As one of the world’s most revered and visited cities, Rome is many things. History of course, that’s a natural. Food, wine, love and lust. While most travel guides will try to talk you out of driving in Rome entirely, there are moments when having a car makes absolute sense—especially if you are traveling with family, handling heavy luggage, or using the city as a launching pad for day trips into the Lazio countryside. If you want to use a vehicle but avoid the standard rental car headaches, there are several lesser-known strategies, app hacks, and clever alternatives to navigate the Eternal City like a seasoned local. If you want to use a vehicle but avoid the standard rental car headaches, there are several lesser-known strategies.
How it Works: These are “free-floating” cars (usually compact, nimble vehicles like Peugeot 208s or Fiat 500s) parked all over the city’s regular streets. You locate one on the app’s map, unlock it with your phone, and drive. Watch above.
The Ultimate Perks: The rate you pay per minute or hour automatically includes fuel and public parking fees. Even better, these specific car-sharing vehicles are granted legal permission to enter Rome’s restricted ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) without triggering a fine. When you are done, you simply leave the car in any legal street parking space within the designated home area and end the ride on your phone.
Even though we are more train people, Rome is beautiful even as you curl around the monuments. Our affiliate partners, Discover Cars can be exactly for you. Click here
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