I'm trying to rent a car in October - pick up in a smaller town north of Rome, sightsee on the drive to Siena, then sightsee on the way to Florence the next day. But I'm astounded by the prices - at least $500 in the smallest manual for less than 48 hours! I've looked at Chiusi, Orvieto and Perugia. Am I doing something wrong or is that the going rate? I've also tried to find a day tour from Rome that includes Siena, thinking we could see Pienza or San G before Siena (hoping tour would allow us to stay there instead of returning to Rome) but I can't find any where Siena is the last stop. I also looked into private car hires but they are $700+ from Rome to Siena for 6-7 hours. I really wanted to see Tuscany by driving through some of it but at this point the train seems sadly to be the answer. Any advice?
Posted by
Saint Paul, Minnesota
1639 posts
See what it's like to rent from Europcar in Civitavecchia --- that's what we did last September. We always rent from Europcar and like it very much --- never had a problem, unless you count that their smaller offices tend to be closed on Sundays.
It is fun to drive through the countryside in Italy, but it's also pretty great to take trains or buses to hill towns and look at the landscape from up there.
Posted by
498 posts
Just did a dummy booking on Auto Europe: $419 economy car, Oct 9-16. P.U. in Chiusi.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7475 posts
Car rental rates were super high all last year and year before but that rate you found is exceptionally high
I’d wait a bit and see if rates don’t come down
October is a long way out
We always use AutoEurope -aUS based consolidator with excellent customer service.
Although if you find a good rate now with them you can book then continue looking
Rebook with them if you see a lower rate
Be sure to do your homework regarding driving in Italy
ZTLs, parking, speeding, insurance etc
All drivers must have an IDP
You’ll find more guided tour options of Tuscany leaving from Florence
Posted by
Gulf Coast, usa
1217 posts
In October we rented a car for one day from Budget (the cheapest we could find) in Chiusi and it was $84.59 but with all coverage insurance it came to $120. Because we were going to Pienza, Montepulciano, and general sightseeing, we got the extended coverage to be able to return the car no matter what happened. After reading about break-ins and crazy drivers, we opted for full coverage. Orvieto in itself is a lovely town and worth a stop over to explore. Then train to Chiusi to pick up your car and make the drive to Pienza (easy drive) then on in to Siena. The Chiusi train station is a very short walk to the Budget/Avis car rental. Keep in mind they are closed between 12:30 to 3:30.
Pick Up Location
Chiusi Downtown,MX6
Via L Da Vinci 3, Zona Stazione Ferroviaria
Chiusi, 53043 IT
0578 226878
Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM and 3:30 PM - 6:30 PM; Sat 9:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Posted by
OP
13 posts
@JR, that sounds great - did you do all that in one day? If so, when did you leave Rome and how much time did you spend in Orvieto before going to Chuisi to pick up the car?
Posted by
1 posts
I've had good luck with Sixt rental. Also, if you have an AMEX credit card, you can buy a year's worth of rental car insurance coverage for $24.99 and of course many other credit cards offer insurance coverage if you use their card.
Posted by
43 posts
@mlbmichigan We are in a similar scenario (except to try to get to San Gimignano). Speaking in generalities, it looks like if we were renting a car THIS WEEK (January) it's about $25/day. Looking forward to October it is $350/day.
I'm going to play the waiting game. If all else fails we may just hire a guide to drive us. At least that way we'd get to meet a local and learn about San Gimignano and its surroundings.
The last time I was in Italy I didn't make it to San Gimignano because of a bus "strike". Keep on traveling, but keep your knees bent for flexibility!
Posted by
173 posts
We have a small manual car booked at Budget in Chiuisi, $633 for 8 days in May 2023, about the same as what we paid for a similar car rental there in 2022. Chiuisi is an easy train ride from Roma Termini, and the Avis / Budget office is right near the train station.