One of the most asked questions about travelling within Italy is how to get around.
Should we rent a car?
Should we use the train?
While both have their benefits, one comes out on top.
We will start with car rental.
Having a car does give you the independence to a certain degree. A car is a bonus if you have lots of time to wander the countryside.
Travelling around southern Italy, a vehicle is necessary as public transport is less reliable and plentiful than in northern Italy. The same can be said for travel in Sicily.
However, you want to avoid travelling by car to bigger cities (Rome, Florence, Naples, Milan, Venice etc.). You cannot travel within these cities due to ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato, aka Limited Traffic Zone); entering these zones is a big NO-NO, and only authorized, or local personnel are allowed to enter. Furthermore, signage in Italy is difficult to find. It is always placed in a different location. It is rarely at eye level, and even if you spot it, by the time you realize it is too late.
Parking is another issue. There is no parking within the historical centres. You would have to find parking on the outskirts, usually at a cost (of course!) also you need to familiarize yourself with the different coloured parking lines (blue, yellow and white). White is the colour that you want to find.
Rental cars – it pays to know how to drive a manual transmission. You will pay almost double for an automatic transmission!
Whether gas or diesel, fuel is WAY more expensive in Italy; when writing this post, gas is $2.47 per litre. Diesel is $2.61 per litre.
Getting an International driver’s Permit (IDP) would be best. An IDP is a translation of your driver’s license. In the past, you were never asked for it, and many thought having it was unnecessary. However, in recent years, more rental agencies will only release a car after seeing the IDP. Also, if you get pulled over by the polizia (police), they want to see the IDP along with your licence.
This blog is just a small description of what you need to know if renting a vehicle in Italy.
Stay tuned for the next installment on Train Travel.
