Car Rental Naples Airport

Naples Airport is connected to the city by the Autostrada A56, which leads into the center via the SS162 – it’s just a five-mile drive. The rich blue waters of the Gulf of Naples are also very accessible, with popular areas including Santa Lucia less than 10 miles away via the SS162. 

The major Italian highways, or autostradas, are toll roads. Green signs indicate when you’re approaching one and you collect a ticket as you enter. The speed limit on these routes is typically 130km/h (80mph), unless otherwise signed. The other main highways in Italy are the strade statali, abbreviated to SS. The speed limit on these two-lane highways is usually 68mph (110km/h). In towns and cities, the maximum is normally 50km/h (30mph). 

Like many Italian cities, the center of Naples is covered by a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) which means vehicle access is restricted to residents with special permits during specified hours. These areas are monitored by cameras, so you may face a fine if you accidentally cross into the zone.

There are plenty of parking lots on the outskirts of the city, however, so you can park up here and explore the central areas on foot. If your hotel falls within a ZTL, you can also arrange access on arrival and departure by contacting your hotel and telling them you’ll be arriving by car.

Naples is also ideally positioned for day trips, if you pick up a rental car from Naples Airport. To visit the ancient preserved Roman city of Pompeii, drive 20 miles on the E45. 

The capital city of Rome is 136 miles away from the airport meanwhile, reached in just over two hours by driving north along the E45. The same highway also leads down the coast to Sorrento, around 30 miles from the airport. As in the US, you’ll be driving on the right in Italy.

Naples is the third-largest city in Italy and renowned for its beautiful churches, artistic flair and intense passion for life.

It’s also a great base for exploring the picturesque surrounding area. With a rental car, you’ll find many iconic attractions are within easy reach. 

Stunning sights and mouth-watering cuisine

The historic center of Naples, the Centro Storico, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where you’ll find spectacular buildings and architectural treasures. A great starting point is the Santa Maria Donna Regina Vecchia, a French Gothic church dating back to the 14^th century.

From here you can head a short distance to Naples Cathedral, home to the crypt chamber of the city’s patron saint, San Gennaro. You’ll also find the baptistery of San Giovanni, a heavenly domed structure embellished with blue, white and gold mosaics, thought to be the oldest of its kind in the western world.

For art fans, a visit to the Museo di Capodimonte is a must. This distinctive red building contains sensational works by Italian masters including Botticelli, Titian and many more.

For a break from sightseeing, head to Piazza del Gesù Nuovo where you can relax in al fresco cafes serving rich, Neapolitan coffee. Naples is also famously the birthplace of pizza, and there are plenty of restaurants around the city where you can sample authentic, wood-fired margherita and marinara slices. Look for the places with the longest lines – usually a sign of quality.

Volcano climbing

One of the most popular attractions around Naples is the city of Pompeii, which lies just a short drive away along the E45.

Destroyed by the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79AD, the remains of this ruined city form one of the most important archaeological sites in Europe. Stretch your legs and hike up the looming volcano. Remember to pack some extra layers of clothing though, as temperatures near the summit are much colder than by the coast.

To ease the climb, you can drive part of the way. There’s access for vehicles until you’re just a few hundred meters from the edge of the crater. Once you’ve walked the final stretch, you can join a scheduled tour and learn from the experts. Whether you reach the top or stop halfway up, you’re sure to enjoy excellent views of the surrounding Bay of Naples.

Sunny Sorrento

The resort of Sorrento is just 30 miles from Naples and is one of the most attractive spots along this part of the coast.

Situated on a clifftop high above the bay, Sorrento offers a relaxing escape amid extraordinarily pretty streets. Head to the Villa Comunale Park for some of the best views of Mount Vesuvius and a front row seat when the sun sinks below the skyline, casting warm orange glows over the tranquil gulf waters. Take a boat trip to the island of Capri and round off your visit by heading to the old fishing quarter, where restaurants serve up fresh seafood right next to the harbor.

However you decide to spend your time, renting a car at Naples Airport will allow you to soak up all the atmosphere of this romantic corner of Italy.