You see Orvieto long before you reach it. The town sits on top of a huge cliff of volcanic tuff that rises suddenly out of the countryside, with the profile of its cathedral closing the horizon. It is one of the most beautiful destinations in Umbria, and one you can only truly enjoy with a car at your disposal. With Revirent24 you can arrive by train at Chiusi station, pick up your vehicle and reach Orvieto and its surroundings in complete freedom, at your own pace.
In this guide you will find what to see in Orvieto, how to get there, which car to choose and an itinerary that combines the cliff, the Etruscan underground and the villages nearby.
Orvieto: the town on the tuff cliff
Orvieto is a town of art in the province of Terni, in southern Umbria, built on the flat top of a large tuff cliff of volcanic origin. That position is what makes it unmistakable: the walls seem to grow straight out of the rock and the old town looks over the countryside on every side.
Its origins are Etruscan, and you can still read them in the underground and in the necropolis at the foot of the cliff. In the Middle Ages Orvieto became a powerful papal town, and its landmark monument dates from that period. The result is a compact, elegant centre, surprisingly rich for its size: you can walk it in a day, but it deserves more.
What to see in Orvieto: the cathedral and the old town
The centre of Orvieto is best discovered on foot, leaving the car in the parking areas that serve the town. Here is what you should not miss:
- Orvieto Cathedral: the Gothic duomo with its famous facade of mosaics and polychrome marble, one of the absolute masterpieces of Italian architecture. Inside, the Chapel of San Brizio holds Luca Signorelli's great fresco cycle of the Last Judgement.
- St Patrick's Well (Pozzo di San Patrizio): the celebrated 16th-century well with its double helix staircase, designed so that those going down and those coming up never meet. A feat of engineering that still amazes visitors.
- Torre del Moro: climb to the top for a 360-degree view over the rooftops and the surrounding countryside.
- Piazza del Popolo and the streets of the centre: tuff palaces, craft workshops and views that open suddenly onto the drop of the cliff.
Orvieto rewards those who take their time. Having a car means you can choose your own hours, avoid the busiest moments and move easily towards the surroundings in the afternoon.
Underground Orvieto: caves in the tuff and the Etruscan town
Beneath the streets of the centre hides a second Orvieto: a network of caves, tunnels, cisterns and cellars carved into the tuff over the centuries, starting in Etruscan times. Guided tours of the underground explain how the town used the rock to find water, store wine and withstand sieges.
At the foot of the cliff you will also find the Crocifisso del Tufo Necropolis, where Etruscan tombs are lined up like the streets of a small settlement. We recommend checking tour arrangements and opening times in advance, as they can vary during the year.
Why it pays to arrive by train in Chiusi and rent a car
Orvieto station is down in the valley, at Orvieto Scalo, while the old town is on top of the cliff: you go up by funicular or along the road that winds around the hill. So the train takes you into town, but it does not take you around it, where some of the best sights are.
A very practical solution is to arrive by train at Chiusi–Chianciano Terme station, on the Rome–Florence line, and rent your car there. From Chiusi to Orvieto it is about 45 kilometres: we still recommend checking the best route depending on traffic and season. Revirent24's main branch is in Città della Pieve, a few minutes from the station, so you can pick up your vehicle as soon as you arrive and move independently. You will find all the details in our 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 further away, take a look at car rental from Chiusi.
One more advantage: with Revirent24 you can also rent without a credit card, thanks to alternative payment methods. Useful if you travel and would rather not block a deposit on your card limit.
A driving itinerary between Orvieto and the Teverina
The beauty of having a car is being able to turn a visit to Orvieto into a real journey through art, villages and volcanic landscapes. Here is a rough itinerary, all within easy reach:
| Stage | What awaits you |
|---|---|
| Orvieto centre | Cathedral, Chapel of San Brizio, Piazza del Popolo and Torre del Moro |
| St Patrick's Well | The double helix staircase and Albornoz Fortress, with views over the valley |
| Underground Orvieto | Caves in the tuff and the Crocifisso del Tufo Necropolis below the cliff |
| Civita di Bagnoregio | The village on its tuff spur, reached on foot across the bridge |
| Lake Bolsena | The large volcanic lake and the villages that overlook its water |
Distances are short, but the roads are often hilly and scenic: allow for a few photo stops and always check the best route for the season.
Looking for more ideas in the area? Read our guide to car rental to visit Assisi, the one on car rental to visit Cortona and car rental in Castiglione del Lago on Lake Trasimeno: they are easy to combine in the same trip.
Which car to choose for Orvieto and its surroundings
The roads between Orvieto, the Teverina and Lake Bolsena are mostly hilly provincial roads, with scenic bends and a few climbs. That is why the choice of vehicle matters:
- City car: perfect for a couple, easy to park in the areas serving the centre and comfortable on winding roads. Discover the city cars available.
- SUV or crossover: more space, a higher driving position and greater comfort for families and longer trips. Take a look at our SUVs and crossovers.
- Minivan: the right solution if you travel in a group or with more luggage.
You can browse the whole vehicle fleet and choose according to the number of passengers and the kind of trip.
When to go and practical travel tips
Orvieto can be visited all year round: spring and autumn bring the best colours to the countryside around the cliff, summer is perfect for combining town, lake and villages, while in winter the centre is quiet and authentic. A few practical tips:
- Set off early: in the morning the centre is calmer and it is easier to find a space in the parking areas serving the town.
- Wear comfortable shoes: the centre is paved with stone and some streets are on a slope.
- The cathedral and the underground sites have their own rules and opening times: check in advance, as they can vary.
- Allow time for food and wine: the area is known for its white wines and for traditional Umbrian cooking.
- Keep fuel consumption down between stops: here are 10 tricks to use less fuel.
Documents and pick-up: what to prepare
To rent a car you need the usual documents: a valid identity document, 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.
When you pick up the car, take a minute to check the vehicle: it is a simple habit that avoids disputes on return and lets you set off with peace of mind.
📞 Book your car for Orvieto and southern Umbria now.
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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 support 7 days a week.
👉 Discover our car fleet and find the right vehicle for your trip among cliffs, caves and villages.
Frequently asked questions about car rental for Orvieto
How do you reach Orvieto without your own car?
Orvieto station is down in the valley at Orvieto Scalo, and the old town is on top of the cliff: you go up by funicular or along the road that winds around the hill. Many travellers prefer to arrive by train at Chiusi–Chianciano Terme station and rent a car there, so they can also visit the surroundings. With Revirent24 you can pick up your vehicle a few minutes from the station.
How far is Orvieto from Chiusi?
Orvieto is about 45 kilometres from Chiusi station. We recommend checking the best route depending on traffic and season.
Is a car worth it if I only visit the centre of Orvieto?
The centre can be explored on foot, but a car makes the difference for the surroundings: Civita di Bagnoregio, Lake Bolsena and the nearby villages are not easy to reach by public transport. With a car you can combine everything in a single trip, at your own pace.
Do I need an SUV to visit Orvieto and the area?
It is not essential: a city car is enough for most routes and is easier 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 also rent without a credit card, thanks to alternative payment methods. The exact conditions, depending on vehicle and duration, are confirmed by our staff before booking.
Where can I pick up the car?
You can pick up in Chiusi (station), Città della Pieve, Montepulciano and the nearby villages, with flexible delivery and drop-off. Contact our staff to arrange pick-up and return in the way that suits you best.
