Rome, Italy?

Question

I am planning my first trip outside the U.S. to Rome, Italy. I am skeptical about renting a car. The driving is not a problem for me, it's the parking. When parking for shops, restaurants, and museums, are there street parking? Metered stalls? Parking lots? Basically, waht's the parking situations in Rome, Italy?

Answer 1

If you'll be only in Rome, do not rent a car-- driving and parking can be a nightmare. Unless of course you know about Italian driving and enjoy the sport of it as much as I do, then go for it. You can take the subway and buses quite cheaply and efficiently. If you need to go somewhere not on the lines, you can take a cab. Also, you can take bus tours of the city operated by private companies. I often find that it is good to take one of these tours at the beginning of a trip to a new city to get my bearings and learn the layout of the city.

If you are staying outside the city, however, this might be a good reason to rent a car to save time on the commute in and out of the city each day. You could drive in and park for the day, take public transit around and return to your car for the drive back to the hotel. This would save you the increased transit time each day so that you'd have more time for doing tourist stuff.

Here's a link with great info on Rome transportation:
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/rome_transportation/index.htm

Buon viaggi! I wish I were going!

Answer 2

Hello,

I have to agree not to rent a car in Rome. Not only is the driving insane, but you must have a special sticker on your car to be able to drive in the city center. Rome was built by people who had to walk everywhere. It is easy to get around and if you are in a hurry there is always public transportation. The bus and metro system are really good and are very inexpensive. There is very little parking and no parking lots in the city center. Most people walk, take the metro or the bus. You will not find parking lots like you do here in the states. The few small parking lots that I have seen are for working folks and a sticker is required. Basically, don't rent a car if you are just going to be in Rome. It will be a waste of time and money.

Donna

Answer 3

Are you SURE driving in Rome will not be a problem? I wouldn't do it and I have been there maybe 10 times!! I would drive in the country side, but not in Rome and not in Florence. Just finding the car rental return at the Rome airport was pretty challenging.

Parking is chaotic. You used to have to pay somebody to watch your car if you parked it on the street. In city parking garages they pack the cars in. Lots of streets are pedestrian only and many one-way streets. Most of the locals use scooters, and I just don't remember seeing any public parking for cars. I don't think I have ever seen meters. I can't imagine there is any underground parking in city center. Every time they try to dig, they hit archaeological ruins.

Why don't you go to google satellite maps and get a feel for what the streets are like. You really ought to reconsider. A car would be a nuisance.

Answer 4

It's your first trip out of the U.S. and you want to rent a car in Rome? Are you crazy? If your not visiting the country side take the subway or a taxi or walk. The streets and traffic are unlike anything in the U.S. if your in the city proper. I would never try to drive in the city. I've been many times and always used public transportation or walked. It's a beautiful place and you will see much more if you can walk most of the time.

Answer 5

Seriously, DO NOT RENT A CAR. It is hell to find a parking spot and everything is close to eachother. You can use the metro or a taxi. The Roman drivers have no sense of courtesy or rules. Everything is soooo chaotic. You could be driving for an hour before finding a parking spot. If you must rent a car, rent a SmartCar. They are very small and compact and easier to park than other cars.

Answer 6

You do not want to be driving in Rome. It's absolutely crazy and bad enough for pedestrians let along other drivers. Parking will be a nightmare, unless you are used to the way Italians park. They park bumper to bumper and actually have to bump the cars behind them to get out again.

Avoid the stress and go on foot. It is a compact city and you can walk everywhere and if you wan to explore outside, take the train system which is good and cheap (unless they are on strike).

You can take a taxi fom the airport, it's not too expensive or far.

Answer 7

I was born in Rome and I used to live outside of it. Anytime I needed to go downtown I would leave the car in a car park near the subway station, and get the subway to go anywhere. It's the best way to avoid a triple headache. No parking downtown, too expensive where you can find them, too much traffic, city center closed to unauthorized traffic. Buses and trams are the best option, Staff are trained to speak foreign languages and to answer to tourists, and are generally courteous. Otherwise get a taxi, it's dearer though. Last one is the "botticella", a nice open vehicle, horse-driven.

Enjoy your stay.

Answer 8

If you want to drive in Rome is not such a big problem, (I only suggest to get a navigator on your car is handy for me to that I live in Rome). You can easy put the car in a parking garage, pay for the week or month. And in the center of rome there is a big Garage "villa Borghese" and you can exit on piazza di spagna (spanish steps)
But, rent a car only if you planning to stay in Rome for a month or more and do trips outside Rome. But don't rent a car If you are interest on museum and historic centre of Rome and you stay in the city for a couple of weeks it's easier to get a taxi.
To drive in the center you need also a special Pass stiker to put on your car window.

And remember that we don't have automatic cars, 99% are manual

Answer 9

No No dont do it! Well once you go there you will see for yourself! I loved in Rome for a year and took public transportation everywhere I went...or by foot. Italians are absolutely horrible drivers! They will run all over your American driver self! :O) Get a hotel in downtown Rome...you will be able to walk a lot of tourist attractions and if not ask someone about the bus routes...but believe me you do NOT want to drive there...more than likely you will wind up in an Italian Hospital and believe me their no better than their drivers :) I love Italy but do NOT drive!!

Answer 10

If you're just going to be in Rome, you shouldn't need a car. Everything is fairly close-by and easily accessible by other means of transit. Save the money and put it toward something more fun.