Book a rental car in Rome
A rental car can be one of the most practical ways to experience Rome and the wider Italian countryside. While the city is rich in history and culture, many of Italy’s most memorable destinations are best reached by road. With your own vehicle, you can travel on your schedule, take scenic detours and visit places that are less accessible by train or public transport.
Whether you are planning a day trip to Tuscany, a drive along the Amalfi Coast or a journey through Umbria's medieval towns, having a car gives you the flexibility to make the most of your time in Italy. It can also be a convenient option for families, groups and travellers carrying luggage.
To find a rental car in Rome that suits your trip and falls in your budget, you can check our platform to browse deals from multiple rental brands. We help to simplify the booking process and make it easier to secure competitive rates before you arrive in the city.
Best car rental companies in Rome
Through us, you can compare offers from the best car rental suppliers in Rome within seconds, making it easier to find a perfect deal for your destination.
We work with a broad network of leading car rental providers, including Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Keddy, Locauto, Sixt, Maggiore, Surprice, Wheego, and many other reputable brands. Whether you are looking for an economical city car, a family-friendly SUV, a luxury vehicle or a long-term rental, comparing suppliers allows you to find the best option based on price, vehicle availability, rental conditions and customer preferences.
By bringing together offers from multiple suppliers, we help you to save time and hire a vehicle with confidence for exploring Rome and the rest of Italy.
Car hire categories in Rome
With us, you can choose a rental vehicle that matches your travel plans, from navigating Rome's historic streets to exploring the scenic roads of the Italian countryside.
We offer a wide range of vehicle categories to suit different travel styles, group sizes and budgets, helping you find the right option for every type of journey.
Economy cars
Economy cars
Economy car rentals in Rome are a popular choice for solo travellers or if you are seeking an affordable and practical way to get around the city. Their small size makes them well-suited to navigating narrow city streets and finding parking in historic neighbourhoods such as Trastevere and Monti.
Standard and intermediate cars
Standard and intermediate cars
Standard and intermediate vehicles provide a balance of comfort, more cabin space and luggage capacity than economy models. They are ideal for small families and business travellers who plan to drive beyond Rome to destinations such as Florence, Naples, the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany or the hilltop towns of Umbria.
SUVs
SUVs
SUV rentals’ spacious interiors and generous luggage capacity make them well-suited to road trips to regions such as Tuscany, Umbria and Emilia-Romagna and coastal destinations including the Amalfi Coast and Puglia. The elevated driving position and additional cabin space make your longer journeys across Italy's motorways and scenic countryside routes more comfortable.
Vans & minivans
Vans & minivans
For larger groups with significant luggage requirements, vans provide the extra space needed for a comfortable journey. These vehicles are often chosen for group excursions from Rome to destinations such as Florence, Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast and Venice. Depending on the model selected, options may accommodate between seven and twelve passengers.
Luxury cars
Luxury cars
Booking a luxury car rental in Rome is worth it to explore the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany's wine regions, Lake Como and the Italian Riviera, where comfort can upgrade your journey. Exotic vehicles combine refined interiors, advanced technology and powerful engines, making them well-suited to special occasions and for seeking a more exclusive driving experience.
Convertibles
Convertibles
Renting a convertible in Rome can add a memorable touch to your Italian road trip, particularly between spring and early autumn. With the option to drive with the roof down, these vehicles are popular among travellers exploring scenic routes along the Amalfi Coast, hills of Tuscany and around the vineyards of Chianti.
Top car rental locations in Rome
One of the advantages of booking through our platform is the flexibility of collecting your vehicle from a location that best fits your travel plans.
Whether you are arriving by air, train, cruise ship or staying in the city centre, you can choose a convenient pick-up point and begin your journey with minimal hassle. Some of the best spots include:
- Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO)
- Ciampino Airport (CIA)
- Roma Termini Station
- Roma Tiburtina Station
- Rome Downtown
- Rome EUR
- Rome Municipio XIII
- Rome Fiumicino
Car rental deal types in Rome
Short-term car rentals
Hiring a car for a short-term is ideal if you need a vehicle for a few hours, 24 hours, 4 to 5 days or up to a week.
They are popular among visitors arriving in Rome for a city break, business trip or short holiday and planning excursions to nearby destinations such as Tivoli, Orvieto, Naples or the Amalfi Coast.
Long-term car rentals
Booking a long-term car rental in Rome can be a cost-effective option if you are planning to stay in Italy for several weeks or even 6 months or longer.
Rather than purchasing a vehicle and dealing with ownership costs such as maintenance and registration, a long-term rental provides access to a car for as long as you need it with fewer commitments.
Last-minute car rentals
Last-minute car rental deals are designed if you who need a vehicle on short notice in Rome. Whether your travel plans have changed unexpectedly or you have decided to take a spontaneous road trip, these deals can help you secure a rental vehicle quickly.
You must also remember that vehicle availability and prices may vary depending on demand and the time of year.
Cross-country car rentals in Rome
A cross-country car rental in Rome can be a convenient option if you are planning to continue your journey beyond Italy and explore other European destinations by road.
From Rome, travellers often drive to neighbouring countries such as France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia and Croatia, allowing them to experience multiple countries during a single trip.
*Note: While cross-border travel is possible from Rome, it is important to obtain prior permission from your rental supplier before taking the car outside Italy. Each supplier has its own policies regarding international travel and some vehicle categories may be restricted from crossing certain borders. Additional fees, insurance requirements and documentation may also apply depending on your destination country.
Before confirming your booking, carefully review the rental terms and notify your selected provider of your intended travel plans. This helps to properly authorise the vehicle for cross-border use and makes sure you have the necessary insurance coverage throughout your journey.
Some popular cross-country driving routes from Rome include:
Rome to Switzerland & France
Recommended route: Rome → Tuscany → Milan → Lake Como → Lucerne/Zurich (Switzerland) → Chamonix/Nice (France)
Rome to Slovenia & Croatia
Recommended route: Rome → Bologna → Venice → Trieste → Istria/Ljubljana (Slovenia) → Rovinj/Plitvice Lakes (Croatia)
Rome to Austria & Southern Germany
Recommended route: Rome → Florence → Verona → Dolomites/Brenner Pass → Innsbruck/Salzburg (Austria) → Munich (Germany)
Rome to Southern France
Recommended route: Rome → Pisa → Genoa/Italian Riviera (Cinque Terre) → Monaco → Nice/Cannes (France)
One-way car rentals in Rome
One-way car rentals in Rome offer the flexibility to collect your vehicle in one location and return it to another, making them a popular choice for multi-city itineraries across Italy.
Instead of returning to Rome at the end of your trip, you can continue your journey and drop the vehicle off at a different city, airport or railway station.
For example, you might pick up a car in Rome and return it in Florence after touring Tuscany, or continue south and drop it off in Naples before visiting the Amalfi Coast.
When searching for a rental, simply select your preferred pick-up location in Rome and your desired return location to view available one-way options with us.
Some popular one-way routes from Rome include:
| Route | Approx. distance | Approx. driving time (direct) |
|---|---|---|
| Rome to Florence (via A1 Highway) | ~275 km (170 miles) | ~3 hours |
| Rome to Naples (via A1 Highway) | ~225 km (140 miles) | ~2.5 hours |
| Rome to Venice (via A1 & A13 Highways) | ~530 km (330 miles) | ~5.5 to 6 hours |
| Rome to Milan (A1 Highway inland) | ~570 km (354 miles) | ~5.5 to 6 hours |
Top things to do in Rome, Italy
Explore the Colosseum and Roman Forum
Step back in time at the Colosseum, one of the world's most famous ancient monuments. Afterwards, visit the nearby Roman Forum and Palatine Hill to discover the heart of the Roman Empire and gain insight into life in ancient Rome.
Visit Vatican City
Home to St. Peter's Basilica, the Vatican Museums and the Sistine Chapel, Vatican City is one of Rome's most important attractions. Visitors can admire Michelangelo's masterpieces, explore centuries of art and history and climb St. Peter's Dome for panoramic city views.
Toss a Coin into the Trevi Fountain
No visit to Rome is complete without seeing the iconic Trevi Fountain. According to tradition, tossing a coin into the fountain ensures a return trip to Rome. The Baroque masterpiece is particularly beautiful when illuminated at night.
Wander through Piazza Navona and the Pantheon
Spend time exploring Piazza Navona, one of Rome's most elegant squares, known for its fountains, cafes and street performers. Just a short walk away, the Pantheon impresses visitors with its remarkably preserved architecture and massive dome.
Discover Trastevere
Cross the Tiber River and explore Trastevere, one of Rome's most charming neighbourhoods. Its narrow cobbled streets, traditional restaurants and lively atmosphere make it an excellent place to experience authentic Roman culture and cuisine.
Take a day trip from Rome
With a rental car, you can easily explore destinations beyond the city. Popular day trips include the Renaissance villas of Tivoli, the medieval hill town of Orvieto, the vineyards of Tuscany and the stunning Amalfi Coast, allowing you to experience even more of Italy during your stay.
Tips for renting a car in Rome
Be careful in ZTL zones
Many areas of central Rome are covered by ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) restrictions, which limit vehicle access to authorised traffic only. Areas around the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, the Trevi Fountain and parts of Trastevere have restricted zones that can result in substantial fines if entered without permission. If your hotel is within a ZTL area, confirm access arrangements with your supplier before driving there.
Book early during peak months
Rome experiences its highest demand for rental cars during July and August when international tourism peaks. Booking 2 to 3 months in advance can provide better vehicle availability and more competitive rates, especially at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and Ciampino Airport (CIA).
Watch out for speed limits
Speed cameras are common throughout Italy, particularly on major routes such as the A1 motorway connecting Rome with Florence, Bologna and Milan. Follow the respective speed limits carefully.
Airport can be a great pickup spot
If you plan to leave Rome immediately and head towards destinations such as Tuscany, Naples, the Amalfi Coast or Umbria, collecting your vehicle at Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport (FCO) can be more convenient than dealing with the city traffic. Airport locations often provide easier access to major motorways leading out of Rome.
Know about the colors of parking areas
Parking can be challenging in central Rome, around popular areas such as the Spanish Steps, Trevi Fountain and Vatican City. Many travellers choose accommodation with on-site parking or use public parking garages. Blue-lined parking spaces generally indicate paid parking, while white-lined spaces are usually free where available.
Verify the toll payment methods
Major routes such as the A1 Autostrada del Sole between Rome and Florence require toll payments that can be made by cash, card or electronic toll systems. Before starting your journey, check with your rental supplier whether the vehicle is equipped with a toll transponder and understand how any toll charges will be billed to your rental agreement.
People also ask
Yes, you can book a car rental in Rome and drive to Positano. The journey takes approximately 3 to 4 hours, depending on traffic and your departure point in Rome. If you do not plan to return to Rome, some suppliers may also offer one-way rentals, allowing you to return the vehicle at another location, subject to availability and supplier policies.
The best self-drive car rental in Rome depends on your budget, travel plans and vehicle preferences. Major suppliers such as Avis, Budget, Enterprise, Hertz, Sixt and Locauto offer a wide range of vehicles and pick-up locations across the city. Comparing deals from multiple suppliers can help you find the best combination of price, vehicle choice, rental terms and customer ratings for your trip.
You can use our search filters to find car rental deals in Rome with low-deposit options. Simply select the deposit filter to your preferred range and browse available vehicles from participating suppliers. Keep in mind that availability varies by supplier, vehicle category and rental dates.
Yes, some car rental suppliers in Rome may accept debit cards, although requirements vary between providers. Before booking, check the rental terms and conditions carefully to confirm the accepted payment methods and any additional documentation that may be needed when using a debit card.
To rent a car in Rome, enter your pick-up and drop-off locations on our booking page, select your travel dates and browse available vehicles. Compare options based on price, vehicle type and rental conditions, then complete your booking online.