Car Rental in Rome
Fiumicino • Ciampino • Tuscany • Amalfi • Florence
WARNING: ZTL Zones in Rome (very important!)
Rome has ZTL zones (Zone a Traffico Limitato) where driving is strictly forbidden for non-residents. Automatic cameras 24/7. Fine of €80-100 per recorded passage (can arrive several months later).
Tip: Pick up your car at the airport and head straight to your destination. To visit Rome, use public transport/walk. Do NOT drive into the historic city centre!
Why rent with Elynor Tours in Rome?
Competitive prices
From €25/day. Comparison of all Italian and international rental companies
Main airports
Fiumicino and Ciampino. Ideal for road trips to Tuscany and Amalfi
ZTL Expert
Full advice on restricted zones, roads, Italian driving style, toll roads
Pick-up points in Rome
Rome Airports
Fiumicino - Leonardo da Vinci (FCO)
- • Main international airport
- • 30 km from the centre (40-60 min)
- • All rental companies on site
- • Direct motorway access
- • Recommended for road trips
Ciampino (CIA)
- • Secondary airport (low-cost)
- • 15 km from the centre (30 min)
- • Smaller, less choice
- • Often cheaper
Important : Important: At the airport, head straight to your destination (Tuscany, Amalfi). Avoid driving into central Rome!
ZTL Zones (Absolutely avoid!)
What is a ZTL?
Limited Traffic Zone. Historic city centre forbidden to non-residents.
Main ZTL zones in Rome:
- • Centro Storico (Colosseum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona)
- • Tridente (Via del Corso, Piazza di Spagna)
- • Trastevere (picturesque neighbourhood)
- • Testaccio, San Lorenzo
Hours:
Mon-Fri 6:30am-6pm generally. Some zones 24/7!
Consequences:
- • Automatic cameras (Varco elettronico)
- • €80-100 fine per passage
- • Can arrive 6 months later via the rental company
- • Rental company handling fee on top (€25-50)
Road Trips from Rome
• Tuscany: Florence, Siena, Pisa, vineyards (230-300 km, 2-3h)
• Amalfi Coast: Amalfi, Positano, Sorrento (280 km, 3h)
• Florence: Renaissance capital (280 km, 3h)
• Naples / Pompeii: Vesuvius, ruins (240 km, 2h30)
• Umbria: Assisi, Perugia, Orvieto (150-200 km)
• Val d'Orcia: iconic Tuscan landscapes (180 km)
• Cinque Terre: 5 colourful villages (400 km, 4h30)
Italy is made for road trips! Scenic routes, hilltop villages, exceptional gastronomy.
Driving in Italy
• Italian style: Energetic and creative. Keep calm
• Right of way: Often relative. Defensive driving recommended
• Horn: Natural Italian language — don't take it personally
• Scooters: Everywhere, weaving between cars. Be careful
• Roads: Excellent on motorways, variable in the countryside
• Signage: Sometimes confusing. GPS essential
Italian driving has character, but you adapt quickly. Stay zen!
Car Rental Rates in Rome 2025
| Category | Example | Price/day | Week |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mini | Fiat 500, Lancia Ypsilon | €25-35 | €160-230 |
| Economy | Fiat Panda, Lancia Y | €30-45 | €190-290 |
| Compact | Fiat Tipo, VW Golf | €40-60 | €260-390 |
| Saloon | Alfa Romeo Giulia, Audi A3 | €55-80 | €360-520 |
| SUV | Fiat 500X, Jeep Renegade | €50-75 | €330-490 |
| Family 7-seat | Fiat Doblò, VW Touran | €70-95 | €450-620 |
*Indicative all-inclusive prices with basic insurance. Fuel ~€1.80/L. Toll motorways.
Tips for driving in Rome
Essential information
- Licence: French/European licence sufficient. International licence not required in the EU
- ZTL: AVOID central Rome. Automatic fines €80-100
- Motorways: Toll-based. Take ticket at entry → pay at exit
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in town, 90 on roads, 130 on motorways
- Parking in Rome: Very difficult. Blue lines are paid parking
- Fuel: Expensive (~€1.80/L). Diesel often cheaper
Recommended uses
- Tuscany: THE Italian road trip par excellence
- Amalfi Coast: Spectacular panoramic roads
- Hilltop villages: Orvieto, Assisi, Montepulciano
- Avoid: Central Rome by car (ZTL + chaotic traffic)
- Tip: Rent at the airport → road trip → return to airport. Visit Rome on foot/metro
Motorway Tolls (Autostrade)
Italian motorways are toll-based and can be expensive over long distances.
- • Ticket system: take a ticket at the entrance, pay at the exit
- • Price by distance: ~€0.07/km (e.g. Rome-Florence ~€25)
- • Payment: cash, card (Carte/Viacard), Telepass (rental companies)
- • Lanes: Blu (Telepass auto), Carte (bank cards), Contanti (cash)
- • Alternative: free national roads but much slower
Frequently Asked Questions — Car Rental Rome
Is a ZTL fine a real risk?
YES, absolutely. ZTL zones are monitored by automatic cameras 24/7. Every passage is recorded and fined (€80-100). The fine arrives by post 3-6 months later, via the rental company which adds handling fees. Some tourists receive 5-10 fines for a single stay! Avoid central Rome by car.
How do I avoid ZTL zones?
1) Do NOT drive in the historic city centre. 2) Use a GPS with an "Avoid ZTL" option (Google Maps does not always have this). 3) Look for "Zona Traffico Limitato" signs (white disc with red bar). 4) Park on the outskirts + use metro/bus to visit. 5) Best: rent for road trips only, not for Rome city.
Is Tuscany worth the road trip?
Absolutely! Tuscany is perfect by car: postcard landscapes (Val d'Orcia, cypresses, vineyards), art cities (Florence, Siena, Pisa), medieval villages (San Gimignano, Montepulciano), exceptional gastronomy and wines. Easy, well-signposted roads. Allow 3-7 days to make the most of it.
How do motorway tolls work?
At the motorway entrance, take a ticket (green button). At the exit, insert the ticket and pay the amount shown (bank card or cash). Avoid Telepass lanes (reserved). Keep your ticket! If lost, you pay the maximum fare. Cost: about €7/100 km.
Is driving in Italy difficult?
The driving style is energetic and creative (especially in Rome and Naples). Outside cities: very pleasant. Excellent motorways. Picturesque country roads. Watch out for weaving scooters. Patience and caution advised. GPS essential (signage sometimes confusing). You adapt quickly!
What insurance should I take?
Basic insurance is mandatory (included). Super CDW (excess waiver) highly recommended for Italy (sporty driving, risk of parking scratches). Standard excess is high (€1,000-1,500). Check your bank card coverage. Car theft is common: take theft insurance for a valuable vehicle.
Road trips in Italy and Southern Europe
From Rome, go and explore Italy and the Mediterranean countries. See our top 10 road trips in Europe with maps and practical tips.
Book your car in Rome now
Tuscany, Amalfi and Italian wonders await • From €25/day • ZTL advice included