Train or Car from Rome to Florence?
We are planning to leave Rome on a Saturday in late June to head into Tuscany for a week. Should we rent a car from Rome and drive into Tuscany (we are staying in Greve)? Or should we take a train into Florence and pick up a car there?
Vicki
New Jersey 5/15/08
Send Private Message
Here's what many travelers who write in here are doing: train to Orvieto (75 mins north of Rome), pick up car in Orvieto, do Tuscany starting from Orvieto in the south and working your way slowly north, then return the car at Siena, Florence, or wherever is convenient to where you're going next (flying out or continuing your trip by train). If you return it at Florence, don't drive anywhere in the historic center (big fines). This is not the only way to do what you want to do but is what many are doing in your situation.
I think Kent has a good strategy. Rome can be difficult to drive in. Just getting to the GRA and the Autostrada can be challenging! On a holiday weekend last month, it took us 1 1/2 hours to get out TO the Autostrada from downtown Rome. Traffic out of the city can be daunting!
If you rent a car In Orvieto, you can still stop before Florence at the Prada Outlet right off A-1 (at least that's my wife's strategy!).
Ciao, Ron