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Parma -> Orvieto -> Rome Transfers

Hello, we are doing the subject itinerary and would like some transfers advice. One important factor is we are staying at agriturismo outside of Orvieto. The way I see it I have three options:

1) train Parma to Orvieto, then train on to Rome. Pro is not renting a car, con is it appears slow (4.5-5 hours via train)

2) rent Hertz in Parma, drop off car in Orvieto, then train on to Rome. Pro is this appears to be strongly recommended in RS guide books as an alternative to driving to Rome from the North

3) rent car in Parma, drop off car in Rome (either Tiburtina or Fiumicino, or somewhere else recommended here). Con is clear - Rome driving.

If it’s not obvious I am leaning towards option 2 but could be convinced of 1 or 3 if others disagree. Thanks in advance!

Posted by
3812 posts

The fastest direct IC train from Parma to Orvieto departs at 15:00 and does the run in 4h and 11 minutes. By car it's 3 hours and 30, plus stops and the time to get the car. We call it a tie?

The direct Orvieto-Roma IC train takes 55 minutes, by car it's 1h and 30. Plus stops and the time to drop the car off. Train wins this match. Especially when there is traffic on Rome's ring road.

I think your choice shouldn't depend on time, but on the views, the hidden gems you can discover by car, the convenience of having a car when staying in a farm. On the other hand, If you can't drive in downtown Rome you can't drive through the mountains on the A1 motorway, either.

Oh, maybe you should look up the train schedules on the official trenitalia.com site.

Posted by
3294 posts

And then there’s the time added to rent and return the car, complete a damage report 🫣, find and pay for parking, realize that you inadvertently entered a ZTL 🤑. I’d definitely take the train!