If you are heading to Rome, it’s likely that you’ll find yourself on Via Veneto, one of the most famous streets in Italy, if not the world. The street has featured in countless films including La Dolche Vita and spending time here really is about the ‘good life’. Filled with fine dining restaurants and luxury stores, the iconic street boasts more five-star hotels than anywhere else in Rome.

This elegant, tree-lined street is also home to city landmarks including the US embassy housed in the magnificent Palazzo Margherita.

Via Veneto is on the northern side of central Rome and runs from the Corso D’Italia down to the 16th century Piazza Barberini.

The Avis office at Rome Via Veneto is located close by at 76 Via Sardengna. As well as our on-street rental office we’ve an underground car park on site.

Avis Rome Via Veneto is the perfect location to pick up your rental car in the centre of the city. The closest station to Via Sardegna is Veneto/Sardegna a 1 min walk, while the nearest metro station is Flaminio, a 4min walk away. Rome Termini, the city’s major railway station is a short bus ride away and if you are flying into Rome, Via Sardengna is a train ride of around 50min from Fiumicino international airport.

The Avis Via Veneto office in Via Sardenga is in a residential area within the ancient city walls. If you are exploring the city on foot, Via Veneto is a walk of around 15-min from some of the main sights like the Spanish steps. Our rental location is also close to Barberini Metro stop and there are plenty of buses that will take you to the central areas of historic Rome if you don't want to walk.

If you’re planning a trip to Rome you’ll want to tick off the city’s must-see sites;  marvel at the Colosseum, the amphitheatre which accomodated 65,000 spectators in Roman times, toss a coin in the Trevi fountain, a gesture that is believed to ensure you’ll return to the city, head to the Pantheon, plan a visit to St Peter’s Basilica, home of the pope and of course immerse yourself in renaissance culture in the sumptuously decorated Sistine Chapel.

But away from the famous landmarks, you’ll also want to experience life in Rome – head for cosy districts like Trastavere, across the Tiber, where the narrow streets are filled with colour and you can stop off at a corner away from the tourist centre to snack on delicious pizza and local gelato.

Whether you drive up into the hills or head to the coast, there are plenty of great drives around Rome. One of the best local day trips is to Ostia Antica, the ancient port city of Rome. The 25km trip west along the provincial highway SP8 takes around 30min and you can easily while away a day exploring the excavations at the 100-hectare archaeological park.

Or why not drive 30km east to the beautiful hill town of Frascati through the region known for its vineyards and great food. The cathedral is worth a visit followed by a stroll around the town’s narrow maze of streets filled with cafes and restaurants.

For something completely different, you can drive south to the stunning Amalfi Coast and reach Positano or Ravello in around 3 hours from central Rome.

While Rome can get congested, there is good public transport and most of the major historic sites are within walking distance, the surrounding Lazio region of central Italy has many unmissable sites within easy reach by car. The road network in this part of Italy is good and as well as taking the chance to explore the coastal areas immediately around Rome, renting a car gives you the opportunity for independent travel in what is the historical and geographical heart of Italy.

If you are driving in Italy for the first time, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the road rules before you go. Be aware that Rome and other major cities in the region have sections that are low emissions zones or ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) and there are lower speed limits in some areas.

If you are using the motorways, the national speed limit is 130kph (80mph) and the left hand (fast lane) should only be used for overtaking.

See more on the Italian road rules you need to know.

There are plenty of park and ride options around Rome and in many parts of the city there is also free on-street parking (on white lines) for up to 3 hours. There are also a number of 24hr car parks close to major landmarks including the Colosseum. At busy times of the year, it is recommended that you book your parking space online ahead of your trip.