Where to park in Rome? Guide to parking zones (white, blue, yellow) and cheap car parks

Italy

Rome is bursting with historical, cultural, and culinary treasures. But before you dive headfirst into its iconic monuments, charming piazzas, and world-class museums, there’s a key challenge for drivers to crack: where to park?

It’s one of the biggest dilemmas for those hiring a car in Rome —and even for locals. Luckily, with a bit of planning, finding practical and affordable parking solutions is totally doable. Whether you go for a car park on the city’s outskirts, street parking in residential areas, or an underground spot close to tourist hotspots, Rome’s neighbourhoods have something for everyone.

In this guide, we’re sharing our top tips to help you park like a pro and enjoy your Roman adventure without the hassle. Let’s get started!

What do I need to know about parking in Rome?

Beware of ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones)

Rome’s ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato, or Limited Traffic Zones) are restricted areas aimed at reducing congestion and preserving the city’s historical landmarks. These zones primarily cover the bustling city centre and historic districts, where narrow streets and heavy foot traffic make navigating a car tricky.

A helpful feature of Google Maps is its ability to highlight Rome’s ZTL zones. You can easily view these restricted areas, along with their boundaries, directly on the map, making it simpler to plan your route and avoid fines.

The ZTLs are monitored by cameras that record vehicle number plates as they enter. Only certain vehicles, like those belonging to residents, public transport, taxis, and those with special permits, are allowed access during restricted hours. These hours vary, but they are usually active Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., on Saturdays from 2:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m., and sometimes at night, like Fridays and Saturdays from 11:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

If you’re driving in Rome, pay close attention to ZTL signs and confirm whether you’re eligible to enter. Violations can lead to hefty fines, so it’s often more convenient to park outside these zones and walk to the city centre.

For visitors staying in a hotel within a ZTL, contact the hotel in advance—they may be able to arrange temporary access for your vehicle.

Parking on the street?

Parking in Rome might seem daunting at first, but decoding the colours of the lines on the ground makes it much easier. The city has a well-organised parking system, and knowing how the zones work will help you dodge fines and snag a spot with ease. Here’s your quick guide to Rome’s parking zones:

Blue zone in Rome: paid parking

Paying hours : Typically from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Monday to Saturday (free on Sundays!).

• Top tip : Always double-check nearby signs for specific rates and rules.

White zone in Rome: free parking

Ah, the elusive free parking! These spaces are becoming rare, especially in the city centre. You’ll have better luck finding them on the outskirts—places like Circo Massimo, Garbatella, or residential areas.

• Heads-up : Some white spaces are reserved for residents with permits, so keep an eye on the signs to avoid a ticket.

Yellow zone in Rome: reserved parking

Yellow-lined spaces are strictly reserved for certain users—think public transport, people with reduced mobility, or authorised vehicles like residents and service vehicles. Unless you have the proper permit, steer clear of these zones!

Paid parking in Rome

If you’d rather park close to the city centre and explore Rome on foot, here are some great car park options:

• Saba Villa Borghese : Located at 33 Viale del Galoppatoio, near the Spanish Steps. Central and convenient, with daily rates of around €22. Perfect for Villa Borghese and its gorgeous surroundings!
• Gianicolo car park : Found on Via Urbano VIII 16/C in charming Trastevere. A great choice for discovering one of Rome’s most picturesque neighbourhoods.
• Piazza Cavour car park : Situated in Piazza Cavour, close to Castel Sant’Angelo and the Roman Forum.
• Prati car park : Located at 62 Piazza dell’Unità, close to Vatican City—a handy pick if you’re planning a visit to St. Peter’s Basilica.

These car parks are open 24/7, with hourly rates between €2.30 and €3. Daily rates (for 12 hours) range from €18 to €22—perfect for parking your car and enjoying a full day of Roman adventures. They’re all well-located, so you can easily stroll or hop on public transport to reach Rome’s must-see landmarks.

Hire a car with CarJet and discover every corner of Rome

The best way to experience the wonders of Rome is by renting a car. Forget spending hours comparing car rental deals across Italy —CarJet makes it simple! Hiring a car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, without being tied to public transport schedules or crowded tourist hotspots.

CarJet is your go-to price comparison tool for car rentals. Our real-time search engine helps you find top deals from trusted agencies in just a few clicks. Pick your ideal collection point—whether it’s Fiumicino Airport, Rome Ciampino Airport, Termini Station, or the city centre —and enter your dates to see the most competitive offers. Whether you’re after a compact car, something roomier, electric vehicle, or even luxury, we’ve got options to suit every traveller.

The ultimate perk of renting a car in Rome? Complete freedom of movement. Fancy a road trip to the picturesque Castelli Romani ? Or keen to uncover the ancient ruins of Ostia Antica ?With a rental car, every adventure is within reach.