Driving in Rome gives travellers greater freedom, particularly when the itinerary includes airports, countryside hotels, private villas, business appointments or destinations outside the city. Within the historic centre, however, careful planning is essential. Traffic can be intense during weekday mornings and late afternoons. Scooters frequently move between lanes, road markings may be difficult to see and temporary closures can alter a familiar route without much notice. Allow additional time and avoid planning important arrivals with an excessively narrow schedule. Rome also has cobbled streets known as sampietrini. They are an important part of the city’s character but can become slippery when wet. Powerful rear-wheel-drive vehicles should be driven smoothly, while low supercars require particular care around uneven surfaces, speed bumps and steep garage ramps. How does the ZTL work in Rome? Rome has several camera-controlled Limited Traffic Zones, known locally as ZTL. When a restriction is operating, only authorised vehicles may pass through the controlled entrance. A standard self-drive rental car is not automatically authorised, and it should not be confused with an NCC vehicle—a licensed rental car with a professional driver—which may benefit from different access rules. The principal historic-centre ZTL currently restricts unauthorised access from 6:30 to 18:00 from Monday to Friday and from 14:00 to 18:00 on Saturday, excluding public holidays. Night restrictions normally operate between 23:00 and 03:00 on Friday and Saturday, except during August. The Tridente area around Piazza di Spagna has separate restrictions, normally operating from 6:30 to 19:00 on weekdays and from 10:00 to 19:00 on Saturday. Trastevere, San Lorenzo and Testaccio also have their own daytime or nighttime regulations. Electronic signs are positioned before controlled entrances. Never cross a ZTL gate unless access has been confirmed. Navigation applications can help with general routing but should not be treated as definitive proof that a street is accessible. Each unauthorised entry may result in a separate penalty. Because schedules and temporary traffic measures can change, always check the official Roma Mobilità website shortly before driving into the centre. Can my hotel authorise ZTL access? Some hotels located inside a restricted area may be able to register the vehicle’s licence plate under specific conditions. Contact the hotel before arrival, provide the plate number and ask for explicit confirmation that access has been authorised. A room reservation alone does not guarantee permission to enter the ZTL. If the hotel cannot confirm registration, arrange an alternative meeting point or park outside the restricted area. Can electric and hybrid cars enter the ZTL? Electric or hybrid propulsion does not automatically guarantee unrestricted access. Rome changed parts of its regulations for electric and hydrogen-powered vehicles in July 2026, and registration or other conditions may apply. Hybrid and electric vehicles may qualify for free parking in municipal blue spaces after the licence plate has been correctly registered, but this parking benefit should not be confused with authorisation to enter every ZTL. Where should I park in Rome? For a luxury, sports or exotic car, a private hotel garage or professionally managed indoor car park is generally the safest and most convenient choice. Before arrival, confirm the maximum height, entrance width and ramp angle. These details are particularly important for wide SUVs, long luxury saloons and low supercars. Blue road markings indicate paid parking. Current ordinary municipal tariffs are generally €1.00 per hour outside the ZTL and €1.20 per hour inside it, although the signs displayed beside the parking area always take priority. White spaces may indicate free parking, while yellow spaces are normally reserved for authorised vehicles or specific categories. Rome also has park-and-ride facilities near metro and suburban railway stations. They can be practical for conventional vehicles, but clients travelling in a particularly valuable car may prefer a guarded private garage with controlled access and video surveillance. Do not leave suitcases, shopping bags, documents or valuable objects visible inside the vehicle. If using a hotel valet service, confirm that the hotel is authorised and insured to move the car. Do I need a car to visit central Rome? A car is not necessary for visiting the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Pantheon, Trevi Fountain, Piazza Navona or Spanish Steps. These attractions are better connected through a walking itinerary. The car becomes useful when travelling between airports and hotels, attending events, reaching residential districts or leaving Rome for Tivoli, the Castelli Romani, Lake Bracciano, Ostia Antica or the coast. The most comfortable arrangement is often to park once and continue through the historic centre on foot. When is the best time to drive in Rome? Early mornings, evenings outside restricted hours and weekends can provide calmer conditions, although events and temporary road closures may alter traffic at any time. When leaving the city for a day trip, an early departure helps avoid urban congestion and gives more time at the destination. Can the car be delivered to Rome Airport? Vehicle delivery may be arranged at Rome Fiumicino or Rome Ciampino, subject to availability and logistical conditions. The meeting point, delivery time and identification procedure should be agreed before arrival. Fiumicino is approximately 30 kilometres from central Rome, while Ciampino is closer to the city. Travel time depends heavily on traffic, so additional time should be allowed when returning a vehicle before a flight. Can I collect the car in Rome and return it elsewhere? One-way collection may be possible between Rome and destinations such as Florence, Milan, Naples or other European cities. Availability and logistics costs depend on the exact vehicle, rental dates and final return location.