Can I drive myself around Italy as a tourist easily enough in a rental car?

Question

I will be staying in a villa near Cotona in the Tuscany region and with 4 adults thought we'd rent a car when we arrive in Rome and see Pisa and spend a couple of nights in Rome and do a little touring in the Tuscany region mostly. I have driven through holland down to Paris without any worries.

Answer 1

To really see Italy the best way is to hire a car . You get to see so much more of Italy that you wouldn't otherwise see. The driving isn't that bad once you get used to it. You just need to pick up the rhythm and you will fit right in. I manage fine and I'm not Italian but live in Italy and drive in Italy.

In Tuscany, if you stay in the countryside, a car is wonderful. The traffic isn't bad and you can really explore.

Answer 2

Yes, it's fairly easy to get around in Italy with a car. I wouldn't particularly want to drive in Rome or Naples. If you're in a villa outside of town, you'd most likely need a car to get around. This is especially true if you want to wander through the Cianti country and visit some of the smaller towns that don't have rail access and may only have limited bus access.

If you're going to Pisa, you may want to consider going to see the leaning tower in the morning and then driving to Lucca (20 - 30 minutes) for the rest of the day.

Answer 3

Just got back from Italy and rented car with friends....... it is incredibly expensive! Also the rental company might not let you travel into Rome itself.  The autostrade  is wonderful!  Off the highways, though, it can get confusing quickly!  You will need someone with good map skills riding shotgun!   On the other hand there are lots of trains and buses running frequently. It might be easier using public transport. You won't have to worry about parking, insurance and bad directions!

Good luck!

Answer 4

Car is the best choice for tuscany's countryside, really. And people there drives normally.

Avoid using car in the cities.

Avoid renting it in the the cities or at airports, there are a lot of places in the countryside where you can rent a car for a much better price (I'm talking about big companies like hertz or avis). Often it's worth to take a taxi ride to a rental company just outside the city (since you are 4 and can split the cost)

Answer 5

Oh you can drive in Italy if you have a "death wish". Make sure your Life Insurance is paid up.  Italians drive like maniacs.  Fast, no control of vehicle, they disregard all traffic signals, and they commonly have car crashes involving 100 or more cars.  They drive thru fog like it isn't there.  Want more.  Walk or take public transportation, it's much safer.  The train system in Italy is clean, on time and very inexpensive.  You can get anywhere you want by train.  Good Luck, have a nice trip, and don't drive if you want to live.

Answer 6

If you dont drive in Rome its self you should be ok. I am assuming you can drive stick since you drove in Paris. Just remember they drive crazy and fast.Becareful and just watch out for scooters and motorcycles.

Answer 7

in tuscany countryside region & other areas it can be a beautiful experience to drive. especially when you are in a villa & want to come & go as you like, you will have flexiblity for going out at night.

however, in cities such as rome or pisa you will not at all need a car & also  will also pay high fees for parking.  the thing about every italian city is they are walking cities w/ excellent train & bus systems.

i would take the train from rome to pisa or vice versa, then pick up a car back in tuscany in either pisa --close to florence/tuscany, or train to florence/sienna & pick up the car.  

while in tuscany you will also be going to florence & you will not need a car for that city as well.  you don't say if you are flying into rome or pisa....but pisa has an airport so you can pick /up drop off the car there also...then get back to rome...

Answer 8

Don't do it!  I drive in NYC and would never drive near any city in Italy.  I don't understand the system, but it's scary even trying to cross the street there.  The drivers are nuts!

Answer 9

Drive - yep, you certainly should do it. It is the only way to discover the out of the way places. Train travel (around the country) is great but to have a car to make your way though the Italian country side will make for a memorable trip.

Don't forget to buckle up!

PS - make sure you go to Italy with an International Driving License - you can get at at any AAA. It is good for 12 months.