Thinking about renting a car in Rome? You’re not alone! There are a few important things to know before you rent a car in Rome.
Each year, thousands of tourists consider whether to brave the bustling streets of the Eternal City behind the wheel.
Did you know that over 10 million tourists visit Rome annually, but only about 15% choose to rent a car?
The freedom of having your own vehicle in Italy’s capital can open doors to incredible day trips and unexplored corners of the region, as highlighted in our Rome tour for seniors, but it also comes with its unique challenges.
I still remember my first time renting a car in Rome. Standing at the Fiumicino Airport counter, jet-lagged and confused by the rapid-fire Italian terms in the contract, I wondered if I was making a huge mistake!
But with proper preparation and knowledge, renting a car in Rome can be a smooth experience that enhances your Italian adventure.
Requirements and Process for Renting a Car in Rome
Renting a car in Rome isn’t complicated, but there are several requirements you’ll need to meet before you can hit the road.
First, let’s talk about age requirements. Most rental companies in Rome require drivers to be at least 21 years old, but if you’re under 25, expect to pay a “young driver surcharge” that can add €15-25 per day to your rental. I’ve seen this catch many travelers off guard, so budget accordingly if you’re a younger driver.
You’ll definitely need a valid driver’s license, and if your license isn’t from an EU country, you should obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP) before your trip.
The IDP is basically a translation of your license and can be obtained from authorized organizations in your home country.
Don’t skip this step! I once met a couple from Australia who couldn’t rent their car because they didn’t have an IDP.
As for the actual rental process, it generally follows these steps:
- Reserve your car online before your trip (this usually gets you better rates)
- Bring your valid driver’s license, passport, IDP (if required), and a credit card in the main driver’s name
- Complete the paperwork at the rental counter
- Inspect the car carefully before driving away (take photos of any existing damage!)
- Return the car with the agreed-upon fuel level (usually full tank)
Most rental companies require a credit card for the security deposit, which can range from €300-1500 depending on the car category.
This amount is blocked (not charged) on your card and released after you return the vehicle undamaged.
One pro tip I’ve learned after multiple rentals: thoroughly document the condition of the car with time stamped photos before driving off the lot.
This has saved me from unfair damage claims more than once!
Cost of Renting a Car in Rome
If you’re planning to rent a car in Rome, it’s important to understand the full cost beyond just the daily rental rate.
During my trips, I’ve paid anywhere from €25 to €100 per day depending on the season, car type, and how far in advance I booked.
Here’s a general breakdown of what you can expect to pay in 2025.
Economy cars typically start around €25-40 per day during off-peak seasons and can jump to €50-70 during summer months. Mid-size cars will set you back about €40-80 per day, while SUVs and premium vehicles range from €80-200+ daily.
But the daily rate is just the beginning! You’ll also need to factor in:
- Mandatory insurance (basic CDW and theft protection are usually included)
- Additional insurance options (highly recommended to reduce your liability)
- Young driver surcharge if applicable
- Additional driver fees (€10-15 per day)
- GPS rental (€10-15 per day, though your smartphone might work just fine)
- Child seats if needed (€8-15 per day)
- One-way drop-off fees if you’re returning the car to a different location
Fuel costs in Italy are higher than in many countries, especially the US.
In 2025, expect to pay around €1.85-2.00 per liter for gasoline (that’s about $7.50-8.50 per gallon).
Best Car Rental Companies in Rome
After multiple trips to Rome, I’ve tried many different rental companies and had varying experiences. Here’s my honest assessment of the top options in 2025:
For reliability and widespread availability, the major international companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt have numerous locations throughout Rome, including at both airports and Termini Station. Their prices tend to be higher, but they generally offer newer vehicles and more streamlined service.
If you’re looking for more budget-friendly options, Italian companies like Maggiore, Sicily by Car, and Locauto often offer competitive rates. My experience with Sicily by Car was surprisingly positive, with a newer vehicle than I expected and straightforward policies.
For the absolute best rates, brokers like AutoEurope, Economy Car Rentals, and Discover Cars aggregate offers from multiple companies. I’ve saved up to 30% using these services compared to booking directly.
If you’re craving a special experience, luxury rentals are available through specialized agencies like Primerent or even directly through brands like Ferrari, where you can rent a sports car for a day of cruising the Italian countryside.
Be prepared for steep rates starting at €350 per day and substantial security deposits.
Driving in Rome: What You Need to Know
I won’t sugarcoat it—driving in Rome can be intimidating even for experienced drivers!
The locals have a, shall we say, creative approach to traffic rules, and the ancient city layout wasn’t designed with automobiles in mind.
Zona Traffico Limitato
The most important thing to know about is the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) system.
These restricted traffic zones cover much of central Rome and are off-limits to non-resident vehicles during specified hours (typically 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM on weekdays and 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Saturdays).
Entering a ZTL without proper authorization will result in hefty fines (€80-300) that can arrive months after your trip.
Parking problem
Parking is another significant challenge. Street parking spaces marked by blue lines are paid (look for a “parcometro” machine nearby), while white lines indicate free parking (these are rare in central areas).
Yellow lines are reserved for residents or disabled parking. Garages are available but expensive (€25-35 per day).
Rules
There are a lot of driving rules in Italy. Italian driving etiquette differs from many countries. Expect liberal use of horns, close following distances, and aggressive merging.
The good news is that most Roman drivers are skilled and attentive despite their apparent recklessness.
You’ll need to become familiar with Italian road signs, which follow European standards but might be unfamiliar to visitors from North America or Asia. For example, the common blue circular sign with a red border and slash means “no parking or stopping.”
Pros and Cons of Renting a Car in Rome
After multiple trips to Rome both with and without rental cars, I’ve compiled this balanced assessment of the pros and cons:
Pros:
- Freedom to explore the Roman countryside and nearby regions at your own pace
- Ability to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations not easily accessible by public transport
- Convenience for families with children or travelers with lots of luggage
- Time efficiency for multi-destination day trips
- Air-conditioned comfort during hot summer months
- Storage space for shopping (Italy’s outlets and specialty shops are worth visiting!)
Cons:
- Navigating ZTL zones can be stressful and violations result in expensive fines
- Parking is difficult to find and expensive in central Rome
- Roman traffic can be chaotic and intimidating
- Limited navigation options in the historic center
- No drinking and driving means someone must abstain from sampling local wines with meals
- Added expense of rental, fuel, parking, and potential tolls
For my most recent trip, I found a perfect compromise: I spent three days exploring Rome’s central attractions without a car, then rented one for four days to explore the surrounding regions.
Alternatives to Renting a Car in Rome
If after reading this guide you’re reconsidering whether to rent a car in Rome, there are excellent alternatives for getting around:
Public Transportation
Rome’s public transportation system includes an extensive bus network, two metro lines, trams, and urban railways that can take you to most tourist attractions.
A single ticket (BIT) costs €1.50 and is valid for 100 minutes of travel, or you can purchase a 24-hour pass for €7, a 48-hour pass for €12.50, or a 72-hour pass for €18.
The Metro (subway) is particularly useful for tourists, with Line A (orange) connecting major sites like the Vatican, Spanish Steps, and Termini Station, while Line B (blue) serves the Colosseum and Circus Maximus.
Buses fill the gaps where metro doesn’t reach, with routes like #40 and #64 being particularly useful for visitors.
I’ve found the ATAC mobile app invaluable for real-time updates and route planning.
Remember to validate your ticket when boarding buses or entering metro stations – controllers frequently check and fines are substantial (€50+).
Ride-Sharing and Taxis
For specific journeys, ride-sharing apps like Uber (Black and Van services only in Rome) and FREE NOW (formerly MyTaxi) operate in the city, though they tend to be more expensive than the regulated city taxis.
Official Roman taxis are white with a “TAXI” sign on top and have a city emblem on the doors.
Always ensure you’re getting into a licensed taxi to avoid scams.
For peace of mind, I recommend using the itTaxi app for booking official taxis.
Starting fares are €3.00 on weekdays (6:00 AM to 10:00 PM), €4.50 on Sundays/holidays, and €6.50 at night, plus kilometer charges.
A typical ride within central Rome costs €10-15, while airport transfers have fixed rates: €50 to/from Fiumicino and €30 to/from Ciampino.
Remember that calling a taxi incurs an additional pickup charge, and there are supplemental fees for large luggage items.
Train Travel for Day Trips
For day trips, Italy’s train system is efficient and affordable for reaching major destinations like Florence, Naples, or Orvieto.
Tickets can be purchased online through Trenitalia or Italo, often with significant discounts for advance bookings.
The high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, and Italo) can get you to Florence in 90 minutes or Naples in just over an hour, making even distant destinations viable for day trips.
Regional trains are slower but more affordable and don’t require seat reservations.
Remember to validate regional train tickets before boarding using the small green machines at the station platforms.
Rome has several train stations, with Roma Termini being the main hub, while Roma Tiburtina serves many high-speed routes and Roma Ostiense connects to Fiumicino Airport via the Leonardo Express train.
Vespa Rentals
Vespa rentals offer a quintessentially Roman experience if you’re brave enough (and have appropriate experience), though I’d only recommend this for confident riders familiar with chaotic urban traffic.
Rental shops like Bici & Baci and Scooterino offer various models starting around €40 for a half-day or €60-80 for a full day, including helmet and basic insurance.
You’ll need a valid motorcycle license from your home country, and some companies require an International Driving Permit specifically for motorcycles.
Most shops offer brief orientation sessions and provide maps with suggested routes.
For a less stressful experience, consider renting on Sundays when traffic is lighter, or joining a guided Vespa tour where you can follow an experienced local guide through the city.
The iconic Vespa is perfect for navigating narrow streets and finding parking is much easier than with a car – just be sure to respect pedestrian zones and ZTL restrictions, which apply to scooters as well.
In my experience, the ideal strategy for most visitors is to rely on walking and public transit while in Rome itself, then either taking trains or organized tours for day trips, or renting a car only for specific days when venturing further into the countryside.