Driving in Italy
 

We are planning to arrive at Rome FCU airport on 9/29 and going to Cortona for the month of Oct. Uneasy about driving in Italy and thought about taking the train from Rome to Orvieto, renting a car from there for the month. Is this a good option? Or is it smarter just to rent car at Rome airport? Any suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks!

If you rent a car at the airport, don't drive to Rome but go directly up the coast. That's what we did, stopping in Tarquinia for the night and the next day visiting its Etruscan museum and tombs, which are definitely worth a visit.

Renting a car at the airport is easy because it allows you to bypass Rome altogether. Its super easy to get out of the airport and be on your way. We were a little nervous as well but honestly it wasn't bad at all.

Tracy

Take a car definately but ask upfront for a reservation for a geotracking device. You will get lost for sure without it. They have several but you need to rent it upfront.

I will add a comment from our memory of driving in Italy back in '00. Please, someone clarify if you have better insight.
The Autostrada was much like driving typical US Interstates.....2 lanes, entrance and exit ramps, etc.....but often they are TOLL roads.
When you exit, there is sometimes just a little machine (no human). You insert your ticket into the slot (the ticket you took from the machine when you entered the highway)...this then calculates how much you will pay depending on your distance traveled...

But where to you pay??? You just slide your credit card into the same slot as you put your ticket, and it takes the payment!!!

Driving is enjoyable, really. Just stay out of the left lane on the high speed highways, or you will be run over. They DO drive fast!!

Jim

<i>LThey DO drive fast!!</i>

According to another poster, they now have cameras installed to enforce speed limits.

Here are some tips that may help.
If you do rent for that long you need to check out the French buy back program that you can alos get at FCO.


DRIVING IN ITALY &amp; SOUTHERN EUROPE

Q. SHOULD WE DRIVE IN ITALY?
A. Of course you should if your driving skill &amp; confidence would allow you to drive a rental car in Vermont, Colorado or California. But, be advised of these tips:
* Avoid driving in the major cities except for picking up or dropping cars
* Have good maps—study them in advance—and have a GOOD NAVIGATOR.
* Stay in the right lane except when passing and use your rear view mirrors

Q. WHAT CAR SHOULD I GET AND WHERE DO I GET IT?
A. It is best to rent your car before you leave for Europe. The best source we have found is AUTOEUROPE [800-223-5555] who is a broker for several car vendors. They will quote you prices to include the variables that are often omitted by others, such as unlimited mileage, full mandatory insurance coverage, and VAT taxes. The best model will depend on your needs, but for best value we suggest you select a compact car with manual transmission. Automatics are available but will cost you about 30% more and may limit your model options &amp; pick up locations.

Q. ARE ITALIAN DRIVERS AS CRAZY AS I HAVE HEARD?
A. Yes &amp; no! They are certainly aggressive, but they are also more skilled than many USA drivers—both are a function of necessity. Italy is one of the most crowded countries in the world and the drivers have evolved these characteristics
* They are notorious tailgaters. If that bothers you, pull over and let them past.
* On the AUTOSTRADE they will drive fast, but will stay in the right lane except when passing and will use their blinkers when passing—YOU SHOULD TOO !
* They will often pass on 2-lane roads with traffic coming. Frankly, they expect you, and the oncoming car, to adjust to the shoulder and make 3 lanes of traffic.

OTHER ROAD TIPS FOR YOUR DRIVING SANITY:
1. Learn the meaning of the sign “ SENSO UNICO” and take heed [ONE WAY ].
2. Be sure to get your ticket when you enter the AUTOSTADA system &amp; be prepared to pay the toll when you exit it [ rule of thumb—300 km=15 Euro]. You can use your credit card in the VIA lane at the toll both, or buy a debit VIACARD in advance.
3. Do NOT attempt to follow road numbers—that will frustrate you. But, do pay attention to the directional signs that point to your destination [ TO MONTALCINO]. And, be aware if that road leads eventually to a larger city [ ROMA—SIENA ETC.]
4. Unless you have a diesel car, you will want to fill the tank with benzina from the green pump. Most stations will pump gas for you and will take credit cards.

NOTE: As of 2005, an International Drivers Permit[IDP] is required in Italy.
You can obtain them from your local AAA office. You will need a valid US driver’s license, two passport photos, and $10. The photos can be taken at the AAA office.

Hi Betty,

This time last yr when I was planning our trip I asked a similar question. I am glad to see that you received more an d better responses to my question. I chose to ignore all the naysayers who advised never to drive in Italy and to be careful. Seriously if you can drive, you can drive in Italy. It is not hard - at all. Getting a GPS is a good idea. Our rental car came with one and we were grateful for it several times. Still getting lost means more stories to tell when you get back.