In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about renting a car in Italy—from choosing the right vehicle to avoiding fines in restricted zones—so you can plan your trip like a pro.
You’ll also learn how to choose the right car, where to book a rental car, the documents you need, and when not to drive a car in Italy.
We’ve driven through Italy countless times and learned all the ins and outs of navigating its roads, highways, and charming towns.
With our tips, your Italian road trip will be smooth, stress-free, and absolutely unforgettable!
At A Glance: Renting A Car In Italy
• Best For: Exploring rural areas and regions like Tuscany, Sicily, the Dolomites, or for a Southern Italy road trip.
• Car Type: Compact cars are ideal for village streets; most rentals are manual, so book early if you prefer automatic.
• Costs: Daily rental rate plus tolls for autostrada (~€9 per 100 km), parking (~€25–40/day in cities), and fuel (diesel is cheaper).
• Required Documents: International Driving Permit, Passport, and Driver’s License.
• Driving Notes: Be aware of ZTL zones (restricted areas); fines are issued via cameras.
• Best Sites To Rent A Car: Discovercars, Expedia, or Booking to compare prices and snag deals
• Pro Tip: If you're flexible with your time, you can rent a car for $1 (or 1 GBP, 1€) per day! Check out how in our travel deals.
Renting A Car And Driving In Italy 🚗
Italy is an ideal country for road trips. From Tuscany’s rolling hills to Amalfi’s dramatic coastal roads, renting a car enables you to explore this beautiful country at your own pace.
It allows you to travel on your schedule, make spontaneous stops, and access places that trains or buses don’t reach.
Imagine driving in Italy and cruising through vineyards in Chianti or discovering small cities in Tuscany – it’s mind-blowing!
However, if your trip centers on major cities in Italy like Rome or Florence, public transport may be a more suitable option because of traffic and parking difficulties.
How To Choose The Right Rental Car
Not all cars are created equal when it comes to Italian roads! Here’s what you need to know:
Size Matters: Go for a compact car – those narrow village streets weren’t built for SUVs!
Manual vs. Automatic: Most rental cars in Italy have a manual transmission. If you need an automatic, book early!
Fuel Type: Diesel and unleaded are common, but electric cars may be tricky due to limited charging stations.
⭐ Pro Tip: Traveling light? Smaller cars mean easier parking and less stress navigating tight spaces.
Booking Tips For Italian Car Rentals
Booking your rental car early is essential, especially during peak seasons like summer or Christmas when demand skyrockets. Here’s what you need to know:
When to Book: Don’t wait! Car rentals (especially automatics) sell out fast in peak seasons.
Where to Book: Use platforms like Discovercars, Expedia, or Booking to compare prices and snag deals.
Costs To Consider When Renting A Car
Renting a car isn’t just about the daily rate; here are additional expenses:
– Fuel (diesel is cheaper than gas).
– Parking fees (€25–40/day in major cities like Rome).
– Tolls on highways (carry cash or cards).
⭐ Pro Tip: Plan routes ahead using toll calculators online
Where To Pick Up Your Rental Car
Choosing the right pickup location can save you time and headaches:
Airport vs. City Center: Airports are ideal for pickups – more car options and no ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) fines!
Avoid ZTLs: These restricted zones in city centers can lead to hefty fines if you’re not careful.
⭐ Pro Tip: If you’re starting in Rome or Florence, pick up your car as you leave the city to skip the chaos.
Documents You’ll Need
Don’t get caught unprepared. Here’s what you’ll need:
International Driving Permit (IDP): Required for non-EU residents (get it before leaving home!).
Driver’s License & Passport: Always carry these with you while driving.
⭐ Pro Tip: Take photos of all documents as backups – better safe than sorry!
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Understanding Insurance Options
All rentals include basic Collision Damage Waiver insurance, but it might not cover everything. Consider adding:
– Personal travel insurance for extra peace of mind.
– Zero-excess coverage to avoid out-of-pocket expenses for minor damages.
Driving Rules And Regulations In Italy
Italian roads come with their quirks. Here are some essentials:
– Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
– Speed limits: 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, 130 km/h on highways.
– ZTL zones: Avoid entering these restricted areas in cities unless you have a permit.
Using The Highways (Toll Roads) In Italy
Driving on Italy’s Autostrada (toll highways) is one of the fastest ways to travel between regions.
Here’s how it works:
How Toll Roads Work
Italy uses both closed and open toll systems:
1. Closed System: You take a ticket at the entrance toll booth (biglietto) and pay according to the distance traveled when exiting at another toll booth (uscita). Keep your ticket safe – losing it means you will have to pay the maximum fee!
2. Open System: Some highways charge a flat fee regardless of distance traveled (e.g., A8 Milan-Laghi).
3. Free Flow System: On newer highways near Milan (e.g., A36), tolls are collected electronically via cameras that scan license plates.
How Much Do Tolls Cost?
On average, tolls cost about €9 per 100 km for standard cars. Here are some examples:
| ROUTE | APPROX. TOLL COST |
| Milan to Naples | €60 |
| Rome to Florence | €33 |
| Venice to Bologna | €20 |
⭐ Pro Tip: Use the official toll calculator on autostrade.it to estimate costs before your trip!
Paying Your Toll
At exit toll booths, choose from three lanes based on payment type:
1. White Lane (Cash): Pay with coins or banknotes at self-service machines or manned booths (look for “coins” symbol).
2. Blue Lane (Card): Pay with credit/debit cards or Viacard (ATM symbol).
3. Yellow Lane (Telepass): Reserved for vehicles equipped with Telepass devices that deduct tolls automatically – check if your rental car includes this option!
⭐ Our Tip: Carry cash as a backup since some machines may not accept international debit cards.
When Not To Rent A Car
While renting a car is amazing for exploring Italy’s countryside and remote areas, there are times when it’s better to skip it altogether:
In Major Cities Like Rome, Florence & Venice
Driving in Italy’s major cities is often more stressful than enjoyable! Between heavy traffic, expensive parking fees (€25–40/day), and ZTL zones that can result in fines if entered accidentally, it’s just not worth it.
Believe us, navigating Rome’s chaotic streets is an adventure best avoided unless you’re an expert driver.
⭐ Our Tip: Use public transportation instead. Italy’s trains are fast, reliable, and connect all major cities seamlessly.
Trains like Trenitalia’s Frecciarossa or Italo connect cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice, and Naples at speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h).
They’re comfortable, affordable, and faster than driving—no tolls or parking headaches here!
Pro Tip For City Stays
We’ve driven through Italy a lot, and one thing we always do when staying overnight in cities is book hotels with parking spots.
Many hotels offer secure parking options even within ZTL zones (restricted areas), especially in historic city centers where driving restrictions apply.
Here’s how it works:
1. When booking your hotel, confirm that they provide parking.
2. If the hotel is inside a ZTL zone (common in major cities), they will ask for your license plate number.
3. The hotel registers your plate with the local police station so you won’t get fined!
We did this during our stay in Verona at a hotel right next to the stunning Arena di Verona—it was super convenient knowing we wouldn’t face any surprise fines while enjoying our time in the City of Love.
⭐ Our Tip: Always double-check parking arrangements before booking accommodations—and don’t forget to ask about ZTL registration!
Coastal Areas During Peak Season
Dreaming of driving along the Amalfi Coast during summer? Be prepared for bumper-to-bumper traffic that can turn your scenic drive into a slow crawl.
Coastal roads are stunning but often overcrowded during peak season, making public transportation or organized tours a better option.
⭐ Pro Tip: Visit coastal areas during spring or fall when crowds are smaller and driving conditions are more manageable.
Final Thoughts About If Renting A Car Is The Right Decision
Your dream trip involves exploring Italy’s countryside, coastal roads, or hidden gems? Renting a car is hands-down the best choice!
But if you’re traveling between major cities, hop on those high-speed trains instead; they’re fast, comfortable, and stress-free!
So pack your bags, grab your International Driving Permit, or book those train tickets, and prepare for an unforgettable Italian adventure! 🌟
Read next: What You Need to Know When Driving in Italy
The 7 Most Scenic Italian Road Trip Routes
