Car Rental in Amalfi Coast - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car on the Amalfi Coast requires careful consideration due to the region's notoriously challenging driving conditions. The coastal road (SS163) features extremely narrow lanes, hairpin turns, and steep cliffs with minimal guardrails - making it genuinely difficult even for experienced drivers. Italy drives on the right side of the road. A car is recommended if you're planning to explore inland villages, venture into the countryside, or visit multiple towns at your own pace, as it provides flexibility that public transport cannot match. However, avoid renting for stays focused solely on popular coastal towns like Positano, Amalfi, or Ravello, where parking is scarce, expensive, and often requires navigating impossibly tight spaces. The SITA bus network connects major towns efficiently during peak season. If you do rent, choose the smallest vehicle possible - compact cars are essential for the narrow roads and limited parking. Be prepared for aggressive local driving styles, limited passing opportunities, and summer traffic congestion. Consider your driving confidence carefully; many tourists find the experience stressful rather than enjoyable. For nervous drivers, buses and ferries offer stress-free alternatives.

International Driving Permit (IDP)

Generally recommended for non-EU visitors to Italy. Check current requirements with your rental agency as acceptance rules may vary.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. EU licenses are typically accepted; non-EU visitors should verify current acceptance policies.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be 21-25 years old. Young driver surcharges often apply for those under 25.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is required for security deposits. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit hold.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included, but comprehensive coverage (CDW/LDW) is strongly recommended for the narrow, winding coastal roads. Verify coverage details with your rental agency.

Driving Experience

While not always a formal requirement, confident driving skills are essential for navigating the Amalfi Coast's challenging narrow roads and tight turns.

Rent from Naples Airport or Sorrento rather than directly on the Amalfi Coast for better rates and vehicle selection - book a compact or smaller car as the coastal roads are extremely narrow with tight hairpin turns.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos/video and verify you have comprehensive insurance coverage, as the winding coastal roads and tight village streets make minor scrapes common.

Download offline GPS maps in advance as mobile signal can be unreliable along coastal stretches - familiarize yourself with ZTL (limited traffic zones) in towns like Positano and Amalfi to avoid fines.

Plan for limited and expensive parking - arrive early at popular spots or use paid parking garages in larger towns; fill up fuel before entering the coast as gas stations are scarce and prices are higher in tourist areas.

Allow extra time for your return journey as coastal traffic can be unpredictable, especially during summer months - verify the rental agency's fuel policy (full-to-full is standard) and return location requirements in advance.

The Amalfi Coast's narrow, winding coastal roads (SS163) feature hairpin turns, minimal shoulders, and steep drops with limited guardrails - drive defensively and expect large tour buses to dominate tight corners.

Summer months (June-September) bring extreme traffic congestion, especially on weekends and during peak hours (10am-6pm) - consider traveling very early morning or using alternative transportation to avoid gridlock.

Parking is severely limited and often expensive in coastal towns; many hotels have no parking facilities, and narrow streets make maneuvering difficult - verify parking availability before driving.

Local drivers are aggressive and familiar with the roads, often driving fast on blind curves - stay alert, use your horn before sharp turns, and pull into designated passing areas to let faster traffic pass safely.