We are picking up a car in Bari in mid-October and plan to explore Puglia and Bassilicata for about a week. Our trip ends in Rome and we'd like to drop the car somewhere in southern Italy and take the train into Rome. We need to arrive in Rome on a Sunday, but we are having problems finding an Avis car rental drop that is open on a Sunday. The Naples Avis is open, but dread the thought of driving in Naples, as we've heard it's a nightmare. Our itinerary is very open for the South so we are open to suggestions. Does anyone have suggestions? Can we be assured that there are dropboxes in Salento or Matera? If so, will be billed for Monday if we drop the car on Sunday? Thoughts on going to Salento?
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
These two regions are beautiful. Getting into and out of Matera by public transportation is difficult. The easier thing to do would be to visit Matera first (pick up and drop off your car in Bari, you can fly out of Bari to Rome or take the train). The drive from Matera to Bari is just over an hour. Driving in Bari is also a nightmare, so if you are flying out, you can drop the car at the airport. I can recommend an excellent B&B ten minutes' drive outside of Alberobello, PM me if you are interested. You can easily reach some of the beautiful hill and coastal towns from there. The Salento is beautiful, but I prefer the Gargano, in the north of Puglia.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16235 posts
Return the car to one of Rome's airports (Fiumicino or Ciampino). Rental locations at both airports should certainly be open on Sundays and both airports are easy to reach from (near the freeway), without need to venture inside Rome's city traffic. Ciampino is closer and easier coming from the South. Then, after returning your car, from the airport take a bus or train (or even a taxi) to the city center.
Posted by
Piedmont, nc, usa
316 posts
Why not drop the car off on Saturday afternoon somewhere in the south and take the train to Rome on Sunday morning? This would insure you've got the car back without paying for extra days.You can tour your last few hours on foot. Do not drop the keys in a box ever. You need to to be present for any inspection or you'll most likely have damage charges. Also, arrive well before closing. I've had problems with agents not wanting to inspect and check in a car during the last half hour the agency was open. I know this seems like a no brainer but be sure to go over the car in detail before renting and note every little imperfection or you'll be charged for them.