If you’re setting off on an Amalfi Coast road trip adventure, you’ll probably pick up your hire car in Naples. The city often gets a bad rap, and it’s not the easiest Italian city to drive in, but read on for tips and advice on what to know before driving in Naples.
How to Plan Your Route and Avoid Traffic in Naples
Driving Rules and Regulations in Italy
While driving in Naples can be stressful, other parts of southern Italy are a joy to explore on four wheels. With gorgeous coastal vistas, windy mountain roads, and tiny villages scattered across rural areas, there’s so much to see that isn’t easily reachable by public transport. And you’ll enjoy the experience considerably more if you’re aware of local regulations. Get prepared and brush up on Italian driving laws and rules below.
General rules and regulations
- The minimum age to hire a car in Italy is 21. Most rental companies require drivers under the age of 25 to pay a young driver’s surcharge.
- If in an emergency, dial 112.
- You can hire a car in Italy with a driving licence issued in the UK, EU, and EEA countries.
- You must have had your driving licence for over 12 months to hire a car in Italy.
- Always carry your valid UK driving licence, proof of motor insurance, and passport when driving a hire car in Italy.
- Drive on the right and overtake on the left.
- Trams can be overtaken on the right if there is enough space.
- It is forbidden to overtake a vehicle that has slowed down for passengers.
- Overtaken is also forbidden on bends, hills, intersections, and when there is limited visibility.
- Vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes and higher than 10 metres must stay at least 50 metres from the vehicle in the front. This doesn’t apply if you’re in traffic, though.
- Wearing seat belts is compulsory and the fine for not wearing a seat belt is between €80 and €323.
- Children under the age of 12 should not sit in the front seat.
Speed Limits in Italy
Bear in mind that speed limits are displayed in kilometres. Always look out for speed limit signage but general speed limits are as follows:
- Built-up areas: 50km/h - 70km/h
- Outside built-up areas: 90km/h - 110km/h
- Motorways: 130km/h
On some motorways with three lanes, the speed limit might be 150km/h. If caught speeding, the fine is between €40 and €4,400.
Tips for Driving in Naples
Avoid ZTL zones: Cars are mostly prohibited from Naples’ historic centre, and there are 6 ZTL zones (Zona Traffico Limitato). These are pedestrianised areas where only vehicles with permission can drive through. Driving around these areas is hectic, with bumper-to-bumper traffic, and scooters zipping by. We recommend avoiding this area as much as possible. Look out for a circular white street sign with a red outline – these indicate ZTL zones. They’re monitored by cameras and drivers are fined at least €200 when caught driving through them.
Navigation: If you must drive, ensure that you use a smartphone navigation app or an in-car SatNav to recognise the ZTL zones. It can get confusing, but the ZTL zones are active on different days and during different times – for example, the ZTL Centro Antico is active every day from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. However, the ZTL Mezzocannone is active from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and on the weekends and public holidays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM. A navigation app should have these activity windows on its system, so you know when driving through the area is or isn’t prohibited.
Rush hours: If possible, we recommend avoiding driving through Naples during rush hour. The city only has a few major roads which become congested quickly. The morning rush typically occurs between 6:30 - 8:30 AM, and the evening rush occurs between 4:00 - 6:00 PM.
Toll roads: There are several toll roads connecting Naples to main southern Italian destinations. Some toll roads in north and central Italy have fixed toll prices, otherwise, the toll price depends on the type of vehicle you’re driving and the distance travelled on the road. Toll road prices around Naples range from €5 to €55.
Steep roads: If you plan to drive around the Amalfi Coast, be prepared for steep inclines and high, windy mountain roads. Appoint your most confident driver as the lead driver. We recommend opting for an automatic vehicle for ease on the steep roads. However, the rest of southern Italy is a joy to explore on four wheels.
Vehicle type: There is a wide range of automatic vehicles available at Naples Airport. Additionally, we recommend opting for a small car, such as a Fiat 500 or a Smart Forfour, for fitting into small parking spaces.
Parking Options and Tips in Naples
Parking in Italy
White lines: This either indicates designated resident parking or free parking. There’s a big distinction between the two, so it’s important to check the signs. Free spots are often under time limitations too, so be sure to check the free parking timeframe on the signage.
Yellow lines: Vehicles need certain permission to park in yellow lined parking spaces. They might be residential parking, loading bays, or reserved for taxis. Be sure to check the signage nearby.
Blue lines: Blue lines indicate paid parking. Prices vary. Drivers are required to pay from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Leave your ticket on the dashboard.
Pink lines: Pink lines indicate spaces that are reserved for parents with young children or pregnant woman.
Parking in Naples
Finding a parking space in Naples is a challenge. Street parking is hard to come by – if you are lucky enough to catch a street parking spot, pay attention to the line colours. Blue lines indicate paid street parking, while spaces with white outlines are free.
To avoid driving around the city in search of a spot, we recommend parking at your hotel, or if there is not a designated car park, then ask your accommodation where their guests park. Alternatively, you can pack in one of the guarded car parks. There are centrally located car parks, but they don’t come cheap – the average price is €25 for 24 hours. However, car parks on the outskirts of the city are cheaper.
Car Hire Services and Prices in Naples
Those arriving at Naples Airport will find a wide range of car hire services. However, if you want to avoid the additional airport pick-up fees, then you can pick up a hire car from the city centre. Napoli Centrale Stazione is a popular pick-up spot, with Sixt, Budget, Enterprise, Avis, and Hertz in the vicinity. Additionally, there are local/smaller car hire brands scattered across the city, such as C-Rent and Galdieri Rent. Compare prices online and book in advance for the best options.
Holiday Cars offer renters the cheapest deals on the market. Naples Airport is a popular pick-up destination in Italy, with many international travellers arriving here to begin their Amalfi Coast or southern Italy adventure. Therefore, car hire prices can be higher than other parts of Europe. However, with Holiday Cars, you can find prices start from as little as £8 per day for a small runaround vehicle, like a Volkswagen Up. And for groups that want a little more room, you can find larger vehicles for upwards of £12 per day.
Naples Airport and Car Hire Facilities
Naples Airport is around 4.5km from Naples city centre. Despite the short distance, it takes around 15 minutes to get there by car when factoring in traffic. You can opt for the bus, which takes around 25 minutes, and choose to pick up your hire car in the city centre. However, there are fewer car hire facilities. The airport is the best choice for access to a varied range of car hire suppliers, including local companies such as Maggoire, Sicily by Car, and Noleggiare. There’s also a good selection of budget-friendly brands, such as SurPrice, Budget, and Flizzr, as well as big-name companies like Sixt, Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and National. Compare prices with Holiday Cars and book in advance for the best deals.