Car Rental Rome Ciampino Airport

Rome Ciampino Airport is just a 35-minute journey from the center of Rome itself. Head along the SS7/Via Nouveau Appia which will lead you into the heart of the city.

Due to the historic nature of the sights in the capital, a Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) is in operation which restricts access for most of the day. 

However, there are plenty of parking lots dotted around the city center, so it’s easy to park and explore each attraction on foot. Parking Trionfale Market is ideal for those visiting Vatican City, while Park Colosseo is located close to the Colosseum, the Roman Forum and Palatine Hill. If your hotel is inside a ZTL let them know you’ll be arriving by car and they should be able to arrange a temporary permit.

If you’re planning on seeing more of Italy after discovering Rome, the city is linked to neighboring destinations by a series of freeways known as 'autostrade', marked with an ‘A’. Speed limits are displayed in kilometers per hour in Italy, and on this type of road the maximum is generally 130km/h (80mph). The A1 links Rome with some of Italy’s other major highlights, including - Milan, Bologna, Florence and Naples – which is ideal if you’re planning a road trip, or visiting various cities on business.

For those wanting to stay closer to the area, Lazio has a wealth of historic towns and idyllic coastal spots to enjoy. You can also take the A24 to Tivoli and enjoy the Renaissance magic of the hilltop town or journey to Santa Marinella on the coast via the A12 and sink your toes into the golden sands.

Among Rome’s historic streets you can easily stumble across bustling piazzas, mouth-watering restaurants and 16^th century churches.

And then, all of a sudden, you’ll find yourself stood in front of an iconic landmark that’ll take your breath away. Discover all this and more with a rental car from Rome Ciampino Airport. 

Explore Ancient Rome

Wander this city and it’s like strolling through an open air museum. None more so than in Ancient Rome.

From the epic Altar of the Fatherland, amble down Via dei Fori Imperiali and catch your first glimpse of the Colosseum – it’s nothing short of jaw-dropping. Stand in front of the arena, first built in 80AD, and take in the columns and arches decorating the façade. Inside, you can close your eyes and imagine the crowds roaring as gladiators battling for glory.

The nearby Roman Forum offers further fascinating insight into life in the Roman Empire. Make your way through the complex of ruins, peppered with crumbling temples and arches, then head through the pine trees up to Palatine Hill. Here you can drink in the glorious views of this historic slice of Italy.

Discover Vatican City

Step into the world’s smallest country with a visit to the Vatican. St Peter’s Square is where the magic begins; an eye-popping piazza surrounded by statue-topped columns and with the grand St Peter’s Basilica at its center.

Inside the huge Renaissance church, ornate architectural details jostle for your attention, from Bernini's bronze Baldachin to Michelangelo’s glittering dome. After you’ve wandered around the central nave, head below ground to explore the Sacred Grottoes and visit tombs of former Popes.

If you have the energy, it’s well worth climbing  the 500 or so steps and navigating the narrow, winding stairways to reach the top of the dome – the views across St Peter’s Square are nothing short of spectacular.

Just around the corner you’ll find the Vatican Museums, some of the biggest in the world and home to a goldmine of religious treasures and art. Marvel at Michelangelo’s iconic Sistine Chapel, admire the lavish frescoes in the Raphael Rooms and see a fascinating collection of Pope-mobiles in the Carriage Pavilion.

Sample Roman cuisine

Italy’s famous for its delicious cuisine, and Rome is one of the country’s culinary powerhouses. Embrace the opportunity to eat like a local and go on a gastronomic tour of the city’s top restaurants and pizzerias.

Make your way across the river to Trastevere, one of Rome’s liveliest neighborhoods. Among the cobbled streets and vibrant piazzas you’ll find authentic trattorias are the order of the day here, serving up crisp Romana-style pizzas, creamy cacio e pepe and L’amatriciana.

Stroll back towards Piazza del Rotanda, one of the most spectacular squares in the city thanks to the 2,000-year-old Pantheon at its southern tip. Settle into one of the eateries fringing the square and soak up the views of the ancient temple lit up beautifully at night. From here you’re only a short walk away from the Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps, two more of Rome’s top attractions.

Rent a car from Rome Ciampino Airport and enjoy the freedom of exploring the Eternal City at your own pace.