Car hire in Rome

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Whether you fancy a sprightly compact for an urban jaunt, a dependable estate, a suave saloon or convertible, or a spacious people carrier, we have the perfect car for you.

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Popular car hire locations in Rome

Plan your trip to Rome

Rome is easily accessible by car. Explore the city and its surroundings with Avis. From the gigantic Coliseum, echoing with the sounds of long ago gladiatorial tournaments to the Pantheon, dedicated as a temple to all the gods during the reign of the ancient empire, fast forward in time to stand transfixed under the ornate ceiling of Vatican City’s Sistine Chapel.

Drive a little further out to Ancient Rome’s greatest thoroughfare, the Appian Way, where Spartacus and 6,000 of his followers were crucified. Cruise across to the nearby Park of the Aqueducts and spend time underneath the gargantuan Aqua Claudia that cuts through the park, as it reaches the end of its 45 mile run (along which 184,000 cubic metres of water once poured into Rome each day).

If you like sports, Rome offers two of the biggest teams in world football - Serie A mainstays Roma and Lazio. Both teams are based at the Stadio Olympico, which holds up to 73,000 spectators. It also hosts rugby, athletics, concerts and other events.

Road trips from Rome

Centrally placed for exploring the rest of the country, leave the thriving metropolis of Rome and drive through the scenic Italian countryside that surrounds the city.

Naples
Drive for 2.5 hours to the historic city centre of Naples. It is the largest city centre in Europe - covering 4200 acres. Naples is internationally famous for its cuisine and wine, and is traditionally known as the home of pizza. If that isn't enough food for thought - local arts and culture are influenced by multiple eras, from Medieval to Renaissance periods.

Tivoli
Drive for less than an hour from Rome to arrive in Tivoli, an ancient Italian town around 30km away. The history and architecture are rich and varied. The Sanctuary of Hercules the Winner was initially built in the 2nd century BC - and notable ruins remain. Make sure you also visit the Roman Temple of the Tosse - close by to the Temple of Hercules. This impressive circular structure dates back to 4th century BC.

Pompeii
Further afield, motor down from Rome to Pompeii, the city buried in 79AD. Allow a half-day to wander the ghostly Roman streets. Continue to the immeasurably attractive Amalfi Coast but be ready for some swerves: 1,000 hairpin bends have been counted along this stretch.

Driving rules in Italy

Which side of the road?
In Italy, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device
Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility when driving on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural roads
Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger
There are historical areas in which you cannot drive. Look out for “Zona traffico limitato”

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
Urban highways: 70 km/h (44 mph)
Secondary extra-urban roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
Main extra-urban roads (Expressways): 110 km/h (68 mph)
Motorways: 130 km/h (80mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
Children aged under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
Children weighing up to 9kg must be seated in a rear-facing child restraint, in the back of the car only

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.