Sightseeing Destinations
With your rental car you can make a trip to Naples even more exciting by making day trips to nearby attractions. It is a great base to explore the Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum and nearby cities such as Sorrento, the gateway to the Amalfi Coast. And if you are looking for some small towns off the beaten path to visit, check out our guide to the Best Small Towns in Italy.
Mount Vesuvius and Pompeii
It is a great idea to couple a trip to Pompeii with a stop at Mount Vesuvius which is just a short drive from Naples. Although you can drive your car to quite close to this famous volcano, you won't be able to take it to the top. Most people, however, have no problem making the ascent to the crater on foot. Afterwards you can continue on to Pompeii and visit the five archealogical sites of the area. As there is little to no services at both locations, it is advised to carry along water, sunscreen and a hat. When parking at Pompeii be aware that the parking lot near the entrance costs 2 euro per hour, while parking down the hill in town can be much cheaper.
Distance to Vesuvius National Park from Naples
- From Naples Aiport via E45: 11.8 miles, about 25 minutes
- From Naples Central Station via A3: 9.6 miles, about 25 minutes
Distance to Pompeii from Naples
- From Naples Airport via E45: 17.2 miles, about 26 minutes
- From Naples Central Station via E45: 16 miles, about 26 minutes
Sorrento
A trip to the Naples area is not complete without a visit to the beautiful city of Sorrento. Whether staying a day or a weekend you have a wealth of opportunity. Enjoy touring the local attractions or head out for a scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast. While in Sorrento you can spend a day at the beach and your rental car allows you to head out to less crowded spots like Bagni Regina Giovanna. From Sorrento you can also make a quick trip to the Isle of Capri. When driving to Sorrento from Naples take the A3 motorway in the direction of Salerno-Reggio Calabria. Be aware the A3 is a tolled road. At Castellammare di Stabia the road turns into the SS145, often referred to as La Sorrentina, which winds along the peninsula. We recommend to check the prices on the different parking areas in Sorrento so you know which one you will want to use while sightseeing. If making an overnight trip ask your hotel about free parking or for advice about which parking area would be best suited to your stay.
Distance to Sorrento from Naples
- From Naples Airport: 33 miles, about 1 hour and 10 minutes
- From Naples Central Station via A3 and SS145: 30 miles, about 1 hour and 10 minutes