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Find the meaning of ‘Bel Paese’ with Italy car rental
Rent a car in Italy and explore a beautiful country with a rich, fascinating history and breathtaking, awe-inspiring scenery. Home to some of the world's greatest works of art, incredible ancient architecture, and tantalising cuisine, Italy is a global treasure just waiting to be explored. From romantic cities and mountain villages to sparkling coastlines and rolling vineyards, this European gem has it all. Secure a rental car in Italy and hit the road.
Where to pick up your Italy car rental
Visitors to Italy have multiple options for picking up a car rental and embarking on a once-in-a-lifetime road trip. The north of Italy offers up Genoa, Turin, Venice and Verona, with Milan Airport an important transport hub for international arrivals. The Italian Riviera would tempt any traveller, but there is also Florence and Bologna to keep you moving.
Rome, Italy’s capital and most visited city, sits in the heart of the country, with delightful Naples to the south and the stunning Amalfi Coast just beyond. All the way south is Palermo and Mount Etna on the gorgeous island of Sicily.
Sunseekers will love Sardinia, an island off the coast of the Italian mainland in the Mediterranean, not far from Mallorca, Spain.
Top tips on driving a rental car in Italy
Here’s a quick bullet-point summary of the things you need to know about driving your car hire in Italy:
- Italy is a popular car rental location frequented by both domestic and international travellers. Visitors from cooler climates in Europe and the United Kingdom often holiday in Italy. Book early to get the rental car you want. Summer is a very busy booking season for Italy so it is extra important to book ahead.
- Remember that most Italy car rentals have a manual transmission. If you absolutely require an automatic, make sure to request this at the time of booking.
- It is required by Italian law that visitors have an international drivers license. Keep both your resident country driver's license and your international drivers permit on you at all times. Any additional drivers will need to do the same.
- Keep in mind the narrow and winding roads in the inner city and countryside, and choose the size of your Italy rent car accordingly. At the same time, make sure you have enough space for your travel group and all of your luggage. It’s always a good idea to pack light.
- Italy can be tough to navigate for the uninitiated. We recommend renting a GPS and having backup physical maps for the areas you intend to visit during your car hire Italy holiday. Learn the road rules as you drive in and around Italy by car rental to ensure you will fit in seamlessly with the other drivers.
- Be prepared for toll roads when you drive your rental car in Italy. Payment methods include cash, credit card and prepaid cards via the Telepass automatic payment system.
Popular sights to see with Italy car rental
Here’s what you can expect when picking up a rental car in these Italian cities.
Milan car rental
Known for its world-class fashion and design, Milan features ancient architecture, must-visit museums and dazzling high-end shopping. See Da Vinci's famous Last Supper and dine your way through a mix of Mediterranean, French and Italian eateries. Stare at extravagant cathedrals and explore piazzas full of street vendors and espresso bars.
Rome car rental
Travel back in time when you visit The Eternal City during your rental car Italy holiday. Get lost wandering the cobblestone streets of Italy’s capital city, visiting 3000-year-old iconic sites such as the Colosseum, the Pantheon and St Peter’s Basilica. Spend your days tasting the finest Italian food and exploring jaw-dropping architecture.
Venice car rental
Venice canals connect 118 islands to make up this enchanting city. Swoon over the gothic architecture and dramatic cathedrals while floating down the lagoon in a gondola. Admire the stunning St. Mark’s Basilica as you while away the day in the central square, Piazza San Marco.
Palermo car rental
Incredible history and fascinating culture, along with white sand beaches and azure blue water make Palermo on the island of Sicily a one of a kind destination.
Florence car rental
Explore Tuscany’s rolling hills, delicious cuisine, and scenic beauty. Get inspired by the incredible art galleries, historical castles, and viticulture that characterise the region.
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Rent a car Italy: Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to rent a car in Italy?
The cost of car rental in Italy varies from location to location and fluctuates based on seasonality, vehicle demand and availability. Typically, you can get the best daily rate if you rent a car in Italy long term for a week or month. For the most up to date quote, type your dates and destination into the search function on this page and compare rates across multiple car rental agencies in Italy. Summer and Christmas skew higher.
What is the cheapest car hire agency in Italy?
Cheap car rental Italy varies by location and other factors. Gold Car and OK Mobility are the cheapest car rental providers in Milan, for example. Your best bet for the most up to the date information on the cheapest rental cars is to use our search engine to compare multiple brands and prices all on one page.
How old do you have to be to hire a car in Italy?
Most of our rental partners require drivers to be a minimum age of 21 years old and have held a driving license for at least 12 months. A select few may allow 18-year-olds to rent a car in Italy. In most cases, drivers under 25 will face restrictions and additional fees. If you plan to cross the border in your car hire, you must also check the minimum driver’s age of the countries you intend to visit.
What do you need to hire a car in Italy?
You need a valid drivers license (held for at least a year in most cases) and a major credit card in your name to rent a car in Italy. You will need an international driver’s license if you are visiting from overseas. Italian law states that you must have one, even if your chosen car rental company doesn’t require it at the time of booking.
How to hire a car in Italy?
Compare various suppliers and prices using the search function on this page. You will find all the required information in one place. Obtain an international driver’s license before your Italy car rental trip (required by Italian law) and organise insurance.
Why is car hire in Italy so expensive?
Car rental in Italy, on average, is relatively close to the rates of renting a car in other countries. What may bump up the price is the mandatory basic insurance required for every hire. Off-season car rentals are cheaper on average, whereas summer rentals will be priced up.
How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Italy?
Generally, Italy rent a car rates are cheaper if you book them by the week. This will depend on the length of time and the dates you wish to rent, your desired car rental locations. Compare current prices using the search function on this page. Don't hesitate to call us for further assistance on this.
What are the speed limits in Italy?
The official speed limits in Italy are 50 km/h (31 mph) in residential areas, 100 km/h (62 mph) on freeways.
Can I use my US license to drive my rental car in Italy?
You'll need to show both your United States driving license and an international driver's permit to rent a car in Italy. Obtain one before you leave the US.
Can I rent a car in Italy without a credit card?
Unfortunately, you must have a valid credit card when renting a car in Italy. Enjoy an easy and secure booking experience when you hire a car with GoSee.
How difficult is driving in Italy?
Italy has a reputation for being a difficult country to drive in, but the only thing difficult about driving a car in Italy is the very strict traffic laws. Generally, roads are in good condition.
Can I do a one-way rental in Italy?
Yes, one-way rental is allowed by most car rental companies in Italy. Please type your desired dates and destinations to see available pick up and drop-off locations for your rental cars in Italy, as well as the associated costs. Usually, a one-way rental fee will apply.
Can I book now and pay later for my car rental in Italy?
In most cases, a deposit will be required to secure a rental car in Italy, with the balance of the booking fees remaining to be paid either closer to the pick up date or the date of the pick up. Some companies allow you to reserve a vehicle and cancel up to 48 hours before your trip. Each Italy car rental company has its own unique payment terms, so it is important that you read and understand them before booking.
What types of cars can I rent in Italy?
There is a large variety of car rentals available in Italy, including compact, economy, intermediate, large, station wagon/estate, SUV, people carrier/vans, premium/luxury, convertibles, and hybrid/electric.