Most car rental desks at Naples Airport are generally open daily from about 07:30/08:00 until around 23:00/23:30, though exact times can vary slightly by company.
Complete guide to renting a car at Naples Airport (NAP)
Renting a car at Naples Airport can be a practical choice for travelers planning to explore the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, and southern Italy beyond the city center.
This guide explains what to expect when renting a car at Naples Airport, including seasonal pricing, insurance and deposit rules, driving conditions, and practical pickup details, helping travelers make informed decisions before booking and avoid common misunderstandings at the rental desk.
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Should you rent a car at Naples Airport?
When renting a car makes sense
Renting a car at Naples Airport often makes sense if your plans extend beyond the city. Travelers heading toward the Amalfi Coast, Sorrento, or Pompeii typically benefit from flexibility, particularly when ferry schedules, regional trains, or luggage logistics make public transport less practical.
When it’s better not to rent
A rental car is usually unnecessary for short stays focused entirely on Naples’ historic center. The city’s traffic, limited parking, and restricted ZTL zones can add stress, while trains and ferries often provide simpler access to Capri, central districts, and nearby urban attractions.
How most travelers book rental cars at Naples Airport
Car rental prices at Naples Airport can differ by €20–€40 per day for the same car and travel dates, depending on where the reservation is made.
Because identical cars often appear under different pricing structures, most travelers begin by comparing prices rather than booking directly with a single rental desk.
Based on previous experiences, travelers usually save up to 75% on car rentals by comparing prices.
> Compare car rental prices at Naples Airport in one search
Average monthly car rental prices at Naples Airport
Car rental prices at Naples Airport vary mainly by season.
These seasonal movements reflect broader national patterns. Across the country, car rental prices in Italy by month tend to follow similar demand cycles, with summer driving higher averages and winter offering more moderate daily rates.
Winter is generally the most affordable period, with January averaging around €14 per day and February and November remaining similarly low.
Prices begin to rise in spring, particularly in April, which often reaches around €31 due to Easter travel. Early summer sees further increases, with June averaging close to €29.
The highest rates are typically recorded in July at around €39 per day, with August slightly lower at about €35. Prices can rise quickly in July when coastal demand peaks and weekend availability tightens.
Seasonal variation in Naples reflects broader national trends. For a wider perspective on typical costs across the country, see our guide on whether renting a car in Italy is expensive.
Where to compare car rental prices at Naples Airport
Discover Cars
In practice, many travelers use comparison platforms such as Discover Cars, which bring together international brands and local Italian providers operating at Naples Airport in one search. Travelers can review total prices, insurance conditions, and deposit amounts side by side, making differences between similar offers easier to identify before booking.
EconomyBookings
With a similar approach, EconomyBookings aggregates multiple suppliers serving Naples Airport, allowing travelers to compare rates and rental terms in one place. Because identical cars can appear under different pricing structures, reviewing offers together often helps identify variations in excess levels and overall cost.
Is it safe to rent a car in Naples?
Renting a car in Naples is generally safe, particularly when booking through established companies operating at the airport. Most concerns relate to traffic density and parking constraints rather than criminal risk.
Are rental scams common in Naples?
Reports of organized rental scams are uncommon in Naples, where licensed providers operate under regulated conditions. Disputes more often arise from unclear damage documentation or excess charges, which can usually be avoided by reviewing the contract carefully before signing.
Is car theft a real concern in Naples?
Car theft is not typically a major concern for short-term visitors using airport rental cars. Incidents do occur in larger cities, but rental cars are usually insured, and problems are more often related to minor damage than theft.
How to protect yourself when picking up the car?
Take time to inspect the car thoroughly before departure, noting scratches or dents and confirming they are recorded in the agreement. Photograph the car from multiple angles, verify the fuel level, and ensure insurance coverage and deposit details are clearly understood.
What often surprises first-time renters in Naples?
First-time renters are often surprised by how quickly small cars sell out in summer and how closely damage documentation is reviewed at return. Taking time at pickup usually prevents later misunderstandings. Minor scratches are common on urban rental cars, which makes careful documentation particularly important.
Driving in Naples – what to expect
Driving in Naples can feel energetic rather than orderly.
Traffic tends to be dense, lane discipline is flexible, and scooters frequently filter between cars on both sides. Horn use is common and usually communicative rather than aggressive.
Is driving in Naples difficult?
For travelers used to structured traffic systems, Naples may initially seem challenging. However, difficulties are usually situational rather than constant. Staying attentive, avoiding peak hours when possible, and choosing smaller cars often make the experience manageable even for cautious drivers.
ZTL zones and restricted areas
Many historic districts in Naples operate under ZTL restricted zones, limiting car access during specific hours. Cameras monitor entry points, and fines are typically issued automatically. Checking accommodation access rules in advance helps avoid unintended violations and delayed penalty notices.
Driving the Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast offers one of Italy’s most scenic drives, but roads are narrow and frequently busy, especially in summer. Curves are tight, passing opportunities are limited, and parking is scarce. Early departures and smaller cars tend to make the journey more comfortable.
Car rental insurance at Naples Airport
Insurance terms are often where confusion arises, particularly for first-time renters.
What basic insurance usually includes
Basic rental rates at Naples Airport typically include third-party liability and collision damage coverage with an excess. This means major damage is covered, but the renter remains financially responsible up to a fixed limit if the car is damaged.
How excess and deductibles work
The excess, sometimes called a deductible, is the maximum amount the renter may need to pay if damage occurs. Even minor scratches can trigger charges up to this limit, which is why understanding the excess before signing matters.
When additional coverage makes sense
Additional coverage can reduce or eliminate the excess amount. It often makes sense for travelers unfamiliar with local driving conditions, planning coastal routes, or wanting greater financial certainty, particularly during busy summer months when traffic density increases.
Deposit requirements
Most rental companies at Naples Airport block a security deposit on the main driver’s credit card. At Naples Airport, security deposits typically range between €500 and €1,300 for standard cars, while higher categories such as SUVs or premium cars can exceed €1,500.
Deposits are blocked, not charged, and released after return if no issues arise.
What is the most popular car to rent at Naples Airport?
Small cars account for around 63% of rentals at Naples Airport, reflecting local road conditions and parking constraints. Large cars represent about 15%, followed by medium cars at 8%. SUVs make up 7%, vans 5%, and luxury cars remain a small minority.
The most frequently rented model is the Fiat Panda, followed closely by the Fiat 500, both valued for their size, efficiency, and suitability for southern Italy’s urban and coastal roads.
Naples Airport vs city center car rental – which is better?
Price differences
Car rental prices at Naples Airport sometimes include airport-related fees, which can make daily rates slightly higher than city offices. However, differences are not always consistent. Seasonal demand and availability often influence total cost more than the pickup location itself.
Airport pickup is often more convenient for travelers arriving with luggage or on late flights.
When city rental makes more sense
City center rental can suit travelers already staying in Naples who plan to collect a car later in their trip. However, limited office hours and navigating central traffic when returning the car may offset any modest price difference.
Returning a car to a city office during peak traffic can require more planning than an airport drop-off.
Picking up a rental car at Naples Airport
Up-to-date terminal maps, access information, and official airport services are available on the Naples International Airport website.
Where to find rental desks
Naples Airport operates from a single main terminal (Terminal 1). After exiting the arrivals area on the ground floor, car rental desks are located inside the terminal, clearly signposted.
The counters are grouped together inside the arrivals area, making them easy to locate without leaving the building.
Queues tend to build in late morning and early afternoon during summer weekends.
Pick-up location
After completing paperwork at the desk, cars are usually collected from a designated parking area within walking distance of the terminal. The pick-up zone is located in the airport’s nearby car parks, with clear signage directing renters from the arrivals hall.
Required documents
Travelers must present a valid driving licence, a credit card in the main driver’s name, and a passport or ID card. Non-EU licences may require an International Driving Permit. The credit card is used to block the security deposit.
Best car rental companies at Naples Airport
International brands
Well-known international brands such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, and Budget operate at Naples Airport. These companies are often chosen for standardized contracts, predictable insurance structures, and relatively consistent service expectations across countries.
Italian companies
Italian operators, including Maggiore, Locauto, Leasys, Sicily by Car, Autovia, and Noleggiare, also serve Naples Airport. These brands are widely used within Italy and often trusted for competitive pricing, local expertise, and familiarity with regional insurance policies and driving expectations.
Where to drive after leaving Naples Airport
The main motorway connecting Naples with the south, including sections toward the Amalfi Coast and Salerno via the Autostrada A3, includes toll segments, so carrying a payment card or small cash amount is advisable.
Amalfi Coast
The Amalfi Coast is the most popular route after leaving Naples Airport. The drive toward Positano and Amalfi offers dramatic coastal scenery, though roads are narrow and busy in summer. Smaller cars and early departures generally make the experience more manageable.
Pompeii and Mount Vesuvius
Pompeii lies less than an hour from the airport and is often combined with a visit to Mount Vesuvius. Having a car allows flexible timing between archaeological sites, particularly useful when coordinating entry slots or avoiding peak tour group hours.
Sorrento as a base
Sorrento is frequently chosen as a base for exploring the region by car. It offers easier parking than many Amalfi Coast towns and convenient road connections, making day trips to coastal villages, Pompeii, and nearby viewpoints more practical.
Longer road trips in southern Italy
With more time, many travelers continue beyond Campania toward Puglia, Basilicata, or Calabria. Exploring these areas by car allows access to smaller towns and rural landscapes, similar to other best regions to visit in Italy by car across the country.
Naples vs Rome and Milan – how car rental conditions differ
Car rental at Naples Airport is often shaped by seasonal coastal demand, particularly in summer when travelers head toward the Amalfi Coast. Availability can tighten quickly, and smaller cars are typically in higher demand compared with larger northern airports.
By contrast, car rental at Rome Fiumicino Airport reflects steadier year-round traffic linked to Italy’s capital, often resulting in broader fleet availability and more stable pricing outside peak holidays.
In northern Italy, car rental at Milan Malpensa Airport is influenced more by business travel and lake itineraries, while renting a car at Milan Bergamo Airport frequently experiences sharper weekend surges tied to low-cost airline routes.
Deposit levels and insurance structures are broadly similar across Italy, though seasonal pressure tends to affect Naples more sharply.
Understanding these regional patterns helps set realistic expectations around pricing, availability, and booking timing before confirming a reservation.
Final thoughts
Renting a car at Naples Airport tends to work best for travelers planning regional exploration rather than short urban stays.
With realistic expectations around traffic rhythm, seasonal pricing, and insurance terms, the process is generally straightforward.
Booking in advance during peak months and reviewing conditions carefully usually makes the experience predictable and manageable.
FAQs
Summer demand increases significantly as travelers head toward the Amalfi Coast and southern Italy’s coastal towns. Fleet availability tightens, particularly for smaller cars and automatics, and prices adjust accordingly. July and August typically show the highest daily averages due to concentrated holiday travel.
Automatic cars are available but less common than manual models. Supply is limited, especially in lower price categories, and demand rises sharply in summer. Booking early is advisable if an automatic transmission is essential for your trip.
Airport rentals sometimes include additional location-based fees, which can make daily rates slightly higher. However, price differences are not always consistent. In many cases, timing and availability influence cost more than whether the car is collected at the airport or in the city.
Deposit amounts vary by supplier rather than region alone, but higher excess levels are common in parts of southern Italy. This reflects differing risk models and insurance structures. Deposits are typically blocked on a credit card and released after return if no issues arise.
Winter months, particularly January and February, tend to offer the lowest average daily rates. Demand is lower, availability is higher, and prices are generally more stable compared with spring holidays or the summer peak season.
Most rental companies at Naples Airport require a credit card in the main driver’s name to block the security deposit. Some providers may accept debit cards under specific conditions, but policies vary and should be confirmed before booking.
Common issues include not checking excess levels, misunderstanding fuel policies, and failing to document existing scratches at pickup. Booking late during high season and overlooking deposit requirements can also lead to unnecessary stress at the rental desk.
Basic coverage is usually included, but it often comes with a high excess. Additional coverage can reduce financial risk and may provide peace of mind, particularly for travelers unfamiliar with local driving conditions or planning coastal routes.
