The chaotic traffic in Naples doesn’t have the best reputation, and that’s partly true. But as soon as you leave the city limits, Campania transforms into one of the most beautiful regions in Europe for driving: the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, and idyllic Capri. In this guide: where to pick up your rental car (hint: not in the city center), how to drive on the SS163, where to park for the ferry to Capri, and a complete 5-day itinerary.
From Naples, some destinations are easily accessible by public transportation. But if you want to visit the most beautiful sights from another location, it’s a different story. In that case, it’s much better to rent a car. With a rental car, you can also easily combine different destinations in a single day. In the center of Naples, a car is impractical; the metro and funicular are actually faster there.
Public transportation between major cities is fine, but if you want to discover the real Campania, you can’t do without a rental car. Many bus routes don’t run on Sundays, and some villages don’t have a bus stop at all. Renting a car gives you plenty of flexibility—for example, you can visit Pompeii in the morning and enjoy a bite to eat and a drink in charming Sorrento in the evening.
During a road trip through Campania, most people will want to visit multiple destinations in a single day. For example: after visiting Paestum, you might want to admire the rugged Cilento coast or relax on one of the beaches before driving to a small village for dinner. This is easy to do with a rental car. You can also easily reach Paestum from Naples, but after that it gets tricky: buses don’t go directly to the destination you have in mind, and traveling that way takes much longer anyway.
Where a car is really inconvenient: downtown Naples. The traffic there is chaotic, parking can easily cost you €24–40 per day, and you also have to be careful not to accidentally drive into a restricted-traffic zone (ZTL). It’s therefore best to pick up your rental car at NAP Airport, and if you want to explore the city, park it outside the city center.
View rental cars at Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP)
Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP), located 7 kilometers northeast of the city center, is by far the easiest option for picking up a rental car. The Napoli Centrale train station is convenient if you’re arriving from Rome on the Frecciarossa. Salerno is a great third option if you’re heading straight to the Amalfi Coast.
In the arrivals hall, you’ll find counters for Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise, Locauto, and Maggiore, among others. There are also a few well-rated rental companies just outside the airport grounds. Take the Naples ring road (Tangenziale) to reach the A1/A3 on-ramp in 6 minutes.
Tip: If you want to head straight to Sorrento or the Amalfi Coast, take the A1 and A3 toward Salerno to leave the city immediately.
Naples Central Station is convenient if you’re arriving by high-speed train from Rome or Milan. The rental cars are parked in one of the parking garages around the station. The on-ramp to the A3 is nearby, and depending on traffic, you can drive there in less than 10 minutes. Don’t just drive into Naples, because the ZTL Centro Storico begins 700 meters from the station.
Salerno is located 55 kilometers southeast of Naples and is ideal if you want to head straight to the Amalfi Coast. Take the train from Naples to Salerno (37 min), and you’ll find the car rental offices just outside the station. It’s a 10-minute drive to the A3 highway, heading toward Amalfi. Please note: the car rental companies in Salerno have shorter operating hours.
| Location | Service counters | Travel time , highway |
|---|---|---|
, Naples (NAP) |
Avis, Budget, B-Rent, Enterprise, Europcar, Hertz, Locauto, Maggiore, Sixt. | ~6 min from the (A1/A3) |
, Naples Train Station |
Alamo, Avis, Hertz, Budget, B-Rent, Sicily by Car, Locauto, Noleggiare, Sixt. | ~10 min (A3) |
| Salerno Train Station |
Hertz, Budget, Maggiore, Flizzr, Sicily by Car, Ecovia. | ~10 min (A3) |
A Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) is an area where only people with a permit are allowed to drive. Naples has several ZTL zones, of which ZTL Centro Antico and ZTL Chiaia are the most important for tourists. If you drive a rental car into one of these zones in Naples, you’ll be fined €83–110 per violation. You often won’t realize you’ve driven through a ZTL until 3 to 6 months later, when the rental company sends you the fine, plus €35–55 in administrative fees. Furthermore, Naples has heavy traffic, many scooters on the road, and traffic lights that sometimes don’t work. For many people, driving in Naples is a real challenge.
You can recognize a ZTL zone by a round white sign with a red circle, bearing the text “zona traffico limitato.” Below this sign are the times when the restrictions are in effect. Note: the cameras that record vehicles are usually mounted directly behind this sign! In some cases, an electronic sign indicates whether the ZTL zone is currently open or closed.
Read our complete ZTL guide for Italy.
The ZTL Centro Antico is in effect daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The adjacent ZTL Mezzocannone is closed from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. (Mon–Thu) and from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m. (Fri, Sat, Sun, and holidays).
The ZTL Chiaia (beach) is in effect only on Saturdays: from 10:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.
When you book, ask the hotel to provide your rental car’s license plate number to the ZTL administration. Call back to verify that they have actually done so. Please note: You may only drive your rental car along the shortest route from the ZTL boundary to your hotel.
The best tip is actually this: avoid driving in Naples. If you do want to give it a try, keep your headlights on, avoid making any erratic maneuvers, and try to stay calm. Be prepared for very heavy traffic, scooters weaving in all directions, and double-parked cars blocking the way. Furthermore, many Neapolitans treat traffic lights and lane markings as little more than suggestions.
Our advice: park your rental car outside of downtown Naples. There are several park-and-ride (P+R) lots where you can take Metro Line 1 to the city center, such as at the Frullone and Chiaiano stations. Not far from the city center is a large and affordable parking garage, Parcheggio Brin. In the Chiaia neighborhood, you can park at Parcheggio Quick Morelli.
The Strada Statale Amalfitana (SS163) is a 40-kilometer-long coastal road between Vietri sul Mare and Positano, famous for its curves, panoramic views, and narrow sections. To reduce traffic congestion, there is a regulation governing which vehicles are permitted to drive on this coastal road, and this regulation also applies to rental cars.
Of course, residents are allowed to drive there every day, but which other vehicles are permitted on this coastal road is determined by the license plate number. If your license plate ends in an even number, you are NOT allowed to drive there on even-numbered dates; if your license plate ends in an odd number, you are not allowed to drive there on odd-numbered dates. This restriction applies from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on the following days:
the week before Easter and the Easter weekend
from April 25 (Independence Day) through May 1 (Labor Day)
all weekends in June and July (+ June 2, Festa della Repubblica)
every day in August and September
all weekends in October
Please note that vehicles wider than 2.00 meters or longer than 6.50 meters are not permitted on the Amalfi Coast Road at all.
Source: Distretto Costa d’Amalfi
Please note: If you’ve booked accommodations on the Amalfi Coast, you’re exempt from this restriction on only two days: the day of arrival and the day of departure. You must be able to show your reservation confirmation if you’re stopped by authorities.
Even if your license plate number corresponds to a day when you’re allowed to drive along the Amalfi Coast, it’s best to start as early as possible to beat the worst of the traffic. Use your horn when approaching a blind curve and use pull-outs to let buses pass. Although the route is only 40 kilometers long, it takes at least two hours to complete—and much longer if you stop frequently. If your license plate doesn’t meet the requirements, make sure to leave the route before 10:00 a.m., as the fine is steep: €170.
There are lots of charming villages and beautiful viewpoints along the Amalfi Coast. We’ve listed the real highlights for you (from east to west):
Cetara: a charming fishing village with stunning views and known for its fish sauce dating back to Roman times, collatura dei alici.
Terrazza dell’Infinito: Drive your rental car to the village of Ravello for fantastic views from the gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo.
Amalfi: It’s crowded, but for good reason—this town has a special atmosphere, a unique cathedral, and stunning viewpoints, including Belvedere Cimitero Monumentale. Walk from Amalfi to Atrani through the pedestrian tunnels.
Fiordo di Furore: a deep inlet with the SS163 arch bridge towering high above it. Note: You can’t park nearby; it’s a 2-kilometer walk from the closest legal parking spot.
Positano Photo Spot: west of the town, right along the SS163, for the best view of Positano. Limited parking available.
Tip: West of Positano toward San Pietro, there are a few more beautiful viewpoints, and that section of the SS163 is less crowded.
Instead of staying in the expensive coastal towns of Amalfi or Positano, you’re better off choosing Agerola and the surrounding area. It’s a hidden gem with stunning views of the sea—and at a fraction of the price you’d pay right on the coast. And if you’re traveling by rental car: the higher-altitude SS366 has no restrictions and is much less crowded! Agerola is also the starting point of a beautiful hiking trail, the Sentiero degli Dei.
Take an amazing five-day road trip through Campania, starting at the Naples airport and using the incredibly charming town of Sorrento as your base. We’ll provide a description for each day, including the starting and ending points, distance in kilometers, driving time without stops, interesting stops along the way, parking tips, and an insider tip.
The city that was buried under ash in the year 79 during an eruption of Mount Vesuvius captures everyone’s imagination.
Itinerary: Pick up rental car at NAP → via A1/A3 → Scavi di Pompeii → visit the ruins (3–4 hours) → head to Sorrento in the evening for an overnight stay.
Highlights:
Casa dei Vettii: one of the finest examples of Roman residential architecture, reopened in 2023 after 20 years of restoration.
Villa dei Misteri: This villa owes its name to the life-size frescoes depicting the initiation of a young girl into a mysterious cult.
Forum: the heart of life in every Roman city; the nearby baths are also impressive.
Parking tip: Parcheggio Zeus, right near the main entrance at Porta Marina (€10/day).
Tip: You don’t need an official guide for Pompeii; the free map, possibly supplemented with an audio guide, provides extensive information.
Please note: Pompeii limits the number of daily visitors, and during the summer months, tickets are often booked up days in advance. Therefore, be sure to order your Pompeii tickets online.
Herculaneum was also struck by the eruption of Vesuvius and buried under mud and lava. These excavations are less crowded than those at Pompeii, but are much more colorful.
Itinerary: Sorrento → Herculaneum → Mount Vesuvius → back to Sorrento.
Highlights:
Herculaneum: much more compact than Pompeii, but well-preserved, giving you a better sense of daily life.
Vesuvius Crater: From the parking lot at an elevation of 1,000 meters, it’s a 25-minute walk to the crater rim (€12.00), where you’ll enjoy a fantastic view of the Bay of Naples.
Parking tip: There’s an underground parking garage at Herculaneum (€2.00/hour); at Vesuvius, you can park along the road (Parcheggio Vesuvio, €7.00, max. 4 hours).
Tip: Set out early to avoid the crowds and catch the best light: Herculaneum opens at 7:30 a.m., and Vesuvius at 9:00 a.m.
Please note: To visit the crater of Mount Vesuvius, you must make a reservation in advance with a time slot.
As far back as Roman times, wealthy citizens traveled to Capri, and that hasn’t changed since. You can’t drive onto the island. In Sorrento, you can park your rental car in the underground parking garage at Parcheggio Achille Lauro (€2.50/hour). The ferry takes you to Capri in 20 minutes (€24.00, one-way).
Highlights:
Funicolare di Capri: The funicular takes you quickly from Marina Grande to the Piazzetta in Capri, with fantastic views along the way.
Via Krupp: a historic hiking trail along the south coast, where you descend about 100 meters to the sea via hairpin turns.
Grotta Azzurra: Take a boat tour to the Blue Grotto, where sunlight reflecting off the water creates its bright blue hue.
Tip: If you find Capri (the village) too crowded, head to Anacapri, which attracts fewer tourists.
Note: Depending on your destination, the last ferry from Capri departs between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m.; check the current schedule.
The drive everyone wants to take at least once in their lifetime: the road along the incredibly beautiful Amalfi Coast. Leave early (7:30 a.m. or even earlier) to beat the worst of the crowds.
Route: Sorrento → SS145 → SS163 → Positano → Amalfi → Ravello → back.
Highlights:
Positano: without a doubt the most picturesque, chic, and romantic spot on the most spectacular part of the Amalfi Coast.
Amalfi: touristy, but well worth the visit, if only for the impressive Duomo.
Ravello: the beautifully landscaped gardens of Villa Cimbrone and Villa Rufolo, and especially the view of the coast.
Parking Parking spots along the Amalfi Coast are scarce. Be prepared for fairly high rates.
Positano: Parcheggio Mandara (€10/hour)
Amalfi: Parcheggio Luna Rossa (€7/hour)
Ravello: Parcheggio Piazza Duomo (€5/hour).
Tip: Praiano (between Positano and Amalfi) is much less crowded, but offers the same views.
Itinerary: Sorrento → Paestum temples → Paestum beach → back to Naples or directly to NAP to return the rental car.
Highlights:
Paestum: The three temples of Paestum are better preserved than many in Greece itself, and in the archaeological museum you can see the world-famous “Tomb of the Diver.”
Tenuta Vannulo: Just north of Paestum lies this farm, renowned for its buffalo mozzarella—a great stop for lunch.
Paestum Beach: Modern-day Paestum is a popular seaside resort with a beautiful beach—a wonderful place to cool off after visiting the temples.
Parking tip: There’s a large parking lot right near the archaeological museum in Paestum (€5.00/hour).
Tip: Head to Paestum early (opens at 8:30 a.m.); the temples are spectacularly lit as the sun rises.
If you want to drive further south from Naples, check out our tips in the blog “16 Must-See Attractions Between Naples and Lamezia Terme.”
Sorrento: Marina Piccola (20–30 min, €21.40–26.00).
Naples: Molo Beverello (hydrofoil, 50 min, €28.50; ferry, 85 min, €19.00)
Salerno: Porto Turistico (hydrofoil, 120 min, with stops, €25.50–32.00).
It’s generally a good idea to book your ferry tickets to Capri online, but be sure to do so during the busy summer months of July and August.
Depending on your destination, the last ferry from Capri departs between 6:30 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. Check the departure time, make sure you have a ticket for that ferry, and arrive at the port on time.
Between Sorrento and Capri, only fast ferries (navi veloce) and hydrofoils (aliscafo) operate, and their travel times are similar: 30 and 20 minutes, respectively. From Naples, there’s a difference of just over half an hour between the regular ferry (85 min) and the hydrofoil (50 min). Note that it’s best to make a reservation for the hydrofoil; there are often still spots available on the regular ferry.
There is ample parking at the ferry terminals. At Marina Piccolo in Sorrento: Parcheggio Achille Lauro (5-minute walk to the pier, €30/day) or Parcheggio Sorrento (7-minute walk, €25/day). At Molo Beverello in Naples, you can park your rental car in the large Brin parking garage (10-minute walk, €6.00/day).
Only residents and employees of businesses with their own parking facilities are allowed to drive a car on Capri. Visitors must leave their (rental) car on the mainland.
Tolls on the highways in Campania are lower than in the rest of Italy, and if you’re driving south, the highway is even free. At gas stations, you can choose between self-service and full service. For parking, you must pay at a blue-lined spot; at a white-lined spot, parking is free.
If you’re taking a road trip through Campania, you’re bound to encounter a toll road at some point. The main toll roads are the A1 (Naples–Rome–Milan), the A3 (Naples–Salerno), and the A30 (Caserta–Salerno). If you use a toll road, take a ticket at the first toll gate and pay in cash or by credit card when you exit the highway. Avoid the yellow Telepass lanes for electronic payment.
Toll rates are low near Naples, ranging from €0.04 to €0.06 per kilometer, but higher rates apply as you head toward the capital, Rome. Average toll costs: Naples → Salerno: €2.30; Caserta → Salerno: €4.10; and if you’re traveling far beyond Campania, Naples → Rome: €17.80.
If you drive further south from Salerno, you’ll reach a toll-free highway: the A2 to Reggio Calabria.
Just like in the rest of Italy, at gas stations in Campania (Eni, Q8, IP, Esso, Agip), you can choose between self-service (fai da te or self) or having an attendant fill up your tank for you (servito or serv). Often, the attendant will also quickly clean your windshield. This service costs 15 to 20 cents per liter more than if you fill up yourself.
You can check current fuel prices in Italy online. Be sure to keep your last gas receipt before returning the rental car.
Finding a parking spot in Campania isn’t difficult, with the exception of Naples and the Amalfi Coast. There, available spots are very scarce.
You can park for free in spaces marked with a white line, but these are virtually nonexistent in central Naples and along the Amalfi Coast—though they can be found in other parts of Campania. Parking in blue spaces requires payment: in cash, by credit card, or via the EasyPark app (iOS / Android). Parking spots in the coastal villages of Amalfi fill up quickly, so be sure to arrive early. Also, check out our comprehensive guide to parking in Europe.
Simple answer: as narrow as possible. Sections of the SS163 and some village streets in Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello are so narrow that two cars can only pass each other with their side mirrors folded in. For couples, a Fiat 500, Fiat Panda, or Toyota Aygo is ideal (less than 1.65 m wide). Families of four are best off choosing a compact rental car like a VW Polo or Renault Clio. Avoid wide SUVs, which are difficult to maneuver on the SS163 and in the narrow parking spaces. An automatic transmission is 20 to 35% more expensive, but it’s nice to have when you’re constantly stopping and starting on the coastal road.
Traffic rules in Italy aren’t much different from the rest of Europe. Still, there are a few rules to keep in mind, and we’ve listed the top 5 for you.
Headlights: Outside built-up areas, you must use low beams or daytime running lights during the day; within built-up areas, low beams are required in poor visibility.
Child seats: Required for children under 1.50m. For children under 4 years of age, a child seat is required, which must have a built-in alarm system that warns you if the child is accidentally left in the car.
Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille. Drivers under 21 years of age or who have held a driver’s license for less than three years are subject to a complete ban on alcohol.
Speed limits:
In built-up areas: 50 km/h
Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h
Superstrade (blue highway sign): 110 km/h
Autostrade (green highway sign): 130 km/h
No passing: In Italy, the no-passing rule indicated by a solid white line is strictly enforced using cameras.
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If you’re staying outside of Naples, a rental car is practically indispensable. It makes it very easy to combine different destinations in a single day, such as Pompeii, Mount Vesuvius, the Amalfi Coast, Paestum, and the villages on the Sorrento Peninsula. In downtown Naples, however, a car is actually inconvenient. When visiting the city, park your rental car outside the city center.
The most convenient spot is Naples Capodichino Airport (NAP), about 7 kilometers from the city center. From the airport, take the Tangenziale directly into Campania, bypassing the city center. Picking up a car at Napoli Centrale train station is also possible, but you’ll have to deal with heavy city traffic.
The city center is indeed busy, with lots of scooters and a rather loose interpretation of traffic rules. Tip: drive your rental car straight from the airport to Sorrento (A3) or Caserta (A1) to avoid the city center entirely.
Yes, but during Holy Week and in June and July, there’s a daily restriction based on license plate numbers from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.: on odd-numbered dates, (rental) cars with an odd-numbered last digit aren’t allowed to drive there, and vice versa. Leave as early as possible to beat the crowds.
No, that’s not possible. Only residents are allowed to drive there. Park your rental car in Sorrento (Parcheggio Achille Lauro, approx. €30.00 per day) or in Naples at Molo Beverello (Brin parking garage, approx. €6.00 per day) and take the ferry to Capri. The crossing from Sorrento to Capri takes about 20 minutes and costs approximately €26.00 for a one-way trip.
Positano: Parcheggio Mandara (approx. €6 per hour). Amalfi: Parcheggio Luna Rossa (approx. €5 per hour). Ravello: Parcheggio Villa Cimbrone (approx. €4 per hour).
Arrive early, preferably before 9:00 a.m., because after 11:00 a.m. the official parking spots are usually full. Never park in spaces marked with yellow lines; these are reserved for residents, and a towing fine can easily amount to €150 or more.
A ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) is an area with restricted vehicle traffic. At the entrances, there are red circular signs with cameras that record license plates. A violation costs between €83 and €110, plus administrative fees of €35 to €55. Please note: it’s not just Naples that has ZTL zones—many towns along the Amalfi Coast do too!
For a compact model in the Fiat 500 class, picked up at Naples Capodichino, you’ll pay an average of between €210 and €290 all-inclusive for five days in June 2026. Book at least four weeks in advance; last-minute rates in July are 30 to 50% higher.
Choose the narrowest car possible: Fiat 500, Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo, VW up!, or Renault Twingo. A width of less than 1.65 meters is important, because on the SS163 there are curves where larger SUVs have to wait to pass each other. An automatic transmission is more comfortable when stopping and starting on the coastal road, but it does cost 20 to 35% more.
Take the A3 Naples-Salerno highway. Take the Ercolano exit for Herculaneum and the Pompeii Ovest exit for the Pompeii ruins. From NAP Airport, it’s a 20-minute drive to Herculaneum and about 25 minutes to Pompeii. In Pompeii, it’s best to park at Parcheggio Camping Zeus (€10.00/day); in Herculaneum, there’s the underground Parcheggio Ercolano Scavi (€2.00/hour).
Which insurance should I choose, and what's the deal with the deposit? Read our articles with useful information and tips to ensure you choose the right rental car for you.