Car Rental Rome

‘All roads lead to Rome’ goes the saying, and a variety of main roads and motorways do feed in to the city, as you’d expect of a place that was once the very centre of the world. There’s convenient access for both arrival and departure, whether you’re going to Naples in the south or Milan and Florence in the north.

If you’re heading north, then you’ll be using the E35/A1. If you’re heading south, you’ll need to use the A1/E45. To reach the east coast, take the A24 which cuts through the beautiful Parc National du Gran Sasso, a mountainous, green area with some of the best views in Italy. The A90, or Grande Raccordo Anulare as it’s more commonly known, snakes around Rome offering access to all its different suburbs, and is the road you’ll initially use for most of your onward travel.

Many parts of central Rome are pedestrianised, namely the Trastevere and Centro Storico districts where only residents can enter. If you need to access these areas to reach your hotel, then you must provide your details to the hotel check-in staff so that they can notify the authorities. If you don’t, you may face a fine. 

There are plenty of parking lots in Rome, but if you do manage to find a place on the street, it needs to have white lines to show it’s a free spot. Blue lines indicate that it’s pay and display, whereas yellow lines mean that the spot is reserved.

In Italy, you drive on the right side of the road. The speed limit in towns and cities is 50km/h. Outside of built-up areas the speed limit is 90km/h. On motorways, or the Autostrada, the speed limit is 130km/h. There are a variety of toll roads in Italy, which you can find out more about online.

Rome is more akin to a treasure trove than a city, with its priceless artworks, venerable monuments and sheer magnificence. Every turn you take in this illustrious city reveals another aspect of Rome’s culture to experience or antiquity to explore.

 A glimpse of the old world

Relics around the city tell a tale of great empire, old-world gods and forgotten traditions. The crowning glory of them all is the Colosseum, a powerful metaphor of Rome’s prestige, engineering skill and barbarity. Stand among the ruins and imagine the eyes of up to 50,000 spectators bearing down on you. Hear the roaring cheers and imagine the adrenaline running through the veins of armour-clad gladiators, battling bloodthirsty tigers on the very grounds you stand upon.

A testament to the skill of Roman architects and craftsmen, The Pantheon stands almost as proud today as it did when it was built nearly 2,000 years ago. Once inside, your gaze will be drawn upwards to the feat of sculpture that is the domed ceiling, the largest unsupported dome in the world with its eye – or oculus – at the very centre.

Let your curiosity guide you around the streets of Rome to discover other gorgeous examples of antiquity. The Renaissance-era marvel, St Peter’s Basilica, is a stunning collaboration between famed architects, including the legendary Michelangelo himself. If you’re feeling energetic, clamber up the 138 Spanish Steps, or pass through the intricately carved Arch of Titus.

The art-beat of Italy

You can’t visit Rome without paying homage to the series of awe-inspiring ceiling frescoes at The Sistine Chapel – more impressive in real life than in print or on TV. Work your way from one end to the other, admiring the interweaving paintings Michelangelo carefully crafted over four years. Take a moment to appreciate the detail, skill, passion and perseverance behind the masterpiece. The most famous panel of all? The breath-taking panel of the Creation of Adam, plucked from the Book of Genesis and turned into an image that transcends religion.

The walk to the chapel is long, yet worth taking your time over as you can see a variety of artwork from legendary painters such as Raphael and Botticelli. Grab an audio guide to accompany you as you drift through, which illuminates the fascinating history of these great works.

A Roman feast

Rome is home to a variety of famous Italian dishes that you must try when you’re here. Bite into deep-fried risotto balls bursting with delicious fillings, known as suppli. Take them to go and you can snack on the move while continuing your exploring.

When in Rome, eat pizza like the locals – and sink your teeth into crispy, thin bases loaded with tasty toppings. Pizzeria Da Remo on Piazza Santa Maria della Liberatrice, is a firm favourite. Don’t let its humble appearance deceive you - people queue around the block to get a taste of this authentic speciality. There are no reservations, but queueing for the gooey goodness inside is all part of the experience.

You should also make time to try some superlative pasta carbonara - a heavenly mix of smoked pancetta in a rich sauce made from cream and eggs. One of the most popular places for carbonara is Flavio al Velavevodetto in Testaccio. Tuck into tubes of rigatoni pasta, piled high with parmesan cheese and served in the indulgent, creamy sauce. When in Rome, as they also say…

Whether you’re planning on exploring the city, or venturing out into the surrounding areas, car rental in Rome makes it simple and convenient. It’s a city of such riches you won’t be able to wait to return.