Private car transfer from Naples to Rome

As you bend, turn, wind, and weave your way through Naples' chaotic traffic, you're rewarded with a breath of fresh air and a sight that symbolizes southern Italy. Stone pine trees and colorful Italian villas surround the roads, with a new mountain view around every bend.

After passing the historical town of Caserta, it's back to sprawling roads and charming villages that look untouched by the 21st century. The further you drive, the deeper you dive into the true Italian way of life. A carefree spirit lingers in the air as locals portray their slower-paced lives while sipping espresso in traditional cafes. From afar, dozens of rainbows appear to litter the sides of the roads. As you approach, you'll notice the mini roadside vendors selling fresh products from the fields encircling your vehicle.

The vibrant colors, delicious aromas, and postcard views continue for 140 miles until small country life makes way for the buzzing lanes of Rome. Once world-renowned sights like the Basilica Papale di Santa Maria Maggiore, the Roman Forum, or the Colosseum stand proudly outside your window, you'll know you've reached your destination.

Since Naples to Rome is one of Daytrip's most popular routes, we know how magical this bucket-list car ride can be. We also know how to travel between cities and have travel tips that'll make your life easier. So, keep reading our ultimate guide to uncover everything you need to know to get from Naples to Rome!

But before you discover more about its ancient roots and inspiring culture, read up on some of the important city features in 2024.

• Official language: Italian
• Currency: Euro
• Climate: Mediterranean
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug type: Types F, L, and E
• Peak tourist season: June to September

The Birth of Rome

The Eternal City is almost 2,780 years old, dating back to April 21st, 753 BC. However, experts determined that ancient civilizations have lived in the surrounding area since the Iron Age. Rome's remarkable lifespan is just as intriguing as the story of its birth.

Roman legend states that two twin brothers were raised by a wolf and eventually adopted by a shepherd who envisioned building a town between the hills. Unfortunately, a disagreement broke out over which hill to build upon, Palatine Hill or Aventine Hill. A disagreement turned into a fight, and as a result, Romulus killed Remus, paving the way for the creation of Rome perched on Palatine Hill.

The Roman Empire

For almost two and a half centuries, the city gradually grew. Seven Etruscan kings ruled until 509 BC when Tarquin was overthrown and thus gave birth to the Roman Republic.

The Greek Empire was the most notorious army in Europe at this point and didn't consider Rome a threat. However, they were mistaken. In 280 BC, the Roman army set out to take back land occupied by Greece in southern Italy. This led to the Pyrrhic War, and the Italians' hard-fought win was the point that put fear into European tribes and emperors.

Julius Caesar helped propel the republic to an empire when Augustus officially declared one in 27 BC. Rome extended its borders north, south, east, and west until it stretched into Africa and parts of Asia. But it also expanded its city, erecting monuments like the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and the Circus Maximus.

Nevertheless, modern governance, military inventions, futuristic engineering, and the invention of aqueducts for sanitation weren't enough to patch the cracks that were starting to appear. Military losses to Germanic tribes and the growth of the Eastern European empires were the most notable reasons for its fall. Yet, overspending on wars and reliance on slave labor were also factors that hammered away at the crumbling superpower, which eventually collapsed in 476 AD.

The Renaissance Revival

The Roman Empire had fallen, but not the pride and spirit of the locals. The Renaissance period from 1450 to 1650 was a much-needed lift after centuries of political unrest, financial concerns, and external invasions.

Like the rest of Italy, Rome's art and architecture scene thrived. Popes, affluent families, and political figures had appointed well-known artists like Michelangelo, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci to create pieces for their homes and public buildings. Michelangelo's Sistine Chapel ceiling came from their period and is still visited by millions today.

Rome's stunning urban transformation and growing art culture turned the region into a hotbed of activity. Wealthy merchants and aristocrats traveled from across the continent to witness this demanding travel destination. In return, the high revenues allowed the area to continue its growth with widened streets, repairs to ancient landmarks, and architects constructing new buildings in the classical style.

Modern Rome

In the 21st century, Rome is a tale of two cities. It has a contemporary, upbeat personality, with energetic streets, crowded bars, and bright lights after dark. The food scene is undoubtedly the best in Italy, with pioneers for specialties such as linguine alla carbonara and pizza al taglio, where decade-old eateries still closely guard the secrets to family recipes.

The other side of Rome is its looks. You expect a European powerhouse to have modern buildings and futuristic elements dotted around the walkways. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Rome is an old town bursting with ancient monuments and houses dating back hundreds of years. Each cobblestone path you walk on is like taking a step further into the past. UNESCO and the government wish to keep it this way, as they spend millions on preservation and conversion efforts.

Enjoy Italy's Finest Scenery

Many travelers make the mistake of treating this beautiful drive as an ordinary service from A to B. It's not until it's too late that people realize it's just as exciting as navigating the narrow lanes of Naples's Spanish Quarter.

Have your camera (or phone) ready and charged so you don't miss any sights as you speed quickly through the Italian countryside. If possible, opt for a transportation service that allows you to get up close and personal with the stunning views. For instance, Daytrip lets you explore sights along the way, like Pastena Caves, which hide a spectacular underground waterfall!

Consider the Time

There are a few reasons why timing is vital on your Naples-to-Rome road trip. Firstly, Rome constantly ranks in Europe's top 10 most traffic-congested cities. Travel outside 6:30–10 AM and 4:00–8:30 PM to avoid gridlock cutting into your well-earned vacation time.

Next, attractions and restaurants will be closed on the way if you travel too early or too late. Additionally, the sun may not have risen or set, so you won't be able to admire the picture-perfect scenes. Finally, if you arrive in Rome too late and don't take a private car service, you'll have to walk to your hotel with your luggage after dark.

Do Your Homework on Rome

The ride from Naples to Rome should take around 1-2.5 hours, depending on whether you’re taking a car or train. This gives you time to research the highlights and hidden gems. A pocket-sized Rome travel guide is ideal, as it won't take up much-needed space in your bags.

With Daytrip, you'll get an English-speaking driver with in-depth local knowledge. Although they're not official guides, their experience and passion for Rome will reveal authentic treasures and traditions you won't find in guidebooks.

Flight from Naples to Rome

ITA Airways can get you from Naples International Airport to Rome Leonardo da Vinci-Fiumicino Airport in under an hour. Flights appear to be the quickest way to get from Naples to Rome, but there are hidden time-consuming processes that factor into the overall travel time.

Without any traffic, it takes 20 minutes to get from downtown Naples to Naples International Airport. It also takes another 40 minutes to get from Leonardo da Vinci Fiumicino Airport to downtown Rome, so add an extra hour to your journey. Add another 1.5 hours for security checks and waiting at the terminal to bring the overall trip time to almost 3.5 hours.

A flight will set you back €60 to €80 each way, without the additional cost of airport transfers.

Bus from Naples to Rome

If you're traveling to Europe on a budget, look no further than the bus for your ride from Naples to Rome. You can snatch up rock-bottom ticket prices for just €2.99! MarinoBus, Leonettibus, and BlaBlaBus all have a service between the regions, but Flixbus is unquestionably the pick of the bunch.

Some things to note about the Flixbus service are:

• Fastest journey time: 2 hours, 20 minutes
• Average journey time: 3 hours
• Expect to pay: €2.99–€12.99
• Average number of buses per day: 18
• Earliest departure: 2:35 a.m.

There are a couple of downsides to the budget-friendly prices. The most noteworthy are the departure stations. Buses depart from four different points in Naples, including Fuorigrotta-Campi Flegrei FS and Naples Afragola, situated outside the city center.

It's also not the most punctual service. Buses often come from northern Italy, meaning delays are not uncommon, which is something to consider if you're in a hurry.

Daytrip Private Car from Naples to Rome

Instead of transferring carriages, researching schedules, or sitting in an overcrowded space during the summer, why not avoid these headaches on your Italian escape?

Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the most comfortable and convenient way to travel from Naples to Rome. You will avoid the issues mentioned in your selected sanitized vehicle at your desired pick-up time and address. If a mishap does occur, simply communicate with your English-speaking driver or contact our 24/7 customer support!

But we're not just a reliable, punctual ride service with over 918,000 happy customers. We want you to explore the sights and landmarks between Rome and Naples. You can stop and experience life like the Romans did 2,000 years ago at Anfiteatro Campano or admire the exquisite gardens at the Royal Palace of Caserta. Since your bags are safe and secure within the trunk of your car, you don't have to worry about searching for a safe place to store them while you tour the area.

Throw a Coin into Trevi Fountain

Rome is crammed with elegance and stylish architecture. Yet Trevi Fountain is the city's gem. It took architects Nicola Salvi and Giuseppe Pannini 30 years to complete this masterpiece, but it was certainly worth the wait. The lavish palace, columns, waterfall, and statues are like a sugar rush for your eyes.

If you can somehow take your eyes off the prize, remember to toss a coin over your shoulder into the fountain. Rumor has it that you'll return if you toss one in. However, two coins mean you'll return and fall in love, and throwing three means you'll return and marry.

Explore the Vatican

Did you know that you can tick another country off your travel bucket list while in Rome? Well, it's true. The Vatican is the world's smallest nation, located in the heart of Rome. Although it's small in size, there are plenty of things to do to entertain yourself.

You won't miss the dominating St. Peter Basilica, a stunning Renaissance-style church built in the 1600s that is still the pope's home today. In the Vatican Museums, you'll discover priceless treasures collected by previous popes over the centuries. And the simply outstanding Sistine Chapel, housing the world's most well-known fresco, the Creation of Adam.

Wander Piazza Navona and Surrounding Streets

One of the best things to do in Rome won't cost you a penny. It's walking in the vibrant atmosphere of one of Rome's most beautiful squares, Piazza Navona.

Admire the stunning Baroque architecture, including Bernini's Fountain of the Four Rivers, coated with sculptures representing the major rivers of the continents. You can marvel at street artists who bring the square to life with their performances.

During the daytime, you can sit with an espresso or cappuccino (before noon!) and soak up the relaxed energy flowing through the walkways. Once the sun sets, the area transforms into a land of steam, bright lights, paced moving lanes, and lively bars.

Descend into a Catacomb

Although there are 60 catacombs in Rome, only five are open to the public. Each is a sight to behold, but if you can only visit one, make it the Catacombs of St. Callixtus, nestled along the ancient Appian Way. Also nicknamed Rome's Gateway to the East, this was the world's first highway!

After bouncing over each stone on the bus ride here, descend into the catacombs and gain insights into Rome's early Christian history and funerary practices. The guided tours offer access to burial grounds that make you feel like you've been transported to an Indiana Jones movie!

Relax in Villa Borghese

You'll spend hours on your feet, strolling and exploring Rome's avenues and museums. Fortunately, Villa Borghese, Rome’s largest public park, is an urban oasis not far from Piazza Popolo.

If you're lucky enough to travel in the spring or summer, pick up some fresh products from one of the many local markets and sit on the freshly cut grass with a picnic. Alternatively, you can grab a panini at one of the kiosks and roam the gardens as you eat.

You can even come here on a rainy day. The 17th-century palace houses an impressive art collection, including works from Raphael and Caravaggio.

Spring is the first shoulder season of the year, between the end of March and the beginning of June. During this period, you can experience the best of the Mediterranean climate. The average temperature of 71° Fahrenheit lets you enjoy outdoor activities, alfresco dining, and walking tours without the herds of tourist groups. The city also has endless events and festivities. You can spend the day in the sunshine sampling local wines or watching live performances.

Fall is the second shoulder season, from the end of September to the beginning of November. Rome's leafy walkways come alive with autumn's vibrant color palette of reds and oranges. The temperatures are still pleasant during this timeframe. So you can lose yourself in this slice of heaven throughout the day. If you're a food enthusiast, you'll be glad to know that this is harvesting month. Therefore, you'll find many authentic Italian seasonal dishes with fresh herbs and other ingredients. Some meals you can't overlook are Tonnarelli Cacio e Pepe and Coda alla Vaccinara.