We'll be in the Amalfi area for 6 days. Our package includes a rental car, however hearing stories of hidden charges, parking fees (our hotel will charge 10 euros/day), exorbitant parking fines, etc. we're thinking of by-passing the hassle for taxis...any advice?
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Taxis, buses, ferries, train - in the Amalfi area all are preferable to a rental car.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Hi Jim - Friends of mine had what I think is the same deal you have. They drove the car from Rome airport to the hotel and back. They left the car in the hotel parking lot and took buses mostly and a train to Pompeii.
Posted by
Lake Oswego, Oregon
1329 posts
Sorry, they drove from the Naples airport, not Rome.
Posted by
Atlanta, GA, USA
2791 posts
I have driven a lot in Europe, including Italy. I was REALLY glad I didn't have a car on the Amalfi Coast. Those roads were 'interesting' and it would have been far less fun not to be able to see the view because I had to keep the car on the road (Narrow roads, LOTS AND LOTS of buses and I was there before the high season!) I would try other transport before driving in that area.
Posted by
Adelaide, SA, Australia
977 posts
Nice idea, but totally impractical to have a car on the Amalfi Coast (hidden charges, parking fees, are the least of your worries!!!!) It was a hair raising experience just waking along parts of this road. The SITA bus, ferries, train from Salerno will serve your all transportation needs.
Enjoy this most beautiful part of the world. One of my favourite destinations in the world.
Posted by
aberdeen, scotland & london, uk
241 posts
Haven't done this BUT have a colleague at work who frequently talks about driving for 2 hours to park half way up a mountain, getting parking tickets, wasting days trying to pay fines, etc. All very funny and has us all crying with laughter, but he's not going to drive there again. Hope this helps
S
Posted by
Bromley, Kent,, UK
1829 posts
Here is the answer I gave, on another forum, to a similar question. "We used to use a car from time to time until about 10 years ago, but no longer. Traffic has become so much heavier and it became so frustrating. Add to that the parking problems and we decided not to bother anymore. As to the driving standards, what we found most disturbing was the amount of dangerous overtaking that happened, and still does. Being on the same side of a narrow windy road, with nowhere to go, as a fast approaching vehicle is no fun. Also, the ever present scooters weaving in and out of the traffic and suddenly emerging from your blind spots. Spend a couple of days in the area before making your decision. It is easy enough to rent a car when you are there.
Good luck"