All You Need to Know About Renting a Car in Naples as an American

Posted on: 12th May 2025
Posted by: admin

The third most populous Italian city after Rome and Milan, Naples is an absolutely gorgeous place to explore. Located on the western coast of Southern Italy, it offers stunning seaside views and has magnificent historical monuments, churches, museums, and squares. In addition, the nightlife and cuisine of Naples are equally amazing. So, you should surely plan a visit to the city to experience the best of the culture of Southern Italy. And, if you get a chance to do so, you can rent a car in Naples for an even more enjoyable, comfortable, and convenient trip.

Let’s find out more about booking a rental car in Naples –

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Is it Worth Renting a Car in Naples, Italy?

Yes, renting a car in Naples can overall enhance your experience while making it more comfortable, and here is how:

You get to save a lot of your time, so you can explore more in less time. Hiring a car means you move at your own pace and schedule, with the option to travel as you want.
You get to save some money as well, the cost of the fuel of an economy car and the rates of the rental is less than having to hire taxis each time you get out to reach someplace.
You can explore the undiscovered local areas with total comfort. This means if you are planning to go someplace where public transit may not be feasible, a car hire automatically becomes the best option.
You get to drive the car of your choice. Car rental companies in Naples offer a great range of car categories. So, be it a luxury car you want to drive on your vacation or a budget-friendly economy/compact to save on fuel, rental companies have something for everyone.

How to book a cheap car rental in Naples, Italy?

Consider the following points before booking a rental vehicle to get it at an affordable price. Here are some useful tips on booking a low-priced car hire in Naples –

Make a reservation with us as we negotiate with the best rental suppliers in Naples to provide rentals at the lowest possible rates.
Reserve a Naples car hire well in advance to grab a deal at a low price. As the prices are lower for advance booking, it is a beneficial option. Most car rental companies offer discounted prices if the car is booked weeks before the pick-up date. You also get a lot more options of vehicles to select from.
If possible, rent a car for a long duration as it costs cheaper than short-term rentals. The per-day prices for the rentals are cheaper for the long-term car rental deals in Naples.
Compare as much as you can! There are several companies that offer deals for each car category, if you compare them thoroughly, you will find the best one for your trip.
If you want to save even more, go for an economy car, which is not only affordable but also fuel-efficient.

Popular Car Rental Companies in Naples

Car Rental: Automatic or Manual Transmission?

Most car rental suppliers in Naples provide an option to choose the transmission of your choice. This means if you are in a habit of driving either of the transmissions, you can easily rent it. It is recommended to not try to drive a car with a transmission you are not comfortable with, Italy is not exactly the right place to do so. Booking with us, you can always apply filters to your search and only see the result you want. The website consists of all the available suppliers in the city, you can compare the prices of both the transmissions and rent the best deal.

What are the driving license requirements for Americans?

There are a few things you need to keep in mind as an American renting a car in Naples:

Firstly, an original driver’s license is required to pick up the car at the rental desk.
The accepted duration for which your driver’s license is valid is also different for different suppliers. For example, some suppliers require the driver’s license to be valid for at least 1 year. It is a suggestion to check the “Rental Terms” before reserving the car.
Your rental supplier might require an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent a car, make sure to check the “Rental Terms” section on the search result page or “Rental Conditions” on the voucher provided when your booking is confirmed.

What are the documents required to hire a car?

Original driver’s license, an ID proof (preferably a passport), and depending upon the requirement of the supplier you have chosen an International Driving Permit would also be required to rent a car in Naples. For a smooth pick-up at the rental desk, keep these documents along with your Rental Confirmation Voucher handy.

Can you rent a car without a credit card in Naples?

Yes, you will require a credit card in the name of the main driver to rent a car in Naples. In the absence of a valid credit card, in some cases, the supplier might even refuse to let the pick-up happen. A credit card is critical to most suppliers to block a security deposit amount, which is by the way refundable, for the entire duration of the rental.

If you do not have a credit card, you should contact customer support to know the alternatives.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in Naples as an American?

Some companies allow drivers of age 18 years to hire a car in Naples, but the validity of the driver’s license also matters in a few cases. Some suppliers may require the license to be valid for a year or more to let you rent a car. You would also have to pay a Young Driver Surcharge if you are any less than 25 years old.

Which is the best car rental pick-up location in Naples?

For the people landing at the Naples-Capodichino International Airport (NAP), it is the best car rental pick-up location. A car hire picked at the airport is quite convenient as after arriving you can directly head towards collecting your car. The desks for car collection formalities are inside the airport premises itself, so there is no hassle of carrying your luggage outside the airport and waiting for taxis or public transport.

Other than the airport, you can also reserve a car at the Downtown, Train Station and other locations in the city.

Which is the best car rental category to drive in Naples?

Economy and compact car categories are quite popularly booked in Naples. These cars are cost-efficient and smaller in size for you to be able to drive around the narrow street areas conveniently.

If you are looking for a premium car rental then luxury car rentals in Naples are also available. For bigger families, an SUV and minivans are perfect. So, the best car rental category for you would depend upon your requirements and itinerary.

Important Tips to Drive a Rent Car in Naples

You can book a one-way car hire from Naples and drop it off at a different location in the country. For instance, you can reserve a one-way car rental from Naples to Rome, Florence, Amalfi Coast, and Sorrento.
Avoid driving during rush hours in Naples i.e. from 7:00 am to 9:00 am and from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, especially towards the city and downtown area as it gets quite congested.
Book a car hire with unlimited kilometers and full-to-full fuel policy, so as to cover as many places in and around the city as you want.

Top Attractions to Explore

Although there’s an endless list of attractions in and around Naples, some of them are quite popular among visitors. And, even if you are planning a short trip to the historical city, make sure to explore them in the first place. Here are some of the must-visit places in and near Naples –