Is this drivable in a rental car or too scary?<BR><BR>How far is it from Rome?<BR><BR>Is it worth doing? <BR><BR>How long would it take if you only stopped in Pompei?

Hi Kim. I can answer a couple of your questions. <BR><BR>The Amalfi Coast road is definitely drivable in a rental car. It's a very winding road with some sharp curves, high above the Mediterranean, so whether or not it's "too scary" is going to depend on how easily scared you are. I took a bus on it last March and actually would've preferred driving a car since it would have allowed us to stop at turnouts and take in the fantastic scenery. <BR><BR>Worth doing? In my opinion, absolutely. <BR><BR>Don't know how far it is, in kilometers (or in hours by car) from Rome. The train from Rome to Naples was about two hours; the smaller commuter train from Naples to Sorrento was about 45 minutes; and then we took the aforementioned bus from Sorrento over to the Amalfi Coast. But you don't have to go via Sorrento; you can also get to the Amalfi Coast via Salerno. <BR>

Hi Kim! Pompeii is north of the Amalfi Coast. So - We spent about 2 1/2 hours at Pompeii and I could have easily spent twice that. Facinating! Next time I'll definitely take a quided tour. We trained all the way from Florence to Salerno which required a change to the Circumvesuviana (local train) to get to Salerno. From there we took the bus up the coast - bus change required in Amalfi, short stop. We ended in Praiano (next to Positano) where we stayed with family. Continued north to Sorrento & Pompeii via bus & train again.<BR><BR>I liked the bus because I could enjoy the scenery and let them worry about driving. It's quite narrow & twisty & there are places where the road is literally plastered onto the side of the cliff. There are low stone blocks for guardrails. the bus drivers are amazing - if 2 buses meet at the wrong spot they often have to back up to wriggle past. All traffic in both directions stops while they perform this feat. You will see lots of cars that have been sideswiped, buildings too! We even saw some homes with chunks out of them! Still, I wouldn't be afraid to drive if myself - if I wanted to. If you have driven the Big Sur, Hwy 1 in California, this is a little worse, just in my opinion. It's maybe more on a par with the road to Hana in Hawaii only better paved. Buon viaggio!

Kim,<BR>We went to Positano from Rome last summer in a rental. It was about 3 - 1/2 hours. As mentioned by others, it is a scary ride! We got to Positano, parked the car, and never drove it until we left! Next time, we will take a taxi or bus!

Rome to the beginning of the Amalfi Coast is about 3 hours. Very easy drive. Don't short yourself on Pompeii. Stay in Sorrento and take the train to the site and enjoy the day.<BR><BR>Driving the Amalfi Coast road is daring but a lot of fun IF you are going in the off season. We spent 8 days last April driving from Sorrento to Positano, to Ravello with a day trip down to Posteum and it was a blast. Do it if you have a chance, but not in high season.