Tourist Info > Driving in Rome

Driving in Rome

Driving in Rome is the next best thing to suicide - especially on a motorbike. Most of the historic centre of Rome is closed to normal traffic although you will be allowed to drive to your hotel. You'll need to get a parking permit from the traffic police if you wish to park anywhere in the centre or you'll risk being towed.

To have the opportunity of using a car in Rome is a good point of freedom but there are also a lot of problems linked to it. If you’re with your own car, protect it really good with alarm systems (electronic or normal pedal blocker) and don’t leave the radio, your bags or other important things inside: they say that in the whole Italy they open or steal at an average of 2 cars per minute. If you can, during the night, park it in a safe controlled parking house like the "ParkSi" of Spain´s Square / Via Veneto.

To rent a car you'll need to be at least 21 years old. If you organize your car in advance it will cost you less. There are several rental agencies for cars motorbikes mopeds and bicycles. If you'd rather leave the driving to someone else you can pick up a cab from one of the city's many taxi ranks or phone one any time of day. If you call a cab the driver will turn the meter on as soon as he is rung rather than when he picks you up.