Where to rent a car in Italy? (Salerno to Florence)
 

We need to get from Salerno to Florence with 3 days in between to explore Tuscany. Should we rent the car in Salerno, and drive the whole way? Or are we better off taking a train from Salerno and renting somewhere along the way. We were thinking of taking the train up near Rome, and renting somewhere just outside Rome. I've heard before that you can get charged extra fees if you pickup or drop off your car at an airport or train station. Is that true in Italy?

Also, I've heard that car rental insurance is required in Italy. Do you have to pay the rental agency, even if your credit card gives you free insurance on car rentals?

If you rent a car in Salerno, it will take you about 3.5 hours to drive to Tuscany.

We did this a couple of years ago. The drive was easy. We preferred renting the car in the south because we thought it would be easier to just get in the car and on the road and not fuss with train schedules and then getting to the car rental agency, loading the luggage onto the train and off again...and we were very happy with our decision.

Our first stop was Orvieto, which was a lovely, lovely town and then our destination, Montalcino, was just another 90 minutes away...the drive from Orvieto to Montalcino was just beautiful.

Yes, you are required to buy the insurance on a rental car in Italy even if you have credit card coverage. And, incidently, you also need an International Driver's Permit.

Hi T,

I also recommend picking up the car in Salerno.

Your credit card is unlikely to provide insurance in Italy since CDW is required.

((I))

Yes, do drive and stop in Orvieto. Have fun !