Car Rental Rome

With the splendid sights of Italy and Rome’s suburbs and neighbors waiting to be explored, car rental in Rome can be a great way to see the local attractions and the country as a whole. 

On-street parking can be hard to come by in the heart of Rome, but there are plenty of convenient parking lots and garages. If you do park on the road, only white lines indicate a free place. Yellow means the spot is reserved, while blue lines mean you have to pay and display a ticket.

The GRA – or Grande Raccordo Annulare – is the beltway that skirts Rome and bypasses the center. Handy if you want to get to the other side of Rome it’s officially the A90 – but nobody calls it that.

Traffic restricted zones – or Zona Traffic Limitato – are in Trastevere and Centro Storico. Only residents may enter them by car. If you do have to go into a ZTL to get to your hotel, do let the hotel know in advance so they can arrange a temporary permit.

Rome sits on the west coast, so it’s perfect for exploring both scenic destinations nearby and other famous cities such as Florence to the north (take the E35/A1) and Naples to the south (A1/E45). 

In Italy, speed limits range from 50km/h (30mph) in built-up areas to 90km/h (55mph) on many rural routes. Highways usually carry limits of 110km/h (68mph), rising to 130km/h (80mph) on freeways, known as 'autostrade', with these limits reduced in wet weather. Always ensure you check signs for the route that you are on. 

Please note that many of the freeways in Italy are toll roads, so it's always a good idea to have some change to hand. 

The city is packed with so many treasures it's virtually impossible to cover everything in one vacation – but renting a car in Rome will certainly help you make the most of your trip. 

Here are some of the best things to do.

Rome's ancient sites

Such is the splendor, scale and love afforded to the Colosseum, you'll be in awe of this icon as soon as you lay eyes on it.  Opened in AD80, this is where Romans came to see sports, the circus and, notoriously, gladiators. 50,000 people would clamor to watch them fight wild beasts, and each other, to the death.

You can still sense the energy and atmosphere when walking through the very passageways used to enter the amphitheater in ancient times. It’s best to reserve tickets in advance to avoid the long waiting lines.

For another glimpse into Roman times, grab a map and navigate the Roman Forum and Palatine. Among the numerous highlights is the Tempio di Giulio Cesare, which is where the body of Julius Caesar was cremated, and Augustus ordered a temple to be built in his honor in 29BC.

Michelangelo's masterpiece 

It's also a good idea to reserve tickets in advance to enter the Vatican Museums for access to the Sistine Chapel, such is the deserved popularity of this attraction. 

There’s more to the museums than just Michelangelo’s famous ceiling though – you’ll also find Egyptian mummies, Raphael frescoes and artworks by Giotto, Titian, Da Vinci and others. Set plenty of time aside for its many tempting rooms and galleries.

Raphael himself, along with many other greats, dignitaries and even kings, are buried elsewhere in Rome – in the Pantheon’s burial chamber. The Pantheon is wonderfully preserved, and while not particularly eye-catching from the outside, its interior is astonishing. Although the temple has stood since AD125, no larger concrete dome of its kind has ever been built.

You’re still only starting your exploration of Rome, but don’t forget icons like the Trevi Fountain, St. Peter’s Basilica, the Spanish Steps and the oldest museum in the world, the Capitoline. In the latter, you’ll find pieces by Caravaggio, Rubens and Titian, as well as spectacular sculptures.

The silver screen, shopping and snacks

If you need a break from Ancient Rome, delve into more recent history with a visit to Cinecitta, the legendary Rome film studios. You can also go shopping on the Via Condotti, home to designers such as Bulgari, Gucci and Fendi, and grab some delicious food at one of Rome’s numerous eateries.

Roman specialties include the Suppli, a risotto ball filled with mozzarella cheese, pasta alla carbonara, Roman-style pizza with exceptionally thin crusts, and pizza bianca – a crispy bread topped with salt. Opt for formal dining, relaxed trattorias or street food, depending on the atmosphere you’re going for.

Then take the weight off your feet by sitting down at Salumeria Roscioli for stellar carbonara or cacio e pepe – just what you need before another afternoon exploring the cobbled streets of Rome.

With its world-envied ancient architecture and modern flourishes, this famous city straddles the old and the new. Car rental in Rome can take you to all the best places, and act as a launch-pad for exploring the rest of Italy’s stunning sights.