Welcome to sunny Naples, fellow travelers! If you’ve just landed at Naples Airport then this guide is for you.
Because in this guide you will know all about Naples airport car rental technique.
Let me tell you, after visiting southern Italy more than a dozen times, I’ve learned one crucial lesson: having your own wheels makes ALL the difference.
Sure, there’s public transport available, but nothing beats the pure freedom of having a rental car waiting for you at Naples Airport.
Want to stop at that charming little trattoria you spotted from the road? Done! Fancy taking an impromptu detour to a hidden beach? No problem! That archaeological site that closes at 4pm? You’ll actually make it there on time!
Let’s see the full guide.
Why Rent a Car at Naples Airport
Renting a car at Naples Airport is honestly a game-changer, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond the city itself.
The Amalfi Coast’s picturesque towns like Positano and Ravello are much more accessible with your own vehicle.
Yes, there are SITA buses that run along the coast, but they’re often packed to the brim during tourist season, and don’t even get me started on trying to stick to their somewhat unpredictable schedules!
Pompeii and Herculaneum are reachable by the Circumvesuviana train, but having a car means you can arrive early (beating both the crowds AND the heat) and leave whenever you want.
And if you’re dreaming of visiting the Greek temples at Paestum or venturing into the beautiful countryside of Irpinia for wine tasting, public transport options become increasingly limited and time-consuming.
For families, the car vs. public transport debate isn’t even close.
The flexibility to stop for bathroom breaks, snacks, or just because your kids need to run around for a bit is priceless.
I will say though – if your entire trip is focused just on Naples city center, you absolutely DON’T need a car. In fact, it’ll be more of a headache than help with the city’s notorious traffic and limited parking. But for exploring the broader region? A rental car is your ticket to freedom!
Naples Airport Car Rental: What to Expect
First-time renters at Naples Airport often make the same mistake I did – walking around the terminal looking confused because they can’t find the rental car desks!
Here’s the deal: unlike some airports where rental counters are right in the arrivals hall, at Naples Airport, they’re located in the P5 Parking Area.
You have two options to get there: either take the free shuttle bus that leaves from outside the terminal (it runs every 15 minutes or so), or do what I usually do and walk the short distance (about 5-7 minutes). Just follow the clearly marked signs for “Car Rental” or “Autonoleggio” in Italian.
Once you reach the rental center, you’ll find all the usual suspects: Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Sixt, Budget, and several Italian companies like Sicily by Car and Locauto. I’ve used most of them over the years, and while they all have their pros and cons, I’ve generally had good experiences with Europcar and Sicily by Car for value and service.
In terms of vehicle options, you’ll find everything from tiny economy cars (perfect for navigating those narrow Amalfi Coast roads!) to larger SUVs and vans. One important note – automatic transmission cars are less common in Italy than in the US, and they’re usually more expensive too. If you need an automatic, book well in advance, especially during high season when they get snatched up quickly!
Approximate Rental Cost
Each company’s fleet varies, but here’s what you can typically expect:
- Economy/Mini (Fiat 500, Fiat Panda): €28-45/day
- Compact (Renault Clio, VW Polo): €35-60/day
- Intermediate (Ford Focus, Kia Ceed): €45-75/day
- Standard/Full-size (VW Golf, Toyota Corolla): €55-95/day
- SUV/Minivan (Jeep Renegade, Fiat 500X): €70-140/day
- Premium/Luxury (Alfa Romeo Giulia, Mercedes C-Class): €120-250/day
Cheap Car Hire Italy Naples: How to Find the Best Deals
I learned this lesson the hard way after paying WAY too much for a last-minute rental during Ferragosto (the August 15th holiday when it seems like all of Italy goes on vacation).
Now I’m religious about booking my Naples car rentals at least 3-4 months in advance, especially for summer trips.
Comparison websites have saved me hundreds of euros over the years. I typically start with Rentalcars.com or DiscoverCars.com to get a broad overview of options.
Don’t immediately dismiss the local Italian rental companies – they often have better rates than the big international names. Sicily by Car and Locauto have given me some of my best rental experiences in Naples.
One strategy that’s worked well for me: book a refundable reservation well in advance, then keep checking prices as your trip approaches. If you find a better deal, you can always cancel and rebook. I’ve saved over €100 doing this for a two-week rental last spring!
Driving in Naples & Southern Italy: What You Need to Know
The first time I drove in Naples city center, I think I aged about five years in three hours.
The traffic can be absolutely chaotic, with seemingly optional lane markings, scooters zipping between cars, and a general approach to traffic rules that could charitably be called “creative.”
My advice for first-timers? If possible, schedule your arrival for a Sunday morning when traffic is lighter, or avoid driving in the city center altogether. Use the car primarily for exploring outside Naples, and rely on public transport or taxis within the city itself.
Be extremely careful about ZTL zones (Zona Traffico Limitato) in Naples and other towns like Sorrento.
These are restricted traffic areas where only residents and authorized vehicles can enter.
Accidentally entering Sorrento’s ZTL zone in 2019. That little wrong turn cost me €80!
The drive along the Amalfi Coast on SS163 is both breathtaking and hair-raising.
The road is incredibly narrow in places, with tight hairpin turns and buses that somehow manage to navigate spaces that seem physically impossible.
I still get slightly nervous on certain stretches between Positano and Amalfi where the road seems barely wider than the car!
Parking in Naples and tourist towns can be challenging and expensive. In Naples, I always opt for guarded parking garages (about €20-30 per day) rather than street parking.
In Amalfi Coast towns, expect to pay €5-8 per hour in high season for the limited parking available.
Requirements for Renting a Car in Italy
Getting your documentation right is crucial for a smooth rental experience.
Every time I rent in Italy, I bring my valid driver’s license AND an International Driving Permit (IDP).
While some rental companies might let you get away without an IDP, others strictly enforce this requirement.
The IDP is basically a translation of your license into multiple languages, and you can get one from AAA in the US for about $20 before your trip.
This is non-negotiable with most companies. The hold they place on your card can be substantial – I’ve had holds ranging from €300 to €1,500 depending on the car category and insurance options.
Some companies now accept debit cards, but they often impose additional restrictions or require extra documentation.
Age restrictions are another consideration. You typically need to be at least 21 to rent in Italy, but many companies charge a “young driver surcharge” for renters under 25. This fee can add €15-25 per day to your rental!
Insurance & Extras
The basic mandatory coverage is usually included in your quote, but it often comes with a high excess (deductible) that can be €1,000 or more.
The rental counter staff will inevitably try to sell you additional coverage to reduce this excess to zero.
After learning the hard way (a minor scrape on a narrow Ravello street cost me €600 in damages!), I now always make sure I have full coverage.
But here’s a money-saving tip: third-party insurance purchased through companies like iCarHireInsurance or Rentalcover.com is usually MUCH cheaper than buying directly from the rental company.
I paid just €49 for a week of full coverage through a third-party insurer last year, compared to the €140 the rental company wanted to charge!
Alternatives to Renting a Car
I’m all about renting cars in Southern Italy, but I’ll be honest – there are some trips where it just doesn’t make sense.
If you’re planning to stay exclusively in Naples city center, a car is more of a liability than asset.
The city has a decent public transportation system with buses, funiculars, and a metro, plus taxis are readily available.
For travelers doing the popular Naples-Sorrento-Pompeii triangle, the Circumvesuviana train line connects all three quite efficiently. From Sorrento, SITA buses run to Amalfi Coast towns, and ferries operate to Capri and along the coast during summer months.
If you’re staying in one place and just want to do occasional day trips, private transfers can be a good middle ground. They’re more expensive than public transport but offer door-to-door service without the stress of driving yourself.
For my parents’ anniversary trip last year, we booked private transfers between Naples Airport, their hotel in Positano, and for a day trip to Pompeii. It cost more than a rental car would have, but the convenience was perfect for them.
Final Tips for Car Hire at Naples Airport
My routine now includes taking detailed photos of the entire exterior and interior of the car before leaving the lot.
I make sure the photos are time-stamped and that I have close-ups of any existing damage. This has saved me from falsely being charged for damage on two separate occasions!
Most rental companies in Italy operate on a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you get the car with a full tank and need to return it full.
Gas stations near the airport typically charge higher prices, so I usually fill up at a station about 10-15 minutes away from the airport where prices are more reasonable.
There’s a good ENI station on Via Argine that I often use.
If you’re offered a prepaid fuel option (where you pay for a tank upfront and can return it empty), it’s almost always a bad deal unless you’re absolutely certain you’ll return the car running on fumes.
One last piece of advice from someone who learned the hard way: double-check the opening hours for car return if you have an early morning flight. Not all rental companies have staff available 24/7, and you don’t want to be left scrambling with a car and no one to return it to at 5 AM!