buster168

We're going to Italy next month, flying from Los Angeles to Rome (via London), arriving at around 6 p.m. on a Saturday night.
I've arranged to rent a car at the airport and drive to Siena for our first night, but now I'm having second thoughts.
Can anyone tell me how long the Rome to Siena drive is likely to take? Is it an easy drive at night?
Or should we take the easy way out and stay overnight near the airport?
Thanks.

LoveItaly

buster, IMHO driving to an unknow location after a flight to Italy from the west coast, and especially a drive that one is not famaliar with is not a good idea. I would stay at a hotel near the airport, get some dinner, a good nights sleep and start off in the morning. I am sure some will advise you that you will lose a bit of your vacation time. But with a good nights sleep after the long flight you will be rested, you will be able to see what you are driving through. And from a safety and mental relaxation viewpoint I think you will be way ahead of the game. Have a great and safe trip.

eri

The drive form Rome Airport to Sienna will take you about 4 hours. The road is wide and the Italians are fast drivers but good drivers. However I would second LoveItaly in advising you to stay overnight close to Rome Airport, and continue early morning to Siena. From my experience the Italian car rental companies are slow in allocating the car, the rental offices are a pretty long walk from the exit, and you'll be lucky if you get on the road by 8PM. Find yourself a hotel in Fiumicino (5 min drive from the airport), eat dinner, and after a good night's rest you can be in Sienna by noon without any problem.

nanb

I love driving in italy ! I find it interesting and fun. But, I really do not like drving at night on busy roads.
When we were the tuscany area, I did alot of after dark driving. I found it scary as I was unsure about the cars coming towards me.
Spend the night . and enjoy the drive the next day when you can admire the scenary.

Infotrack

Check this site out regarding where to stay, and arriving/departing from the Rome airport:
http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/planni...iving_rome.htm


If you plan on doing a lot of driving, I highly recommend you get a GPS unit as part of the car rental, or, if that is not possible, bring a unit of your own.

Go here for interesting information about driving with GPS in Italy:

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/gps.htm

And other GPS info:

http://www.google.com/custom?domains...1%3B&hl=en

Hope that all helps.

--Marv

Peggyann

Also would suggest that you stay over near airport in Rome for all the same reasons voiced above. To get to Siena, the A1 is direct and a good road but then you must get onto a smaller road, SS 2 or other to get to Siena which is often not divided, curvy and since you will be in unknown territory could be really harrowing and stressful. Easily 4 hrs in daylight. Give yourself a break and go next AM. Have fun.

ira

Hi buster,

Driving maps and directions are at
www.mappy.com and www.viamichelin.com.

I also suggest staying near the airport the first night.

Italian traffic patterns, road signs, etc are different from the US. You are better learning about them in daylight.