Are you planning to visit the splendors of Rome by car? Before you set off into the city with your car, take note of our tips for parking and finding cheap parking in the city of 7 hills.
Ah Rome… Who hasn’t dreamed of wandering the city’s old streets, gazing at the architectural wonders of antiquity while savoring a delicious Italian gelato? With its sun-drenched specialties, its Vatican, its churches and its impressive Colosseum, Rome is a favorite destination for tourists, and at Generation Voyage we understand why.
But if you opt for a car for your vacation in Rome, you should know that it won’t be easy: the city is not known for being the easiest to park in, and finding cheap parking in Rome is a miracle. Fortunately, we’ve come up with a few tips to help you park effortlessly, including ideas for parking in Rome and the city’s traffic rules. After that, Rome will hold no secrets for you, and the dolce vita will be yours!
Parking in Rome: beware of the ZTL!
Photo credit: Flickr – CarSpotter
If you’ve ever visited Italy, you’ve probably heard of the ZTL(Zona a Traffico Limitato). Indeed, « limited traffic zones » can be found in most major Italian cities, becoming a nightmare for tourists looking to get around and park in Rome. The special feature of this zone is that non-residents are forbidden to drive without authorization, or face a fine. In the city center, for example, driving is prohibited from 6.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday, from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturdays and from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.
Entrance to the ZTL zone is signposted. And if you’re tempted to try your luck, we strongly advise against it: the city is riddled with cameras, there are regular checks, and every unregistered license plate carries a hefty fine. However, if your home is within the ZTL, you must apply to the road authorities for a temporary access permit to gain access to your home’s parking lot.
Street parking in Rome
Photo credit: Flickr – Paul Vaarkamp
Generally speaking, parking in the streets of Rome is quite complicated, as vacant spaces are taken over by scooters, and they are few and far between. However, if you’re feeling adventurous, it’s on the ground that you should pay attention, as there are three types of parking spaces in Rome.
– Places with a white line are all the rarer for being completely free. So if you come across one, make the most of it! Be careful, though, as these spaces are often taken over by scooters, who reign supreme in the Eternal City.
– Places with a blue line have to be paid for, generally from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and even until 11 p.m. in the most central areas such as Campo Marzio, Celio, Ludovisi and Trastevere. The cost depends on the area you’re in, but rates will vary between €1.20 per hour in ZTL and €1 outside ZTL.
– Spaces with a yellow line are strictly forbidden, as they are reserved for the disabled, deliveries or politicians.
If you can’t find a place to park in Rome, you can park along the Tiber on Longotevere. Spaces are not free, but you’ll be close to everything. As an added bonus, if you’re lucky enough to find a space near the Orange Garden or the Rose Garden, you’ll enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of the city.
Cheap parking in Rome
Rome has a number of different parking lots. Those in the city center are guarded parking lots with a very limited number of spaces. Their advantage? Their proximity to the city center and the possibility of getting there on foot, such as the Villa Borghese parking lot, the Gianicolo parking lot and the Piazza Cavour parking lot. You’ll pay around €2.20 an hour, but there are also day passes available for between €18 and €25.
To find cheap parking in Rome, you need to leave the heart of the city and park close to public transport. All parking lots are located close to the A and B metro lines or next to bus routes. For 12 hours, you’ll pay between €1.50 and €2, and for 4 hours, between €2.50 and €3. The Anagnina parking lot, located in the east of Rome, is one of them.
Another great value is the Circo Massimo, 15 minutes from the Colosseum. You won’t have to pay anything for this one, as it’s free, but you can be sure that a gem like this in Rome is quickly snapped up…
Main photo credit: Flickr – V i N 1 0 0 _ B