Why rent a car in Rome?
Rome is one of Europe’s most captivating destinations, famous for its ancient history, world-renowned landmarks, and vibrant street life. Renting a car in the Italian capital gives you the flexibility to explore far beyond the historic center and experience the region at your own pace.
From the UNESCO-listed villas of Tivoli to the hill towns of the Castelli Romani and the coastline of Ostia, having a car makes day trips simple and comfortable. Many travelers also combine Rome with other iconic cities such as Florence and Naples, creating a diverse itinerary through central and southern Italy.
Compare car rental options in Rome or explore more destinations across Italy to plan a smooth and flexible road trip.
Exploring Rome and Lazio by car
Day trips and routes from Rome
A rental car in Rome is most useful for exploring the Lazio region rather than the city itself. The hill towns of the Castelli Romani, including Frascati and Castel Gandolfo, are 25 to 40 km southeast and make for easy half-day trips. The Etruscan ruins at Cerveteri are about 45 km northwest along the Via Aurelia. The coastal town of Sperlonga, known for its whitewashed streets and beaches, is around 130 km south. Orvieto in Umbria is roughly 90 minutes north via the A1 motorway and well worth the drive for its cathedral and underground caves. For more destinations, see car rental in Italy.
Driving and parking in Rome
Driving inside the historic centre of Rome is heavily restricted. The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) covers most of the central area and operates at varying hours. Cameras enforce the restrictions automatically, and fines are passed on to the rental car’s registered owner, which means they will be charged to you after your rental. It is strongly advised to park outside the ZTL zone and use public transport for sightseeing in the centre. Pick up your car at Rome Airport and head directly to your accommodation or day trip destination to avoid navigating the centre entirely.
Best time to rent a car near Rome
Spring and autumn are the best seasons for driving in the Lazio region, with pleasant temperatures and lighter traffic on the roads leading to hill towns and coastal areas. July and August are extremely hot in Rome and many locals leave the city, creating heavy outbound traffic on Friday afternoons. Driving conditions in winter are generally good, and the smaller towns around Rome are far quieter and more atmospheric when visited outside the main tourist season.
Car rental price in Rome
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Rome, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €197 |
| Mid-size car | from €268 |
| Large car / SUV | from €301 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
