martygraw

After Rome, we are headed to Siena
area for 5 days and will be driving
North to Lakes and then to Vienna..
The big question is Rent a Car in Rome or take train to Poggibonsi (our house is near there) and rent a car in the area???
Thanks for any advice...

Dayle

Hi Marty,

Many people rent in Rome and drive out, but since I'm the drive,r I've never wanted to try that one!

I love driving in the countryside, it's easy. I've picked up and dropped off in Orvieto, Siena, Chuisi and Foligno. Picking up in Orvieto might be the easiest since the rental office is just a level block from the train station, and you could see the town before continuing on to Siena.

Does your lodging in Siena offer parking?

When we picked up in Siena, we had to taxi from the train station part way up to the city to the rental office.

traveller1959

Traffic in Rome is terrible. Take this into consideration.

bfrac

Depends on your experience level and how familiar you are with Rome. I am a city driver but after one time driving into Rome to return our rental I will be taking the train out and picking up the car elsewhere on all future trips.

CasaDelCipresso

I ALWAYS rent at Rome FCO Airport; it always turns out the least expensive for an automatic and getting in and out from the airport is easy.

bfrac

I agree with the airport location. I would much rather do that.

bobthenavigator

Train to Chiusi and get the car there. Drop it before you get to Austria--perhaps in Bolzano.

kybourbon

The bus (5&euroto Siena would be better than taking a train and you could pick up the car in Siena.
http://www.senabus.it/index_e.htm

Midnightsun

If your hotel in Rome offers transportation to the airport, you can easily pick up your car there. It's a pleasant drive to Siena, and you could stop along the way if you desire. Taking the coastal route (E80) north out of the airport is pretty easy; none of the terrible traffic of Rome. The A1 up the spine of Italy may be a bit faster, but you would have to endure the beltway traffic to get there from the airport...not horrible, but certainly more hectic than the coastal route. One tip: if you are renting from Hertz, try to get a Hertz Gold membership before you go. Two years ago we were traveling with some friends, and we all went to the airport (on a Saturday morning) to pick up cars. We had a Hertz Gold membership, and the process took about ten minutes. Although they had a reservation as well, the regular Hertz counter was backed up for more than ninety minutes.

ira

Hi M,

I also recommend taking the bus to Siena and getting the car there.

>will be driving North to Lakes and then to Vienna..

Are you planning to take the car t Austria? Big drop off fee.

You will need an International Driver's Prmit for Italy and Austria.

martygraw

Thanks for all the information

We are going to pick up car in Rome

and drop off in Vienna.