We are spending a week in the Sorrento area and then plan to head to Tuscany for a week. We are wondering if we should take the train to Florence and then rent a car, or if we should rent the car from Sorrento and drive to our lodging near Siena. Advice appreciated.
Posted by
11679 posts
We went to other way, Umbria to Naples on the autostrada and it wasn't difficult at all. Excellent highways. Trains can be such a hassel with luggage so we prefer renting cars.
Posted by
A tiny island in Puget Sound WA, USA
166 posts
We spent 4 nights in Praiano on the Amalfi Coast and then took a taxi to Salerno to pick up our rental car and drove to our agriturismo near Pienza. The drive was lovely and the cost of the car split between four of us was cost effective. However, if your next destination after Sorrento is Florence you may not wish to take a car there because of ZTL, traffic, parking, etc. If you are staying in Florence after Sorrento and then driving around Tuscany I would take the train and then rent a car on the outskirts of Florence when you leave but if you are staying near Siena right after Sorrento I say rent the car in or near Sorrento and enjoy the freedom and sights afforded by driving yourselves.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Agreed that Florence is not the best place to pick up a car if you're not staying there first. I would get it at Sorrento. You may encounter some traffic before you hit the A3 highway, but at least it's a pretty straight road. Car rental days/charges start based on the time you pick them up, e.g. 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
Another pick-up option would be at Chiusi, before Florence, but again you have to take the local Circumvesuviana to Naples and connect to a longer-distance train with your luggage.
Posted by
Portland, Oregon, United States
907 posts
It is an easy drive on about 300 miles on the autostrade. You could train to Orvieto and get a car there which would be better than Florence. You would have to back track a little from Florence to Siena. It is 75 miles from Orvieto to Siena. So, if you worry about driving long distances you have an option.