We will be in Italy for a month next summer. At the end of our trip we plan to stay in Rome for three nights before catching our flight overseas home. We will have a lease car with probably by that point a lot of luggage. So the question is where should we stay either in or outside of Rome. I think the best bet with the car is outside of Rome for security purposes. So wherever we stay we would need access to public transportation to get to the city center. Would appreciate any recommendations.
Posted by
Edmonds, WA 🌨 ☂
12000 posts
Why not turn the car in when you get to Rome and stay in the historic center, where all the 'tourist stuff' is? ( and a car is useless)
Posted by
Wilmington, DE, USA
1068 posts
Can you ditch the car? Staying at a hotel inside the city would give you all the benefits all day and all night. If you can return the car at the airport then you can take the train to Roma Termini. You can store your luggage there safely and reasonably. Pick it up when you catch the train back to the airport. Does that work for you?
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23650 posts
We had a car once at a hotel near a park and ride at the end of one of the subway lines in the direction of the airport. About the same set up after a longer trip in Italy. It was pain to drive a half mile or so to the park and ride, pay the parking fee, find a parking space and ride the subway for thirty to forty minutes. Then we were committed to being the city for the whole day with no break. Should have dumped the car at the airport and stayed in Rome. Much more convenience, probably cheaper and much more relaxing. Will not happen the next time.
Posted by
Minnesota 🎒
16659 posts
I'll vote with the others: no need at ALL for a car in Rome. It would be an expensive waste as you don't want to use it for sightseeing so why pay for it just to sit unused? As well, you don't want to stay outside of the city if the whole point of going to Rome is to explore the fascinating places the historic center has to offer? Best to stay walking distance and/or short civic transit hops versus a potentially long distance home by transit.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
I think the best bet with the car is outside of Rome for security purposes.
Define security, what could happen to your car in the city center that couldn't happen in the suburbs? I wouldn't call a ZTL fine a security problem.
Pick the outside district where you are staying wisely, some are downright ugly, dirty and poor. I'd rather stay in an hill town with a direct train like Orvieto than in Rome's suburbs.
Posted by
Calgary, AB
155 posts
I believe Rick once said ‘don’t leave your car where the parking lot sparkles’ (broken glass). We had a car with Dutch plates parked in suburban Rome and when we came down next morning, the window was broken and luggage left in the car overnight was gone. Dutch plates indicates tourist and thus probable good target.