Trying to figure if 5 people will be better off taking the train or renting a car for a 2 week trip from Pisa to Cincqe Terre to Abruzzi to Amalfi Coast. Would also like info on the cost of a liter of fuel in Italy.

Mike: I was in Italy in middle March. Take the train, much safer. They drive pretty badly there.

Totally disagree. I love driving in Italy. <BR> <BR>And a liter of fuel is about 2000 LIT; maybe less for diesel, more for premium grades. <BR> <BR>Best wishes, <BR> <BR>Rex <BR>

Mike: Last year we rented a car part of the time and took the train from Rome to Florence. ( there are three of us)! <BR>The driving was fine-- we didn't even have trouble coming out of Florence into Chianti-- next week we are returning and we are renting a car the whole time ( it is a lot less expensive for the three of us to have a car and also a lot of time is saved going to and from trainstations, etc. <BR>I have not driven on the Amalfi coast however, and I have heard that the area is a little hair raising! <BR>Good Luck!!

I find the highway driving to be great. It's tough in the major cities. People do drive much faster than they do here in the states but we didn't have any problems. Never had any highway traffic. For the most part they are clearly marked. The tolls are a breeze with a credit card. Also with a car, you have more flexibility.

I agree with Rex, Drive! I drove in Rome through Lazio and Compagnia down to Positano and back and loved it. I was with my family and it gave us plenty of room with our luggage and ultimate flexibility. Everyone complains about how the Italians drive, but I found not much different than America. Of course I live in New York City, but still I say drive!

As a retired formula 1 race car driver-I would not go near the Amalfi Coast---I'm too chicken. <BR>Beyond that I recently rented a car for 3 days and cost me $50 US to fill tank 3/4 (this is a lot of money for me on a fixed income from Enzo F.) <BR>Maybe you should rent a car for all but the Amalfi section of your trip <BR>

Rented a car and drove from Rome to Positano. Highways are great but the roads are very narrow on the Amalfi coast. Was in Positano for 3 days and never used the car while there - we walked everywhere. Having a car going from town to town is nicer than the train because you can stop where you want - everything is so picturesque in Italy. By the way, the drivers in Italy are not horrible - they're actually very skilled and fast. Enjoy your trip.

Gas prices as of couple weeks ago when I was in La Spezia traveling down to Tuscany region -- <BR> <BR>Regular Fuel, approx 2200 lire per liter; <BR>Diesel, approx 1675 lire per liter <BR> <BR>As for the driving in Italy, it's all a matter of perspective. Yes, they drive a bit "crazier" in the major cities --- but if you've ever driven in either New York City or Boston, then you'll have a sense of what you're in for. As for the highways (autostrada) or the countryside, there's no problem. <BR> <BR>The drive along the Amalfi Coastline can be a tad hairy (I've not driven there, prefer to leave that up to the very capable SITA bus drivers) --- and reason being that road to Positano & then on to Amalfi is an extremely windy, curvy stretch that is along the cliffs overlooking the Mediteranean. Others on this forum have driven along the coast, and lived to tell the tale, so don't think it's that terrible --- but do be aware it's a "pay attention to your driving" kind of road. <BR>

I enjoy driving in Italy. The posters above give an accurate description. The real trick is finding a place to park. <BR> <BR>www.jimtardio.com/italy.html

No, I think the real trick will be finding an affordable car in Italy that five people plus luggage will be comfortable in. You may need a van! Or two cars.

Considering your itinerary, Mike, I'd drive. I must agree with Linda, though. Your biggest challenge will be to fit your luggage in the trunk ... I consider concealing luggage a must. Otherwise I wouldn't dare to stop for sightseeing enroute. I don't think that seating space for 5 is that much of a problem because it doesn't look you'll be driving that much in a given shot. <BR> <BR>Paulo

You're right, Linda. We have a group of 6 going in September and we've reserved a 9 passenger van....which we figure really only holds 6 or 7 by US standards.

I was nervous about driving in Italy but found the Autostrade just delightful and so easy. I think it will be cheaper and easier for your large group to drive, though I'm told a care in the Cinque Terre is a waste. Perhaps you could rent the car for a week in the middle of your trip and plan a couple of train trips too just for variety. Just a warning. The medieval towns in Tuscany and Umbria have very narrow one way streets. We actually banged up the rental car pretty bad and got literally, stuck on a narrow little street. Since you'll be in a larger than typical vehichle, be very careful before your follow a smaller vehicle down a one-way street in a small town.