Should we rent a car to travel from Rome to Salzburg?

If you want to get out into the more rural areas you should probably rent a car. However, pick it up well outside of Rome (which it sounds like you might be staying well outside Rome.) Just remember to purchase your vignette (a sticker required on the Autobahn in Austria) BEFORE crossing the border. We have seen the police waiting just over the border to pull people over who have not purchased it. (And there is a huge fine) Stop at any rest stop with a gas station and they should have them. They also sell them right at the border. As to cost, we paid $1100 for a mid size car for 29 days. However, you should be aware that there will be a fee for dropping the car off in a different country than you picked it up in. You should also be aware that Italy has many speeding cameras so don't go over the speed limit! They are all over even on the most rural roads. Many cities have areas that you can not drive in so watch for Traffic Limitato signs. You will not get any tickets while you are in Italy-They will be sent to you at your home with in 2 years of returning. Also, your rental car company will charge you a fee for releasing your name and home address to the Italian police. More questions about this: Try this web site www.bella-toscana.com/traffic_violations_italy. While it is talking about Tuscany these pointers are good all through Italy. Also, If you look on this web site at recent threads (notably "uh oh ticketed in Arezzo" and "traffic ticket") you can learn more.

Susan, I normally prefer public transportation to car rentals, as it's often easier and faster (NO cars can travel as fast as the TGV, legally of course!). I tend to use car rentals "strategically" for specific purposes, often just for a day or two.

However, given the fact that you have five days to make the trip and prefer to stay in "non-touristy" locations, a car rental might be a good choice. However, Connie has raised a couple of good points. First of all, you will probably face extra charges for picking up the car in Italy and dropping in Austria. Secondly, purchase of the traffic permit for Austria will add a slight amount to your costs, as will incursions into the dreaded ZTL areas (should that happen).

The most practical solution IMO would be to hire the car in Rome as planned, but drop it in Verona rather than going all the way to Salzburg. The train ride from there is fairly straightforward (although about 6H30M), and the Brennero-Kufstein section is beautiful! I always enjoy the scenery in that area! The train will stop for a few minutes just inside Austria to change locomotives, and there will be at least one change, possibly at Innsbruck.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday!

Happy travels!

I agree with Ken, Rent a car in Rome and drop it off in Northern Italy. You could drop it in Bolozon which is just south of the Austria border. If you do drive in Austria, it costs 8 euro for a week long highway sticker, and 8 euro to go over the brenner pass.
OH get a GPS!!! You should be able to get one from the car rental people. it will save your a lot of confusion.

The suggestion to drop in Italy isn't a bad one. It's hard to get off the beaten path in Italy traveling only by train so a car can be very useful for touring smaller towns.

The train through Brenner pass also aleviates any problem with potentially bad weather in March although it's easier to drive than Snoqualmie and I've never been stuck there.

I second the recommendation for a GPS. In Italy the road signage is pretty dreadful both on the highway and in towns. I think it's too pricey to rent one. Better to bring a GPS from home that you know how to use. I have a TomTom 920 I really like (comes with European maps) but also hear good things about Garmin Nuvis.

Yes, I completely agree about taking a GPS with you if you are driving in Italy. It is well worth the money. The best decision I made next to actually going to Italy was getting a Europe map for my Garmin to take along. On the main highways, it's not that much of a problem getting around Italy using roadsigns, but when you are trying to navigate in towns or on smaller countryside roads, it is a lifesaver. It will save you both time and gas money quickly.

But still take a good map as a backup in case of problems with the device.

Thank you for all the suggestions and ideas. We appreciate your comments. susan

My only caution about a GPS is that many do not have the traffico limitato areas programmed into them. That means if you are relying completely on your GPS, you may drive through one of these areas and get a ticket when you get home. These areas are in many cities and are in the old, historic areas. Whenever you go into a city, start watching for these sign and do not drive past one (not even to get turned around).

An often not well considered solution is both. Pick out the areas that have interest, and where you will just be driving to a destination. Maybe you take the train to somewhere in Northern Italy, rent a car for a day or two, then on to Austria, where you stop and again rent a car for a day or two, then on to your destination. You avoid drop off fees and can explore a region fairly well.

I always recommend renting a car if you can afford it. Remember that petrol is more expensive, parking is costly and sometimes impossible. A diesel model may be cheaper.

I agree with acquiring a GPS. I use one here and would buy the Europe program of maps if I go. Renting one is expensive; buy it here and you will use it.

Since I did research before I bought my Garmin GPS, I can advise you. Buy yours here before you go and you can then use it forever traveling in the US. Having one will save the European rental fee which may be half the cost of your unit.

Be sure you add the program for maps of Europe if it does not come with the model you buy. You will find it both worth the expense and accurate.

I like using mine because it warns me in advance when I should change lanes on an expressway to navigate a 'Y' or make an exit.

Being in the right lane is a safety factor-- especially on the high speed expressways of Los Angeles or other large cities.

You will find countless uses here for one if you buy
it now and learn how to use it before you go to Europe.

Just one additional thing, if you decide to drive in Austria and buy a vignette (driving pass) you do need to stick it to the window of your rental car. We bought one, but decided not to "stick" it on the window thinking we may be charged for removing it, etc. But, after a stop at a resaurant we had many kind Austrians tell us that we would be ticketed for not having it directly on the windshield.

Also, if this is still the same from when we were there in 2005, you'll also need a reflective vest when you're driving in Austria. Not that you have to wear it when you're driving, but, at least in 2005, it's required by law that you have one in the car. We picked one up at a gas station for a few euros. You can check with the rental agency if the car comes with one.