Rome Car Rental 2026 — from €18/day

Car Rental in Rome

From the Colosseum to the ancient Appian Way, Rome's timeless beauty beckons exploration beyond the city limits. With a car at your disposal, you can effortlessly journey through rolling Tuscan vineyards or along the sun-drenched Amalfi Coast, creating unforgettable memories at your own pace.

1054+ offers

Airport pickup available

Car Rental in Rome

Rome, Italy

Where to drive

Explore the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica, a remarkably preserved Roman port city, just a 30-minute drive (≈30 km) southwest of Rome.
Journey to Tivoli to visit Villa d'Este and Hadrian's Villa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, approximately 45 minutes (≈35 km) east of Rome.
Discover the volcanic lakes of Castel Gandolfo and Lake Nemi in the Castelli Romani hills, a scenic drive of about 40 minutes (≈25 km) southeast.
Take a coastal escape to Sperlonga, a charming whitewashed village with beautiful beaches, roughly 1 hour 45 minutes (≈120 km) south of Rome.
Visit Orvieto in Umbria, a stunning hilltop town with a magnificent cathedral, about 1 hour 30 minutes (≈120 km) north of Rome.
Drive through the rolling hills of Tuscany to Siena, a medieval gem, approximately 2 hours 30 minutes (≈230 km) north of Rome.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Italy, you'll generally need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least one year. If your license is not in English or Italian, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required and must be presented with your original license. A passport or national ID card is also necessary. The minimum age for renting is typically 21, though some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25, and surcharges often apply for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Rome vary significantly by vehicle class and season. Economy cars might start from around €20-€30 per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles could range from €60 to over €100 daily. Summer months (June-August) and major holidays typically see the highest prices, with rates potentially increasing by 30-50% compared to the quieter winter period.

Price by month, €

28€

Jan

25€

Feb

30€

Mar

45€

Apr

50€

May

65€

Jun

70€

Jul

75€

Aug

60€

Sep

40€

Oct

30€

Nov

35€

Dec

Demand by month

35%

Jan

30%

Feb

45%

Mar

70%

Apr

80%

May

90%

Jun

95%

Jul

100%

Aug

85%

Sep

60%

Oct

40%

Nov

55%

Dec

Traffic rules and fines

In Italy, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on main roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (autostrade). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are mandatory on motorways and outside urban areas, even during the day. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 1.50m (approximately 4 feet 11 inches) must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Parking

Parking in Rome can be challenging, especially in the city center. White lines indicate free parking, blue lines signify paid parking (usually via meters or apps, often with time limits), and yellow lines are reserved for residents or special vehicles. It's advisable to use secure parking garages when visiting the city center, as street parking is often scarce and subject to ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) restrictions.

Fuel stations

Fuel (benzina for petrol, gasolio for diesel) is widely available throughout Italy. Prices are generally higher than in some other European countries, but competitive within Western Europe, typically ranging from €1.80 to €2.00 per liter for petrol. Most stations accept credit and debit cards, but it's wise to have some cash for smaller, unattended stations, especially outside major cities.

Which car to choose

For driving in and around Rome, a compact or economy car is often the most practical choice. Its smaller size makes navigating narrow streets easier and parking less of a hassle. If you plan extensive trips into the countryside or with more luggage, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV could offer more comfort. Manual transmission cars are very common, but automatics are readily available, though often at a slightly higher price point. For city driving, an automatic can be more relaxing.

Pros

Freedom to explore the Lazio region and beyond at your own pace, accessing sites not easily reachable by public transport.
Convenience for day trips to picturesque towns, ancient ruins, and beautiful coastlines.
Flexibility in creating your own itinerary and stopping whenever you wish.
Easier transport of luggage, especially for longer trips or family travel.
Access to a wider range of accommodation options outside the city center.

Cons

Driving within Rome's historic center is highly restricted by ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones), incurring fines if entered without proper permits.
Traffic in Rome can be heavy and chaotic, especially during peak hours.
Parking in the city center is scarce and often expensive.
Italian drivers can be assertive, requiring confident driving.
Navigation can be challenging due to narrow, winding streets and sometimes confusing signage.

Frequently asked questions

What is the cancellation policy for car rentals in Rome?

Cancellation policies vary by rental company and booking terms. Many bookings allow free cancellation up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup. Always check the specific terms and conditions when you book through platforms like RentoRika.

Do I need a credit card for car rental in Rome?

Yes, a major credit card in the main driver's name is almost always required for the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted for the deposit, even if they can be used for the payment of the rental itself.

What documents do I need to pick up my rental car?

You will need your valid driving license, an International Driving Permit (if required for your license origin), your passport or national ID, and the credit card used for the deposit, all in the main driver's name.

Can I pick up my car at Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) and drop it off in a different city?

Yes, one-way rentals are generally possible within Italy, allowing you to pick up at Rome Fiumicino Airport and drop off in another major city. Be aware that one-way fees usually apply and can vary significantly by company and route.

What are ZTLs in Rome?

ZTLs (Zone a Traffico Limitato) are Limited Traffic Zones in Rome's historic center where vehicle access is restricted at certain times, usually to residents or authorized vehicles. Entering a ZTL without permission will result in a fine, often captured by cameras. Pay close attention to signage.

Is it better to pick up a rental car at Rome Fiumicino Airport or in the city center?

For most travelers planning to explore outside Rome, picking up your rental car at Fiumicino Airport (FCO) is often more convenient. It avoids navigating city traffic and ZTLs immediately after arrival. Picking up in the city center is only advisable if you plan to spend several days exploring Rome itself before driving elsewhere.

Available cars — Rome