Drive from Naples to Assisi

If you go to Google Maps, you can basically view the entire drive--I don't see any major red flags, but it's a pretty long drive and I would not want to do it in one day. Do you have time to add a one-night stop somewhere? In fact, without time to stop, I'd prefer the train in any case--looks like if you have flexibility with the times you can do it in less time than driving.

Take the A1 north through the east of Rome, then near Orte switch to the E45 (SS3 bis) toward Perugia-Cesena. Once near Perugia take the SS75 to Assisi. The navigator might send you through different routes but you stick to the one above. It’s 100% freeway with minimal viaducts and mountains and no switchbacks. It’s over 6 hours plus pit stops.

Is it a longer route to avoid problem roads. We were thinking it was only 4 hours.

I mistyped. It is 5 hours from my house in Tuscany to Naples, so Assisi is probably about half hour less (plus pit stops).

However the only way you can make it in 4 hours is if you rent a Ferrari and your husband is Lewis Hamilton

My husband has a fear of bridges and driving on the edge or mountains
or the ocean. Also, we do not like switchbacks.

Same for me! I can't answer your question, since I've never done that drive, but I do commiserate with the limitations on driving because I have those same fears. My sister and I REALLY wanted to visit the little town of Muro Lucano where our great-grandparents lived, but when we looked at how you get there on Google Earth we took a pass. Ditto, when I looked at Matera and the switchbacks you are must navigate to reach it. No can do!

In fact - funny story - I met up with my sister in northern NJ, where she lives, so we could fly to Rome together from JFK. Well I think she and I spent more time trying to figure out how to get to JFK without crossing a scary bridge than we did planning the whole trip to Italy! lol

Good luck on figuring out your route, hope you have a good trip.

It would be easy by train and probably faster. Take a fast train from Naples to Rome and then a regional train from Rome to Assisi (they leave frequently). We've been to Italy several times and always travel by train. Occasionally we have hired a driver to get to an out of the way place. We just got back from a wonderful month in Italy and went to seven places. We were glad we were not driving. You will love Assisi, it is one of our favorite places.

Stella, Steer clear of Sardinia, lol--if I had researched the drives (I am not the driver), I may have changed the plan. Luckily I married a good driver or I would unfortunately have missed out on a lot! The driving was not for the feint of heart. I am already planning the return though--possibly with 4WD!

Note all of the country is not mountainous, but the wild and gorgeous east is very much so.

Driving is expensive in Italy and many tourists get tickets.

Fuel is $7 a gallon and if you use the autostrada the tolls are very high.
Consider taking the train and relax and enjoy the scenery.

The train will take approximately 4.5 to 6 hours, depending on the train solution you select. The cost will be about 50€ to 90€ per person one way, also depending on the train solution. It is definitely a less stressful option, however if you plan to have a rental car in Assisi to take day trips to the various towns of Umbria, then it might be best to go to Perugia (the Umbrian capital city), which is near Assisi, and rent a car there. There are several companies near the main Perugia train station.

If you prefer to drive the 4.5 hours from Naples (plus pit stops) the motorway tolls are not that much, since the toll applies only from Naples to Orte (the freeway is free after Orte) just under 21€ in total.

The fuel cost will depend on the car you select (big or small, gasoline or diesel), but for that distance (approx. 230 miles) you shouldn't need more than 30 liters of gasoline (or even less diesel fuel). The cost of gasoline on the freeways is approximately 1,80€ per liter today (diesel fuel about 10 cents less), so you should need about 50€ of fuel for the trip.

So, the car trip would be approximately 70€, with fuel and tolls. The train about 110€ for two people (if you take the slightly cheaper InterCity instead of the FrecciaRossa). Time of travel by car might be slightly faster, but with the needed pit stop(s) along the way, it's similar.

Your choice. However I would prefer to have a car to see Umbria, so if you select the train I would still rent a car in Perugia.

EDIT: I'd like to add that the above prices for trains are the full fare prices, which you will likely pay if you travel this month. However if you intend to go in June next year (2026), there will be discounted options available starting about 4 months prior to the date of travel. There are restrictions (no refunds or limited changes with penalties) for discounted tickets purchased in advance, but in case you meant to travel in June 2026, the availability of discounted tickets purchased in advance would make the train trip cheaper.

hey hey calabrojody2
so many have given you things to think about when driving, may take longer than you think, may sure car is A/C since it will be hot.
make sure you obtain an IDP (aaa.com/IDP) before you leave the states if from USA. it is mandatory in italy and each driver needs one. rental car desk may or may not ask but if you are stopped for any reason they will ask. if none a big/large fine, be prepared
have a great trip and enjoy
aloha

We've been to Italy several times and always travel by train.
Occasionally we have hired a driver to get to an out of the way place

Same here, and that has always gotten us where we needed to go. The train is fast, easy, and comfortable. And for less accessible places, after you figure in the cost of a rental car, plus gas, plus parking fees I don't think it costs any more to hire a driver instead. They give you door to door service - so no worries about parking - and they know how to get around - so no worries about navigation. Bonus is that they provide some commentary, like having a guide!

Thanks for all the help. We are all set. We are going to take Roberto's advice and drive. My husband has his IDP and we have driven in Italy before, so I think we are good! Mille Grazie!

How is the drive from Assisi to Rome?

Same freeway you were going up north from Naples to Assisi, opposite direction.

However at a certain point, south of Orte, the A1 splits and you must take the A1 freeway going toward Roma Nord (not the A1 Naples which bypasses greater Rome to the East of it), the portion of the A1 freeway you will take is called A1 DIRAMAZIONE ROMA NORD (Diramazione means “branch”, “road fork”)

Once you pay toll at the Roma Nord Exit you go toward the GRA (Grande Raccordo Anulare=Grand Ringlike Circular Beltway) then once at the GRA depends on if you are going to the city center or to the airport or elsewhere.

Grazie again Roberto!