My husband and I are going to southern Italy in July. We will arrive in Rome and then go to Positano where we will stay for a week. While in Positano, we want to (at least) visit Pompeii, maybe Naples, Sorrento, and Ravello. We are trying to decide whether we want to rent a car (starting from Rome) or use trains, buses and private drivers to get around. We keep hearing how dangerous (and scary) the Amalfi roads are - and how crowded they are during the summer. I'm looking for advice on the advantages and disadvantages of both.Also - I have not yet looked into the cost differential. We are somewhat adventurous and like to be on our own but want to be able to relax for this great vacation. Your experiences are appreciated!

Public transport is frequent and cheap. I have used buses and trains quite often in Naples, and while I have always watched my wallet on crowded buses, have always been lucky enough to avoid trouble.

Positano is a little out of the way - the scenic bus from Sorrento to Salerno takes up to 3 hours to cover the 60km. Ravello and Amalfi are relatively easy to get to. I believe the ferry may be the quickest way to get to Naples (I am open to correction).

The roads on the Amalfi coast are not dangerous. It is very narrow and winding - so it is demanding - not good if you're not a confident driver.

If they're scary or not depends on you - but the main road along the coast has a thick stone wall between you and the sea. Not nearly as scary as a lot of other roads we've driven in Italy.

Even in August when it's mobbed car is faster than bus - because you're not always stopping to pick people up or let them off. (That said we have gone only in May or early June - and I think in August ferries along the coast are probably your best bet.)

Hi JC,

The Amalfi coast road is not particularly dangerous or scary (unless you suffer from vertigo), but it gets clogged by tour buses.

For less than it would cost for car rental, parking fees and gas you can have a private limo pick you up in Naples, take you to your hotel and return you to Naples - about 200E.

I've been to the AC in July and August, and would definitely recommend public transportation, preferably by boat between most of your destinations. For the trip to Pompeii, you could either hire a private driver, or take the SITA bus to Sorrento, then the local train to Pompeii.

Thanks for the advice. My husband and I are still discussing this but I think we are leaning towards taking a train from Rome to Naples and having a driver take us to Positano. If once in Positano we decide it would be nice to have a car for one or two days, is it possible to rent one there?

JC, I would think you could rent a car for a day or two in Positano. We did it from Sorrento in November. The drive was fun but we didn't see as much as we expected because of parking issues. We met some people from Australia who were staying in Positano for a week. They had a car and said it was more convenient to take public transportation than drive the car so they parked it for most of the week.

I was happy to have the car for the day we did because waiting around for a bus was almost as frustrating as seeking parking spaces Give yourself plenty of down time when you aren't at the mercy of a train, bus or ferry. Have a great trip. Deborah