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Compare car rentals in Italy

Exploring Italy in a car hire is one of the best ways to experience everything the country has to offer. From the rolling vineyards of Tuscany to the dramatic coastline of the Amalfi Coast and the historic streets of Rome, Florence and Venice, you can easily plan your destination without depending on public transit timings.

By comparing car rental options on our platform, you can find the right vehicle for your itinerary, budget and travel style while avoiding unnecessary costs.

We provide you with competitive prices from hundreds of trusted international and local suppliers, flexible pick-up/drop-off locations in Italy or nearby countries. You can even modify your booking by adding any features you need, such as automatic transmission, unlimited mileage or additional driver coverage.

With us, you can choose from a wide selection of rental vehicles to suit every type of trip. Economy cars for navigating the narrow streets of historic cities (ZTLs) like Florence and Bologna, compact SUVs for scenic drives through the Dolomites or Tuscany and spacious family vans are perfect for longer journeys across Sicily.

If you are looking to travel in style, luxury cars are a great choice for exploring destinations like the Amalfi Coast or Lake Como. Whatever your itinerary, we make it easy to compare the right vehicle at the right price.

Top car rental companies in Italy

We work with a wide network of reputable global and local car rental providers across Italy, making it easy to compare prices, vehicle types and rental terms in one place. Whether you are collecting a car from Rome Fiumicino Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport, Venice Marco Polo Airport or a city centre location, you can choose from trusted international and local suppliers known for their quality service and extensive vehicle fleets.

Some of the most popular car rental companies in Italy include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, Budget, Alamo, National, Locauto, Sicily by Car, Maggiore, Autovia, Drivalia, RentSmart24 and NOLEGGIARE. These suppliers offer everything from economy cars and family SUVs to luxury vehicles, vans and convertibles, with convenient pick-up and drop-off locations throughout the country.

Where to pick up a rental car in Italy

We offer plenty of convenient car rental pick-up locations in Italy, making it easy to begin your journey wherever you arrive. Whether you are flying into a major international airport, arriving by train, staying in a city centre or prefer the convenience of vehicle delivery at your hotel, you can compare multiple pick-up options with us to find the best fit for your travel plans.

Airport car rental

Picking up a rental car at any airport in Italy is one of the most popular choices of our customers. Airport pickup locations are convenient if you are planning to explore beyond Italy's popular cities.

Major airports such as Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Florence Airport (FLR), Naples International Airport (NAP), Catania Airport (CTA) and Pisa International Airport (PSA) have a wide selection of cars from our multiple partner suppliers.

It lets you hit the road as soon as you land, whether you are heading to Tuscany, the Amalfi Coast, the Dolomites or Sicily.


Downtown car rental

If you are spending a few days sightseeing before driving, collecting our rental car from Italy’s city centre location can be a practical option. Downtown rental offices are widely available in popular destinations including Rome, Milan, Florence, Venice, Bologna, Turin, Naples and Palermo.

City centre pick-up locations are also ideal if you are travelling between destinations by train or staying in accommodation close to the main tourist areas.

Many downtown branches offer flexible opening hours and different drop-off locations for one-way rentals for longer journeys across Italy. By comparing city centre rental options on our search page, you can find competitive rates and choose the most convenient location for starting your adventure.


Railway station car rental

Italy's extensive high-speed rail network makes railway station pick-up a convenient choice for travellers arriving by train. You can easily find rental desks near major stations such as Roma Termini, Milano Centrale, Firenze Santa Maria Novella, Venezia Santa Lucia, Napoli Centrale, Bologna Centrale and Torino Porta Nuova. This option is ideal for combining train travel with a self-drive holiday through the countryside or along the coast.

On our search page, enter your preferred railway station location in Italy to select from a wide range of vehicles, including compact cars to family SUVs. We make it easy to choose the right option for exploring Tuscany, the Italian Lakes, the Dolomites or the Amalfi Coast.


Hotel delivery options

For added convenience, some of our rental providers offer hotel delivery services in selected Italian cities. Instead of visiting a rental office, you can have our vehicle delivered directly to our accommodation in destinations such as Rome, Milan, Florence or Naples, depending on the supplier's availability.

This is a great option if you want to avoid city traffic on arrival and start driving only when you are ready to leave the city.

Car rental return in Italy

Returning a car hire in Italy is a simple process, whether you are dropping it off at an airport, city centre or railway station. Most rental companies have designated return area at major airports such as Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Naples International Airport (NAP) and Catania Airport (CTA), as well as in popular cities including Florence, Bologna, Turin and Palermo.

You need to follow the instructions properly as mentioned in your Booking Confirmation Voucher. These will include the designated return location, office opening hours, fuel policy and any after-hours drop-off procedures.

Following the return guidelines carefully can help you with a smooth handover and avoid additional charges for late returns, incorrect drop-off locations or any fuel variations.

Types of car rentals in Italy

Your city break, family holiday or scenic road trip all depends on the type of vehicle you choose. To help you book the best option, we offer a wide range of vehicles to suit different budgets, group sizes and driving conditions.

From compact cars for navigating medieval streets to spacious vans for family adventures, you can compare a variety of vehicle types to find the perfect fit for our itinerary.

Economy cars

Economy Car

Economy cars

Seating capacity: up to 5 seats

Popular models: Fiat Panda, Toyota Aygo X and Fiat 500

Solo travellers and couples mostly prefer booking an economy car rental in Italy. Their compact size makes them perfect for navigating Italy's narrow streets, tight parking spaces and historic city centres in destinations such as Rome, Florence, Bologna, Siena and Verona.

They also offer excellent fuel efficiency, making them a budget-friendly option for shorter road trips around Tuscany or Umbria.

Standard/intermediate cars

Economy Car

Standard/intermediate cars

Seating capacity: up to 5 seats

Popular models: Volkswagen T-Roc, Citroen C5 Aircross and Volkswagen T-Roc

Standard and intermediate cars generally provide more legroom and boot space than economy models. They are ideal for small families or business travellers planning longer drives between cities such as Milan, Venice, Florence and Rome.

These cars provide a comfortable balance of performance, luggage capacity and fuel economy, making them well-suited for touring regions like Tuscany, Emilia-Romagna or the Italian Riviera.

Convertibles

Convertible Car

Convertibles

Seating capacity: up to 2 or 4 seats

Popular models: Mazda MX-5, Mini Cooper and BMW Z4 Automatic

Convertible car rental in Italy is ideal if you want to enjoy Italy's beautiful scenery with the roof down. They are best suited for warm-weather road trips along the Amalfi Coast, the Italian Riviera, Lake Garda, Tuscany or the coastal roads of Sardinia and Sicily.

While convertibles offer less luggage space than other vehicle types, they provide an unforgettable open-air driving experience.

SUVs

SUV Car

SUVs

Seating capacity: up to 7 seats

Popular models: Fiat 500X, Peugeot 5008 5+2 Pax Automatic

SUVs offer higher ground clearance, additional luggage space and greater comfort for long-distance journeys.

They are an excellent choice for exploring the winding mountain roads of the Dolomites, driving through the vineyards of Piedmont or discovering the rugged landscapes of Sardinia and Sicily. They are also a practical option for travellers carrying outdoor gear or extra luggage.

Vans and minivans

Van Minivan

Vans and minivans

Seating capacity: up to 9 seats

Popular models: Ford Tourneo Connect 7 Pax, VW Caddy Maxi and Volkswagen Caddy Maxi

Vans and minivans are ideal for family holidays, group tours or friends travelling together. With generous luggage capacity, they are perfect for extended road trips across Italy, whether you want to visit the Amalfi Coast, tour Sicily, explore Lake Garda or travel between major cities.

Choosing a single larger vehicle can also be more convenient and cost-effective than renting multiple cars.

Luxury cars

Luxury Car

Luxury cars

Seating capacity: up to 5 seats

Popular models: Audi, BMW and Mercedes-Benz

Booking a luxury car rental in Italy gives you the premium comfort with advanced technology and refined performance. They are a popular choice for business travel, special occasions or travellers looking to elevate their Italian driving experience.

Exotic vehicles are perfect for cruising along the roads of Lake Como, exploring the Amalfi Coast or arriving in style in destinations such as Milan, Portofino and the Tuscan countryside.

Car rental deals available in Italy

Choosing the right rental deal in Italy can help you save money and enjoy greater flexibility. On our platform, you will find a variety of deal types to suit different travel plans, from short city escapes to month-long road trips across the country. By comparing deals from different suppliers, you can find the best rates for your journey.

Short-term car rentals

Short-term car rentals are ideal if your trip lasts anywhere from 24 hours to a week. Booking such a deal is a great option if you are spending a weekend in Florence before exploring the Tuscan countryside, taking a day trip from Milan to Lake Como or driving from Naples to the Amalfi Coast.

Business travellers attending meetings in Rome or Bologna can also benefit from short-term rentals without committing to a longer booking. These deals provide flexibility, competitive daily rates and access to a wide selection of vehicles, allowing you to pay only for the days you actually need the car.

Long-term car rentals

Booking a long-term car rental in Italy is perfect if you require a vehicle for several weeks or even 1 month or more. These deals are popular with digital nomads, international students, remote workers, families enjoying an extended holiday or professionals on temporary work assignments in cities like Milan, Rome or Turin.

If you are planning an epic road trip through Tuscany, the Dolomites, Sicily and the Italian Lakes, we recommend opting for a monthly car rental deal. Compared with daily rates, long-term rentals often offer lower per-day pricing, making them a more economical choice while providing the freedom to explore Italy at a relaxed pace.

Last-minute car rentals

Last-minute car rental deals are only recommended if your plans change unexpectedly. Whether you have booked a spontaneous weekend in Venice, found cheap flights to Palermo or need a replacement vehicle after changing your itinerary, last-minute options can help you secure a rental quickly.

These offers are especially useful at major airports such as Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa, and Venice Marco Polo, where a wide selection of vehicles is often available. Comparing last-minute deals on our platform can help you find competitive prices, choose from multiple suppliers and get on the road without unnecessary delays.

Drive a one-way car rental in Italy

A one-way option gives you the flexibility to pick up a rental car in Italy and return it at a different drop-off location. Instead of driving back to the starting point, you can create a more efficient itinerary and explore multiple regions of the country along with neighbouring countries like Switzerland and France at your own pace.

Many of our customers choose one-way rentals to journey from northern Italy to the south or vice versa, stopping at iconic destinations along the way.

Some of the most popular one-way routes in Italy include:

Rome to Florence:

  • Distance: ~275 km
  • Time: around 3 hours 15 minutes (via the A1 motorway)

Florence to Venice:

  • Distance: ~260 km
  • Time: around 3 hours

Milan to Lake Como:

  • Distance: ~85 km
  • Time: about 1 hour 15 minutes

Naples to Bari:

  • Distance: ~260 km
  • Time: around 3 hours

Catania to Palermo (Sicily):

  • Distance: ~210 km
  • Time: around 2 hours 30 minutes

Cross-border car rental

Many rental suppliers listed with us also allow cross-border travel, giving an opportunity to continue your journey beyond Italy into neighbouring countries. Permission for international travel must usually be requested in advance and additional insurance or cross-border fees may apply depending on the rental provider.

Some of the most popular cross-border routes include:

Milan (Italy) to Lugano (Switzerland)

~80 km, taking around 1 hour 15 minutes

Turin (Italy) to Lyon (France)

~315 km, with a driving time of around 3 hours 45 minutes

Trieste (Italy) to Ljubljana (Slovenia)

~ 95 km, taking about 1 hour 20 minutes

Bolzano (Italy) to Innsbruck (Austria)

~120 km, with a journey time of around 1 hour 45 minutes

Venice (Italy) to Pula (Croatia)

~275 km, taking around 3 hours 45 minutes, depending on the chosen route and border crossing

* Note: When booking a cross-border rental, you should always check the rental terms to confirm that the destination country is permitted, make sure you have the required documentation and verify whether any additional charges apply. Comparing providers in advance can help you find the most suitable option for an international road trip.


Things to do in Italy with a rental car

A rental car gives you the freedom to travel Italy beyond its famous cities and discover destinations that are difficult to reach by public transport.

You can easily plan a coastal escape, a mountain adventure or a countryside in your own booked vehicle. Below are some of the suggestions you can explore at your own pace.

Tuskan Countryside

Explore the Tuscan Countryside

Drive through the rolling hills of Tuscany, stopping at picturesque towns such as Siena, San Gimignano, Montepulciano and Pienza. Along the way, you can visit vineyards, enjoy local wineries and take in some of Italy's most scenic landscapes.

Almafi Coast

Drive the Amalfi Coast

One of Italy's most iconic road trips is the drive along the Amalfi Coast. You can visit colourful seaside towns including Positano, Amalfi and Ravello while enjoying spectacular Mediterranean views and stopping at hidden beaches along the route.

Dolomites

Discover the Dolomites

A car rental makes it easy to explore the breathtaking Dolomite Mountains in northern Italy. You can drive through mountain passes, visit Cortina d'Ampezzo, hike around Tre Cime di Lavaredo or relax beside the beautiful Lake Misurina.

Italians Lake

Visit the Italian Lakes

Travel at our own pace around famous lakes of the country, including Lake Como, Lake Garda and Lake Maggiore. A self-drive car rental in Italy allows us to stop in charming lakeside villages, enjoy scenic viewpoints and take ferry trips between picturesque towns.

Silicy Highlights

Experience Sicily's highlights

Hiring a car is one of the best ways to explore Sicily. You can drive between Palermo, Catania, Taormina, Syracuse and the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento while discovering beautiful beaches, ancient ruins and authentic Sicilian cuisine.

Vineyards Tour

Tour the Vineyards of Piedmont

Wine lovers can enjoy a road trip through the rolling hills of Piedmont, home to the renowned Barolo and Barbaresco wine regions. With a rental car, you can visit family-run wineries, explore charming villages such as Alba and spend time admiring the UNESCO-listed vineyard landscapes according to your wish.


Tips for renting a car in Italy

Choose the right car size

Many Italian towns have narrow streets and tight parking, particularly in historic centres such as Florence, Siena, Lucca and Verona. If you are mainly driving in cities, an economy or compact car is often the easiest option to drive and park. For countryside or mountain road trips, an SUV may provide extra comfort and luggage space.

Be aware of ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones)

Many cities in Italy have Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) areas where only authorised vehicles are allowed to enter. These zones are common in Rome, Florence, Milan, Pisa, Bologna and Siena.

Driving into a ZTL without permission can result in hefty fines, so you should always check our route before entering a city centre.

Know the speed limits

Unless road signs indicate otherwise, the general speed limits in Italy are 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h on motorways (Autostrade).

Speed cameras are widely used across the country, particularly on major motorways and regional roads, so it's important to follow posted limits at all times.

Follow Italy's child seat laws

Children under 150 cm in height must travel in an appropriate child restraint system that matches their height and weight.

If you are travelling with young children, it's best to reserve a child seat when booking the rental car online so that it is available upon collection.

Prepare to pay tolls in Italy with a rental car

Many of Italy's motorways (Autostrade) are toll roads. Popular routes such as Milan to Venice, Rome to Florence and Naples to Bologna include toll sections.

Most toll booths accept cash, major credit cards and electronic payment devices, so you should always verify the payment options with your supplier.

Inspect the vehicle before driving away

Before leaving the rental location, you should carefully inspect the vehicle. Taking photos or videos of the car at both pick-up and return can provide extra peace of mind if any damage disputes arise later.

Book early during peak travel seasons

Italy is one of Europe's most popular holiday destinations, especially during the summer months and around Easter and Christmas. Rental demand is particularly high in Rome, Venice, Florence, Milan, Naples and Sicily.

Booking our vehicle well in advance (3 to 6 weeks during peak season) usually gives us access to lower prices, a wider choice of vehicle types and better availability during busy travel periods.

Frequently asked questions

Yes. Automatic car hire in Italy is widely available, especially at major airports such as Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO), Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Florence Airport (FLR) and Naples International Airport (NAP), as well as in city centre locations. Since automatic vehicles are less common than manual cars in Italy, booking in advance is recommended to secure the best choice and prices.

Yes. Monthly car rental in Italy is offered by many suppliers like Enterprise, Hertz, Avis and Sixt and is ideal for extended holidays, business trips, digital nomads or temporary relocations. Longer rentals often come with lower daily rates than short-term bookings.

The accepted payment methods depend on your car rental provider. Some suppliers accept debit cards for payment, while others require a credit card. Always check the supplier's payment policy in the Rental Terms before booking.

When booking a rental car in Italy, you must have a valid driving licence, passport or identification, rental agreement and any insurance documents provided by the rental company. If your licence was issued outside the European Union, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on your country of residence.

Generally, the minimum age to rent a car in Italy is 21 years with a Young Driver Surcharge for those under 25 years. Some suppliers in Italy even accept 18+ drivers, since age requirements can vary (where it could be more or less than mentioned) by vehicle category & provider, you should check the rental terms carefully before booking.