Destination guide
Car hire in Rome for crew on a break
Rome itself is a car's worst enemy — chaotic traffic, tiny medieval streets, and a restricted "ZTL" zone that fines tourists who don't know it exists. But step outside the city and a car opens up Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, or the hill towns of Lazio in a way the train network simply can't match on a short break.
Why bother with a car here
Don't rent one for the city centre — walking, the metro and taxis are genuinely easier, and driving into central Rome risks a ZTL fine if you're not careful. Where a car earns its keep is a proper day (or two) off: Tuscany's countryside, the Amalfi coastal drive, or a loop through Umbria's hill towns are all realistic with your own wheels and largely impractical without one.
Compare crew rates in Rome
See live rates for your dates — no membership, no promo code, free amendments if your roster shifts.
Search car hire →What to know about driving here
- Driving side: right-hand side.
- The ZTL (limited traffic zone) covers much of central Rome — cameras fine unauthorised vehicles automatically. Pick up your car from an outer location or your hotel's edge-of-centre parking, not by driving into the historic core.
- Fiumicino (FCO) is the main airport with the largest rental desk selection; Ciampino is smaller but closer to some southern routes.
- Italian driving style is assertive — give yourself a little extra following distance and expect close overtaking on motorways.
Good use of a day off
Tivoli's villas and gardens are under an hour from Rome and make an easy half-day. For something longer, the drive south toward Naples opens the door to the Amalfi Coast — stunning, but narrow and slow going, so budget real time for the switchbacks.
Book your Rome days off
Compare crew rates worldwide — no booking fees, free amendments if your roster shifts.
Search car hire →Frequently asked questions
Should I drive in central Rome?+
Generally no — much of the centre is a restricted ZTL zone that automatically fines unauthorised vehicles. Walking, the metro and taxis cover the city better; save the car for trips outside Rome.
Which Rome airport is better for car hire?+
Fiumicino (FCO) has the largest selection of rental desks. Ciampino is smaller but can be convenient depending on your route.
Is the Amalfi Coast drive difficult?+
The coastal road is narrow and winding with a lot of switchbacks, so it's slower going than the distance suggests — budget extra time rather than rushing it.