So we will be arriving in Rome statying overnight at the airport hilton and then off to Positano for 5 days. This is in April. We decided the best way to do is to drive to Positano (which we are using as a base) and then take day trips to Amalfi, Pompei, Sorrento, Small Towns and Capri. The car is costing me 390 Euros including insurance and parking in Positano 20 Euro's a day. we have driven a lot in Europe and Italy but not Amalfi Coast. It is the two of us. Are we better off taking the Train/Ferry or Train/Bus combo from Rome to Positano and then use local transportation in Positano to travel to other cities or should we stick with the car....Thanks in Advance....

If your goal is to save money then the train or ferry or bus is your best way. If not, I would drive. You can use the car to go to small towns in the hills and for late night dinners in other towns.

There is always alot of discussion on this topic here on Fodors, put in a search here and you will get every opinion you can imagine.

Sea Urchin is right that you are going to get a lot of opinions, because some people enjoy driving on the Amalfi coast, others do not.

In April, you are not likely to experience a lot of traffic jams, so the only issue is whether both driver and passenger will view the twisting, narrow, cliff-hugging roads as a lark (and switch off driving so both can enjoy the views) or a source of real tension and stress. (Some of the curves on the road can only be safely done with the help of large mirrors posted on the cliffside.)

You can easily travel to Amalfi and Sorrento by bus from Positano. Obviously you don't need a car for Capri. The road to Ravello is steep and winding.

Having a car to go back and forth to Pompeii gives you a lot of freedom.

For just about the same amount of money, you could use a private driver to take you from Naples train station to Positano, and then drive you to your excursions to Pompeii or Ravello.

You might send an e-mail to Benvenuto Limousines in Amalfi (which you can find on the web) to do some cost comparisons.

GTrotter - You are certainly 'better off' using public transport - if that's the deciding factor

The cost of buses/ferries on the Amalfi coast would be less than your parking fee.
A weekly bus pass for the whole coast is only € 17.00 ...

If you're there over Easter I wouldn't even think of having a hire-car personally ...

Hope this helps ...

Steve

Hi G,

In April, you will be less likely to be stuck in traffic on the Coast road.

You will also, be more likely to have a seat on a bus.

Some of the Montepertuso restaurants will pick you up and return you to your hotel at little or no charge.

For what you are paying for your car, you can take cabs.

A limo to/from Naples train station will be about 200E.

I would skip the car.

Hi Globetrotter-
You would be fine with Public transportation on the AC in April, but if you are there during Holy week a car will give you a tremendous advantage and much more flexibility in your schedule.

IMO since you are experienced drivers a car will enable you to do much more local exploring. The road has hairpin turns, and you share it with busses, but if you are good drivers it shouldn't be a problem.

You didn't mention the exact time you'll be there, but if you happen to be there on Holy Thursday, there is a wonderful Procession in up Ravello that evening/night, and a car will make it easy to get there and back to Positano!

Nope Ira, it is a pretty close call between the cost of the car rental and taking cabs between the towns, even for five days, including trips to and from Rome.

If $ isn't a factor, the car offers so much more freedom to explore off the main road. Bellastarr goes to that area often and knows the area well!