Many people like to travel how, where, and when they want when visiting Rome, including to areas that are more challenging to reach by public transport. That means having a car to get to those areas off the typical tourist path into the small towns and villages.

A bilutleie i Roma, or car rental in Rome allows you to drive through the countryside to witness the breathtaking natural landscape and mountainside. 

The only requirement for renting a car is a standard driving license with an International Driving Permit obtained from your home country. This is simple to get for roughly $20 from AAA. 

You’ll also need to present your passport. If the “Polizia” happens to pull you over and you don’t have the appropriate documentation, it can mean hefty fines. Extra fines will be charged if you’re under the age of 25 despite the driving age being 18. 

Tips On Traveling Through Rome by Rental Car

Traveling through the Roma countryside is a whole other experience when driving and having the freedom to wander into the small towns and villages. When renting a car, there are requirements to meet to avoid the potential for heavy fines, including having a valid driving license from your home country.

In addition, you’ll need an International Driving Permit, which is relatively easy to obtain for a small fee, and that you’ll present along with your passport. Here are several tips you need to know for a positive car rental experience.

Rome requires a credit card for car rentals

Cash is not accepted for car renting in Rome. You’ll need a credit card, and, with some agencies, you can use a debit card. The company will expect a substantial deposit with a debit card, usually “well over a thousand euros.” 

This would make using a credit card more attractive. Plus, the choice gives you purchase protection and could include rental insurance. There is also a hold or an excess charge for the rental period you need to be aware of.

This can range as high as $1000+, depending on the country. The guidelines will be detailed in the rental agreement, usually in the fine print, which can be easy to miss. It could be an unexpected shock, leaving some with a maxed-out card.

The right vehicle makes a difference

Car size is a factor when choosing a car in Rome. Smaller vehicles are the best for the narrow roads, with many slimmed down to a single lane for vehicles heading in both directions. The autos need to be compact; however, there are “passing zones” to allow the vehicles to move past each other.

You’ll further find that the small villages and towns have roadways that are usually too narrow for even a single auto. Click for details on renting a car in Italy.

The car style will depend on the number of people traveling with you and the amount of baggage hauled on the trip. Two-door cars are ideal for traveling throughout the country with parking ease, but legroom is lacking in the back if people are accompanying you, and there’s minimal space in the trunk.

The transmission is a primary consideration, with either manual or automatic availability.

Manuals are prevalent in the country, with an automatic being something you have to book in advance to find. A manual transmission will be more affordable, with extensive options if you think you can handle shifting gears.

Understand your fuel choices

When picking up the car, learn the fuel the auto takes. Unleaded and Diesel cannot be exchanged. Usually, a sticker on the gas cap will direct the driver of the fuel type on rented cars. These vehicles need to be returned to the agency with the same level of fuel that they had when departing.

If the car has less, you will be charged a substantial amount for the rental agency to refill the fuel tank. The fuel stations along the highways are typically open around the clock, and these are convenient for customers, often with espresso bars.

The fuel is expensive, however, at roughly $7.50 USD per gallon. Diesel and gas are sold by the liter at 1.82 euros per liter, and stations follow a self-service system.

Navigation systems make driving easier

When using a GPS navigation system, motorists can focus on driving in unfamiliar territory without having to pay attention to each road sign. The system will also provide alternative routes if there’s heavy congestion or alerts.

With the most current versions, the system will show the road rules, including speed limits. That doesn’t mean you need to get the navigation system with your car rental, particularly if your mobile has an international plan or local SIM card or you have access to apps through the smartphone’s data network.

It’s important to remember, however, that while in Rome, using a mobile to text or make calls while driving is illegal. It’s permitted for navigation, but you must do so in a hands-free capacity on a phone stand attached to the dash. You can’t program the GPS with the car’s motor running.

Pay attention to speeds/distances in Rome

Speeds and distances are measured in kilometers in Rome. With each new roadway or when there’s a speed change, a sign will post the change. The speed in Italy is typically 50km/hr, while primary motorways/roads are 90 km-130 km.

Motorists drive on the right side, with right-hand turns at a red light not permitted. Doing so can result in a hefty fine.

The roads, especially in rural areas, are often single lanes and extremely narrow, with passing places that allow cars to pull over so autos from the other direction can pass. Parking in passing areas is strictly prohibited.

The recommendation is to take speed limits as guides; only drive as fast as you feel comfortable and safe driving. Locals know the roadways and can drive faster. They can go around when it’s safe and don’t mind doing so.

ZTL Zones

Large cities like Rome have ZTL Zones instituted or (Zona Traffico Limitato). The zoned areas are meant to reduce traffic congestion in the streets. Cameras are used to monitor the zones.

If you cross into these areas, the person holding the car’s registration is issued a ticket. With a Rome car rental, the ticket will be forwarded directly to you. Make sure to study the area maps and inquire with the rental agency where these areas are.

Driving and parking in smaller towns are for locals. Restrictions are in place for tourists, disallowing parking outside town centers as well as biking or walking, aside from ZTL Zones.

Is rental car insurance required?

Many rental car agencies encourage motorists to add auto insurance to their agreements for added safety and peace of mind. Most people come with a credit card with international rental car coverage attached.

Still, it’s worth confirming that you carry CDW—collision damage waiver insurance—to cover a rental vehicle. This will mean reviewing your credit card agreement and contacting your carrier for validation. You could even sign on for a new credit card that carries this coverage to ensure you’re protected.

In that same vein, it’s beneficial to look into the insurance coverage offered by the car rental agency in case there’s an accident or incident that damages the vehicle.

Being in an unfamiliar country, driving an auto that’s foreign to you, and traveling on extremely narrow streets makes you more susceptible than you would be under normal conditions.

It’s much better to be as safe as possible than sorry after the fact. The cost can be substantial when you return a car that’s been damaged even slightly.

Final Thought

When booking a car rental for your Rome holiday, make sure to schedule ahead of your arrival date. It’s a relatively easy process, with rental agencies often securing the vehicle you want for when you arrive. They also usually offer discounts when the car is pre-booked.

Doing so saves everyone time and effort compared to trying to book at the desk in person. When booking ahead roughly 24 hours before your departure, you’ll have the chance to get an automatic transmission, something a little more challenging to find.

Plus, you’ll spend less time at the agency and more time getting started on what will be a magnificent holiday in a gorgeous country.