Rome charges an overnight levy, the contributo di soggiorno. It is per person and night and depends on the star rating. A family of two adults staying a week in a four-star hotel can easily owe more than 90 euros.
What Rome charges per night
- 5 stars: 10 EUR per person and night
- 4 stars: about 7 EUR (some sources say up to 7.50)
- 3 stars: 6 EUR
- 1 and 2 stars: about 4 EUR
- B&Bs and holiday flats: about 6 EUR (3.50 to 6 depending on type)
The rates rest on a city decision of 17 July 2023, in force since 1 October 2023. It is charged for a maximum of ten consecutive nights in the same property. Children up to and including age 10 are exempt. You normally pay at the front desk; some booking sites show it in the invoice already. Check the booking notes.
Fiumicino airport to the centre
- Leonardo Express: 14 EUR per person, non-stop to Termini station in about 32 minutes.
- Taxi: fixed fare of 55 EUR to anywhere inside the Aurelian Walls, luggage and surcharges included.
- Regional train: cheaper than the Express, but it stops more often and does not reach every part of the centre.
For three or four people the taxi works out cheaper per head than the train. For two, the train wins.
Car hire in Rome
You do not need a car in the city. Rome has limited traffic zones (ZTL) that you may not enter without a permit. Drivers who do get a fine weeks later, usually 80 to 300 EUR, often 100 EUR in Rome. The rental company passes the notice on and often adds a 40 to 50 EUR handling fee. If you want a car for day trips, pick it up at the airport or on the outskirts.