Driving in Italy

Ron Burgundy II

Heading off to Italy for 10 days in September with the girlfriend. Going to do a bit of driving (rental) around the south of Italy (Rome to Sicily aprox) Just asking people who have driven over their of the experience and what to expect.

Also as I have ye big or small car for the travels? Its a good bit away so thinking of treating myself to a nice car.

I look forward to reading your advice.

Regards
Ron

tossy

They are mental! Not the worst in Europe though and probably not really much worse than us.

If it's not your first time driving on the opposite side of the road then remind yourself alot,say it out loud as you sit into the car and exit petrol stations/supermarkets etc. if you are renting it's not so bad as you are sitting on the wrong side of the car to start with,you will press the electric windows alot looking for the handbrake though and you will reach back between the 2 front seats looking for your seat belt

Again if you are renting fork out a little extra for a bigger saloon car like an alfa 159 etc the entry level cars tend to be little italian sardine cans no fun and not very confidence inspiring.

TwoShedsJackson

Drive on the right

It can be pretty hectic at times, take care on smaller roads as they tend not to slow down much, and passing places can be rare (much the same as here really).

You will almost never be let out of a side road via someone's courtesy, just bully your way out as you'll be left there for ages otherwise.

colm_c

Don't drive in Rome itself if you can help it, complete lunacy on the roads over there. Drove from Dublin to Rome (and back) about two years ago on my bike. Rome was by far the craziest place to drive.

Outside of Rome it's really nice driving in Italy IMO, especially along any of the costal routes.

Mc Love

Was over in Rome, didnt do any driving as was based in the city centre. They dont allow foreigners to drive apparently in Rome. Could be the same for other major cities.

WHen you get over there, try and spot the cars that dont.....dont have any dents or scrapes, because nearly every car has been involved in some sort of collision, they are complete psycho's over there!

JazzyJ

Yeah Rome is mental. Have only driven there from the airport and they like their speed and tailgating. Just take it handy in the driving lane and you'll be grand - though be prepared for getting into tight spaces when merging/changing lanes. Once you get out into the open countryside its fine.

If you end up in mountain areas look out on blind corners for having cars coming in the opposite direction a couple of feet over your side of the road. :eek: How there aren't more crashes there is beyond me.

Ron Burgundy II

Plan on getting the car after a few days looking around Rome. Don't plan on driving in Rome, as long as the sat nav keeps me going in the right direction.

I have driven on the wrong side of the road, spent two weeks driving from San Fran to San Diego. Had a few oh s**t moments when at night forgot what side to drive on.

Thanks for all your replies much appreciated keep them coming.

tossy

Mc Love wrote: »

Was over in Rome, didnt do any driving as was based in the city centre. They dont allow foreigners to drive apparently in Rome. Could be the same for other major cities.

Who told you that? I drove in Rome,its like any major city - a pain in the hole,my only ever road rage incident was in rome NOTE: don't give drivers the 2 thumbs up depending on where they are from in Italy itt can be the same as giving them the fingers

JazzyJ

tossy wrote: »

Who told you that? I drove in Rome,its like any major city - a pain in the hole,my only ever road rage incident was in rome NOTE: don't give drivers the 2 thumbs up depending on where they are from in Italy itt can be the same as giving them the fingers

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/654/98894/ZTL

Same in a bunch of other cities, e.g. Florence.

tossy

JazzyJ wrote: »

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/654/98894/ZTL

Same in a bunch of other cities, e.g. Florence.

What a con,sounds like the ultimate tourist trap to me,i didn't notice any of them and never received any letters.Interesting how the rental companies in ROME neglect to tell you about these also.

JazzyJ

I guess its similar to the congestion charge in London.

beazee

1. Rented Fiat 500 for a few days. Pretty nippy alright. Size matters when you're into a city.
2. Finding parking space requires some parking skills and the smallest car size available.
3. Remember passenger sits to the offside.
4. Be very wary of Restricted Traffic Areas (Zona Traffico Limitato), they'll shot you on the camera and send the bill to your name on Irish address, rental company will charge administrative fee on top for letting them know what your address is.

SunDog

Looks scary and confusing but like any where, once you get used to it there is a system(of sorts).
The further south you'll go the more chaotic it will be but worth it.
Sicilians for me are great people.
Maybe detour some areas of Napoli.

Mc Love

JazzyJ wrote: »

http://www.lonelyplanet.com/travelblogs/654/98894/ZTL

Same in a bunch of other cities, e.g. Florence.

Thanks for posting that - was just about to

MrDerp

Buy the extra collision damage waiver.

When parallel parking in towns and cities on a flat, don't leave the parking brake on, you're more likely to have a damaged bumper on your rental if you do. Italians will make room when parking their cars, by bumping their way in. Neutral and steady with no brake is the way to go.

As a result of this insanity, be prepared to find yourself bumper to bumper when you return. Test the cars on either side of you to ensure that their parking brakes are off, as yours should have been, then bump your way out, being ever watchful for lunatic scooter drivers coming out of nowhere while you're pulling out.

Also, lanes are meaningless. When driving, expect imaginary lanes to open to your left and right. If you're turning right, be well well right on the road. If you're turning left, be well well left. Don't bother trying to straddle the middle, they WILL go around you.

H3llR4iser

Let's make some clarity: a "ZTL" is "Zona a Traffico Limitato" (Limited Traffic Area); It doesn't mean foreigners can't drive there - it means nobody can drive there except people that happen to live in the very street. In other words, somebody that lives in the other side of Rome can't drive in a ZTL just the same as any of you. The real issue with the ZTLs is that they are very poorly indicated, if you don't know where they are chances are that, months later, an hefty fine will find your way.

Try to avoid driving in the big cities (in your case, Rome and Naples) mostly because indications are not great, there are often roadworks forcing detours that will drive your GPS mental (e.g. a one way alley temporarily used as a two way backup) and, most importantly, parking is a real issue: depending on the time of the day, you might end up circling HOURS before finding a spot and, when you find it, you'll have to look around for the "pay and display" tickets (usually called "grattini" by the locals).

The countryside and, more so, the coastal roads are very scenic routes; Just be aware that some of them might suffer from poor maintenance. The motorways, down until Naples, are excellent if a bit pricey - last time I drove the A1 from Rome to Naples, it came at about 11 Euro. Further south of Naples, the A3 motorway to Reggio Calabria (the very toe of the "boot") is free but...well, let's say its conditions are the reason it's free. It passes near Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii, Ercolaneum, Amalfi, Sorrento and all the places you'll definitely want to see 'though

On any road, be EXTREMELY aware of speed cameras: they are everywhere, motorways and state dual carriageways have an electronic AVERAGE speed monitoring system in place; The system is called TUTOR on motorways and VERGILIUS on state roads, you will see both fixed and electronic signs stating "Sistema TUTOR/VERGILIUS per il controllo della velocita' media". They work by tracking you along your entire journey; if your average speed exceeds the speed limit between any two points, you'll be fine...and fines can be unreal, up to and in excess of 300 euro.
On town/country roads, be aware of both fixed and mobile cameras.

As for the other drivers, it's a bit of a complex matter, I'll try to summarize:

PROS:

- the average driver is more experienced and skilled in the basics of car control than what you see in Ireland; Many Italians have very long commutes (1hr+) to work every day, drive everywhere when off work and do a lot more motorway driving than the average Irish driver;

- Most drivers have a "common sense" interpretation of the rules of the road: if a situation is potentially dangerous, they'll take actions to avoid it, as opposed to the Irish "I have right of way so I won't bother braking" approach; This is mostly due to insurance companies refusing to pay compensations on a regular basis

- Most drivers drive quite fast and are very swift overtakers, therefore you won't be stuck behind slow traffic; Unless you are unlucky enough to encounter a tractor on the road;

- Indications on the motorways are quite good, with the directions and locations each exit leads to written 1 km, 500m, 250m before and at the very exit; Contrary to Ireland where you have them on a panel somewhere, and have to remember a number;


CONS:

- Patience is not a virtue found in Italians, nevermind behind the wheel: be slow, tentative or indecisive, and you'll be eaten alive with other drivers honking and buzzing past you everywhere;

- Similarly, expect to be flashed a lot on the motorway, especially if you are on the overtaking lane; Also, some drivers (ehrm...usually driving German cars...) love to approach to within 2-3 meters from your rear bumper in order to try and "scare" you out of their way;

- Mopeds...there are too many of them. If you drive in a city, be ready to be constantly moving in a swarm of them, with the riders acting irrationally, erratically and abruptly (it is legal to drive a moped at 14 in Italy, so beware!);

- Smart cars: although they are fully fledged cars and you need a B license to drive one, their drivers often think they're on a bike. Be ready to take evasive action when you see one...and there are quite a few;

- In the "pros" I mentioned a certain "common sense" approach to the rules of the road; The same will be expected of you: never bomb through a green light or on a junction where you have right of way, always be careful and pay attention, there WILL be the odd driver that decides to chance his/her luck on the other side;

- Trams, they always have right of way. And they're very heavy and hard, you know;

- Indications outside of the motorways are unreliable; GPS is your friend in this case;

- EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED;

THINGS TO KNOW:

- Indication colors are GREEN for Motorways, BLUE for State roads and WHITE for urban roads; Contrary to Ireland, UK and most continental EU where blue indicates motorway and green a state road;

- Normal speed limits:

• 130 km/h for Motorways;
  
• 110 km/h for main State roads(most often dual carriageways that look like a motorway but have blue signaling);
  
• 90 km/h for secondary State roads(most often single carriage);
• 50 km/h in build-up areas;
  

- FAST FLASHING HEADLIGHTS MEAN "HOLD STILL" or "LET ME THROUGH", slow flashing usually means "I SAW YOU, GO AHEAD";



- Main motorways feature frequent stopping areas, most often made up of a refueling station, a cafe'/restaurant and toilets; when approaching the last service area for a while, you'll see that the indication at the side of the road also reports "prossima area di servizio tra XY KM" ("next service area in XY km");



- When stopping at a motorway service area, always lock your vehicle and do not leave any personal belongings unattended, nor anything valuable clearly visible in the car: there has been petty thievery happening regularly;



SUGGESTIONS


- If possible, avoid traveling in the early hours of the morning (up until 9.30 am) and between 17.30 and 18.30 - those are the peak hours and traffic, especially around built up areas, can grind to a standstill;



- When traveling on motorways, you can go up to 136 KM/h; The TUTOR system is actually set do detect speeds from 137 KM/h and above


- As somebody suggested, rent a bigger car if you can: Italian drivers do measure up a lot on the car you drive; Approach a junction with a small citycar and you can expect to be sort of bullied into waiting. An Alfa 159 would make an excellent choice, first because it's big, bulky and pricey to repair (yep, they do think about their insurance premium), but most importantly because it's also the mainstay of the Italian Police forces, most drivers kind of fear it might be an undercover squad car when they see one and behave themselves


I went on quite long, but I hope this might be of help.



Source: Born and grew up in Italy until four years ago

Ron Burgundy II

H3llR4iser wrote: »

Let's make some clarity: a "ZTL" is "Zona a Traffico Limitato" (Limited Traffic Area); It doesn't mean foreigners can't drive there - it means nobody can drive there except people that happen to live in the very street. In other words, somebody that lives in the other side of Rome can't drive in a ZTL just the same as any of you. The real issue with the ZTLs is that they are very poorly indicated, if you don't know where they are chances are that, months later, an hefty fine will find your way.

Try to avoid driving in the big cities (in your case, Rome and Naples) mostly because indications are not great, there are often roadworks forcing detours that will drive your GPS mental (e.g. a one way alley temporarily used as a two way backup) and, most importantly, parking is a real issue: depending on the time of the day, you might end up circling HOURS before finding a spot and, when you find it, you'll have to look around for the "pay and display" tickets (usually called "grattini" by the locals).

The countryside and, more so, the coastal roads are very scenic routes; Just be aware that some of them might suffer from poor maintenance. The motorways, down until Naples, are excellent if a bit pricey - last time I drove the A1 from Rome to Naples, it came at about 11 Euro. Further south of Naples, the A3 motorway to Reggio Calabria (the very toe of the "boot") is free but...well, let's say its conditions are the reason it's free. It passes near Mt. Vesuvius, Pompeii, Ercolaneum, Amalfi, Sorrento and all the places you'll definitely want to see 'though

On any road, be EXTREMELY aware of speed cameras: they are everywhere, motorways and state dual carriageways have an electronic AVERAGE speed monitoring system in place; The system is called TUTOR on motorways and VERGILIUS on state roads, you will see both fixed and electronic signs stating "Sistema TUTOR/VERGILIUS per il controllo della velocita' media". They work by tracking you along your entire journey; if your average speed exceeds the speed limit between any two points, you'll be fine...and fines can be unreal, up to and in excess of 300 euro.
On town/country roads, be aware of both fixed and mobile cameras.

As for the other drivers, it's a bit of a complex matter, I'll try to summarize:

PROS:

- the average driver is more experienced and skilled in the basics of car control than what you see in Ireland; Many Italians have very long commutes (1hr+) to work every day, drive everywhere when off work and do a lot more motorway driving than the average Irish driver;

- Most drivers have a "common sense" interpretation of the rules of the road: if a situation is potentially dangerous, they'll take actions to avoid it, as opposed to the Irish "I have right of way so I won't bother braking" approach; This is mostly due to insurance companies refusing to pay compensations on a regular basis

- Most drivers drive quite fast and are very swift overtakers, therefore you won't be stuck behind slow traffic; Unless you are unlucky enough to encounter a tractor on the road;

- Indications on the motorways are quite good, with the directions and locations each exit leads to written 1 km, 500m, 250m before and at the very exit; Contrary to Ireland where you have them on a panel somewhere, and have to remember a number;


CONS:

- Patience is not a virtue found in Italians, nevermind behind the wheel: be slow, tentative or indecisive, and you'll be eaten alive with other drivers honking and buzzing past you everywhere;

- Similarly, expect to be flashed a lot on the motorway, especially if you are on the overtaking lane; Also, some drivers (ehrm...usually driving German cars...) love to approach to within 2-3 meters from your rear bumper in order to try and "scare" you out of their way;

- Mopeds...there are too many of them. If you drive in a city, be ready to be constantly moving in a swarm of them, with the riders acting irrationally, erratically and abruptly (it is legal to drive a moped at 14 in Italy, so beware!);

- Smart cars: although they are fully fledged cars and you need a B license to drive one, their drivers often think they're on a bike. Be ready to take evasive action when you see one...and there are quite a few;

- In the "pros" I mentioned a certain "common sense" approach to the rules of the road; The same will be expected of you: never bomb through a green light or on a junction where you have right of way, always be careful and pay attention, there WILL be the odd driver that decides to chance his/her luck on the other side;

- Trams, they always have right of way. And they're very heavy and hard, you know;

- Indications outside of the motorways are unreliable; GPS is your friend in this case;

- EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED;

THINGS TO KNOW:

- Indication colors are GREEN for Motorways, BLUE for State roads and WHITE for urban roads; Contrary to Ireland, UK and most continental EU where blue indicates motorway and green a state road;

- Normal speed limits:

• 130 km/h for Motorways;
  
• 110 km/h for main State roads(most often dual carriageways that look like a motorway but have blue signaling);
  
• 90 km/h for secondary State roads(most often single carriage);
• 50 km/h in build-up areas;
  

- FAST FLASHING HEADLIGHTS MEAN "HOLD STILL" or "LET ME THROUGH", slow flashing usually means "I SAW YOU, GO AHEAD";



- Main motorways feature frequent stopping areas, most often made up of a refueling station, a cafe'/restaurant and toilets; when approaching the last service area for a while, you'll see that the indication at the side of the road also reports "prossima area di servizio tra XY KM" ("next service area in XY km");



- When stopping at a motorway service area, always lock your vehicle and do not leave any personal belongings unattended, nor anything valuable clearly visible in the car: there has been petty thievery happening regularly;



SUGGESTIONS


- If possible, avoid traveling in the early hours of the morning (up until 9.30 am) and between 17.30 and 18.30 - those are the peak hours and traffic, especially around built up areas, can grind to a standstill;



- When traveling on motorways, you can go up to 136 KM/h; The TUTOR system is actually set do detect speeds from 137 KM/h and above


- As somebody suggested, rent a bigger car if you can: Italian drivers do measure up a lot on the car you drive; Approach a junction with a small citycar and you can expect to be sort of bullied into waiting. An Alfa 159 would make an excellent choice, first because it's big, bulky and pricey to repair (yep, they do think about their insurance premium), but most importantly because it's also the mainstay of the Italian Police forces, most drivers kind of fear it might be an undercover squad car when they see one and behave themselves


I went on quite long, but I hope this might be of help.



Source: Born and grew up in Italy until four years ago

Thanks a million that was a great write up. The rental companies don't seem to have any Alfa's on offer, well they might have some under the "or similar" bracket.
I will as best as possible try to avoid driving in the big cities. I hope my sat nav will help me with this.

Any recommendations on places to visit?

SunDog

Excellent post H3llR4iser

Fozzie Bear

I've driven several times in Italy OP and will be again in May for a week. Lake Garda region, Bergamo, Rome city (which I found to be OK?!?) and its surrounds, Naples and the Amalfi coast. Meh you get the good and the bad just like anywhere else. As others have said they can be fairly mental sometimes but the vast vast majority of drivers are "normal". You even get dodery ould ones chugging along at 40mph holding up half of Italy behind them. Not everyone is a Ferrari driving speed demon over there.

Once you have your head screwed on and keep your wits you will be grand. Don't let the horror stories put you off or make you nervous in any way. After a day or so driving you will be in the groove and even enjoy it! I loved driving over there once I got over my initial nerves. Had one or two close scrapes and been over taken on blind corners, hills and dips by the local lunatics but you get the same breeds of a$$hole here too. Mkae sure you have a good satnav and a good navigator in the passenger seat keeping on eye out for signs and turns. I am focused on the road and other drivers so the missus helps out with directions and up coming turn off.

Enjoy the hols!

H3llR4iser

Ron Burgundy II wrote: »

Any recommendations on places to visit?

Eh eh...plenty, actually. I didn't fully understand if you plan on visiting Rome and/or Naples (and in case, as discussed, use the underground!); The area around Rome is full of historical buildings and artifacts - it's not rare to be driving along an ancient, Empire-era waterway.

From Rome, you might want to visit the some of the "Castelli Romani" towns:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castelli_Romani
If you like pork, Ariccia is the place to go and try the local "porchetta"!

Still in Lazio, roughly halfway between Rome and Naples there's a town called Cassino, with an Abbey worth visiting - a lot of WWII history around the area too:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Monte_Cassino

A bit further south, along the coast, you'll find Gaeta and Formia - you'll be there in September, so it will still be hot...perhaps you'll fancy the beach! Wear SPF 50, however, the sun hits VERY hard down there!

Crossing the border with Campania,the first stop might be the Royal Palace of Caserta - a often overlooked, but grandiose royal residence built by the Bourbon kings of Naples:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Palace_of_Caserta

Foodwise, while in the Naples area you want to try pizza - the real deal. It's different from anywhere else, including anywhere in Italy, as it was the place where it was invented.

South of Naples, there's a host of amenities: Mt. Vesuvius (believe me, you can't miss it if you tried ), the ancient Roman ruins of Pompeii and Herculaneum :

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pompeii
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herculaneum

Sorrento:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sorrento

The Amalfi coast:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amalfi_Coast


Seriously, this is getting long
I am not very knowledgeable about Sicily... I know about the "Temples Valley"; You are probably better off getting a guide book for the isle

niloc1951

Having driven in Italy and in particular south of Rome in my opinion THIS PUBLICATION would be considered a work of fiction or only for wimps

Also, sometimes slip roads do not have a merging lane, what we are used to as a merging lane may in fact be lane 1 :eek: so be on the look out for yield or stop signs at the point where the slip meets the main carriageway.

gyppo

H3llR4iser wrote: »

One of the best and most informative posts I've ever read on Boards.
It's a pity you didn't post this about 10 years ago, when I first started going to Italy!

OP, If you want to enjoy your holiday, don't bring your car into any major city in Italy, as it's hassle.
You have to worry about mopeds, ZTL's, parking, parking damage and the hassle that brings, and theft as you go south around Naples.

Park somewhere on the outskirts and use public transport.

ardmacha

Plan on getting the car after a few days looking around Rome. Don't plan on driving in Rome, as long as the sat nav keeps me going in the right direction.

I have driven on the wrong side of the road, spent two weeks driving from San Fran to San Diego

In California you pretty much need a car, but driving is easy. In Italy a car is good if you are going to see small villages, drive in countryside, but a liability in a town of any size. Italian car hire is relatively expensice, as is petrol, so if you are planning to spend a significant amount of time in Rome, Naples etc I'd look at the number of days you have the car and ensure that you are using it. There is little point in driving non stop on the autostrada from Rome to Naples and then parking up for several days, you might as well go on the train. Driving is noticeably more erratic in the south than in the north, even Italians stay clear of Naples, but the like of the coast road on the Amalfi peninsule is a nice drive.

mfceiling

I posted this a couple of years ago - hope it helps:D



Driving in Europe


Lads just home from a fortnight in italy and i thought i'd share a few tips on driving abroad to help anyone else doing it this year.

1 - Stay in the inside lane when on the motorway...it's not ireland....there will always be someone who will be driving faster than your top speed.

2 - Roundabouts...don't worry about these as most continental drivers don't understand them either.

3 - Indicators....optional

4 - Parking...you know the boards thread of obnoxious parking.....most of that is considered fine.

5 - Air Con...your missus won't understand when you get back into a baking car that the air con on full blast with the window down is a waste of time. Don't waste time explaining this to her.

6 - Park in underground car parks if you can...the sun can't bring the internal temp in the car to 300 degrees.

7 - Bring a few cds - continental radio stations are sh*t.

8 - Foreign women can be stunning....more so when they throw their leg over a scooter when wearing a mini skirt. It is vitally important your missus does not see you noticing this......mirrored sunglasses are a must.

9 - Motorway service stations do great coffee....for a euro....are you listening petrol stations in ireland.

10 - Drive on the right

keithclancy

mfceiling wrote: »

9 - Motorway service stations do great coffee....for a euro....are you listening petrol stations in Ireland.

Ah here ... some are ok like .. but the majority are bloody rank, it usually is around 1 - 1.50 for a coffee (Unless its part of a franchise)

The coffee in Irish stations is a rip, but at least usually there's some sort of a shop attached to it with a deli counter.

MacGyver007

When on holidays in Italy a few years back we hired an automatic, the rationale being that there were enough things to worry about with being on the other side of the road without using the right hand to change gears. It was a bit extra but well worth it; just sit in, put it in 'D' and off you go!

Ron Burgundy II

Was thinking of getting an automatic would make life a little easier.
Won't be spending more than a day in Naples, want to try and get to see as much of southern Italy as possible without killing my self in the process.
Again thanks for all the tips and advice much appreciated.

Ron Burgundy II

As a matter of interest the people who have rented a car in Italy who did you rent with.

ted1

Remember to beep your horn every opportunity you get, it'll help you blend in with the locals

Wanaknowmore

I have hired cars from www.autoeurope.ie and directly from Avis/Hertz, depends on the cheapest offer at time of booking.
There has been some very good driving advice but i found one thing about car size and that is it can be a nightmare to park a bigger car when visiting smaller towns/villages.
I got upgraded to a mondeo estate once and it was great driving too/from the airport and on longer motorway runs but an absolute nightmare to park.

Dont worry about the driving and enjoy your time there as its a great country to visit.

Swampy

Don't get a small engined car if doing a lot of motorway travel. It will eat through petrol at motorway speed. Get a mid level diesel 1.5 or 1.6 or better.

mfceiling

keithclancy wrote: »

Ah here ... some are ok like .. but the majority are bloody rank, it usually is around 1 - 1.50 for a coffee (Unless its part of a franchise)

The coffee in Irish stations is a rip, but at least usually there's some sort of a shop attached to it with a deli counter.

A lot of the stations do great coffee....i've been there a good few times now and the coffee has always been very decent...one in particular was a huge motorway one with a load of truckers having a breakfast - we piled in and there was a proper barista doing lovely coffees and fresh pastries...heaven

Roanmore

TwoShedsJackson wrote: »

You will almost never be let out of a side road via someone's courtesy, just bully your way out as you'll be left there for ages otherwise.

This.

I worked near Pescara for a few weeks going back years ago. I use to come down a hill from the hotel and stop at a junction. I needed to turn left to get over to the other side of the road. The first couple of mornings I was left waiting but after that decided to force my way out, it was amazing how traffic on both sides stopped.

ordinaryfella

On ramps to motorways can be very interesting. Very little space until you meet a crash barrier so be prepared to merge asap!
Also they tend to straddle the middle of the road to overtake when there is oncoming traffic. Motorways are very nice though and the roads up north are beautiful.

2rkehij30qtza5

I have done this same trip many, many times op.

We own a car overthere that we leave in a place in either Ciampiano outside Rome and drive down or we leave it near Naples airport if we are flying in/out of there.

The Italians are crazy drivers. They drive fast and veer in and out of lanes, oftentimes not using indicators.

However, if you stick mainly to the slow lanes until you get used to their ways you will be fine. The motorways are fantastic. You would be down the south from Rome in maybe 4-5 hours.

The scariest part of the trip will be getting to grips with the way the Italians drive and getting out of Rome. Get a good GPS and map. The roads are fairly well signposted anyway.

You will settle into the driving in no time. It just takes a little time to get used to it, that's all. Their roads are great. Go off-motorway to the villages along the way for lunch/dinner...it'll be cheap and top notch food.

Enjoy your trip. Having the car will give you great freedom to explore.

keithclancy

mfceiling wrote: »

A lot of the stations do great coffee....i've been there a good few times now and the coffee has always been very decent...one in particular was a huge motorway one with a load of truckers having a breakfast - we piled in and there was a proper barista doing lovely coffees and fresh pastries...heaven

In Italy yeh ... mostly ... but i've stopped at some on the Continent that could only be described as 'rape stations'

eljono

This thread couldn't have come at a better time, heading to Italy on Thursday and renting a Clio (or similar). Thanks for the info H3llR4iser, though I kind of wish now I'd plumped for a bigger car, like a 159...

Once had an Italian taxi driver take me from a rural area outside Rome to Da Vinci airport and I asked him to press on as I was short on time. The guy drove like he'd stolen the car over small, windy back roads. We made it in one piece, but I think I got my first grey hairs that day.

2rkehij30qtza5

The car I drive is a fiat punto in Italy. I don't believe you need a bigger car to do the journey. Their roads are great.

R.O.R

I drove from Florence to Riva Del Garda, then eventually up to Venice (Airport, roads aren't the best in the city). Motorway is fine - like anywhere else in the world once you get used to being on the wrong side. Just don't stay in the outside lane like some folk do in Ireland.

We initially flew in to Naples. I stared at the floor in the taxi between the airport and the hotel. Lane markings? Not sure what they are for. This 3 lane road is well able to fit 5 lanes of traffic on. Turning right? Sure, I can do that from the very left hand lane - everyone else will make room for me.

I believe (from the Italians I used to work with) that it just gets crazier the further south you are going - perhaps why I was OK heading north from Firenze.

Having been in Naples, I wouldn't recommend driving there (to be honest, it's not a great spot to stop). Too much mental ness going on, on the roads.

Marcusm

keithclancy wrote: »

In Italy yeh ... mostly ... but i've stopped at some on the Continent that could only be described as 'rape stations'

If that's your view, I wouldn't stop at any on your trip in New Jersey......

Marcusm

Beau Muscular Supermarket wrote: »

The car I drive is a fiat punto in Italy. I don't believe you need a bigger car to do the journey. Their roads are great.

My first trip to Italy was with a friend who'd just been through a bad break up. I did the planning but couldn't drive. I'd ordered a Punto which we picked up on our 3rd day heading from Bologna to Florence. 16kms down the motorway all I got was bitching about how it had no poke etc etc. I noticed the ! sign on the instrument panel and suggested she might want to fully release the handbrake. When I tell this story in the pub it ends with the car taking off like a rocket. In reality, it did move faster afterwards but not that much... THese days I do the driving. PErversely, I find it easier to drive ont he continent in my own (right hand drive car) as it makes me remember that I'm somewhere strange.

keithclancy

Marcusm wrote: »

If that's your view, I wouldn't stop at any on your trip in New Jersey......

I'll be alright ... don't really fancy Americano anyway .. more of a Coffee Verkeerd man myself

In general though I like the Irish stations, not really on the motorway but at least have a bloody spa or a centra.

Most of the Dutch ARAL, Shell, Esso, De Haan only have shítty shop selling chocolate, crappy hot snacks, coffee in bulk, porn mags and random halfordesque crap.

Then again if you only drive the transit routes theres fairly decent stops (.e.g A67 toward Venlo)

German ones are generally ok with a decent eating place attached.

Belgian ones are either really good or downright awful.

France there are places you just do not stop at night. A mate of mine drove back to the UK last year, ended up tearing out of a petrol station with two lads hanging off the bonnet and a smashed in back window.

Ron Burgundy II

Thanks everyone for your replies. All very helpful.

Fozzie Bear

Ron Burgundy II wrote: »

As a matter of interest the people who have rented a car in Italy who did you rent with.

I find Europacar to be cheapest so far. Used Hertz once up North but the last few times into Fiumicino and Ciampino and also Naples I went with Europa. Even got a free upgrade to a BMW on one trip! Of course it depends on time of year and length of hire etc.

I usually go for a mid range car too like a Focus/Golf just for comfort with bags etc and a little bit of poke for motorway driving. We had a Corsa years ago on hols and we could not fit all our bags into the boot nor cover them over either. Constant worry that someone would put a rock through the window and grab one of them in a car park or on the street.

MacGyver007

Ron Burgundy II wrote: »

As a matter of interest the people who have rented a car in Italy who did you rent with.

We went with www.economycarhire.com. They were cheaper than going directly through the main companies.

H3llR4iser

eljono wrote: »

This thread couldn't have come at a better time, heading to Italy on Thursday and renting a Clio (or similar). Thanks for the info H3llR4iser, though I kind of wish now I'd plumped for a bigger car, like a 159...

Once had an Italian taxi driver take me from a rural area outside Rome to Da Vinci airport and I asked him to press on as I was short on time. The guy drove like he'd stolen the car over small, windy back roads. We made it in one piece, but I think I got my first grey hairs that day.

Lol, taxi drivers to the Da Vinci airport can be...let's say entertaining. Years ago (2008ish or something) there were no speed cameras nor average speed checking systems installed yet on the Rome-Fiumicino stretch of the motorway and it wasn't rare to see taxis bombing along at 200+ kph...many people seem to leave until the last possible moment to hit the road to catch their flight.

keithclancy

MacGyver007 wrote: »

We went with www.economycarhire.com. They were cheaper than going directly through the main companies.

I've found
http://www.travelsupermarket.com/c/cheap-car-hire/
To be very good, nice that it compares all the websites (even though its in GBP) and you can just set a General area such as a City and then see the Cheapest on a map.

Once you find a cheap/good one just go there directly and book it

Nomally with the brokers (Carhire3000, Autoeurope, Cartrawler, Billig Autovermiertung) your forced to pick a particular pickup point and then have to fart around going back and forth to find the cheapest one.

Cerco

Watch out for the overhead traffic lights! You can easily miss them on quiet roads.

Last time I took a taxi there the driver had a dvd player in the dash and watched cartoons driving the short journey from Pisa airport to the hotel.