A welcome break from hitching bus rides and booking cabs, car rentals in Italy promise seamless scenery and explorations at your pace. Whether you’re hitting the art-filled lanes of Florence or manoeuvring the scenic trails of Sicily, having your own vehicle means unlimited pit stops, more room for luggage, and infinite fun. Making the process simpler for you, we’ve curated the ultimate guide to car rentals in Italy, covering everything from the cost of the booking to selecting the right vehicle and rental vendors.
How to choose the perfect car?
Outline your needs before proceeding to select the vehicle. While compact cars are suitable for solo travellers and couples, SUVs are better for larger groups and heftier luggage. Your port of call, too, makes for a valid deciding factor. For long journeys, prioritise factors like cruise control, automatic transmission, and ground clearance. And, for city-bound voyages, pick compact vehicles for an effortless commute.
Types of cars available in Italy:
- Compact Cars: Easy to park and fuel efficient, these cars are ideal for driving within the city, particularly for couples and solo travellers.
- Sedans: For extra legroom and comfort, pick a sedan. The added space goes a long way in enhancing the charm of long journeys.
- Larger Vehicles (like SUVs): Whether you’re planning to tackle rough mountainous terrains, or are a big group with extensive luggage, an SUV will handle it all efficiently.
- Special vehicles: If an adventure trip is on your mind, rev up the thrill quotient by renting a 4×4 or convertible.
Documents required for renting a car in Europe
- A valid driver’s license from your home country
- For non-European Union residents, the law mandates the procurement of an International Driving Permit. While the rental company may not request the permit, the traffic police may stop the car and ask for the document.
- A valid international ID (in this case, passport)
- Unless you’ve reached an agreement with the car rental company about not using a credit card, it’s crucial to carry it.
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Top car rental companies in Italy
- Hertz: Among the largest car rental companies in the world, Hertz is also available in Italy, and delights with a range of high-end cars under The Dream Collection.
- Sixt
- Budget: If you’re looking for car rentals that don’t burn a hole in your pocket, consider Budget.
- Alamo
- Avis
- Dollar
- Europcar
- National
- Sicily By Car
- Enterprise
- Luxe of Italy: Particularly known for renting luxury cars.
Types of car rental available in Italy
Based on varying customer needs, Italy offers a wide range of car rentals.
- Luxury and sports car rentals: Shell out big bucks and drive the most premium hot wheels through Italy’s verdant scenery. If you’re in this European country for a milestone holiday, we recommend getting a luxury car. Or, add a layer of thrill to your itinerary by renting a sports car and zipping through the cultural landmarks.
- Convertibles and minivans: Whether you fancy a vehicle with retractable roofs to immerse in Italy’s spell-binding routes, or a bulky van to accommodate your entire group, the wide range of convertibles and minivans available at Italy’s car rentals rise to the occasion.
- Electric cars: Make the most of Italy’s car rentals while being cognizant of its environmental impact by opting for an electric car. It’s the perfect option to reduce carbon emissions and fuel costs.
- One-way car rentals: Enjoy flexible rental plans that let you pick up the car from one checkpoint and drop it at another, without the hassle of driving back to the initial location.
- Long-term plans: Those renting the car for longer periods, such as weeks or months, can enjoy discounted rates.
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Tips for renting and driving a car in Italy
- The regions in Italy where you can benefit considerably from car rentals include Tuscany, Chianti, Piedmont Wine Country, the Dolomites, Puglia, Sicily, Umbria, Sardinia, Friuli, and Italian Lakes (Lake Como, Lake Garda, Lake Maggiore, Lake Orta, among others).
- On the contrary, regions where renting a car won’t be as useful include Emilia Romagna where traversing between the various cities is most convenient by train, followed by Cinque Terre where a car isn’t needed to explore the five villages of Vernazza, Corniglia, Manarola, Monteresso, and Riomaggiore.
- While it’s a common practice to decline the automatic insurance option (Collision Damage Waiver) in other countries because the credit card covers the rental, in Italy CDW is required by law and automatically included in the car rental sum.
- Before selecting the car, do a thorough check for scratches and dings, as well as the legally mandated safety triangle and safety vest.
- Due to the extreme weather conditions, many regions of Italy require snow tires or snow chains between November 15 and April 15.
- The best methods to navigate Italian roads include GPS devices, Google Maps, and physical maps.
- Italy boasts a great deal of serpentine roads, so keep some carsick tablets handy.
Driving rules in Italy
- Do not turn right on a red light
- Seatbelts are compulsory in the front as well as back seats if your vehicle permits.
- If you’re driving outside urban areas, it’s a safe practice to keep your headlights on at all times.
- While hands-free devices are permitted, it is illegal to text while driving or even hold the phone in your hand.
- Opt for a taxi on nights when you go bar-hopping or indulge in local vino, considering the alcohol limit cap at 0.5 percent.
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Cost of renting a car in Italy
The cost of renting a car in Italy depends on various factors, including the make of the car (meaning, a BMW will cost more than a FIAT), the location from where you’re picking up the car (major cities and airports are costlier than smaller cities), and the season in which you’re renting the vehicle. While renting a car in Tuscany during the autumn season will be heavy on the pockets, the shoulder season and off-season may yield lower prices. Other factors determining the cost of car rentals in Italy include the size of the vehicle and the car rental company you’re liaising with.
There are various additional charges that you must cater for as well, including tolls on highways, gas and fuel, one-way fees, insurance, as well as booking a child’s car seat.
Generally, a mini or compact vehicle can be rented for EUR 12.74 (INR 1,1,52) a day, an SUV for EUR 25.35 (INR 2,292) a day, and a passenger van for EUR 183.58 (INR 16,601) a day.
Alternatives to renting a car in Italy
Apart from renting a car, there are various other ways to get around Italy. Consider the well-connected and efficient public transport system encompassing trains, buses, and trams. Italy’s railway system, operated by Trenitalia and Italo, promises seamless connectivity via a mix of high-speed trains and regional trains. You can also count on taxis and ride-sharing services, readily available in major cities. For a more pocket-friendly approach, opt for car sharing via platforms like BlaBlaCar and BePooler. Lastly, for an immersive, local experience, rent a bicycle, or join guided tours.
(Feature Image Credit: Olga Vunder/Pexels)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– What is the minimum age requirement for renting a car in Europe?
You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Italy. Some countries also follow the 18 years and above criteria, provided that the candidate has held a valid driver’s license for over one year. Additionally, everyone under the age of 25 must pay a young driver’s surcharge to be able to rent a car in Italy.
– What documents do I need to rent a car in Italy?
For car rentals in Italy, carry documents such as a valid driver’s license from your home country, an International Driving Permit (if you are not a resident of the European Union), a valid international ID (in this case, a passport), and ideally a credit card too.
– What should I do in case of an emergency or breakdown with my rental car in Italy?
Call the car rental immediately, as most car rentals in Italy offer emergency roadside assistance. Additionally, keep the following emergency numbers handy:
State Police: 113
Fire Brigade: 115
Emergency Medical Attention: 118
Travel Information: 1518
Roadside Assistance: 803.116
Forest Ranger: 1515
– Is insurance included with car rentals in Italy?
When renting a car in Italy, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection Coverage (TP) are mandated by law.
Written By
Yashita Vashishth
Writer by day, reader by night, Yashita has a flair for all things travel, wellness and food. She has previously worked at Condé Nast India and Times Internet. When not working, you can catch her binge-reading the latest thriller on the block, re-watching Friends, trying a new recipe or hosting her friends.
