Tips when renting a car at Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF)
- Book early, especially in summer (June to September/mid October), when demand is high along the Calabrian coast and south of Italy;
- A valid driver’s license and credit card are required, but foreign licenses are generally accepted;
- Choose a compact or economy car: ideal for navigating narrow streets and calabrian coastal villages;
- Inspect the car carefully at pickup and drop-off, and take photos for documentation;
- If you plan to explore the mountains or countryside, consider an SUV for extra comfort or a 4x4 car;
- Fuel stations are available near the airport, but prices are often lower in town;
- Watch for limited parking areas in seaside towns during the high season.
Why rent a car at Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF)
Renting a car at Lamezia Terme International Airport is the easiest and most flexible way to explore Calabria, one of southern Italy’s most authentic and scenic regions. Public transport options are limited outside major towns, and train routes cover only part of the coast.
With a rental car, you can easily reach the beautiful beaches of Tropea, Pizzo and Capo Vaticano, explore the mountainous landscapes of Sila National Park, or visit historic towns like Cosenza and Gerace at your own pace.
The airport hosts several international and local car rental providers, all located within or near the terminal, offering quick and convenient access upon arrival.
Driving from Lamezia Terme Airport – Getting started
Lamezia Terme International Airport (SUF) is located about 12 km from the city center and is directly connected to major highways.
- A2 Autostrada del Mediterraneo: runs north to Cosenza and south to Reggio Calabria, making it ideal for long scenic drives;
- SS18 coastal road: perfect for leisurely trips along the Tyrrhenian coast, passing through small calabrian villages and beach resorts;
- SS280 dei Due Mari: connects Lamezia Terme to Catanzaro and the Ionian coast in about 40 minutes.
Allow extra travel time during summer months, as coastal traffic can be so heavy. Most toll roads in southern Italy accept card or contactless payments. Always check your rental company’s toll policy for Telepass, Unipolmove or Mooney use or reimbursement.
Explore Calabria from Lamezia Terme Airport
Calabria offers a mix of coastlines, mountains, and cultural treasures that make driving here a real adventure. From Lamezia Terme Airport, you can reach:
- Tropea (1 hour): a postcard-perfect coastal town with white-sand beaches and turquoise waters;
- Pizzo (30 minutes): famous for its castle, historic center, and Tartufo ice cream;
- Sila National Park (1.5 hours): pine forests, mountain lakes, and hiking trails;
- Scilla (2 hours): a picturesque fishing village overlooking the Strait of Messina;
- Gerace (2 hours): a medieval hilltop town rich in history and charm.
Recommended day trips and scenic routes
- Costa degli Dei (Coast of the Gods): a breathtaking stretch between Pizzo and Nicotera, known for crystal water and panoramic roads;
- Sila Mountain Drive: winding roads through high plateaus, forests, and lakes, perfect for nature lovers;
- Ionian Coast Route: drive east to discover lesser-known beaches and archaeological sites like Locri and Squillace;
- Aspromonte Scenic Road: for experienced drivers, this route through southern Calabria offers spectacular mountain and sea views.
Each of these routes showcases a different side of beautiful Calabria ideal for a flexible itinerary with your rental car.
