I know this has been discussed previously, but I was hoping for some personalized advice from the group. We are spending 12 days in Italy, with the last 4 days being in Rome. Ideally, on the last day of our trip, I would like to rent a car, drive from Rome to Pompei, see Pompei in 3-4 hours, then drive along the Amalfi coast, with stops in some of the small towns if possible. Based on the previous posts on this topic, I know this is very ambitious and perhaps impossible. In my favor is that this will be in the off season (April 2nd). But, I would like to know if this is something that is even feasible, or if anyone has any suggestions. To pre-empt a few likely comments: Driving along the Amalfi Coast is one of my must-dos for the trip, so I am prepared to deal with the hassle of renting a car at FCO. Also, as much as I would love to spend the night in one of the towns along the Coast, we are flying back very early the next morning. My plan is to park the car overnight at the Termini and then drive to the airport in the morning. Thank you very much, I really appreciate your thoughts.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23653 posts
Since you have precluded most of the potential comments and have indicated that this is an absolute must do for you, go for it. Why do you want someone else to bless it? Keep in mind that April will still have shorter daylight hours so some of your trip will be in the dark. You can see Pompeii in an hour if your interest is just to stick your head in and say you have seen it. We spent more than a half day there but we were interested in seeing some of the finer points. The Amalfi coast tends to be winding and slow. It would make more sense to return the car to FCO that evening and stay in a hotel near the airport. You are driving pass FCO to get back into Rome.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32398 posts
Nick, You may have already researched this, but if not here are some "caveats" regarding driving in Italy.... It's important to note that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information on driving in Italy. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. If you accept the CDW offered by the rental firm, it will be expensive but will provide "peace of mind". Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however I've found this to be somewhat complicated so I just accept that offered by the rental firm. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. IMHO, you really don't have time on your last day to drive from Rome, spend 3-4 hours at Pompeii, drive along the Amalfi Coast stopping in small towns, and then get back to Rome in time to catch an early flight the next morning. I'm not sure about April, but driving the Amalfi Coast generally is not for the "faint of heart". Good luck!
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
This is really not reasonable. To make it work, since you will drive through the Amalfitana, I recommend the following: - on your last day in Roma, check-out early, bring your luggage to Roma Termini and put it in a locker. Go enjoy your day. - after spending a day in the city, rent a car early in the evening at Roma Termini railway station, just before they close (it is a stone throw from a major highway that gets you out of the city). - drive yourself at night (the highway is superb) to some hotel very near an A3 highway exit more or less close to Pompeii (like within 50km maximum). - wake up, drive to Pompeii early, visit there, drive along the Amalfitana, planning to reach Salerno early in the evening, then head back to a hotel near Fiumicino Airport. ===== This way, you can make it work. Waking up in Roma, driving, visiting Pompeii, sightseeing the Amalfitana and going back to Roma is not feasible.
Posted by
Tilburg, Netherlands
2829 posts
Just an additional information: Hertz and Europcar do not charge extra for you to rent a car in the train station and return in the airport and vice-versa. I don't know about their other competitors.
Posted by
Coraopolis, Pa, USA
1018 posts
I would not make the LO-O-ONG day trip to Pompeii and the Costiera Amalfitana on my last day in Italy because too many things can go wrong. Also, you do not have a time cushion if something does become a problem. If it were me, we would make the day trip on the second or third day in Roma and spend the last day in the city doing whatever. You could pick-up and return the car at Stazione Termini in Roma. On the day of departure we would take the Leonardo Express from Termini to FCO with no muss-no fuss. Buon viaggio,