I plan to pick up a rental car at Rome airport in early March. I would like to spend the first night in the Siena area. Can anyone tell me the approximate driving time? From what I have read on this board it appears that I would be wise to book an inn that is outside the city center. Any suggestions? Thank you.

The drive is roughly 4 hours. And yes don't go into Siena stay near it on the outside of the city. Driving is no bargin in or near the cities including the rome airport area.

hi there,<BR><BR>4 hours seems to bee much too long for this route, will be about 2.5 if You take the highway (You know You have to pay for this ...). From the airport it is easy, connectings are real good. Take direction "Fiorence". <BR>About hotels: havent stayed there overnight, but take a look at this site, You find a few hotels, from cheap to luxery. If You wanna stay for more then 3 days perhaps try one of the "agritouristics". Most of them are great places, quiet, good eating/drinking ... If not, in March it is no real high season (or You wanna go at eastern holidays), the city is not so full of tourists.<BR><BR>have fun<BR>Gar<BR><BR>http://www.itwg.com/locator.asp?zona=[A121]&CODE=US654

I agree with 4 hours, and there are 2 good routes. I prefer S-2 north from near Orvieto and thru some of the best scenes in Tuscany. Stay at this hotel just outside the Porta Romana on S-2 before it turns at the city walls.<BR>www.oliveta.com A nice 3 star with good parking and location---:15 walk into the town center. Good luck !

I drove from Siena(outside the city limits) to FCO and was told to allow 2.5 hours. I found the drive to be not at all difficult. But there was a motor accident on the highway and it added a considerable amount of time to the trip. So, it is difficult to tell you exactly how long. But, I don't think 2.5 hours is really enough time. I think the S-2 is a great road, also. You really need a good map. They are available at the bookstore in the Rome airport if you do not want to take one from home.

I, too, was puzzled about the 2.5 hours estimate - - thinking it might be much longer. But www.viamichelin.com DOES list 2 hrs 27 minutes. I have never taken the cutoff from Sinalunga over to Siena - - perhaps this is a good road on which you can drive at (near) autostrada speeds.<BR><BR>On the other hand, I have seen it take well over an hour to get from Fiumicino to (and particularly AROUND) the GRA (Rome beltway). Traffic, and time of day will surely influence this driving time requirement.<BR><BR>Best wishes,<BR><BR>Rex<BR>

I agree with 4 hours, and there are 2 good routes. I prefer S-2 north from near Orvieto and thru some of the best scenes in Tuscany. Stay at this hotel just outside the Porta Romana on S-2 before it turns at the city walls.<BR>www.oliveta.com A nice 3 star with good parking and location---:15 walk into the town center. Good luck !