Car hire for the Amalfi Coast, and why you probably should not
TLDR
- •Do not hire a car for the week: the coast road was built for carriages, and parking is scarce and charged by the day
- •From Naples, take a private transfer, the ferry, or the train to Salerno and a boat west
- •See the coast from the water, where it looks its best and nobody has to drive
- •If you must drive: automatic, small, excess waiver, and never into a historic centre
- •Ask exactly what 'parking' means before you book a house
Do not hire a car for a week on the Amalfi Coast. It is the opposite of the advice for Tuscany, for the opposite reason. In Tuscany the car is the only way to reach anything. Here it is a liability you pay to park.
Why the car is the problem
The coast road was finished in 1850 and laid out for carriages, and its bends have not changed. In summer it is a slow queue behind coaches, where the driver sees nothing but the bumper in front. Two coaches cannot pass each other on parts of it, and backing up to a passing place is normal.
Parking in Positano and Amalfi is private, scarce and charged by the day rather than the hour. What a listing calls parking is often a space on the road some way from the door, up or down a great many steps.
How to get there instead
Naples is the practical airport, about 90 minutes from Positano by road in good conditions and a great deal more in August. From Naples there are four ways in.
A private transfer by road is the simplest, and the right answer at the end of a flight with luggage. Book it before you fly.
The ferry from Naples or Sorrento is seasonal and lovely, and drops you on a town quay rather than in a car park.
The train to Salerno and a boat west is the underrated route, and in high summer often the quickest, because it avoids the worst of the road entirely.
The bus is cheap and slow, and standing on the coast road with luggage in August is nobody's idea of a holiday.
Whatever you choose, arrange it before you leave home. Improvising at Naples airport is how holidays begin badly.
Once you are there
Take the boat. The coast looks its best from the water, it is faster and cooler than the road, and nobody has to drive. Book a day with a skipper early in the week, because most people want a second one.
If you really must drive
Book an automatic. A hill start on a gradient with a coach behind you is no moment to rediscover a clutch, and the coast road is almost all gradient.
Book small. Two small cars beat one large one.
Take the excess waiver. A scraped wheel or a clipped mirror against a wall is close to routine.
Photograph the car at the airport, every corner, before you drive away.
Never drive into a historic centre. Amalfi has a restricted traffic zone like every Italian town, with cameras at the gates and a fine for every crossing, and the letters arrive months later. Park outside and walk.
Fold the mirrors in when you stop. That is what they fold for.
Where a car does make sense
For a day or two at the end of the trip, to go on somewhere the road leads properly: inland, or south to the Cilento, or on to Puglia. Collect it when you leave the coast, not when you arrive.
Book it
Seeing the coast without driving it
Discover the Magic of the Amalfi and Sorrento Coast by Vespa
Discover the Soul of the Amalfi and Sorrento Coast on Two Wheels! *** IMPORTANT: The tour includes an experienced driver so you can enjoy every moment without worries. If you'd prefer to ride the Vespa yourself and have driving experience, please send me a message before booking to check availability. Hi! I'm Federico, born and raised among the wonders of the Amalfi Coast. Since I was a kid, I’ve explored every hidden corner of my land on a Vespa, and today I want to share that same thrill with you through an authentic experience, far from the typical tourist circuits. With my Vespa tour, you’ll dive into the true essence of the Amalfi Coast: the breeze in your hair, the scent of the sea, and breathtaking views that will stay with you forever. You can visit iconic destinations like Positano, Amalfi, Praiano, Furore, Sorrento, or Ravello, depending on the pick-up point, which is always offered at your hotel or B&B. Accompanied by an expert driver, all you’ll need to do is enjoy the scenery. If you have experience and prefer to ride the Vespa yourself, contact me before booking. My goal is to create a joyful and friendly atmosphere during every tour. Are you ready to discover the Amalfi Coast in a new and unforgettable way, turning your trip into priceless memories? Cheers from Your Buddy On The Coast!
The BEST Private Amalfi Coast Vespa Tour
!! Trust our impeccable organization. We are not a simple scooter rental or a single improvised "local boy" but the first and only Tour Operator between Naples and the Amalfi Coast authorized for the organization of Vespa Tours. We protect your safety by making unique your experience with everything the Tourism Law requires in our country. Trust those with experience, seriousness and passion who have been doing this job since 2012 !! Travel safely along the Amalfi Coast aboard a Vespa in the company of a knowledgeable tour guide. Discover stunning panoramic terraces, visit the stylish Positano, take the time to have a custom-made dress or sandals in a typically Italian atmosphere, hold your breath and look out from the bridge onto the famous Furore Fjord. Once the adrenaline has passed head towards Amalfi to admire the imposing Cathedral and the pretty square, taste the local Limoncello and lemon Delizia, learn about local customs and take a selfie that you will carry in your heart.
Amalfi Coast private tour from Sorrento and nearby
Discover the magic of the Amalfi Coast on this unforgettable tour! Visit the enchanting towns of Positano, Amalfi, and Ravello, with 1 hour of free time in each to explore the must-see sights, capture stunning photos, and indulge in some shopping. Travel in style in a luxury Mercedes, driven by a friendly, English-speaking local guide who will share fascinating insights into the history, culture, and traditions of this breathtaking region. Along the way, your driver will suggest hidden gems and perfect photo opportunities, allowing you to experience the true beauty of the Divine Amalfi Coast. Don’t miss out on this incredible journey filled with stunning views and unforgettable memories. Book your tour today and make the most of your time on the Amalfi Coast!
Classic Amalfi Coast Tour
To Enjoy a personalised and stress-free and full day tour of the Amalfi Coast, with a private english speaking driver, that will provide commentary of history and legends of the area. Pick-up directly at your hotel or accomodation. The tour includes Postano, the pearl of the Amalfi Coast ; Praiano ; Furore with its fjord of Italy ; Amalfi, the main town of the Amalfi Coast and Ravello. LEISURE TIME GUARANTEE FOR OUR GUESTS TO ENJOY UNIQUE MOMENTS. A Mercedes-Benz air conditioning vehicle and professional driver will be at disposal for the day to make your Amalfi Coast experience unforgettable.
Private boat tour of the Amalfi coast or Capri
The Amalfi Coast tour includes the exclusive use of the boat that will be available approximately from 10:00 to 17:30 or at the most convenient times chosen by the customer; boarding can be done from Salerno or from a place chosen by the customer among: Vietri sul Mare, Cetara, Maiori, Minori, Amalfi, Praiano, Positano. We will visit all the seaside villages and the most suggestive and particular spots of the coast up to Positano. Aperitif included in the price with prosecco, fruit and various snacks, with tasting of buffalo mozzarella from Campania. Water included. The private tour of Capri (+300€) includes a first stop at the island of Li Galli, a private island and a protected marine area with crystal clear waters and rich in fauna. Subsequently, we will circumnavigate the entire island of Capri, visiting caves and stopping in the most famous and suggestive places to swim, such as next to the iconic "Faraglioni". Possibility for any tour chosen by the customer to stop in restaurants located along the coast on the sea
Amalfi Coast Experience with our English - speaking drivers
This tour stands out because it offers a completely personalized and stress-free experience. With a local private driver, you can explore Positano, Amalfi and Ravello at your own pace, stopping at the most picturesque spots for photos, Shopping, Ice Cream and Lunch, without rushing and without queues. Unlike group tours, here every detail is thought out for you: flexible schedules, strategic stops, and authentic local tips that turn even a short stop into an unforgettable memory. In a nutshell: comfort, authenticity and moments that will forever remain in the memory.
Prices, durations and ratings are Viator's, shown as Viator published them on 2026-11-04. They change. Booking goes to Viator, not to us, and we earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a car on the Amalfi Coast?
No, and for most people a car makes the week worse. The road is slow and narrow, parking is scarce and charged by the day, and the boats and buses go everywhere you need.
What is the best way to get from Naples to the Amalfi Coast?
A private transfer booked in advance, at the end of a flight with luggage. In high summer the train to Salerno and a boat west is often quicker, because it avoids the coast road.
Is driving the Amalfi Coast road dangerous?
It is narrow, steep and busy, built for carriages in the 19th century, and coaches often take the whole road. It is stressful rather than dangerous for a careful driver, and the driver sees none of the view.
Is there a ZTL in Amalfi?
Yes. Amalfi has a restricted traffic zone with cameras at the gates, and each crossing is a separate fine. Park outside the centre and walk in.