Driving in Rome
Tips for Driving in Rome
Avoid ZTL areas: ZTLs are Limited Traffic Zones, whereby only certain vehicles, such as emergency and delivery vehicles, are permitted. The historic centre (Centro Storico) is strictly ZTL, as well as San Lorenzo, Testaccio, Vatican, and more. ZTLs operate during varying timeframes, so check before you drive. Keep an eye out while driving too – circulate white street signs with a red outline to indicate ZTLs. Cameras monitor the area and drivers are fined at least €200 when caught driving through a ZTL.
Navigation apps: While they’re not always up to date, navigation apps are your best bet for checking ZTL opening and closing times. If the ZTL is closed, the app will put you on an alternative route. There are often temporary road closures and roadworks, and navigation apps are typically quick to pick these up.
Look out for pedestrian lines: White pedestrian lines indicate that they have the right of way. Some pedestrian lights signal them to wait for traffic, but if not, you must let them cross.
Rush hours: Rush hours are extensive in Rome, so avoiding them isn’t always possible. So, if you need to travel during rush hours, factor in additional driving time to your journey. Generally, rush hours in Rome are 6:30 to 10 AM, 12:30 to 1:30 PM, and 4:00 to 8:30 PM.
Toll roads: The A90 highway runs through and around Rome, and this is a toll-free highway. However, most highways in Italy are toll roads. Make sure you’re in the correct lane at the toll booth – the lane signposted by ‘biglietto’ (ticket) is the one you want. The other lane is for TELEPASS customers only.
Unpaved roads: If you plan to drive around Umbria and Tuscany, bear in mind that there are unpaved roads. Driving along a dirt road through wine groves certainly adds to the charm, but it can be unnerving for first-timers. Go slow, and you’ll be fine.
Vehicle size: If you plan on exploring the countryside, then opting for a large vehicle might be tempting. However, even the mountain roads in Italy are narrow, and trying to squeeze through rural towns in a big car will be difficult. A compact car is your best bet – they’re ideal for driving through cities, fitting in tight parking spaces, and comfortably making it through Italy’s famously narrow roads.
Vehicle Transmission: Driving in Rome can be a lot of stopping and starting, for which an automatic vehicle is ideal. An automatic vehicle is also preferred for cruising along mountain roads, so you can enjoy the drive without worrying about changing gears. There’s a wide range of automatic vehicles available at both Rome Fiumicino Airport and Rome Ciampiano Airport.
Avoid ZTL areas: ZTLs are Limited Traffic Zones, whereby only certain vehicles, such as emergency and delivery vehicles, are permitted. The historic centre (Centro Storico) is strictly ZTL, as well as San Lorenzo, Testaccio, Vatican, and more. ZTLs operate during varying timeframes, so check before you drive. Keep an eye out while driving too – circulate white street signs with a red outline to indicate ZTLs. Cameras monitor the area and drivers are fined at least €200 when caught driving through a ZTL.
Navigation apps: While they’re not always up to date, navigation apps are your best bet for checking ZTL opening and closing times. If the ZTL is closed, the app will put you on an alternative route. There are often temporary road closures and roadworks, and navigation apps are typically quick to pick these up.
Look out for pedestrian lines: White pedestrian lines indicate that they have the right of way. Some pedestrian lights signal them to wait for traffic, but if not, you must let them cross.
Rush hours: Rush hours are extensive in Rome, so avoiding them isn’t always possible. So, if you need to travel during rush hours, factor in additional driving time to your journey. Generally, rush hours in Rome are 6:30 to 10 AM, 12:30 to 1:30 PM, and 4:00 to 8:30 PM.
Toll roads: The A90 highway runs through and around Rome, and this is a toll-free highway. However, most highways in Italy are toll roads. Make sure you’re in the correct lane at the toll booth – the lane signposted by ‘biglietto’ (ticket) is the one you want. The other lane is for TELEPASS customers only.
Unpaved roads: If you plan to drive around Umbria and Tuscany, bear in mind that there are unpaved roads. Driving along a dirt road through wine groves certainly adds to the charm, but it can be unnerving for first-timers. Go slow, and you’ll be fine.
Vehicle size: If you plan on exploring the countryside, then opting for a large vehicle might be tempting. However, even the mountain roads in Italy are narrow, and trying to squeeze through rural towns in a big car will be difficult. A compact car is your best bet – they’re ideal for driving through cities, fitting in tight parking spaces, and comfortably making it through Italy’s famously narrow roads.
Vehicle Transmission: Driving in Rome can be a lot of stopping and starting, for which an automatic vehicle is ideal. An automatic vehicle is also preferred for cruising along mountain roads, so you can enjoy the drive without worrying about changing gears. There’s a wide range of automatic vehicles available at both Rome Fiumicino Airport and Rome Ciampiano Airport.
26-30, F
