Rome is one of the world's great cities, but most visitors barely scratch the surface of what's reachable by car from here. Tuscany, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, the Pontine Islands — all are within a two to three hour drive. The ancient Appian Way runs south from Rome through vineyards and Roman ruins. And the drive north through the volcanic lake district to Orvieto and Assisi is one of central Italy's finest road journeys.

Picking up your hire car in Rome

  • Rome Fiumicino (FCO) — Leonardo da Vinci Airport. Car hire centre in Terminal 3 — follow signs for 'Autonoleggio'. All major suppliers represented.
  • Rome Ciampino (CIA) — smaller airport used by low-cost carriers. Fewer on-site suppliers; most are a short shuttle away.
  • Important: Do not attempt to drive in Rome's historic centre. ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) cameras operate 24/7 and fines arrive automatically weeks later. Park outside the centre (Piazzale dei Partigiani, EUR) and use the metro or tram.

Driving in and around Rome

  • The GRA (Grande Raccordo Anulare) ring road circles Rome — use it to navigate around the city rather than through it.
  • The A1 (Autostrada del Sole) heads north to Florence (3 hrs) and south to Naples (2 hrs, then Amalfi Coast).
  • Via Appia Antica (Ancient Appian Way) — a living archaeological site you can drive sections of. Cobblestones, catacombs and aqueducts lining the road.
  • Fuel in Rome: avoid petrol stations in tourist areas. Use supermarket stations or those just off the GRA for better prices.
  • Parking in Rome: the blue-line street parking system operates in most areas. Underground car parks beneath Villa Borghese are central and secure.

Where to go — best drives from Rome

Tuscany day trip (2–3 hrs north) — the Via Cassia road from Rome to Siena passes through Etruscan hill towns and the volcanic lake of Bolsena. Pompeii & Amalfi Coast (2.5–3 hrs south) — the A1/A3 motorway to Naples, then the SS145/163 coastal road. Allow a full day and consider staying overnight. Orvieto & Umbria (1.5 hrs north) — the cliff-top Etruscan city of Orvieto is visible from the A1 motorway. Beyond it, Umbria's green valleys lead to Assisi and Perugia. Ostia Antica (30 mins west) — Rome's ancient port city, better preserved than Pompeii and barely visited by tourists.

Hidden gem: The Via Clodia from Rome through the Etruscan heartland of Tuscania and Vulci follows an ancient Roman road through some of Italy's least-visited archaeological landscapes.
Price tip: Rome is one of the world's most competitive car hire markets — always compare at least 4–5 suppliers before booking. Local and regional companies often undercut the big brands significantly.
Book for Rome now: Compare live prices from 900+ suppliers at Rome car hire. Prices from $24/day. No booking fees.