Assisi is one of those towns you truly enjoy with a car. Perched on the slopes of Mount Subasio, with the Basilica of Saint Francis overlooking the Umbrian valley, it blends spirituality, art and views that stay with you. With Revirent24 you can arrive by train at Chiusi station, rent a car and reach Assisi and its surroundings in complete freedom, at your own pace. In this guide you will find what to see, how to get there and a driving itinerary in the heart of Umbria.
If you are planning an art weekend, a spiritual journey or a slow holiday among the Umbrian villages, this is the guide for you.
Assisi: the town of Saint Francis in the heart of Umbria
Assisi is a town of art in the province of Perugia, set on the slopes of Mount Subasio, in Umbria. It is known worldwide as the town of Saint Francis and Saint Clare, but it is also a jewel of medieval art and ancient history, with roots reaching back to Roman times. Its pink-stone streets, intimate squares and views over the valley make it a perfect destination for those seeking culture, quiet and beauty.
Since 2000, the Basilica of Saint Francis and the other Franciscan sites in the town have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site: a recognition that speaks clearly of the artistic and spiritual value of Assisi. It is a town that stays lively all year round, with workshops, restaurants and views that look like paintings at every corner.
What to see in Assisi: the heart of the old town
The centre of Assisi is best explored on foot, but it is easily reachable by car, leaving your vehicle in the car parks at the edge of the walls. Here are the places not to miss:
- Basilica of Saint Francis: the town's landmark, with its Upper and Lower Basilica and the famous fresco cycles telling the life of the saint.
- Basilica of Saint Clare: dedicated to the founder of the Poor Clares, with its distinctive striped façade and the buttresses overlooking the valley.
- Piazza del Comune and the Temple of Minerva: the town's living room, where an ancient Roman temple became a church, among medieval palaces and the civic tower.
- Stone lanes and stairways of the old town, among medieval houses, artisan workshops and panoramic glimpses over the plain.
Assisi rewards those who explore it slowly: having a car means you can plan your visit without being tied to timetables and move easily towards the surroundings.
The Rocca Maggiore and the views over Mount Subasio
At the highest point of the town stands the Rocca Maggiore, the ancient fortress dominating Assisi and offering an extraordinary view: on clear days the eye takes in the whole Umbrian valley. Just above the town, on the slopes of Mount Subasio, lies the Hermitage of the Carceri, a peaceful place set in the woods linked to the figure of Saint Francis.
The climb up to the fortress is steep: those who prefer to save their energy can drive closer and walk the last stretch on foot. It is the best way to enjoy the view without rushing.
Why it pays to arrive by train at Chiusi and rent a car
Assisi railway station is down in the valley, in the hamlet of Santa Maria degli Angeli: the old town, on the other hand, is up on the hill, several kilometres away and uphill. To visit the town and, above all, its surroundings — the Umbrian valley, the villages and the hills of Subasio — a car really makes the difference.
An excellent solution is to arrive by train at Chiusi–Chianciano Terme station, on the Rome–Florence line, and rent a car on the spot. From Chiusi to Assisi it is about seventy kilometres: we always recommend checking the best route depending on traffic and season. Revirent24's main office is in Città della Pieve, a few minutes from the station, so you can pick up your vehicle as soon as you arrive and travel independently. You will find all the details in the guide on how to get around Chiusi and its surroundings and in the article Chiusi by car: itineraries and tips. If you are coming from outside, take a look at car rental from Chiusi too.
An extra advantage: with Revirent24 you can rent a car even without a credit card, using alternative payment methods — handy for travellers who do not want to block a deposit on their limit.
A driving itinerary in the heart of Umbria
The beauty of having a car is that you can turn your visit to Assisi into a true journey through art, villages and nature. Here is a rough itinerary, all reachable in a short time:
| Stop | What awaits you |
|---|---|
| Assisi centre | Basilica of Saint Francis, Saint Clare and Piazza del Comune |
| Rocca Maggiore and Hermitage of the Carceri | Views over the Umbrian valley and nature on Mount Subasio |
| Santa Maria degli Angeli | The great basilica in the valley, at the foot of Assisi |
| Spello and Bevagna | Medieval villages among the most beautiful in Umbria |
| Perugia | The regional capital, art and an old town to discover |
Distances are short, but the roads are often hilly and scenic: allow for a few photo stops and always check the best route depending on the season.
Looking for more ideas nearby? Read the guide on car rental to visit Cortona and the one on car rental in Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno: both are easy to reach on the same trip.
Which car to choose for Assisi and its surroundings
The roads between Assisi, the Umbrian valley and the Subasio hills are mostly hilly provincial roads, with some climbs and scenic bends. That is why the choice of vehicle matters:
- City car: perfect for a couple, easy to park near the walls and handy on the bends. Discover the city cars available.
- SUV or crossover: more space, a raised driving position and greater comfort for families and longer trips. Take a look at the SUVs and crossovers.
- Minivan: the right solution if you are travelling in a group or with more luggage.
You can browse the whole vehicle fleet and choose according to the number of passengers and the type of trip.
When to go and practical travel tips
Assisi can be visited all year round: spring and autumn bring the most beautiful colours over the Umbrian valley, summer is perfect for combining town and surroundings, while in winter the centre is intimate and authentic. A few practical tips:
- Set off early: in the morning the centre is quieter and you will easily find parking in the areas at the foot of the walls.
- Bring comfortable shoes: the old town is uphill and paved with stone.
- Remember that some sites are places of worship: check opening times and visiting rules in advance, as they can change.
- Optimise fuel consumption between stops: here are 10 tricks to consume less fuel.
Documents and pick-up: what to prepare
To rent a car you need the usual documents: a valid ID, a valid driving licence and your tax code. You will find all the details on minimum age and requirements in the guide Renting a car: documents, minimum age and requirements.
At pick-up, take a minute to check the car: it is a simple habit that saves you disputes at drop-off and lets you set off with peace of mind.
📞 Book your car for Assisi and the Umbrian valley now.
Phone and WhatsApp: +39 378 303 5305
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Or write to us from the Contact us page. We are in Città della Pieve (PG), a few minutes from Chiusi station, with assistance 7 days a week.
👉 Discover our car fleet and find the right vehicle for your journey between art and spirituality.
Frequently asked questions about car rental for Assisi
How do you get to Assisi without your own car?
Assisi railway station is down in the valley, in the hamlet of Santa Maria degli Angeli, while the old town is up on the hill, several kilometres away and uphill. Alternatively, many travellers arrive by train at Chiusi–Chianciano Terme station and rent a car on the spot: it is the most practical way to visit the surroundings too. With Revirent24 you can pick up your vehicle a few minutes from the station.
How far is Assisi from Chiusi?
Assisi is about seventy kilometres from Chiusi station, on partly hilly roads. We recommend checking the best route depending on traffic and season.
Do I need an SUV to visit Assisi and the Umbrian valley?
It is not essential: a city car is enough for most routes and is easy to park. An SUV or crossover offers more space and comfort for families, luggage and longer trips.
Can I rent a car without a credit card?
Yes. With Revirent24 you can rent a car even without a credit card, thanks to alternative payment methods. The exact conditions, depending on the vehicle and duration, are confirmed by the staff before booking.
Where can I park in Assisi?
The old town has restricted traffic: the most convenient solution is to leave your car in the car parks at the foot of the walls and continue on foot. We recommend checking parking areas and rules in advance, as they can change.
Where can I pick up the car?
You can pick up between Chiusi (station), Città della Pieve, Montepulciano and the nearby villages, with flexible delivery and drop-off. Contact the staff to arrange pick-up and return in the way that is most convenient for you.
