eastenderusvi

So, when we rented a car to tool around the UK, we found a spot on the outskirts of Edinburgh. No traffic, easier to get our bearings. Does anyone have any suggestions for the same thing outside Rome? We will be leaving there and going to Umbria and would like to avoid as much big city mess as possible. Thanks.

indyhiker

What is your ultimate destination in Umbria? We took the train from Rome last year and picked our car up in Foligno for our week's stay in Spello. This year we're picking it up in Chiusi before heading to Lake Trasimeno. Orvieto is an option too although I don't think their rental options are as attractive as Autoeurope severed its relationship with the Hertz office there and we like to use them as a broker.

Mimar

Fiumicino Airport is the best place, especially if you want an automatic or if your car pick-up is scheduled on a Saturday afternoon or a Sunday (hours of closure for offices in smaller towns). However it's a little out of the way.

kybourbon

If you want to pick up in Rome, a lot of people pick up at Villa Borghese area and head out. Hertz at that location is open 8-1 on Saturday and Sunday.

https://www.hertz.it/rentacar/locati...ly/rome/ROMC60

>>> Orvieto is an option too although I don't think their rental options are as attractive as Autoeurope severed its relationship with the Hertz office there and we like to use them as a broker.<<<

Some offices are franchises (like Orvieto) and others are corporate. I think there are often more problems with the franchises. You can check on the Hertz website whether you will be dealing with a franchise or a corporate rental office.

eastenderusvi

We are staying in Bevagna. I had not considered either the train OR the fact that some places might be closed on Sunday. Back to the drawing board. The airport does seem to be out of the way.

NYCFoodSnob

For Umbria, exiting Rome's city walls at Porta Pinciana doesn't get much easier. Several car rental offices nearby. Via Pinciana turns into the SS4, which takes you north to the A90 and then shortly to the A1. Been doing this jaunt for several decades now.

indyhiker

If you need to pick up on a Sunday, then you're likely limited to picking the car up in Rome. There's a Hertz office near Via Pinciana that has limited hours on Sunday. I assume there are other options, too. Are you arriving on an an overseas flight the day you're picking up the car?

For some reason, we neglected to consider picking our car up in Rome on our way to Umbria for our upcoming trip. Taking the train to a smaller town worked well for us last year (our first driving in Europe); I just didn't think about Rome this time around. I sitting here now reconsidering our plan.

eastenderusvi

indyhiker: No, we will be in Rome for 5 nights before we start on this adventure. You all are correct about Sunday pick-up. I did find that the "other" airport, Ciampino, might be easier to leave from? Maybe?

indyhiker

I suppose that's an option, too, but it appears to be more of a hassle to get there and you may pay an airport surcharge. To me, it seems easier to take a cab to a rental agency in the area NYFS mentioned. I really do think that looks like a sound option for you as at least Hertz has Sunday hours. Where do you plan to return the car?

eastenderusvi

Returning at Milan Malpensa. Will check Via Pinciana..Let me ask one more question...I have heard from people that "I drive in Italy all the time without an International Driver's Permit", but all the websites say you DO need one. Do you?

indyhiker

Yes, you need one. Our rental agency checked it.