Naples car rental

[bklynhtsnyc]

Thanks in advance. Would appreciate some info regarding car rental in Naples. I don't mind jogging over to a car rental to pick up a car. But can someone recommend a company that is both easy to deal with and close to port. We usually use public transportation but we would like to see the amalfi coast (positano, ravello, and sorrento)

 

Manson

 

 

Bklynhtsnyc

[dolittle]

I see that you live in New York and I know they have some crazy drivers but driving in Naples is like nowhere I have ever seen even Europe . They act like they will hit peds. fly through red lights ,drive on sidewalks all the while cussing out your mother . If you have ever been to Naples you know this and are very brave and if not you are about to get brave.

[Hlitner]

The most convenient rental agency would be Hertz, since they have an office inside the port (its a little walk from any docking location). We have rented from that agency a few times but there are some negatives. If you happen to pick up a car around the time that a ferry gets into port you might find yourself in a pretty long line (and they do not expedite Hertz Gold). There are a few other agencies outside the port within a few blocks. Any by the way, although we do not recommend driving within the Naples city limits....it is only a few blocks from the port to get on the major Autostrade which will take you North or South.

 

Hank

[euro cruiser]

Since the entire historic center is now part of a ZTL, if you drive you really can only head right to the autostrada. It may be easier to pick up a rental car at the train station, which is outside the ZTL and from which you can easily jump right on the autostrada, if you can't get one at Hank's location.

 

I've actually driven in Naples and while it is challenging, if you've driven in New York you can drive in Naples. It's not the wild-wild-west. I also walk all over in Naples and I've never come close to being hit.

[Hlitner]

Eurocruiser raises a very important point which are the ZTLs that dot many of Italy's larger and more popular cities. These are restricted driving zones and you will get hit with a nasty fine (plus your rental car company will add other fees) a few months after you get home if you penetrate a ZTL (your license plate is photographed). So for anyone planning to drive in Italy we suggest you Google "Italy and ZTL" and learn about these zones. You can also find detailed ZTL maps online. If you pick up a car at the port and stay on the road right in front of the port driving with the port on your right you will quickly come to the Autostrade entrance. This is the safest way out of Naples. When you return and come in from that same end of the city there is actually an exit ramp that will take you right to the port entrance where you will be stopped by security. You simply tell the guard "Hertz" and he will let you in the port. You then have to drive about 1/2 miles within the port to get back to Hertz. A GPS with up to date maps is really very helpful (my Garmin Nuvi had it exactly right).

 

Hank

[bklynhtsnyc]

Thank you so much for the responses. Hank and eurocruiser, you are responsible for some of the greatest vacation memories I have ever had. A sincere thanks. I'm gonna go with hertz. I can be off the ship before anyone in my party is ready. I read your post regarding driving to sorrento, positano, and ravello. But didn't quite get which order would be preferable and why. Can you tell me which order u prefer.

 

I just downloaded an iphone naples ztl map and should be very helpful. I guess we'll just have to return the car before we head to pizzeria da Michelle.

 

Thanks again

Manson

 

 

Bklynhtsnyc

[euro cruiser]

You're right not to try and drive to da Michele. It's only a couple of blocks, but it can be an expensive short ride with the ZTL fines.

 

I would drive south on the Autostrada to Vietri sul Mare, and head out the coast from there. The other route takes you out the Sorrentine peninsula, which is a mess every morning of the year with commuter traffic and school buses. It is not a seasonal issue.

 

So, my preference would be to get on the Amalfi Coast drive at Vietri and go all the way to Positano, then work my way back..

 

If you leave Naples by 8 AM you would be in Positano around 10:30 AM, give or take. A couple of hours there, followed by a drive to Amalfi (short ride of about a half hour) or Ravello (another 15 minutes) for lunch.

 

I would head back to Naples the same way, entering the autrostrada where you got off at Vietri, missing Sorrento entirely.

 

Sorrento is lovely but it doesn't really bring anything new to the table, or at least not enough to offset the aggravation of dealing with the traffic there.

[bklynhtsnyc]

We will be in port from 7-7 on a Thursday oct24. Your recommendation makes perfect sense. I wonder, because we have a car, will we have time to squeeze in Herculaneum.

 

Thanks

Manson

 

 

Bklynhtsnyc

[euro cruiser]

I think it would make for a tight squeeze, but if you find yourself "done" with the coast in early afternoon it's quite possible to accomplish both. In October the ruins are open until 7:30 PM (last entry at 6 PM). I'm not sure about parking at Ercolano Scavi as I've always gone there by public transit, but it would be easy enough to look that up.

[Hlitner]

Basically agree with Euro except that there is a faster route back to Naples from Ravello that avoids again doing the Amalfi Drive. It uses some back roads to get back to the A3 which then gives you a very fast ride back to Naples. You can check out the route on sites like Google Maps. You should be aware of all the options and then you can make your decisions as the day develops. But make sure you give yourself an extra 1-2 hours to get back to Naples since an accident on the 2 lane roads can cause major delays.

 

Hank

[bklynhtsnyc]

Thank you, you both have given me enough info to be confident in setting out on this adventure. Hope I can be of assistance in the future.

 

 

Bklynhtsnyc