Train vs renting car

Is that the order?

I think what Ed (who knows more about European travel than the rest of us) is alluding to is that you should get out a good map of Italy and avoid backtracking, whether you are driving or taking a train. If you have not purchased your airline tickets, an open-jaw flight, flying either into Milan or Venice and departing from Rome, or vice versa might be a better idea. Either way, you should do all of your Southern cities together, and Northern Cities together and if you must return to Rome for your departure, at least you won't be traveling from the North to the South and back several times. Even if it costs a hundred or so to change to an open jaw ticket, it's still worth it, because ground transportation either by car or train is not without cost or time! I would fly into Rome, and from Rome go by train to Naples and if you want to explore Sorrento and Amalfi coast, by car, do so. You do NOT want to be bothered by a rental car while IN Rome (or Naples unless staying outside of the city)! Do the South first, instead of going North, South, North South! Return the car in Sorrento or other 'outpost' and then head North via train towards the Como area and maybe pick up a car for THAT area. And then, depart out of Milan. No back tracking, less time wasted in either a car/bus/train. Transportation whether via car or train can really eat a big hole in your vacation time that could other-wise be used exploring.

Janet, Could you clarify if that's the order you're planning to travel? It's not the most efficient and the backtracking will require extra time and money. Also, are you planning to visit the town of Como or another destination on Lago di Como? In many cases, travel by train is usually faster and more efficient, especially when using the high speed trains. Also, regarding driving in Italy...... Note that EACH driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. Failure to produce an I.D.P. if requested can result in fines on the spot! You can obtain I.D.P.'s at any CAA / AAA office for a small fee. You'll also need to be aware of the dreaded Zona Traffico Limitato areas, which are becoming increasingly prevalent in Italy ( especially in Florence). Passing through these zones can result in expensive fines, which you won't know about until several months after you've returned home. Recent posts here would seem to indicate that authorities in Italy are becoming more aggressive in collecting the fines from foreign drivers, and there may also be charges from the rental car firm for providing renter information to law enforcement. There's also CDW costs, tolls, parking and high fuel costs. Happy travels!

We plan to arrive in Rome June 17th We need to be in Naples June 19th to June 23 And must be in Rome for an event June 24 to June 26 A family trip is planned for Sorrento June 26 to June 29 We would like to stop in Padua e route To Feltri , then on to A vacation to Lake Como from June 30th to July 5th We must depart from Rome on July 6th as we are accompanying A minor to US who resides in Rome The Assisi side trip is one place we WANT to visit, But could only think to do this when we arrive in Rome June 17th. This all sounds confusing, and back and forth. We have been to Italy 4 or 5 times, and have always used the Train system, purchasing a pass that we could use on three separate Days. That worked for us. Is there a similar pass that could be used on 6 separate days?
I just wonder if renting a car would be less expensive than the train pass, plus the reservation cost for the seats