Riding a Rental Motorcycle in Rome

If you plan on taking a trip to Italy, there is absolutely no way you can skip over Rome. Arguably the most historically impactful city in the world, Rome is filled to the brim with incredible sites such as the Colosseum and the Pantheon, while also playing host to a wide range of modern comforts. You can go shopping for some of the world’s premier fashion brands in the morning, and then wear your new clothes as you explore a structure that’s thousands of years old in the afternoon. There are also some beautiful parks to wander through, concerts and events every day of the week, and the simple joy of observing the city life as you make your way through Rome’s cobblestone streets. With so much to see and do in Rome, it’s difficult to really feel like you’ve even scratched the surface of what the city has to offer in just a few days. However, if you choose to rent a motorcycle while in Rome, you can significantly cut down your travel time between destinations in the city, and jam-pack your days with incredible sights and activities. Plus, riding a motorcycle is a ton of fun. So if you want to traverse the roads of Rome on a motorcycle and really maximize your time in this historic city, keep reading. Here’s everything you need to know about riding a rental motorcycle in Rome.

Can you rent a motorcycle in Rome, Italy?

You can absolutely rent a motorcycle in Rome. Motorcycles are popular among Italian locals, so you can probably rent one directly from an owner. Or if you’d prefer to work with a business, there are plenty of rental companies around the city that have a wide range of motorcycles for you to choose from. In terms of what you will need to drive legally, Italian law requires that you have an International Driving Permit to operate a motor vehicle within the country. If you don’t get an IDP before venturing to Italy, you will probably still be able to rent a motorcycle; however, you run the risk of getting fined if you’re caught by police riding a motorcycle without one. So it’s probably better to eliminate this risk and apply for your IDP before you hop on a plane to Italy. The process is super easy. Simply download the application from AAA, bring it to the AAA office with two original passport photos and your state driver’s license, pay a $20 fee, and you’re good to go! Once you have your IDP, you’re ready to roll around the streets of Rome stress-free! Motorcycle rentals in Italy aren’t especially cheap compared to other countries, but if you want to get the most out of your Italian adventure, driving a motorcycle is the best way to do it!

What are the best motorcycle rental companies in Rome, Italy? 

All around Rome, there are hundreds of places that will rent you a motorcycle. If you're a motorcycle enthusiast and you aren’t just looking for any bike, at Riderly we have a huge selection of motorcycles from brands like BMW, Harley Davidson, Ducati, Moto Guzzi, and more, that you’ll definitely find the right ride for you. And their prices are some of the best in all of Rome! Here are just some of their selections and their applicable rates: 

• BMW G310GS - €60 per day
• BMW F800R - €85 per day
• Ducati Monster 797 - €95 per day 
• Ducati SuperSport - €105 per day 
• Moto Guzzi V7 - €85 per day 
• Moto Guzzi California - €140 per day 
• Harley Davidson Street Glide - €140 per day
• Harley Davidson Ultra Limited - €140 per day

There's a wide range of powerful bikes that can fit pretty much any budget. And the daily rate goes way down if you rent the bike for multiple days. If you don’t think you need all that power and would prefer something a little more tame, we also offer rental Vespas starting at €65 per day.  

What are some things to do in Rome in 3 days? 

So now that you have a rented motorcycle, you’re ready to take to the streets and start exploring. But with all of the incredible things to see and do in the Italian capital city of Rome, how do you know where to start? Here’s just some suggestions for a 3-day itinerary in Rome: 

Day 1:

• Take a trip over to the Roman Forum. This area of the city is brimming with historical sites, including Trajan’s markets which was the ancient Roman equivalent of a multi-level shopping mall. 
• Visit the Roman Colosseum. You can take a tour of the inside and get all of the history of this incredible structure, or you can simply admire it from the outside. Seriously, you can’t go to Rome and not visit the Colosseum.
• Catch the sunset from Palatine Hill. Get yourself some meats and cheeses and a bottle of wine from the local market, and climb up this historic hill to enjoy the sunset. You’ll be sitting in the same spot as the likes of Julius Caesar and other prominent Roman figures.  

Day 2: 

• Get lost in the Vatican City and find your way to St. Peter’s Basilica. This is arguably the most famous church in the world and a true architectural wonder. Even if you're not the least bit religious, this part of the city is definitely worth exploring.
• Check out Castel Sant’Angelo. This two thousand-year-old castle is situated right on the banks of the river Tiber and was originally built as the resting place for Roman emperor Hadrian. It’s open to the public and you can climb up and catch some views of the city. 
• Take a short ride down the river to the Piazza del Popolo. This was originally the location of the northern gates of Rome, and the ancient obelisk that marked the gate still stands today.

Day 3:

• Get yourself some coffee to start the day at Caffé Sant’Eustachio. They actually brew their coffee with water that comes from an aqueduct built by the ancient Romans! How cool is that?
• Cruise on over to the Pantheon. This is another must-see sight in Rome, as it’s pretty much the only ancient Roman temple that hasn’t crumbled to bits. The architecture will leave you in awe, especially when you consider how old it is. 

Hop off your motorcycle and grab a seat on the world-famous Spanish Steps. This 135-step staircase is a wonderful spot to people-watch and enjoy some delicious gelato.