Your Car Rental Guide for Driving the Amalfi Coast

Everyone agrees that the drive along the Amalfi Coast is one of the most scenic routes in the world. But it’s not for everyone. Here is our inside guide to help you decide.

Driving the Amalfi Coast: What’s the Big Deal? 

We were warned not to do it.

“Don’t drive,” people said.

“It’s one of the most dangerous roads in the world,” said others.

So, the first time we opted for a walking holiday instead. And, sure enough, the taxi to the first night near Positano sent pulses racing, with the hairpin turns, sheer drops and lurches and leans on the way in. And not in a good way.

A few years later, and with Baby Lab in tow, we found ourselves in southern Italy, contemplating the drive. By then, we knew more local people, who were more philosophical about the idea. 

“One of the Best Drives of Our Life”

“Go early to avoid the tourists,” was the advice. And so, we took it. The result was one of the best drives of our life, easing into the road at our own pace, soaring above those glittering coves, slowing through the sunshine yellow and cornflower blue houses and stopping wherever we wanted.

We enjoyed it so much, we went back and did again the following year. 

Now, don’t get me wrong. Driving the Amalfi Coast road is a challenge. But when it comes to Italy travel, it’s one of the best things you can do. 

And even if you don’t technically drive the route between Positano and Amalfi, it’s so useful to have your own transport to explore the secret spots near Sorrento and deeper inland. 

So here’s our guide that combines practical advice on car rental in Naples in general, plus how to avoid the most common (and expensive) mistakes along the Amalfi Coast in Italy.

See also our guide to the Amalfi Coast for first timers here.

Do You Need a Rental Car on the Amalfi Coast?

Before you rent the car, it’s worth asking: is this actually the best way to get around the Amalfi Coast?

When it Makes Sense

• You want to explore beyond the Amalfi Coast itself 
• You’re planning a flexible Amalfi coast itinerary or a spontaneous day road trip
• You’re travelling outside the peak summer season when other options are limited
• You like to drive and feel comfortable on narrow, winding roads

When to Avoid Driving

• Think twice in high summer (traffic, heat, and parking shortages)
• If you’re nervous behind the wheel on tight mountain roads
• If your hotel in Amalfi or Positano doesn’t have parking available

Alternatives

• The Sita Bus route (cheap but crowded and ever so slow, plus bus stops are often in precarious positions)
• The Ferry – great views of the coast but you are limited to the main towns
• Hiring a private boat (highly expensive but provides a memorable tour of the Amalfi Coast)

Bottom line: a rental car is not the easiest way to get around – but it can be the most rewarding.

How Car Rental Works (and Why It Matters Here)

The process itself is simple:

Search → compare → book → pick up the car

In practice, though, driving in Italy comes with quirks. Be aware that you’re likely to receive a manual vehicle unless you specifically ask for an automatic, for example.

If you’re flying in, the most sensible option is to pick up a car at Naples airport. 

Where to Book a Rental Car

I’ve spent years looking into this and have lost a lot of time comparing multiple websites and trying to decode different terms and conditions.

A car rental comparison platform, like EconomyBookings, makes it easier to:

• Compare multiple suppliers in one place
• See all pickup locations across the region
• Evaluate real user ratings and transparent pricing

For a destination like the Amalfi Coast in Italy, where demand is high and conditions vary, this approach saves time, money and sanity. Although, I always also check some of my favourites, if I have loyalty cards with them, too.

• Recommended reading: how to plan the perfect road trip

Costs to Expect

Part of the difficulty if you want to drive the Amalfi Coast is decoding all the extras when booking your hire car.

 Here’s how to simplify it.

During Booking

• Base rental price (rises sharply in peak season)
• Insurance options (basic vs full cover)
• Fuel policy (usually drive off with the tank full, refill just before you return)
• Extras (child seats, additional drivers, Sat Nav)

In general, we travel with our own child seat as we’ve heard too many horror stories of car rental companies “running out” when you turn up. Safety is something I’ll never compromise on, so we just bring ours with us. Most airlines will let you check a child car seat into the hold for free anyway.

For Sat Nav, again I buy an eSIM when travelling and just use Google Maps. Additional drivers is something to think about. We usually have Mr Lab driving so I can concentrate on photography but it is sometimes handy to share the load on long drives. You can drive the Amalfi Coast in half a day, though, so that’s less likely to be a concern here.

At Pickup

• Security deposit (held on credit card)
• Insurance upselling (very common)
• Optional upgrades

No matter which country you are in, the car rental pick up time is where companies excel at the upsell. Be vigilant and resist the pressure to add on more insurance (unless you want to, of course.) You’re usually protected from hidden fees with popular car rental companies, like EconomyBookings, but watch out with local car rental companies. 

Amalfi-Specific Extras

• Parking on the Amalfi Coast (expensive and limited)
• Fuel (petrol prices are high in Italy)
• ZTL fines (restricted zones often reserved to residents)
• Tolls don’t usually apply but always ask at pick up – in case the situation has changed!

To be totally honest, we never managed to fully decipher this – and we spent a lot of time trying. Italy has introduced some restricted driving zones in beautiful areas where people live. And you can see why. It must be frustrating to queue to get past some tourist numpty every time you need to head out to the dentist or on the school run. 

These are usually clearly signposted and easy to avoid, as long as you know what to look for. 

Parking, on the other hand, is much harder. There is a large underground car park in Amalfi but apart from that, don’t bank on being able to park near the centre of any of the towns on the route. Be ready to walk in from the outskirts of town – and even then, you’ll have to pay quite a price for that. Have Google Translate ready on your phone to help decipher the parking signs – and factor into your budget the high likelihood that you will make a mistake and receive a fine at some point. 

What to Watch Out For

• Hidden fees (sometimes more common with smaller local companies)
• Pressure to upgrade insurance at the desk
• Strict terms (arrive late and you may lose the booking)
• ZTL zones and fines

Choosing the Right Car

On this stretch of road, smaller really is better. It’s so important, let me say this again.

Smaller really is better.

The SITA buses will squeeze to within a blueberry of you to get past and parking comes down to survival of the smallest. That said, always make sure you have enough room not only for the number of people but also all the suitcases and accoutrements they bring with them. 

• Choose a compact car for narrow bends
• Avoid large vehicles, camper vans and vehicles struggle here
• Consider luggage space carefully
• If possible, share one car rather than multiple vehicles due to parking constraints.

Tips for a Smooth Pickup Experience

• Arrive on time. We once lost our entire reservation because of a flight delay – so be cautious about late pick up times. 
• Bring:
  • Your driving licence
  • Credit card
  • Passport/ID
• Inspect the car carefully and take photos before you drive off
• Confirm the fuel and mileage policy

Check our full car rental checklist here.

So, is it Worth Driving the Amalfi Coast? 

Driving the Strada Statale 163 Amalfitana (SS163) requires focus and a cool head. There are hairpin bends, sheer drops, and buses that seem far too large for the laws of physics as they squeeze past.

And yet…

Don’t talk yourself out of it. If you really hate the idea of tough driving conditions, then don’t torture yourself. But if you can drive in London,  you can manage here. And you don’t actually have to go fast – in fact, most of the time, you won’t be able to. So you have time to take a deep breath and maneouvre.

The Amalfi drive is is one of the prettiest coastal drives in the world. The views of the sea, the way the road clings to the cliffs, stopping for lemons crushed with ice, and taking in the palette of the Amalfi coast towns…it’s a gift from the world at large. 

Plus, driving Amalfi also allows you to explore the secret spots like the Queen’s Bathing Area, or to drive along different spots of the Sorrento coast and inland to Sant’ Agata sui due Golfi and the ruins of Pompeii. Discover more of Italy’s less- crowded spots here.

The Challenges

• Finding a parking space in Positano or Amalfi
• Navigating oncoming traffic
• The constant concentration required

The Rewards

• Quiet villages beyond the main hotspots
• The freedom to explore Amalfi at your own pace
• Scenic stops you’d miss on public transport (look out for the Grotta dello Smeraldo, for example)

Tips for Driving the Amalfi Coast

• Drive on the right-hand side
• Expect confident local drivers and keep your cool – it’s not a race
• Use your horn on blind bends
• Start early: the best time to drive the Amalfi Coast is in the early morning or as twilight settles. 
• Avoid midday traffic
• Make sure to head inland to visit Ravello and the stunning views from Villa Rufolo
• Carry your beach gear with you, so you can pull over for a quick dip
• Most only visit a small part of the Amalfi Coast. Drive on to Salerno to explore the length of the Amalfi Coast and find (slightly) quieter treasures. 
• Don’t miss seeing Positano and Amalfi from the water as well. Either take a ferry or join an small group tour.

Parking:

• Limited and expensive in major towns
• Many spaces are often reserved for residents
• If you’re staying along the Amalfi Coast, make sure that parking is included with your accommodation before you book. Don’t rely on street parking. 

Best Platforms to Use

I always start by looking at Skyscanner and brushing up on the travel tips from Money Saving Expert. Recently, I’ve noticed that EconomyBookings is an easy to use comparison platform with transparent pricing, which helps to make an informed decision. 

I also always check Hertz Gold (it’s free to join and gives all kind of perks) and am wary of unbranded local suppliers after a few bad experiences.

The Best Time to Drive the Amalfi Coast

Timing makes all the difference when planning a tour of the Amalfi Coast. In general, the best time to drive is during the shoulder seasons of late spring (April to early June) and early autumn (September to October). You’ll have fewer cars on the road, easier parking, and clearer views along the coast.

In summer, the same stretch of road becomes far more challenging. Traffic builds quickly, buses dominate the narrow lanes, and finding a parking space in towns like or can take longer than the drive itself. This is also when the alternating license plate system may apply, restricting access on certain days depending on whether your plate ends in an odd number or even number.

Time of day matters too. If you plan to drive along the Amalfi Coast, set off early in the morning or later in the evening to avoid peak congestion. 

In short: for a smoother, more enjoyable experience driving the Amalfi Coast road, aim for spring or autumn, start early, and avoid the busiest months if you can.

Final Verdict: Should You Drive the Amalfi Coast?

The Amalfi coast drive is not for everyone.

If you’re nervous, it’s perfectly reasonable to avoid driving and rely on ferries or buses. There are easier ways to travel along the coast.

But if you’re a confident driver and plan it well?

It’s one of the most beautiful road trips in the world – and a great way to see this part of Italy. 

The Key Takeaway

Renting a car offers freedom and flexibility, but it comes with challenges. Using a reliable comparison platform like EconomyBookings helps reduce risk, control costs, and make smarter decisions – so you can focus on the journey, not the logistics.

More on Travel in Italy

• How to get off the beaten path in Italy with 101 hidden gems
• What to pack for Italy: the ultimate guide
• A first-timer’s guide to the Amalfi Coast
• How to plan the perfect Tuscan itinerary
• How to see Florence in one day
• Why Rimini Old Town deserves your time
• When is the best time to visit Venice to avoid the crowds?
• 21 unusual things to do in Rome