Is it reasonable to rent a car and drive from naples airport to positano. Would the drive be like going down California route 1 or worse?

Worse, much worse. However, at least you are putting your life in your own hands and not that of a crazy, cell phone talking cab driver like I did.

How long of a drive is it?

I wouldn't say that the drive from Naples airport to Positano is any worse than an equivalent drive in the U.S.---but it might be a bit more difficult that CA route 1. I've made the drive and didn't have any problems at all. The only point is to remember to drive VERY defensively; assume every curve will have a car coming the other way, using part of your lane. Don't drive too slow, because other drivers will cause problems by trying to pass you. Just keep up with the pace of traffic; the best situation is if there is another car about 100 feet ahead of you, sorta clearing the way. Listen for people using their horns coming around blind curves, and use yours the same way. A careful driver will have no difficulties; remember that the Italians are not careful, and most of them survive.

Take the train to Sorrento and than the bus. On the way stop in Pompei for a couple of very interesting hours. Inexpensive and it allows you to enjoy the scenery.

Is it easy to use the train or bus while carrying your luggage? Is there a place to store it nearby on either?

I think that driving to Positano is different from driving on the Amalfi Coast road beyond Positano. I've driven from Sorrento to Positano twice. It's really not too bad, though the drive through Sorrento can be a little hectic at rush hour. Once I get to Positano, I leave the car in a garage and do my trips on the bus. Some people enjoy the drive down the coast from Positano, but it would make me nervous so I stick with the buses.

Julie - Driving Napoli to Positano. It is much worse than US1. The suburbs of Napoli will try your nerve - prepare to get lost a couple of times. Traffic is crazed (particularily in Castellmare) but you get used to it. From the Autostrada follow signs to Salerno. From Salerno you follow signs to Positano (well marked) & drive up & over the mountain. You arrive just west of Positano on ss 163 (the coast road). You will know you reach Positano when you start to see a lot of cars parked beside the road. You will need explicit instructions on where to park (from your hotel). Expect approx 1 hour - 1 1/2 hours from Autostrada.

Driving on the Amalfi Coast is not for the faint of heart. Your better off hiring a driver and relaxing. It is a beautiful drive to Positano and it'll take about 1 hour. We just returned on July 10. Also, you don't need a car in Positano. The streets are very narrow and the Italians know better how to drive without killing anyone. I would NOT suggest driving yourself. Have fun! Positano is a beautiful place. Don't miss Ravello. Skip Sorrento and try and stay one or two nights in Capri!

What about the ferry? Is there any ferry from Positano to Naples? And how long will it take? And how long will it take from Naples ferry to the airport?<BR>

My husband and I traveled from the airport in Naples to Positano in late April 2002. We hired a car and driver and were really glad we did. He met us at the airport, and we were both able to sit in comfort looking at all the sights on the way. The driver spoke very good English and was very interesting and helpful. The day we arrived happened to be a holiday in Italy, and the traffic was really bad. The trip took two hours instead of the usual one hour. However, we were untroubled by it because we were comfortably sitting in the back of an air conditioned car, letting someone else deal with the hassle of the drive.

Hi Julie,<BR><BR>The Amalfi Coast is kind of like Big Sur in California. . . but better. <BR><BR>Is it difficult to drive from Naples to Positano? Not really if you are a normal defensive driver and don't behave like you are on a race track. <BR><BR>Is it worth it to have a car? Yes if you are going to visit anything outside of Positano - like Ravello, Amalfi, Salerno, Paestum, Pompeii, Ercolano, Caserta etc.<BR><BR>Positano itself is a 'walking' village. You will not need or want a car to get around. There is a boat that shuttles between Capri and Positano (among other cities and villages on the Amalfi Coast). It takes about an hour and a half to get there or back, with several departure times during the day. <BR><BR>It is worth staying a night in Capri - you can leave the car in a parking lot in Positano if you decide to do that.<BR><BR>I love the Naples area - there is soooooo much to see and do - and would not be without a car . . . but then again each to there own.<BR><BR>Have fun, you will love it.

The scenery is so beautiful, and the necessary driving attentiveness level so high, that I myself would rather pay a driver than drive on my own. You could take a hydrofoil from Naples to Positano (45 mins), or you could take the Circumvesuviana Train from Naples to Sorrento (70 mins), followed by the SITA bus to Positano (45 mins). Also, depending upon your arrival time at the Naples Airport, you could take the Curreri Airporter Bus direct to Sorrento (1 hr.), followed by the SITA bus to Positano (this avoids having to go into Naples proper to take the hydrofoil or the train).

we just returned to California and can say that Big Sur is not like the Amalfi coast. We already had a car so made the drive Naples, Pompeii, across hills to Ravello, then up to Positano and return to Autostrada.<BR>We both do not think it a good idea; one of us hates precipitious heights (hence the drive from south to north to be on the inside of the road) and the other gets carsick. Despite xanex and a good shot of Amaro we both suffered. Besides, you cant see much really. I suggest you take the train the Sorrento and boats from there. (the carsick one of us did fine on all boats except the wait outside the Blue Grotto in Capri). Then you can take boats to Amalfi, Positano, Capri and really SEE the coast.