The Rome Index
Cycling in Rome
When it works, where to rent, and the routes worth riding.
Is cycling practical
In the historic center, not especially — cobblestones, hills and traffic make it challenging for most visitors. The Appia Antica on Sundays (when sections are car-free) and the Villa Borghese park are the two genuinely good cycling options close to the center.
The Appia Antica by bike
Sunday mornings are the time to do this — the park authority closes much of the road to cars, leaving a remarkably quiet ancient road flanked by tombs and umbrella pines that can be cycled for kilometres. Bike hire is available near the start of the road at the Appia Antica Caffè.
E-bikes
Electric bike hire has expanded significantly in Rome over the past few years, making the hills and longer routes considerably more practical. Several rental companies around Termini and in Trastevere offer hourly and day rates — book in advance for weekends.
E-bike rental as the more forgiving option
Given Rome's hills and cobblestones, electric-assist bike rental has become increasingly popular over standard bicycles, particularly for visitors not used to regular cycling — worth the modest price premium if you're planning any significant distance or hilly terrain like the Gianicolo.
Bike lanes remain limited
Unlike cities with extensive dedicated cycling infrastructure, Rome's bike lane network is genuinely patchy — sticking to the specific routes covered in our cycling routes guide, rather than assuming safe cycling is possible anywhere in the city, matters for both comfort and safety.
