Is it worth it to rent a car in Italy to explore coast/small towns?

I have heard traffic in Rome is terrible and that gas prices are super high (worse than here in the US). But I do want to explore the amalfi coast and some of the small towns outside of Rome. So i am wondering if it is still worth it to rent a car or if I should take the train. I doubt trains go down the coast though. Anyway how is parking in the small towns like Cremona, Italy or along the Amalfi coast? What do most people do who want to explore? Rent? Or just take buses and trains and once you are in the city, walk?Is it worth it to rent a car in Italy to explore coast/small towns?
This is really pretty much up to you; I usually drive as far as my local train station when I go out exploring here in Italy. For one person, it's often cheaper, faster, and more relaxing to take the train. Diesel was the equivalent of about $8/gal when I filled up yesterday and there are also tolls and parking fees. Some of the smaller towns around Rome require bus rides; others are accessible by train. The car gives you a little more flexibility. You can take the train to Salerno and then bus or boat along the Amalfi Coast or take the train to Naples from Rome and then take the Circumvesuviana train to Sorrento to get the boats or bus along the Amalfi Coast. The Amalfi Coast highway can be packed with traffic in the summer time. http://www.trenitalia.com/cms/v/index.js鈥?/a> ,



There is a stop for Pompeii (Pompei - Scavi Villa Misteri) between Naples and Sorrento on the Circumvesuviana line. http://www.vesuviana.it/web/en



Cremona is not near Rome; it's close to where I live in the north of Italy. Even from here, I just take the train to go there rather than driving.



In the cities, I usually walk. there are also buses and the metro in Rome if you want to go to some of the outlying attractions. A bus to the catacombs and the Appian Way is pretty easy.
Yes, it is definitely worth it and I would recommend it also to get off the classic tourist path.



And NO, Naples and Rome are NOT dangerous cities... Just behave as you would in any other big city and you shouldn't have any problem. I was born and raised in Northern Italy and I don't notice a big difference in "danger" between Milan, Turin, Naples or Rome. Just pay attention.Is it worth it to rent a car in Italy to explore coast/small towns?
hi, i'm from italy.

i think is better rental car, roma, napoli, are very dangerous cities.

you should visit north italy,

ciao
Conley39 advice is great (as always) You would be better to take trains or buses. I live in the south about a 100km from Naples and can honestly say if you want a stress free holiday do not drive. The motorway from Naples to Sorrento is awful. If you are not a confident driver you will not enjoy it. The road from the motorway to Sorrento and Amalfi is very windy and narrow and in the middle of the summer (and even other times) you could be sitting in traffic under a hot sun for hours and you just wouldn't be able to enjoy the fantastic views.



From Sorrento there are some great boat trips along the coast. You could maybe go to Sorrento for a couple of nights then take a boat along to Amalfi and stay there.



As for Rome, the same, unless you want to be tackling traffic for hours i would avoid hiring a car. While you are in Rome your exploration would be based in the city, which is easily accessible by metro or bus or best of all on foot. If you want to see some towns outside of Rome, just take the train. The train fares are cheap enough.