Renting a car in Italy: Your complete guide

Renting a car has been a popular choice among tourists and locals alike in Italy and there is not just one particular reason behind that. Many factors collectively led to the car rental becoming a sought-after mobility solution and convenience is one of the various aspects that top the list. If you are also planning on booking a vehicle for personal or professional reasons in the country and it is your first time doing that, we have you covered. Through this article, we will help you clear any questions you may have and at the same time, provide tips on how you can make your rental experience a pleasant one.

How to rent a car in Italy?

Booking a car rental in Italy is no rocket science. You get both online and offline options depending on the location, supplier or the platform you have selected. Mindfully decide on how you want to go about the reservation since there are things you might will have to consider in each case.

Online Booking: Renting a car online is as simple as it can get; you can make a booking using either a website or an app. This process requires you to fill in the booking form with your details, including pick-up/drop-off location, dates, times, age and country of residence. Based on your inputs, you are directed to the search results page where you can explore, compare and book car rentals right from the comfort of your home.

Offline Booking: Offline bookings can be done in two ways.

• One way is to directly contact the company via a call or an email in advance; this service is provided by several brands.
• The second way is to make an on-the-spot booking at the rental location with the supplier of your choice. Bookings made at the desk, however, may prove to be slightly hassling due to long waiting queues, high costs, and uncertainty about the availability of cars, let alone your preferred one.

What are the car rental requirements in Italy?

To be able to rent a car in Italy, there are certain guidelines set by the supplier that you need to meet. The terms and conditions can vary for each company and therefore, it is crucial to carefully read the rental terms before you make any decision. As far as generic requirements are concerned, we have explained them below in terms of age, documentation and payment.

Age: Meeting the age criteria pre-defined by the supplier is critical to hiring a car in Italy. In the case of most suppliers, the minimum required age is 21 years. However, there might be a few companies willing to rent cars to drivers 18 years old or above. There is also a maximum age limit, usually ranging from 75-80 years, depending on the company.

A Young Driver surcharge or Senior Driver surcharge is also levied on customers (mostly those under the age of 25 or over the age of 75), which is collected by the supplier at the desk during pick-up.

Additionally, certain car groups, specifically the larger ones, are made off-limits to young renters by some suppliers. The instructions regarding the same are clearly stated in their terms and if you enter the right age while searching for cars as a young driver, you won’t see any deals with the restricted cars.

Documentation: Possessing all the mandatory documents and bringing them along to the supplier’s desk is essential to ensuring a successful vehicle pick up. Only physical & original documents are allowed; any photocopies will not be accepted by the suppliers. The list usually comprises the following documents:

• Credit card: Carrying an active credit card of the person in whose name the booking has been made is a must. It will be required by the supplier during pick up to block a refundable security deposit*.

*A security deposit is a sum of money that is held by the supplier on the main driver’s credit card as a guarantee for the rented vehicle. All the additional charges incurred during the rental period, including but not limited to missing fuel, damages, fines, etc. will be settled by the company using the blocked deposit and the remaining amount shall be refunded to you. No money is going to be deducted from the deposit and it will be refunded in full only in cases where the vehicle is returned in its original condition.

• Rental voucher: It is basically a proof of the rental booking you made, entailing all the important information, including your rental details, supplier’s pick-up & drop-off address, business hours, terms and conditions, payable amount, etc.
• Valid ID proof: To confirm your identity, the supplier will require a valid ID proof, preferably a passport.
• Full & valid driver’s license: The driver must have held a driver’s license for at least 1 year. It should be presented in full and must be valid. Additionally, there might be restrictions on renting particular cars if you have held a license for a few years only.

  Some suppliers might allow customers from European Union countries to drive on their domestic driver’s license without the need to carry any additional document like an IDP.

  International Driving Permit (IDP): An International Driving Permit (IDP) is a document entailing the translation of your domestic driver’s license in multiple languages. Some suppliers make it mandatory for their customers to carry it along with their domestic driver’s license when arriving to collect the rental vehicle. It is best to peruse the supplier’s terms carefully to get a clear understanding of their requirements in terms of license and IDP.

Payment: Depending on the platform you are booking with, the payment methods can vary. You, as a customer, also get a choice to make either a full or partial payment based on your preference while booking a car online.

• If you are making some part of the payment online, you might get to choose from international debit or credit cards to proceed. Again, this will depend on whom you are making a reservation with. Paying with cash at the supplier’s desk might also be available at some locations. You will have to check your supplier’s terms to be certain.
• Whatever remaining amount is left to be paid at the supplier’s desk, such as optional Extras, insurance, etc., you will be charged in the local currency of the country, i.e., Euro (EUR).
• When it comes to completing your payment at the supplier’s desk, you can do it using the methods accepted by the company. However, for the security deposit, you will most definitely require the main driver’s active credit card.

Best time to rent a car in Italy

The months of February, October and November are considered the best time to rent a car in Italy as prices are comparatively low given the off-season. July and August, on the other hand, are peak times of the year, due to huge crowds visiting the country for summer holidays. To secure the cheapest deal, it’s recommended to make a booking in advance, irrespective of what time of the year you’ll be visiting.

Things to keep in mind when exploring car rental deals for Italy

• Car categories

  For every traveling need in Italy, there is a suitable vehicle type available with the suppliers operating at prominent locations within the country. There is a diverse fleet of cars in both small and large sizes, enabling you to make a selection based on your requirements. To ensure a fuss-free experience journeying in Italy, it is crucial to get your ride right. For instance, if you are traveling in a big group, renting a van or minivan would make more sense compared to hiring a compact car or sedan. Generally, the vehicle inventory in Italy includes:

  Category	Vehicle Type	Seats	Doors	Luggage	Transmission	Examples
  Mini	Compact city cars	4	3-5	1 small	Manual/Auto	Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo
  Economy	Small fuel-efficient cars	4-5	3-5	1-2 small	Manual/Auto	Ford Fiesta, VW Polo
  Compact	Slightly larger than economy	5	5	2 small	Manual/Auto	Renault Captur, SEAT Arona
  Intermediate	Midsize sedans	5	4-5	1 large, 1 small	Manual/Auto	Toyota Corolla, Fiat Tipo Sedan
  Standard	Comfortable mid-range cars	5	4-5	2 large	Manual/Auto	VW T-Roc, Peugeot 408
  Full-Size	Larger sedans or SUVs	5	4-5	2-3 large	Manual/Auto	Ford Mondeo, Toyota Camry
  Luxury/Premium	High-end models	4-5	4-5	2-3 large	Manual/Auto	BMW 5 Series, Audi A6
  SUV	Sport utility vehicles	5-7	5	3 large	Manual/Auto	Jeep Compass, Peugeot 2008
  Convertible	Open-top vehicles	2-4	2-3	1-2 small	Auto	Mini Cooper Convertible, Fiat 500 Cabrio
  Minivan/MPV	Multi-purpose family cars	2-7	4-5	3-4 large	Manual/Auto	VW Touran, Citroen C4 Grand Space Tourer
  Van	Cargo/passenger vans	2-12	4-5	Large cargo space	Manual/Auto	Volkswagen Caravelle, Hyundai Staria

  *The specifications are generic and might vary when searching for deals in Italy.

  Pro tip: Checking these things might help you narrow down the options:

  • Seating capacity
  • Luggage space
  • Transmission
  • Fuel types

• Supplier’s rental terms

  The car rental companies extending their services in Italy have different sets of terms and conditions in regard to age criteria, documentation, one-way deals, cross-border deals, surcharges and much more. Therefore, it is vital to read through the rental terms thoroughly and understand the requirements before making any decision.

  Important things to check in the rental terms:

  • Age requirements- minimum & maximum
  • Geographical restrictions
  • Vehicle restrictions
  • Documentation
  • Payment & charges
  • Policies, coverages & taxes
  • Add-ons
  • Pick-up & drop-off

• Reviews & ratings of suppliers

  The supplier you choose for your car rental in Italy plays a critical role in your overall experience. You must be mindful while checking out the available suppliers and the best to determine their quality of service is through the reviews and ratings shared by previous customers. The better the feedback, the better your chances of having a satisfactory experience.

• Inclusions

  To ensure you get the best value for your Italy car rental, checking the inclusions offered with the deals is a must. Suppliers offer a variety of free-of-cost benefits that usually include, Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Waiver, Third Party Liability, Additional Driver, Snow Tires, Young Driver Fee, Unlimited Mileage, Airport Fee, Breakdown Assistance, Road Tax, etc., that can vary on the basis of the company, car, location and the time of the year you are booking for. Look for deals that come with your preferred or beneficial inclusions.

• Fuel & mileage policy

  Fuel and mileage policies can vary for every car rental deal you see for Italy. With each policy comes a different set of conditions; failing to comply with them might result in additional charges. So it is better to understand the policy before proceeding with the booking.

  Common fuel policies

  Full-to-Full: You will receive the rental with a full tank and similarly would be required to return it with a full tank only.

  Same-to-Same: The amount of fuel available in the rental during pick up is the amount of fuel you should get filled before dropping it off.

  Full-to-Empty: While you will receive the vehicle with a full tank, you won’t be liable to return it in full as well and will have the option to drop it off empty.

• Pro tip: It is recommended to opt for Full-to-Full fuel policy given the convenience it offers.

  As far as electric or hybrid cars are concerned, their terms and conditions can vary based on the supplier. It is best to read the terms for a better understanding.

  Mileage policies

  Limited mileage: Under this policy, you get limited miles/kilometers, allowing you to travel up to a certain distance only. Exceeding the set limit might result in additional charges.

  Unlimited mileage: This policy allows you to cover as many miles/kilometers as you want in your rented vehicle. There is no miles restriction whatsoever.

  Pro tip: Limited mileage is ideal for customers who will be covering a set distance only, while unlimited mileage is more suitable for road trippers or customers with long term rental needs.

• Insurance

  As a part of the inclusions, numerous suppliers offer basic coverages like Collision Damage Waiver, Theft Waiver, Third Party Liability, etc. with the deals. Other than that, many companies also offer additional insurance at an extra cost to help protect your rental, thereby offering you peace of mind. You can check the supplier’s terms for information related to their coverages and insurances.

Top car rental companies available in Italy

There is a wide network of top car rental companies serving the cities of Italy at major locations. The ones mentioned below are popular choices among customers looking to rent a car in the country.

Top car rental locations in Italy

Car rental companies operational in Italy make themselves available in different corners of the country, ensuring to cover all major locations. This enables customers to choose a pick up/drop off location as per their preference or traveling needs. We have put together a list of popular cities and municipalities in Italy with their top rental locations.

Types of car rental deals available in Italy

Different rental requirements call for different solutions and therefore, a variety of deal types are offered to customers as options in Italy. The deals are segregated and categorized on the basis of duration, drop off location, and the time of the reservation. Let’s understand them in detail.

• Short term car rental

  Any car rented for 2 weeks or less in Italy is counted under short-term deal. While there is no minimum duration as such, vehicles booked for just a few hours are charged by the suppliers for an entire day and not on an hourly basis. So, whether you are making a reservation for an hour, 12 hours or more, the rental price will be based on the per day rate.

  • Daily car rental: Ideal for customers in need of a vehicle temporarily for just a day. These are also referred to as 24 hour and one (1) day car rentals.
  • Weekend car rental: Serves as an excellent choice for travelers planning a weekend trip.
  • Weekly car rental: Both business professionals and tourists alike can benefit from weekly rentals that can be booked for up to 2 weeks under this deal type.

• Long term car rental

  Relocating to some place temporarily in Italy or have an extended vacation planned? Either way, a long term car rental is an apt solution for you to consider. Other than being a convenient choice, it also turns out to be cost-effective considering the low per day prices. These are usually offered as monthly deals that can be booked for 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and more depending your requirements and car’s availability.

• One way car rental

  One way car rental deals in Italy are popular for all the right reasons. It gives you the freedom to select different pick-up and drop-off points as per your preference. For instance, if you have selected Milan Airport as your pick up point, you can choose Venice Airport as your drop off point if that is what you want. Similarly, you can search for one way deals by entering your choice of locations to make things less hassling and more convenient.

  Top Domestic One Way Car Rental Trips	Distance
  Rome → Florence	~275 km
  Milan → Venice	~270 km
  Florence → Amalfi Coast	~530 km
  Rome → Amalfi Coast	~275 km
  Milan → Lake Como → Dolomites	~400 km
  Venice → Tuscany	~300 km
  Palermo → Catania (Sicily)	~210 km
  Bari → Naples	~260 km
  Naples → Puglia (Lecce/Alberobello)	~350–400 km
  Turin → Cinque Terre	~250 km

  *The terms and conditions of one way deals can be different for each supplier and location, therefore, it is recommended to carefully read through the company’s terms and conditions.

• Cross border car rental

  Cross country car rentals are as popular in Italy as one way deals, if not more. And the best part is, these two deals can be a part of one booking at the same time. In simple words, if you do not wish to take the car back to its original pick up country (case in point Italy), you can drop it off in the one you will be visiting by making it a one way trip, rather than a round trip.

  Top Cross Border Car Rental Trips	Distance
  Milan → Nice (France)	~320 km
  Venice → Ljubljana (Slovenia)	~240 km
  Milan → Zurich (Switzerland)	~280 km
  Florence → Lugano (Switzerland)	~370 km
  Rome → Monaco	~700 km
  Venice → Zagreb (Croatia)	~370 km
  Turin → Geneva (Switzerland)	~250 km
  Trieste → Piran (Slovenia)	~45 km
  Milan → Chamonix (France)	~220 km
  Bolzano → Innsbruck (Austria)	~120 km

  *The terms and conditions for cross border deals can vary based on the supplier and the location, hence, you must always refer to the company’s policies for a better understanding.

  Important note: Although cross border car rentals are provided by many suppliers in Italy, it is crucial that you inform the supplier of your travel plans in advance if you have booked this deal type. There is some paperwork they need to take care of to ensure you are able to cross the border without any hassle.

• Last minute car rental

  Whether you forgot to rent a car in advance for Italy or planned an impromptu trip, a last minute car rental can come to your rescue in cases like these. Based on the availability of the cars, you can make a reservation for the same day or the next day under this deal type.

Things to keep in mind when picking up/dropping off your car rental in Italy

• During pick up

  Arrive with the mandatory documents

  To ensure a successful car rental collection, it is critical to bring along all the documents specified in the confirmation voucher. Other than the documents mentioned below, there could be a few additional items that might be requested by the supplier, so make sure to double check their availability before arriving at the pick up location.

  • Confirmation Voucher
  • Full & Valid Driver’s License
  • Valid ID Card (such as passport)
  • Main Driver’s Credit Card
  • International Driving Permit (if specified in the voucher)

  Inspect the car thoroughly

  Inspecting the car thoroughly before collecting it is important to make sure you do not invite unforeseen charges during drop off. Check the interiors as well as exteriors for dents, scratches or anything unusual you notice. Make sure to click the pictures and show them to your associate if you think you are unnecessarily being charged for the damage you didn’t cause.

  Security deposit

  During rental pick-up, you will be required to submit a security deposit which is held by the supplier as a guarantee for the vehicle. Most suppliers accept the amount using the main driver’s credit card by blocking it until your rental comes to an end. The deposit is refunded once you have returned the car in its original condition.

  Add-ons are subject to availability

  Add-ons like child car seats, GPS, snow tires, etc. are provided by the suppliers with the deals. However, these Extras are subject to availability and suppliers don’t guarantee their obtainability.

  Be on time

  To avoid the chances of being charged for arriving late to pick up the car or your booking being marked as a ‘No Show’ which basically translates to booking cancellation and zero refund, you must arrive at the supplier’s facility on time. While many suppliers provide a grace period for a limited duration, it is better to show up at the desk on time as specified in the voucher.

  If, for any reason, you will be late to pick up the car, it might help to inform the supplier in advance. They might hold your booking for some time but there is no guarantee that you will get the same car category you had booked.

  Check for the availability of E-Toll devices

  For your added convenience, check with the supplier regarding the availability of E-Toll Devices, which you can get equipped to the car. This will help you avoid long queues and or having to keep small change for everytime you have to pay the toll.

• During drop off

  Arrive on time

  If you do not wish to be charged on an hourly or per day basis for returning the car late, make it a point to bring it back to the drop off location on time. Grace periods are provided for a limited time by some suppliers and failing to return the vehicle within that duration too will result in those additional costs.

  Get the car cleaned & refueled (if applicable)

  Returning an untidy car or not getting it refueled as per the applicable policy can attract extra charges. Therefore, get the car tidied up from the inside out and the tank filled as per the accepted fuel policy.

  Check the car for your belongings

  Before leaving your rented vehicle at the rental facility, check it thoroughly for your personal items, especially important documents. Check everything from storage spaces to the sides of the seats and underneath as well.

  Understand the after-hours policy

  After-hours return policy can vary from supplier to supplier and to understand it, you can refer to the confirmation voucher. Depending on the company and the location, you might be allowed to return it after business hours and the process usually involves leaving the keys and agreement in the dropbox outside the supplier’s counter.

  Request for a final inspection & receipt

  If you are returning the car within the supplier’s working hours, it is recommended to get it inspected in terms of damages, cleanliness, fuel and other things that could invite charges. On the basis of the findings during the inspection, you can request the supplier for the receipt entailing all the additional charges, if there are any.

  Keep a record of everything

  Right from photographing the vehicle before dropping it off to keeping a receipt of the fuel you got filled in the tank. Keeping a record of things like these will help you prevent additional charges. Other than that, you can also take a video of the fuel gauge when you receive the car and while returning it as proof.

  Fines and tickets settlement

  Any fine or ticket you receive during your rental period should be reported to your supplier during drop off. Some tickets also take time to process, so there are chances the supplier might receive them after your rental has ended. Therefore, you must carefully check the voucher for information regarding the fines, tolls, parking tickets, traffic violations and other related things.

Tips for driving a car rental in Italy (For first-time renters)

• Avoid ZTL Zones (if you don’t want to invite fines!)

  Entering the ZTL Zones with a rental car in Italian cities may lead to hefty fines. Only specific people and vehicles (residents, vehicles with a valid permit, public transport, etc.) are permitted to drive in these areas. Be on the lookout for Zona Traffico Limitato signs and always use maps or apps like Mat: ZTL, Zona traffico limitato - ZTL - Italy - avoid ticket, and ZTL when navigating the roads of Italy.

• Be prepared for narrow streets & limited parking

  Expect the streets of historic towns in Italy to be narrow with limited parking spaces. It is recommended to opt for a compact car to maneuver the lanes effortlessly and find a parking spot that fits your car. Also, make sure to slow down when driving through old city centers.

  Don’t forget the parking rules:

  • Blue means paid parking
  • Yellow means reserved parking
  • & White usually means free parking

• Autostrada & toll payment

  Autostrade (highways) in Italy are toll roads. You can use cash, cards to pay at tolls. Additionally, skip entering the ‘Telepass’ lanes unless your rental comes with it.

• Follow the speed limits

  Following the speed limit is a must when traveling in Italy. Keep in mind that speed limits tend to change every few miles. In addition, the cameras are everywhere tracking vehicle movements, so keep the speed within the accepted range unless you want to be fined.

Tips to book a cheap car rental in Italy