Hi there, we will be traveling from Rome to Volterra on September 28, 2024. It’s approximately 3.5 hours via car. I’m just wondering if anyone has done this drive before. What would you recommend, renting our own car in Rome and driving straight to our place in Volterra or taking a train to somewhere? Also, does anyone know if we actually need to obtain an independent driving permit? How do you go about obtaining that? Thanks guys!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16129 posts
If you are flying in that day I don’t recommend you undertake a 4 hr drive while jet lagged.
If you are going after a day or more stay in Rome I recommend to drive from Rome since there are no rental agencies near Volterra.
You need an international driving permit (IDP) in Italy. You can get one at your local AAA for $20 and 10 min of your time (if you don’t have two passport photos they can do it for you for an extra $9)
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8337 posts
Many pick up and drop off Hertz cars in Orvieto. Their office is across the street from the train station, and it's a 70 minute local train ride from Rome Termini up there.
Volterra is somewhat off the beaten path to the west of Siena. It's about 2 hrs. and 15 minutes from Orvieto or about 100 miles.
You'll want to get the international driver's license at AAA at home. It'll take a couple of passport pictures to get it.
Posted by
Coquitlam
237 posts
Yes get a IDP. It is cheap when considering the overall cost of your trip and can save you if you are stopped.
Chose a rental location at the edge of Rome. Driving in Rome is not easy and there are traffic restrictions zones. It will take longer than you think. Fuel, meals etc extend your time. When we drove we avoided toll roads which extended the time.
Have a great trip.