Looking to rent a car in Rome, Italy?  Here are some tips and advice to help you with your Italian vacation.

Rome is the largest city in Italy and the country's capital. Home to many world famous attractions, the city is constantly on everybody's list as a popular tourist destination.   With that popularity brings a lot of tourists in an already crowded city.  For that reason, I generally don't recommend renting a car in Rome if you are wanting to see the sights around the center of Rome's attractions including Piazza Navona, the Spanish Steps, Trastevere, The Vatican Museum, etc.  The city has an excellent transportation system of buses, trains and even a metro (subway) system, that can get you around pretty easily and inexpensively.

In addition, the roads are poorly surfaced, you will spend a lot of time in traffic jams, gasoline prices are expensive, and you will spend a lot of time trying to find a space to park.

When to rent a car in Rome?

However, there are times when a car rental in Rome can make sense.   If you don't care about the above disadvantages, it can be a good way to explore the Eternal City and its periphery during the low season when Rome is generally less crowded.  This includes October through December (excluding the holidays), and the winter months.  With your rental car in Rome, you can explore everything from the main tourist sites in the centre of the city to those slightly further out.

If you plan on doing a lot of day trips from Rome, then it may also make sense for a car rental.  It may also make sense if you plan on seeing a lot of Italy during your trip.

The advantages of renting an auto in Rome

An obvious advantage is the freedom renting a car can provide. You can see it all at your own pace. You're also not limited to what the city centre has to offer (although there is plenty to keep you busy) and so when you've had enough of Rome's splendor you can check out nearby towns like Tivoli with the amazingly beautiful Villa D'Este and Orvieto, a magnificent hill-town in the region of Umbria.

Alternatively you can venture further out and head down to Naples or up to Florence.

You can also break up your holiday by visiting more than one destination. A rental car also gives you the opportunity to easily access adjacent countries like France, Switzerland or Austria.

Requirements for Italian car rental

You will need to be at least 25 years of age for most rental companies, although some will rent to you if you are over the age of 18, but that number is quickly diminishing.   In addition, you need to have an international driver's license before your trip. If you are in the United States, you can procure one from your local AAA office. There is also required insurance coverage as well as optional insurance that you may purchase.

What companies rent cars in Rome?

There is a huge selection of car rental companies in Rome to choose from. 
Some of the best known companies are:

• Maggiore
• Hertz
• EasyCar
• AutoEurope
• Europcar

Alternatively you can use a car rental service like the Leonardo Da Vinci Airport (FCO) Car Rental Comparison situated at one of Rome's main airports. They can compare the rates of all major and independent car hire vendors in Rome and then you just need to select your preferred automobile type.

Where can you pick up an auto-rental in Rome?

At both main airports, Leonardo da Vinci (Fiumicino - FCO) and Ciampino (CIA), you will find various car rental options. There are also a large variety of car rental companies through out the city.

Other tips

• Seatbelts are required to be worn at all times
• No right on red is allowed in Italy
• Driving while using a cell phone is prohibited, unless using a hands-free device
• Baby seats are required for those under the age of three

So if you want to rent a car in Rome, Italy - I recommend Auto Europe as they often will have free GPS available if you rent a car from them.  Many of my site visitors have had positive experiences with their services.

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