What to do with a car in rome?
 

Plans include flying to Venice for 3 days, fly from there to Naples, picking up a car for an Almafi/Sorento 3 days stay and then drive onto Rome for 2 days, the end of which we intend to return us and the car at the airport for return to the NY area.

My concern is the car in Rome and I was wondering if it might be best to stay just outside of Rome so that I keep the car and do day runs with it. We have been to Rome before and I think the ability to have a car to cover more ground may be better than staying in mid city.

I would love a suggestion on a 5 star place to stay in close promximty to Rome that would be car friendly.

Rome has enacted stringent regulations about cars entering the Centro Storico. You won't be able to do any "day runs" unless you are a resident with a special pass. On a recent visit, my cousin, who lives on the outskirts of Rome, was unable to come anywhere near my apartment near the Campo dei'Fiori.

My advice would be to strongly suggest you ditch the car, stay in town, and get around with ease by availing yourself of your feet and public transport or taxis.

Perhaps you mean "day runs" to places other than central Rome?

Drop the car in Sorrento and train into Rome. Your statement "We have been to Rome before and I think the ability to have a car to cover more ground may be better than staying in mid city" is absolutely wrong. Rome is a walkable city, specially if you stay within Centro Storico.

Well Starpilot I sure agree with everyone about not having a car in Rome, even in the suburbs parking is a big problem and traffic is terrible.

Turning in the car in Sorrento and taking the train to Rome is the way to go. You can take the train or a taxi or a shuttle from Rome to the airport to catch your flight home. If you want to see areas outside of Rome versus Rome itself than that of course could be a different situation.

Do have a wonderful trip.

Hi Starpilot,

I agree with getting rid of the car in Rome.

We actually drove into Rome from Tuscany once, and it was quite an adventure. We made it, though, to the Hotel Excelsior, where my husband dropped us off and returned the rental about a block away. (What luck!!) We have driven all through Italy and Greece, but driving within and into big cities is not fun. I'd hate to have to do that in Rome on a daily basis! Better to walk or take cabs.

We later took a cab to the airport. There are 4 of us, so the cost of a shuttle would have been the same.

Dina

Thanks everyone... After your thoughts, I will return the car. Can I drive up to rome and return it there, of would be best to return it in Naples where I picked it up and take the train to Rome?

Save the money and return the car before you go to Rome. A car in Rome can be a problem. You will spend more time trying to find a parking place than driving.

Asssuming you're renting from one of the big U.S. companies or brokers, you can drop the car anywhere they have an office and you have a train station that will take you to Rome.

I was thinking that I would enjoy a leasurely drive to rome.. stopping along the way at a nice place to eat and a shop or two that we may come across. Then drive to the hotel in Rome, drop off the luggage and then drive to a convenient car rental drop off at either hertz or thrify, epending on who I go with.

I drive to work every day in NYC, so driving in a city is not an issue for me. As long as I would be able to drive in and drop off our luggage at the hotel, then I would rather do that than have to deal with the luggage at a train station.

Am I on safe grounds with this plan?

That's exactly what we did. I think you'll be fine. Especially if you're used to driving in NYC.

There's a big plus to having your own car and enjoying a long drive with the luxury of stopping whenever you feel like it. MY family loves that.

Have fun!
Dina

Two things:

With all due respect, driving in Rome is nothing like driving in NYC. Nor are Roman streets on a neat grid as they are in NYC.

If your hotel is in the historical center, you may not be allowed to enter with your car. Before deciding, inquire at your hotel whether you will be allowed to drive to it.

P.S. Look into Auto Europe. They have the lowest rates and use Hertz and/or Avis.