devadevil

Ciao, we will be driving from naples to sorrento and spending a few days around that area, looking to visit pompeii, sorrento, ise of capri. we have a hotel booked in sorrento Johanna hotel. Hoping the drive from naples will be easy but most likely not. Once at hotel will try to use shuttle bus or train back to pompeii. any suggestions what to expect driving ?? Grazie.

philperry

We are planning to be based at the Hotel Caruso in Revello, arriving at FCO from EWR/LHR. Normally, we would rent a car to get around, but I recall that parking in Amalfi, Positano, Pompeii, Sorrento is not only a nightmare, but also very costly. We plan to take a train from Rome to Naples and request a car service to the hotel (Euro 140 + 10% VAT). We were quoted Euro 550 + 10% VAT for a car service from Rome to Ravello - that's US$ 1,600 return!). Then we shall rely on local transport to get us to where we want to go. It all sounds a bit expensive, but the last thing you want on vacation is the hassle of not being able to park a car! It's the price of the Amalfi coast, I'm afraid. But it IS a most beautiful place to be!

ekc

Deva, driving and parking in and around Naples and the AC is terrible and expensive.

Phil, a better option for you would be to train from Rome to Salerno and then either driver from Salerno to Ravello, or ferry to Amalfi and then taxi to Ravello.

kybourbon

I wouldn't drive in Naples or pick up a car there.

>>>Once at hotel will try to use shuttle bus or train back to pompeii.<<<

Why get a car at all? The local train between Naples/Sorrento takes 75 minutes and costs 4€. The stop for Pompeii is halfway between them and there is free luggage storage at the entrance to the ruins if you want to visit on the way to Sorrento.

To reach Capri you take a ferry (take it from Sorrento). I don't believe non-residents are allowed to take cars to Capri in tourist season.

>>>and request a car service to the hotel (Euro 140 + 10% VAT). We were quoted Euro 550 + 10% VAT for a car service from Rome to Ravello - that's US$ 1,600 return!).<<<

Taxis are set fees in Naples (you must request the set fee when getting in and get a receipt). From Naples to Ravello the fare for four people is 135€. From Naples to Rome it's 350€. Click on "ordinary urban tariff" for the list in English.
http://www.comune.napoli.it/flex/cm/...?51b7e945abeda

>>>Phil, a better option for you would be to train from Rome to Salerno<<<

Yes. Book a train from Rome that doesn't require a change (some do require a change in Naples). Salerno is much closer to Amalfi/Ravello (Ravello is just above Amalfi on the cliffs). You can also take the Sita bus from Salerno train station to Amalfi (about 4€). Ravello would be a short taxi ride (or bus) from Amalfi. I would think it would be cheaper to arrange a taxi/driver Salerno/Ravello than Naples/Ravello since Salerno is so much closer.

devadevil - I would buy a Campania Artecard 3 day Tutta la Regione while in the Naples train station. It's 27€ and includes admission to two sites (Pompeii is regularly 11€),discount admission after you use the free ones, transport in Naples (bus/metro/tram), the train between Naples/Sorrento, buses down the coast (Amalfi, Positano, Salerno, Ravello) all the way to Paestum. It wouldn't include the ferry to Capri. The 7 day card does not include transport at all.

http://www.campaniartecard.it/

madamtrashheap

devadevil, your hotel is up the hill from Sorrento a little on via Nastro Verde. It's about a 10-15min drive uphill from Sorrento. It's not a walk into town given that the road is narrow and there are no designated footpaths. Most hotels on that road have a shuttle service, but if you have a car, especially if you've already booked it, then you will be able to visit places south of Sorrento easily. But for Pompeii, etc you can drive to Sorrento and park (as above, parking isn't cheap, but is convenient 5min walk from the station) and train it to Pompeii, Herculaneum, etc. The Sita bus services are convenient too. If, however, you haven't booked your car, then do as kybourbon suggests and take the train from Naples to Sorrento and use the shuttle, trains and buses for your stay there.

If you have already booked your car and it's not refundable, then be aware that the drive from Naples to Sorrento is spectacular, but definitely white knuckle at times. Not because of the road, but because of the drivers. Most who drive this road are on it several times a day and have lots of practice, so cutting blind corners, swinging wide and generally driving close to/over the white line is a normal occurence. It makes for a heart-racing journey! There are 2 decent pull-in areas on the right hand side on the way south where you can marvel at the view (as well as catch your breath!), but if that all sounds a bit hardcore and too much after a flight, ditch the car and take the train.

devadevil

Thank you very much, I live in NJ so the drivers are about the same, only kidding. I have driven in Italy before. After sorrento we are driving to the Adriatic coast for a wedding in Ortona where we will be staying with family that's why we rented a car. We hope to park the car at the hotel and use shuttles and local transportation to Pompeii etc.