car hire in italy

[ik9000]

Heading to Naples soon, wondering whether to hire a car. Anyone hired a car over there, and any good companies/watch-its/advice re driving in the area etc?

[kalniel]

Don't drive in Naples.

[herulach]

^this, but make it Italy full stop. They're a special kind of mental when it comes to driving

[shaithis]

Crash helmet and taxis.

[TheAnimus]

So I'll try and be helpful. First off, get something as small as you can. People drive from all angles. Only go if you are a confident experienced driver (which I'm guessing you will be, given most hire firms wouldn't hire to you otherwise).

Now when you get your hire car in Italy, it will probably already be scratched almost everywhere, this is a very, very good thing, make sure they scribble down liberally on the form. Thankfully I've found the few times I've hired a car in Italy that the whole dolce vita thing kicks in, they really don't give a damn.

Myself, this is one of the times I'll pay for a reasonable excess too, so make sure your hire car includes that! I will always remember Naples, as I watched someone fix their smart car with regular sellotape, not even duct tape, heathens.

But also after my ex had, almost, but not quite completely burned the clutch out on this Alfa, the receiving person didn't give a damn, instead was preoccupied at driving it around the carpark at sped!

[ik9000]

I'm getting worried now...

[TheAnimus]

If you are worried, be sure to have an a nice half bottle of wine first, to sooth your nerves!

Sadly, many people in Italy wouldn't consider that to be obviously bad advice.

[TeePee]

Don't use Hertz.

Ensure that all damage is listed on a form and take photos of the car before and after driving.

Use an American Express card for the rental. If you don't have one, get one.

Use extended protection on that Amex card. I pay $24 per rental and every single penny is covered, including the 'loss of usage' scam some companies like to pull. It's a fraction of the price rental companies charge for their deliberately confusing insurance add-ons, and covers everything.

Return the car full of gas, don't prepay for fuel.

Don't use Hertz.

[Macman]

Don't use Hertz.

Ensure that all damage is listed on a form and take photos of the car before and after driving.

Use an American Express card for the rental. If you don't have one, get one.

Use extended protection on that Amex card. I pay $24 per rental and every single penny is covered, including the 'loss of usage' scam some companies like to pull. It's a fraction of the price rental companies charge for their deliberately confusing insurance add-ons, and covers everything.

Return the car full of gas, don't prepay for fuel.

Don't use Hertz.

Take it Hertz try to screw you over??

[ik9000]

Take it Hertz try to screw you over??

I agree with everything TeePee says, except I can't reiterate the Hertz thing - Never used them personally, so I can't comment. However I would say have a read of their T&Cs and see what you think of them. Same goes for any other company. I never hire a car with anyone unless they offer a flat-fee per day 0 excess against all damage. Worth it for no hassle when you return it. Hertz fails at that hurdle, and have done every other time I've looked, hence I've never used them.

[ik9000]

If you are worried, be sure to have an a nice half bottle of wine first, to sooth your nerves!

Sadly, many people in Italy wouldn't consider that to be obviously bad advice.

This is what I feared. We're now going by train...

[TheAnimus]

This is what I feared. We're now going by train...

The inter-cities are comfy and excellent, the 'sprinter' equivalents are dilapidated to the max.

Trains are cheap, and they don't suffer quite the same insane rise in fares as you get closer to the date that we do.

I'd highly recommend stopping by some deli beforehand to get some provisions, unless it's Sunday, in which case if you are outside a major city, or just south, in which case you'll need to stock up beforehand. The highspeed trains are worth the extra €5 in my experiance too. Great country, but do behave in Naples, like you would in a dodgy part of London, valuables close, keep your eye on your pockets / handbags. Just don't walk down a dark alley at 2am, it's very much a tale of two cities. I was offered a stolen iPad within 30 seconds of leaving the train station last time I was there! However, we did really enjoy our visit, so like I say, think of it as London!

[herulach]

The inter-cities are comfy and excellent, the 'sprinter' equivalents are dilapidated to the max.

Trains are cheap, and they don't suffer quite the same insane rise in fares as you get closer to the date that we do.

I'd highly recommend stopping by some deli beforehand to get some provisions, unless it's Sunday, in which case if you are outside a major city, or just south, in which case you'll need to stock up beforehand. The highspeed trains are worth the extra €5 in my experiance too. Great country, but do behave in Naples, like you would in a dodgy part of London, valuables close, keep your eye on your pockets / handbags. Just don't walk down a dark alley at 2am, it's very much a tale of two cities. I was offered a stolen iPad within 30 seconds of leaving the train station last time I was there! However, we did really enjoy our visit, so like I say, think of it as London!

I didn't really rate naples, although we weren't there long. You are only 30 minutes on the train from sorrento though, which is beautiful (we got married there) from where you can pick up a coach for positano/amalfi, both of which are awesome and its a very scenic drive (you'll get an idea why you don't want to be driving as well!)

Also, however much pizza you were planning on eating, double it and add at least 2 more slices as well as a whole mountain of risotto balls.

[ik9000]

Sorrento is where we're heading to. So looking forward to seeing Pompei

[herulach]

Sorrento is where we're heading to. So looking forward to seeing Pompei

In that case definitely train is fine. Its faster than driving anywhere and Sorrento is easily walk roundable.

I'd be tempted to suggest Herculaneum rather than Pompeii. It's a lot smaller and was excavated more recently so is better conserved. Definetly get a tour at either. I'll pm you some decent restaurants to try out, but Johnny's pizza & sfizi outside the train station does epic pizza.

[ik9000]

Just got back. Everything people said about the place was true. The driving is mental, the coast road isn't wide enough for 2 (non-mini) cars at a time round the tight bends, and the vespe riders are flippin mental. Naples was a bit too gritty for my liking, but Sorrento and the Amalfi etc were stunning. And the food, oh my the food! Soo good. And lemons the size of your head. Never seen that before! If you've never been go check out the Amalfi Coast. It's amazing.