I have the opportunity for a pretty cheap flight that will arrive into Rome FCO at 11pm. We plan to rent a car and then start our vacation. At that time of night I don't want to travel far, just get in a hotel. Can you rent a car that time of night, can you still check into a hotel near the airport at 12 or 1 in the morning? Any input is appreciated.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16193 posts
In very similar circumstances, even as recently as this past summer, I have checked into the Hilton Hotel at the FCO airport. It’s across the terminal, just a few minutes walk using the elevated walkway. Then the next morning I walked back to the rental desks (along the same walkway but closer to the terminal) and drove away. The Hilton is very convenient, not cheap (about $230-$250 a night) but once you factor in convenience and taxi costs, it’s not that expensive.
https://www3.hilton.com/en/hotels/italy/hilton-rome-airport-ROMAPTW/index.html
I think the rental desks may be open till Midnight, but you can arrange after hours pick up. But who wants to drive at that time of the night in an unfamiliar city?
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
Do as Roberto says, spend the night at the airport, get a good nights sleep and rent the car the next day.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23652 posts
I learned a long time ago, never pick up a car at night and especially late at night. -- too long to explain -- just don't do it. Everyone is in a hurry to get you out the door and mistakes happen. Do it in the AM.
Posted by
New Orleans
1225 posts
There are also a number of other hotels within several miles of FCO that are significantly cheaper than the airport Hilton. Some of them may well have late night shuttles, or at least you could take a taxi those 2-3 miles and take the hotel shuttle back to the airport in the morning. Easy to find these hotels, and read reviews, on booking.com.
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16193 posts
I just checked the rental desk opening hours and apparently they indeed close at midnight, therefore you run the risk of getting there too late anyhow.
If you choose a hotel other than the Hilton to save money, don’t forget to add the cost of a taxi going and coming back the next morning, which could easily amount to $40.