I can get a dexent price on Travelocity, and was wondering you folks's advice on driving to:
The San Giovanni area, were we have an apartment to Pompeii and the coast area.
From San Giovanni to Pisa and/or Florence for a day trip.
And also having it for the last day we're there, so we can get to airport without the extra 40 euros, and at our own convenience.
Also, are there places to park legally in San Giovanni?
Daniela,
Could you clarify your agenda for me? As I read this, you are coming into Rome, and renting a car, and then heading to your apartment in the San Giovanni area of Rome.
Then, at some point you are driving from Rome to Pompeii and back on the same day. The following day you are driving from Rome to Pisa/ Florence, and returning that same night? Then a few days later, after staying in the San Giovanni area, you intend to take the car to the airport and turn it in. Is that a correct interpretation of your agenda? If not, please clarify and I'm sure we can give you some feedback.
BTW, parking in the San G. area is primarily all "blue line" which means if you park on the street you have to pay an hourly rate on weekly days... If you're intent on holding onto a car, you might look for a garage with a daily rate.
I have to ask a few questions, also "seeking first to understand" - Why do you need a car in Rome - is it just to get back to the Airport? Have you you ever driven in Rome/Italy/Europe? Have you plotted out the driving distance of a Roma-Pisa-Firenze run? It sounds like you got a great rate... but did you add in "full coverage" insurance - that's usually runs at least 15-20 Euro A DAY and that cost might outweigh the convenience factor if you have the car extra days just to get to the airport....
Just an FYI, diesel has jumped this week to about $8.75 a gallon here in Italy!
If you could clarify, I'm sure you'll get GREAT responses from the board!!!
Ciao from beautiful Rome,
Ron
If this plan is meant to save any money, stop right now and use the train.
So the 400 bucks I'd spend on the train would be minimal in comparison to the 250 plus gas I'd spend on the car? Wouldn't I get a better taste of the culture ie, the countryside, locals, small towns, etc?
Daniela, you may have to consider the possible traffic ticket you may receive by driving in retricted zones as part of your expense from what I can tell from other posts on this forum.
Actually, the car would for out of town ventures like to the coast, and Florence.
Daniela, IMHO, having a car in large cities like Rome is often more of a nuisance than a convenience. The public transit is excellent, so it's not hard to get around, and one doesn't have to worry about parking, fines, tolls, etc. It's also an easy and quick train ride from Rome to Florence, so rail would be my preference there also.
I normally rent a car only on a short-term basis to get to unusual sites that aren't well served by public transit.
If you do decide to rent a Car, be sure you obtain an International Driver's Permit as this is mandatory in Italy. This is available at AAA offices for a small fee, and MUST be used in conjunction with your normal Driver's License.
Good luck and happy travels!
Wow, didn't know about the license issue. Thanks for that. Still considering the car idea, because I'd like to see the area outside of the city, and don't want to use it in the city.
Ok, ok, I get it kind folks that know better. I just wanted to cruise outta town on my own. I'm still weighing the options. The 8.75 a gallon thing is likely the biggest factor. Why isn't there any place to park a car?
Daniela, as I suggested in my previous post, renting a car for specific circumstances is a reasonable option if there's some place special that you want to see. However, rent it for the day (preferably somewhere on the outskirts of the city) and then return it. That way you won't have to worry about overnight parking.
The cost of fuel is certainly one consideration, but keep in mind that even if you're visiting smaller towns you have to be aware of the dreaded "Zona Traffico Limitato" areas(ie: expensive ticket when you get home!) or also "the Boot" which you might find applied to your car if you park in the wrong location (I've seen those in Rome - that will also be expensive!).
You might enjoy reading www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/traffic_cameras_speeding.htm for additional information.
I think the most important factor here is to give you good information, so that you can make an informed decision.
Cheers!
Thanks Ken. I was mostly hoping to check out the countryside with the car, as well as have it for my trip back to the airport when I leave. Thanks everyone for all your advice.
Daniela,
There is no parking in San Giovanni. Unless you want to spend an hour each evening cruising for a spot (yes, I have done this in many parts of the city) or finding some "creative" way of parking and hoping that the vigili don't come by and give you a ticket, consider taking a taxi to the airport. You'll certainly save in not having to pay parking meters. WHy would anyone, unless they have a long commute to work, want to drive in Rome? Let alone the headaches of driving and parking in Pompei or Florence. Everything you want to see you can walk to, plus San Giovanni has the metro line going right through it. And yes, gas is over eight dollars a gallon right now and it keeps going up. Perhaps reconsider, or maybe this car comes with its own parking place?
I'm checking to see if there's a reserved spot at the apartment I'm staying at. Thanks for the info.
