Renting a car in Rome

Renting a car in Rome offers a unique opportunity to explore the Eternal City and its surroundings with complete freedom. Beyond the iconic sites and cobblestone streets, this mode of transportation allows you to discover hidden gems, picturesque landscapes, and historical treasures that often escape conventional tourist itineraries. In this article, we will delve into the benefits of renting a car in Rome, important considerations to take into account before booking, as well as practical tips to fully enjoy your driving experience in the Italian capital.

1. Car rental in Rome
2. Car rental Rome Airport
3. Car hire in Rome
4. Cheap car rentals in Rome Italy
5. Best things to do in Rome

Car rental in Rome

Renting a car in Rome is a decision that largely depends on individual needs and preferences. Rome is a city where traffic can be dense and chaotic, with narrow and often congested streets. For tourists who wish to explore primarily the historic center of the city, it may be more convenient to use public transportation such as the metro, buses, or simply to travel on foot. However, car rental in Rome can be advantageous for those planning to visit sites outside the city, such as nearby towns or the surrounding countryside. This provides greater flexibility and independence in travel. However, it is important to consider the potential challenges of driving in Rome, including difficult parking to find and traffic restrictions in certain historic areas. Ultimately, the decision to rent a car in Rome will depend on personal preferences and planned itineraries.

Car rental Rome airport

Opting for car rental at Rome airport rather than in the city center offers numerous practical advantages. Firstly, upon your arrival at the airport, you can pick up your vehicle directly on site, avoiding the need to find additional transportation to reach the city center. Additionally, rental agencies at the airport often provide a wider selection of vehicles and competitive rates. This allows you to choose the model that best suits your needs and budget. Finally, having a car upon arrival gives you greater freedom to explore not only Rome but also the surrounding regions, without being dependent on public transportation or taxis.

Car hire in Roma

Choosing to rent a car in the center of Rome rather than at the airport has certain strategic advantages. First, it can be more economical, as rental agencies in the city center sometimes offer more competitive rates than those located at the airport. Additionally, once you have your car, you can start exploring the city immediately, without having to deal with the hassle of transferring from the airport. Finally, if you plan to visit Rome primarily before venturing into other regions, renting a car in the city center may be more logical to maximize your time spent exploring the city itself.

To reach the city center of Rome by train

Located 32 km from the capital, Rome Fiumicino Airport is well connected to the center of Rome, both by bus and by train. The fastest way to reach the center of Rome from Leonardo da Vinci Airport, with just a 31-minute journey, is the Leonardo Express train (ticket price 14 euros), which connects the airport directly to Rome Termini station, the main hub of Rome’s metro network, without any intermediate stops. The cheapest option, however, is the various direct bus services, which must contend with the often congested traffic of the capital, making travel times uncertain.

Fiumicino Airport is connected to Tiburtina Station by the regional FL1 train, which takes approximately 45 minutes to complete the entire journey. The train stops at 10 intermediate stations including Trastevere (27 minutes), Ostiense (31 minutes), and Tuscolana (41 minutes). Departures occur every 15 minutes on weekdays and every 30 minutes on public holidays. The fare for the Fiumicino – Tiburtina Station journey is 8 euros.

To reach the city center of Rome by bus

Reaching the center of Rome by bus is certainly the most economical solution; however, one must take into account the uncertainty of traffic which, especially during peak hours, can cause delays. The average travel times by bus are 45 minutes under optimal conditions, but can extend to 90 minutes during the most congested hours

There are different companies that reach different areas of the city at different prices

• Sit Bus Shuttle – Sit shuttles depart from stops in front of Terminal 3 arrivals, platform no. 5, every 30 minutes. The line operates from 8:30 am to 12:30 am and connects Fiumicino Airport to Termini Station and Via Crescenzio, near the Vatican City, at a price of 6 euros
• Cotral – The stop at Rome Fiumicino Airport is located in front of Terminal 2, in the arrivals area (follow the sign “Regional Bus Station”). In Rome, it stops at the following stations: Rome Termini (on Piazza dei Cinquecento), Rome Tiburtina, Cornelia (where Metro Line A passes), and Eur-Magliana (where Metro Line B passes)
• T.A.M: The buses of the T.A.M. line are located next to the exits of Terminal 3, bus platform no. 6, and connect the airport to Rome Termini Station and Ostiense Station (in front of Eataly) for a cost of 6 euros.
• Terravision: The Terravision buses also depart every 30 minutes from the arrivals area of Terminal 3, at platform no. 7, at a cost of €5 per journey, connecting Leonardo da Vinci Airport to Termini Station

Free quote for Rome

Cheap car rentals in Rome Italy

Renting a car in Rome can be challenging if certain precautions are not taken. You may have already read our article with all the tips for renting a car in Italy, but we will try to summarize some important points here for renting a cheap car in Rome:

• Book in advance: The car fleet of agencies in Italy has been significantly reduced since the pandemic, and the demand for rentals is still higher than the available cars. As the high season approaches, prices soar, sometimes they come down before departure, sometimes not. So it is important to book as early as possible to get the best rates.
• Compare prices: By comparing different rental offers, significant savings can be made. Especially by comparing prices at airports with those in the city center, or with those of neighboring cities that are accessible by train.
• Opt for a reasonably sized car: Choose a car that meets your actual needs. Opting for a reasonably sized and economical car can not only save you on the rental cost but also on fuel expenses. Sometimes it may be worth looking at utility vehicle prices as sometimes even lower rates can be found.
• Get a personalized offer for Rome through our partnership with Discovercars.

Best things to do in Rome

t’s not easy to choose just 10 things to do in Rome, as there is an endless amount of things to do and see in the city and its surroundings, but here’s a first selection:

1. Visit the Colosseum: Explore this famous Roman amphitheater, a symbol of ancient Rome and one of the city’s most iconic sites.
2. Discover St. Peter’s Basilica: Admire the grand architecture of this iconic Vatican basilica, housing artistic treasures such as Michelangelo’s Pietà.
3. Stroll through the Roman Forum: Explore the ancient ruins of the Roman Forum, the political and social heart of ancient Rome, where temples, arches, and basilicas can be found.
4. People-watch at the Spanish Steps: Relax on the steps of the Spanish Steps, admire the famous Fontana della Barcaccia, and explore the surrounding luxury boutiques.
5. Visit the Sistine Chapel: Contemplate Michelangelo’s famous frescoes in the Sistine Chapel, located at the heart of the Vatican Museums.
6. Photograph the Trevi Fountain: A spectacular Baroque fountain and one of Rome’s most popular attractions.
7. Stroll through the Trastevere neighborhood: Explore the winding streets of this picturesque neighborhood, filled with cafes, traditional trattorias, and lively atmosphere.
8. Visit the Pantheon: Admire the impressive architecture and immense dome of this ancient Roman temple turned Christian church.
9. Take a break at the Orange Garden: Enjoy stunning views of Rome from this garden perched on the Aventine Hill, offering a unique perspective of the city.
10. Explore the Borghese Gallery: Explore the stunning art collections of the Borghese Gallery, housing works by masters such as Bernini, Caravaggio, and Raphael.

Are you ready to rent a car in Rome in 2024?