and I remember taking a bus from Ravello to Amalfi down to Positano and several times I thought we were going to fall off the side of the cliff!

That said, I have driven in Ireland for 3 weeks so I suppose I can handle anything. I just prefer knowing the language too.

But I appreciate you easing my mind. I'll give it a go. And look for a car rental place near the Tiburtina train station. Thanks!

I'll look into the train option as well to get from La Spezia to Sorrento. Do you recommend using the RailEurope.com site?

Thanks,
Kathy

Posted by Terri Lynn

Nashville, TN, USA

03/17/15 09:09 AM

795 posts

You couldn't pay me to drive there when there are trains! Why not get a railpass and then sign up for tours to more out of reach places? Trains are much more pleasant, less expensive (if you have a pass) and less complicated than fooling with airlines and airports. Trains will get you anywhere you want to go and are far more romantic for that honeymoon.

Posted by Linda

Vignola, MO, IT

03/17/15 11:07 AM

711 posts

I have to say that I would recommend renting a car for the hill towns. We did this last year and had a great time. It is NOT difficult to drive or get around in that area. We rented the car at the Florence airport and returned it in Orvieto. Yes we use trains a lot and enjoy the ease of travel but trains are not best for everything. The scenery in the drive between the towns was enjoyable and we stopped whenever we felt like it.

Posted by gerri

lexington, il

03/18/15 03:25 AM

4105 posts

Kathy,

Roberto has given you excellent advice. Driving from Tuscany to La Spezia is EASY!

For trains La Spezia>Napoli Centrale use this site. Purchasing tickets early can save $$$.

http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=ee13721bdd69a110VgnVCM1000003f16f90aRCRD

Rail Passes in Italy seldom pay off. This sites host agrees.

There are 2 options Napoli>Sorrento. The first as Roberto mentioned is the Circumvesuvian.

takes 1 1/2 hrs. Fare is 4,50 euro. The other is to take a shuttle bus, which while more

expensive @ 25 euro, is a much more relaxing way to travel.

http://www.sorrentoshuttle.com/shuttlebus-booking-page/

Have fun!