How far is Lamezia Terme Airport from Tropea?
Tropea is approximately 58 km (36 miles) west of the airport, about a 1-hour drive along SS18 and local coastal roads.
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Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.
When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.
Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.
Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.
While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.
When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.
Drive on the right side of the road
Euro is the local currency
Average temperatures are 6°C (43°F) - 31°C (88°F)
Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) is the primary airport serving the Calabria region in southern Italy, located just a few kilometers from Lamezia city center and close to the Tyrrhenian coastline. It is a key entry point for travelers heading to Calabria’s rugged coastlines, mountain villages, and beach resorts like Tropea and Pizzo. The airport is compact but efficient, and renting a car from SUF is the best way to explore this off-the-beaten-path region where public transport options are limited.
Lydia calò , Lamezia Terme Airport
We had a great experience with this service! Located just minutes from Lamezia Terme airport and the central train station, the shuttle service was top-notch. The staff were extremely kind and reliable, and the cars were well-maintained and clean. We'd highly recommend them to anyone looking for a hassle-free experience.
G&G , Lamezia Terme Airport
Excellent service!
Giulio Falduti , Lamezia Terme Airport
Young, friendly, and helpful staff. Brand new car delivered in perfect clean condition!
Public transport in Calabria is sparse, and while some towns are reachable by regional train or bus, the most beautiful and remote parts of the region — such as clifftop villages, quiet beaches, and mountain hamlets — are best accessed by car. A rental vehicle gives you the freedom to:
Discover Tropea, Capo Vaticano, Pizzo, and other coastal towns at your own pace
Drive through the scenic routes of the Sila and Aspromonte mountains
Visit archaeological sites, vineyards, and fishing villages far from tourist crowds
Avoid unreliable regional train schedules and explore areas where buses are infrequent
Easily travel between Calabria, Basilicata, and Sicily via ferry
Driving in southern Italy is a rewarding experience, but it can be challenging for newcomers. The region offers stunning coastal and mountainous drives, but drivers must stay alert to local habits, narrow roads, and varying road quality.
Italy drives on the right-hand side, and most rental cars have manual transmission, though automatics are available with advance booking. Local drivers in Calabria can be assertive and sometimes unpredictable, especially in rural areas, so drive with patience and defensive awareness.
Speed limits in Italy are:
50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas
90 km/h (56 mph) on secondary rural roads
110 km/h (68 mph) on divided roads
130 km/h (81 mph) on motorways (autostrade)
Calabria’s road network includes some modern highways, like the A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo, but also many older and winding rural roads that require caution. Potholes and sharp turns are common, especially in the hills or coastal cliffs. Avoid nighttime driving on unfamiliar backroads due to poor lighting and occasional stray animals.
Italy enforces strict drink-driving laws, with a legal limit of 0.05% BAC. Penalties for violations are severe. Always carry your driver’s license, rental agreement, passport, and International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is from outside the EU.
Fuel stations are readily available on major roads and in towns, with most accepting cards. However, rural stations may close in the early afternoon and on Sundays. Self-service machines are common and may require cash or a chip-and-PIN card.
Parking in Lamezia Terme and along the coast is generally easy, though blue-marked zones require payment via meter or app. In small towns, parking can be informal, but always watch for ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) signs, as entering a restricted zone can result in automatic fines.
If you need help while driving in Italy, please don't hesitate to contact us! In an emergency, dial 112 for police, ambulance, or fire services.
How far is Lamezia Terme Airport from Tropea?
Tropea is approximately 58 km (36 miles) west of the airport, about a 1-hour drive along SS18 and local coastal roads.
Are roads in Calabria well maintained?
Major routes are in good condition, but secondary roads may be narrow or potholed. Drive cautiously in mountain or rural areas.
Is driving in Calabria safe for tourists?
Yes, though it requires confidence. Locals may drive aggressively, but roads are generally quiet and scenic, especially outside towns.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
Yes, if your license is from outside the EU/EEA and not in Latin script. Italian authorities may request it during roadside checks.
Are there tolls in Calabria?
The main motorway (A2) through Calabria is toll-free, unlike northern Italian autostrade. This makes road-tripping more affordable in the region.
What kind of car is best to rent in Calabria?
A small to mid-sized car or SUV is ideal — compact enough for narrow village streets, but capable on hilly and rougher terrain.