Hire a car in Venice
There are a few places in the world quite like Venice. From its maze of canals and centuries-old architecture to lively piazzas and hidden alleyways, the city invites you to slow down and experience it at a different pace. While Venice itself is best explored on foot or by public water bus system (vaporetto), it also makes the perfect starting point for exploring the rest of Northern Italy.
Once you have experienced the city’s unique charm, a rental car gives you the freedom to travel further. Whether it is a scenic drive through the Dolomites, a visit to the vineyards of Veneto, a stop at Lake Garda, or a trip to nearby cities like Verona and Padua. Whatever your travel plans are, search, compare, and book from hundreds of cars available by top suppliers at affordable prices.
Major car rental companies in Venice
Venice offers convenient car rental options at Marco Polo Airport, Mestre, and other mainland locations, making it easy to pick up your vehicle before continuing your journey across northern Italy. On our platform, you can compare offers from trusted suppliers to find a car that best suits your travel plans.
Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Alamo, Buchbinder, Locauto, Sicily by Car, Centauro, and Keddy.
Popular car rental categories in Venice
Every traveler’s vehicle needs are different. While some may want to stay within a budget, others travelling with family might need the extra space of an SUV or a minivan. Choosing the right rental car for your Venice trip depends on your travel plans, budget, and the kind of journey you are planning.
Mini cars
Mini cars
Mini cars are best for short trips around mainland Venice and nearby towns. Their small size, easy maneuvering, fuel efficiency, and convenience is what makes them solo travelers and couple’s first choice.
Economy cars
Economy cars
Driving an economy car from Venice to Padua, Treviso, or Verona becomes comfortable and smooth, while keeping fuel costs low. It's popular among couples and small families for both city-to-city travel and longer journeys.
Compact cars
Compact cars
If you are planning to cover more ground without driving a larger vehicle, compact cars are practical. They offer extra luggage space than smaller cars and are easy to handle on Italy's motorways and regional roads.
SUVs
SUVs
SUVs are ideal for families & groups of 5 to 7 people planning to explore the Dolomites or other mountainous regions of northern Italy. With added comfort and a higher driving position makes them a right fit for longer road trips.
Luxury cars
Luxury cars
For those looking to elevate their journey, luxury cars are the right fit thanks to their modern interiors and high performance. Business travellers often choose luxury vehicles and travelers to experience northern Italy in style and comfort.
Convertibles
Convertibles
With picturesque countryside and vineyard-covered hills nearby, Venice is a fantastic starting point for a road trip in a cabriolet (convertible). Enjoy scenic drives along the Prosecco Wine Route, the Venetian Riviera and Jesolo, around Lake Garda.
Minivans/Vans
Minivans/Vans
If you are travelling with a family of 7 or 9, or a larger group, minivans and vans are a good option with generous seating and luggage space. They ensure everyone can travel together comfortably without compromising on space.
Top car rental locations in Venice
Venice may be known for its canals and pedestrian streets, but finding a rental car is surprisingly simple. Most pickup locations are situated on the mainland or at the airport, allowing you to explore the city's historic centre, scenic landscapes and charming towns of northern Italy seamlessly.
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
- Venice Downtown
- Venice Port
- Venice Mestre Railway Station
- Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station
Flexible car rental deal types
Short-term car rental
(one day/weekend)
A short-term rental is perfect for travelers planning weekend breaks, day trips to nearby destinations like Verona or Padua, or a scenic drive through the Veneto countryside before returning to the city.
Long-term car rental
(weekly to months)
If you are planning an extended holiday, a multi-city itinerary, or staying in Italy for work, a long-term booking is the right choice. It also comes at lower daily rental rates as compared to short-term deals.
Last-minute car rental
(spontaneous trips)
Not every trip is planned months in advance, some travelers like spontaneous plans. This is where last-minute deals come into picture for an unexpected road trip or extended stay in Venice.
Holiday car rental
(peak seasons)
Venice is especially popular during the summer months, Carnival, Christmas, and other festive periods. Booking a holiday rental in advance gives you access to a wider choice of vehicles at best prices.
Cross-country car rentals in Venice
Venice is an excellent starting point for cross-border road trips across Europe. With prior approval you can drive your vehicle into several neighbouring countries, however, note that cross-border policies and additional fees may apply depending on the supplier.
| Route | Distance (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Zurich, Switzerland | 540 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Munich, Germany | 550 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Geneva, Switzerland | 600 km | 6 to 7 hours |
| Zagreb, Croatia | 385 km | 4 to 4.5 hours |
One-way car rentals in Venice
With one-way booking, you can pick you car from one location and drop it off to another, without backtracking. This helps you explore beyond the city so you can make the most of your trip.
Drop-off locations within the city
Depending on your rental supplier's availability, you can return your vehicle to a different location within Venice. Following are convenient drop-off locations within the city that you can consider for returning your vehicle.
- Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
- Venice Downtown
- Venice Port
- Venice Mestre Railway Station
- Venice Santa Lucia Railway Station
Drop-off locations outside the city
If your travel plans include exploring places beyond Venice, you can return your vehicle at one of several popular destinations across Italy. Here are some of the most common one-way routes:
| Drop-off location | Distance (approx.) | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Verona | 120 km | 1.5 hours |
| Padua | 40 km | 45 minutes |
| Bologna | 155 km | 2 hours |
| Milan | 270 km | 3 hours |
| Florence | 260 km | 3 hours |
| Rome | 530 km | 5.5 to 6 hours |
Top things to do in Venice
Venice is best explored on foot or by water, but once you are ready to leave the city behind, a rental car opens up some of northern Italy's most scenic destinations. Here are a few places worth adding to your itinerary.
St. Mark's Square
Visit Venice's iconic square, home to St. Mark's Basilica, the Doge's Palace, and centuries of Venetian history.
Murano and Burano
Take a short boat ride to these colourful islands, famous for traditional glassmaking, lace craftsmanship, and vibrant waterfront houses.
Verona
Just over an hour's drive from Venice, Verona is known for its Roman Arena, medieval streets, and the legendary Juliet's House.
Lake Garda
Italy's largest lake is around 2 hours away and offers lakeside towns, panoramic drives, hiking trails, and water sports.
The Dolomites
A scenic drive through the Dolomites rewards travellers with dramatic mountain landscapes, charming alpine villages, and some of Italy's most picturesque roads.
Venice’s car rental tips
Explore Venice before collecting your car
Since the historic centre is largely pedestrian-only, it is often more convenient to explore Venice first and collect your vehicle when you are ready to continue your journey across northern Italy.
Know where you can drive
Private vehicles are not permitted beyond Piazzale Roma. If you are staying in the historic centre, plan your parking in advance and continue on foot or by vaporetto (public water bus system).
Watch for ZTL zones
Many Italian cities have Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) areas where vehicle access is restricted. Entering these zones without authorisation can result in fines, so always follow local road signs.
Carry payment for toll roads
Most Italian motorways (Autostrade) charge tolls. You can usually pay by cash, card, or electronic toll systems, but it is worth confirming the payment process with your rental supplier before setting off.
Frequently asked questions
Simply search and compare available rental cars on our platform, and choose the vehicle that suits your trip, followed by completing your booking online. On the day of pickup, present required documents at your supplier's rental desk to collect your vehicle.
Some suppliers available at our platform offer no deposit or low deposit rental options. Availability varies by supplier, vehicle category, and payment method, so check the rental terms of the supplier before booking.
A few suppliers in Venice might accept debit cards for payment or security purposes however, mostly require a credit card in the primary driver's name. Since payment policies differ between suppliers, always review the supplier's payment requirements before booking your vehicle.
Winter tyres may be included during the colder months when required by local regulations or supplier policies. If you are travelling to mountainous regions or during winter, it is a good idea to confirm tyre availability before your trip.
Operating hours vary by supplier. Many rental desks at Venice Marco Polo Airport are open from early morning until late evening, while some also offer after-hours pickup or return services. Check your supplier's operating hours beforehand.