After arriving in Rome by train (from Sorrento), we plan to get a rental car for a week in Tuscany. Do the challenges of driving in metro Roma, and finding our way out (is there a ZTL there?) weigh in favor of taking the Leonardo train out to the airport to pick up the car there? Or could we pay a taxi driver to lead us out of the city?! Help, per favor!
I'd definitely go to the airport. We've done it several times. Driving in Rome is nuts. From FCO you can get right on the ring road and head north.
Marc, Don't forget to pack an I.D.P., which is compulsory for each driver. There are ZTL areas in Rome, but if you rent at the airport, that shouldn't be a concern. You might find it very helpful to have a look at the excellent Ron In Rome website, as there's a lot of great information there. If you decide to take the Leonardo Express to the airport, DON'T FORGET to validate your tickets prior to boarding the train! Buon Viaggio!
Grazie, mille, Katherine and Ken. I'll change our rental car reservation to a Fumicino pickup. Marc
Marc, You don't need to pickup a car in the airport. Many people will fearmonger posters asking about anything that combines "Italian city" and "rental car". There are many car rental offices at Roma Termini station. Roma Termini is TWO BLOCKS away from the access to the A24 freeway, which will take you EASILY out of the city. No medieval streets. No ZTLs (traffic-limited zones). No "crazy narrow alleys". Just two blocks, and you are on the highway.
Thank you, Andre. Very helpful. What a treasure this website is.