I will be renting a Avis car in Florence and returning it to Rome. Does anyone have suggestions as to the best Avis locations to pick up and drop off too?
We'd like to get as close to Rome as possible but not drive in the city.
Thanks,
Bridget
I'm leaving April 20, the count down has begun!!!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Two dropoff locations that are often mentioned here are Rome airport and Orvieto; and the airport is closer to Rome (you mentioned that). There are others, but if you're not careful, you may get into more Rome traffic than you want. I'll let others make a recommendation on pick up in Florence, you'll want to give the central Florence prohibited zone a wide birth to avoid the $150 fines that people on this site have been receiving.
Posted by
OP
Hurst, Texas, USA
24 posts
Thanks,Kent.
Does anyone know if FCO/Leonardo DaVinci airport is the better choice of the 2 airports for the car return?
Posted by
Scottsdale, AZ, USA
1127 posts
As mentioned above it is best to avoid Florence due to the limited traffic zones. What is the first town you will visiting in Tuscany? There is probably a car rental nearby. Chiusi?
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Bridget - here's a link of the 15 drop off spots for Avis around Rome. You can Google Map these and see which are on your route and NOT in the city (or where you might feel comfortable to drive).
https://www.avis.com/AvisWeb/coreservices/Dispatcher
I have used Avis here and dropped off at the Hilton (R04 on this list) and at location R01 near Via Veneto... otherwise you will see the 2 airport locations. If you have to do airports, then go FCO. Ciampino is smaller and less organzied.
Posted by
OP
Hurst, Texas, USA
24 posts
Ron,
Of the 2 locations you used in Rome , how bad was the traffic?
Thanks,
Bridget
Posted by
The Hague, NL (AMS)
2207 posts
Traffic in Rome depends on so many factors - I guess most primarily time of day.
The Roma Cavalieri Hilton was an easy choice as that's where we were staying (on points!), but I will tell you, it is easy to see from a distance but hard to find! It sits up on the hills overlooking the Vatican in a neighborhood fronted by apts on the other side. I would not drop off there - it's too hard to find and you'll have to taxi back or ride their "once a hour" shuttle.
The Via Veneto was easier for us. It's near the American Embassy and Hard Rock - a wide street in a "newer" part of town. You can Google Map this... map your route out in advance because there are MANY one way streets. Also make sure you know the hours of op for the drop-off! Go after 10 AM to avoid traffic.
I guess I'm used to driving here & traffic doesn't bother me. One way streets and finding a "direct" route are more of a problem. Know where you're going (and how) BEFORE you get in the car & you'll be OK!
Posted by
OP
Hurst, Texas, USA
24 posts
Thanks Ron,
The driver is used to driving in New York city so Rome shouldn't be too hard for her. We are staying near the Spanish Steps so the Vio Venetto should work great for us.
Thanks again,
Bridget
Posted by
Jamaica Plain, MA, United States
4 posts
Hello, I have a very similar question. We're returning a rental car to Rome on a tuesday late afternoon and I would love suggestions on the best place to drop off the car and avoid most of the craziness of Rome driving and drivers. Our hotel is near the Piazza Navona, and I'm currently scheduled to drop of the car at Termini station. I'd prefer to drop off closer than the airport, unless that truly is the best option. I've driven in NYC, but I've been told that Rome drivers can be much more aggressive and wreckless. Any suggestions are appreciated. Thanks!