Car Hire in Rome

About Rome

Rome is the capital of Italy and also the capital of the Lazio region. It is the most populous municipality in the country and the third most populous city in the European Union. The city of Rome is located in the central-western part of the Italian peninsula. Legend has it that Rome was founded by the twins Romulus and Remus in 753 BC. Rome or the Eternal City is one of the most popular cities in the world. This city truly has a long and great past that has made it one of the most important cities in the world. Rome is still a cultural, religious and political centre of Italy. It is the third most visited city in Europe and the fourteenth most visited city in the world. When you arrive in Rome, you will know why. Besides the fantastic spirit of this multicultural city, there are so many things to see and do here.

There are a large number of really good museums where you can learn a lot about the history of Rome, Italy, Europe and the whole world and civilization. In addition, you can visit extraordinary galleries, theatres, operas, ballet stages, historical, cultural and religious sites and monuments, and much more. If we then add a great gastronomic offer and a really lively nightlife, we have a perfect destination for a holiday. You should come to Rome and find out why all roads lead to this fascinating city.

If you are taking a road trip through Italy, be sure to put Rome on your list of cities to spend a few days in. You can also start your road trip here in Rome and then explore the rest of Italy by car. It's up to you what kind of holiday you choose, but one thing is for sure, Rome will meet all your expectations. All you have to do is come here and enjoy.

Basic info and car hire in Rome

• Location: Lazio region, Italy
• Population: 2,860,009
• Official language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Rome has a Mediterranean climate    
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Rome are in good condition.
• Car hire in Rome:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Rome is at the Rome Ciampino Airport. Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Rome!

 Driving in Rome

Driving in Rome is not a pleasant experience, especially for tourists. The traffic can be quite hectic and the locals are known to be very aggressive drivers. So, it is good to know that you need to be extra careful if you want to drive in this city. You should be careful because sometimes the traffic signs are not visible. Also, there are many traffic jams, not only during rush hour but sometimes even throughout the day. So if you want to explore the city centre, it is best to park your car in a parking garage and explore the city on foot or in combination with public transport.

In the historic centre of Rome, a ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) has been established, a zone monitored by traffic cameras where you are not allowed to drive without either having a resident's card or registering your car with the police as a tourist. . Zona a traffico limitato (ZTL) (literally: traffic restricted zone) is a traffic restricted zone in Italy. There are about 200 regulations enforced with cameras, as well as 100 environmental zones. They help protect historic city centres from excessive traffic that would otherwise make the city less attractive.

It's good to know that the police in Italy are very strict. So make sure you follow all the rules and obey all the traffic signs on the road. Above all, stick to the speed limits, because there are many speed checks and you can get a fine even if you are not a resident. But of course, it is good to keep to the speed limits and other rules, not only because of the police but also for your safety and the safety of other road users

• Age limits: 21 years old-25 for larger vehicles
• International Driving Permit:  Yes, if you are a non-EU license holder.
• Additional papers:   Identification(passport), a valid driving license, and valid proof of insurance.   
• Additional requirements: Glasses (in case you need glasses, you must always have a spare pair in the car), light bulbs (are usually already in the car and are provided by the car rental company), warning triangle (2 are required for all vehicles registered in Italy and 1 if coming from abroad), high visibility vest (recently made compulsory)- First aid kit (not compulsory, but we strongly recommend you have it with you, just in case).
• Children in the car: Children up to the age of 10 may only be taken in the back seat and a suitable child seat must be available up to a height of 1.50 meters.
• Driving side of the road: Right hand
• Lights:  Check that all lights are working, clean, and correctly aimed.
• General speed limits: The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h.

Popular day trips from Rome

Rome is the perfect place to start your journey through Italy. If you are planning a road trip through central Italy, you could not find a better starting point than Rome. The range of excursions from Rome is really good and you can choose from many guided tours or you can make a plan and go on a day trip on your own.

Some suggestions for a day trip: Shore excursion Civitavecchia, Shore excursion Civitavecchia, The Dying City and Monster Park, Historical Aircraft Museum from Civitavecchia, Odescalchi Castle, A step back in time to the Middle Ages from Civitavecchia...

What to see in Rome

When in Rome, you have endless options for all kinds of sightseeing. It's up to you what kind of places or activities you prefer. If you are interested in history, you will feel like you are in heaven in Rome. There are so many museums and monuments, historical remains, etc. that you need to plan your visit very well if you want to visit all the sights that interest you.

For example, you should visit the Colosseum, which is probably the most famous landmark in the city. If you visit Rome without seeing the Colosseum, it will probably be as if you have never been to Rome. Another attraction you should not miss is the Pantheon, one of the best-preserved ancient Roman buildings in the world.

 In a small country within Rome, the Vatican, you should visit St. Peter's Square. This iconic square is a place where many great events take place. Especially religious events related to the Pope. In this square, you should also visit St. Peter's Basilica, which is one of the most famous and iconic churches in the world.

One of the most beautiful and ornate fountains in the world is undoubtedly the Trevi Fountain and if you are in Rome, you have the perfect opportunity to visit this stunning fountain.

Here are some other places in Rome that you must visit: Spanish Steps, Roman Forum, Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums (the Museo Pio-Clementino, the Chiaramonti Museum, the Museo Gregoriano Etrusco and the Museo Gregoriano Egiziano), Piazza Navona, Castel Sant'Angelo, Galleria Borghese, Palatine Hill, Basilica di Santa Maria Maggiore, Villa Borghese Gardens, Altar of the Fatherland, Trastevere, Quirinale Palace, Ponte Sant Angelo, Piazza del Popolo, Arch of Constantine, Piazza Venezia, Basilica di San Clemente...

Drive your rental car beyond Rome

Renting a car in Rome is a good idea if you want to explore the wider area. The city is located in the centre of Italy, more precisely in the region of Lazio, so you have a lot of options for your trip around Italy. Lazio is the second most populous region of Italy, with Rome being the largest city. Rome is also the capital of Italy and one of the most visited cities in the world. This region offers a perfect balance between nature and urban areas. There are many big cities in the region, but you can also enjoy the wonderful nature with many mountains and coasts. It is also popular because of the many traditional Italian dishes that come from this part of the country. Besides Rome, you should also visit Vatican City. In Vatican City, there are many museums and galleries, churches, monuments and of course one of the most important attractions is the Sistine Chapel.

Other places you should not miss in the Lazio region: Hadrian's Villa, Tiber Island, wine country tours, Palatino, botanical gardens, museums and galleries, shopping...

But of course, Italy is so much more than just the Lazio region. There are so many places to visit in Italy that you need to make a good plan if you want to take a road trip through Italy. Italy is a very diverse country with so much to see and do. But one thing is for sure, there is something for every kind of tourist here. Italy is known for its fantastic beaches, amazing cities, a large number of historical, religious and cultural monuments, great gastronomy, volcanic islands, the Alps, the Mediterranean Sea, beautiful lakes and rivers, breathtaking landscapes, etc.

Travelling from the north to the south of the country, you can experience so many different landscapes, people, cultures, cities and traditions that make Italy a special place. If we then add the truly rich and turbulent past of this trunk-like country, there is no doubt that you should visit Italy at least once in your life.

If you prefer winter and winter sports, then you should go to the Dolomites, because there are some of the most famous ski resorts in the world, such as Cortina d'Ampezzo. However, if you are more interested in history, you should visit Pompei and other cities in the south of the country.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Rome

Gastronomy in Rome is based on a long tradition and local ingredients from the Lazio region. It is known as very tasty, simple and satisfying. Fresh ingredients are the basis of Roman cuisine and the most common ingredients are peas, artichokes, fava beans, shellfish, lamb and goat milk, cheeses such as pecorino romano and ricotta, olive oil...

Here are some great dishes you should try when you are in Rome: Allesso di Bollito, Artichokes, Cacio e Pepe, Carbonara, Gelato, Maritozzi, Pizza al Taglio, Porchetta, Trapizzino, Supplì, Trapizzino...

Best restaurant in Rome

Glass Hostaria

Jerry Thomas Speakeasy

La Pergola

La Punta

Retrobottega

Ristorante Roscioli

Santo Palato

The Court