Renting a car in rome to drive to Umbria. Contacted Auto Europe. Does $1144 sound reasonable for 2 weeks for a Renault Clio (which they suggested for 4 adults) including insurance and cancellation? Thanks
Posted by
Pittsburgh, PA, USA
529 posts
It depends on the time of year, but that's only $81 a day for 4 people (about $20 each), which, personally, I don't think is bad for what you're getting, but your standards may be different. I'd recommend doing a search on the websites of other companies to see what the cost is for the same dates and car size. You don't say where you're going or why you're looking at a car versus trains. Having lived in Italy, I was always trying to talk friends and relatives out of renting a car because the trains are efficient and cost-effective. You may have good reasons for renting a car.
Posted by
Lakewood, Colorado
19232 posts
You may have good reasons for renting a car.
Too many Americans go to Europe and rent a car because,
1. that's the way we do it here, and they don't understand that Europe is not exactly the same as the US, only smaller, and/or
2. renting a car is easier, initially, than figuring out public transit in Europe, or worse,
3. they have a Walter Mitty complex and want to drive like a race driver on the autobahn.
In 2017 my partner and I (2 adults) spent 20 days traveling in Germany, with a side trip from Lindau to Rorschach, Switzerland. Except for some local bus trips, for which I have no receipts, all of our travel (a Savings Fare ticket, three regional passes, two local Verkehrsverbund passes, and some point-to-point rail tickets) that could have been done with a rental car came to 284€, or $342 at the then current exchange rate. That's less than $9 per day per person.
Posted by
Seattle
50 posts
One thing to note is that the cost of renting a car from Rome depends greatly on where you rent from in Rome. I saved hundreds of euro on a week's rental by renting from Ciampino airport (a short taxi ride from the center) instead of Termini. Be sure to check that out.
Also: If you are only visiting major towns, train travel in Italy is easy and cheap. However it is much less convenient for visiting small towns in the countryside.
Posted by
2671 posts
Also consider if you need a car for the whole time you are in Umbria. You could take the train there and and use the train to reach some towns Then you could rent a car from Perugia train station. This is what we were going to do for a cancelled 2020 trip to Umbria.
Posted by
58 posts
I just got a quote of $1461 for 28 days, renting from Rome and returning the car to Rome. It's a Citroen C5 Aircross and will seat 5 with room for 3 large bags. (It is bigger than a Clio which we need because we'll be picking up family from the airport who will visit us while we are there. Optional insurance is $160.21. I think that's a pretty good price; it's from rentalcars.com which is a division of booking.com. What I like about all these rentals is that they are fully refundable up to an hour before you pick up the car, so there's really no risk to rent a car and then if you find something better, to cancel and book the newer offer.
Posted by
Hobart Tasmania
397 posts
Glassygal
My sons have arranged to lease two cars from Rome, 12th April till 17th May. They have organised them from Australia through a mate/client. Leasing suits us for several reasons; mainly insurance, repairs, replacements etc is all covered. Convenience and practicality are more important to us than cost. Have no idea how it works for you guys in the USA. Maybe worth considering.
Usually get Peugeot 5008 hatchbacks/suvs This time round we have been recommended the Citroen C5 Aircross. Last week took one for a test drive. Nicely set out. I think most come standard with automatic trans with paddle gear shifts that work well. Ride seemed a little harsh compared to my normal drive.
My wife and I normally travel with the standard 32Kg suitcase. On this occasion I need a couple of suits and she a couple of cocktail frocks. Enough room in the rear compartment for at least three medium cases and I estimate four medium backpacks.
https://www.carexpert.com.au/car-reviews/2023-citroen-c5-aircross-review Picture of rear seat room and boot space.
Could be a tight fit for a fifth adult in the rear. As front wheel drive no transmission tunnel might help.
I would add that it could be disconcerting to a tail gate driver as the driver Assist is eager to keep distance from from the car in front.
Regards Ron