Car Rental Tips

One-way car rental from Rome to Milan – Everything to know

Journey from Rome to Milan – Distance, drive time, and best routes

Driving from Rome to Milan is about 570 km (355 miles), and it usually takes around 6 to 7 hours.

Rome To Milan

The time can vary a bit with traffic, stops, and the route you pick. It is a simple and well-supported drive, making it one of the easiest long-distance trips in Italy.

Best routes on the way from Rome to Milan A1 Autostrada del Sole (Direct)
A1 with Tuscany & Emilia stops
Tuscany and Liguria (Longer but scenic road)
Popular spots for detours Uffizi Galleries, Piazzale Michelangelo, and Piazza del Campo
If you are planning a one-day drive from Rome to Milan, you must choose the A1 Autostrada as it is the best route for speed and ease. Moreover, if time allows, you can add a planned stop to make the journey more comfortable and enjoyable without complicating the drive.

Some of the most-opted spots for pick-up in Rome and drop-off in Milan of hired vehicles are listed below:-

Pick-up locations in Rome Drop-off locations in Milan
Rome Fiumicino Airport (FCO) Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP)
Rome Ciampino Airport (CIA) Milan Linate Airport (LIN)
Rome Termini Railway Station Milan Central Railway Station
Rome Tiburtina Railway Station Milan Milanofiori Center
Rome Downtown Milan Downtown
Take the factors such as pricing, convenience, and car rental availability into consideration for your travel dates before selecting between airport and city pickup options.

Best car rental companies for one-way rentals in Rome

There is a wide range of car rental companies providing services for a one-way trip to Milan from Rome. Your ideal company can vary depending on factors such as budget, vehicle type, and rental duration.

Some of the top-notch global and domestic companies are listed below:-

Global car rental companies

  • EuropcarEuropcar
  • AvisAVIS
  • HertzHertz
  • BudgetBudget
  • SixtSixt

Domestic car rental companies

  • MaggioreMaggiore
  • NoleggiareNoleggiare
  • Sicily By CarSicily By Car
  • CentauroCentauro
  • LocautoLocauto

How to book a cheap one-way car rental from Rome to Milan?

  • Book in advance

    The car hire prices usually rise during Rome’s peak tourist season. It is advisable to book 3-4 weeks in advance for securing the best rates and availability. Planning early makes travel easier and cheaper.

  • Thorough price comparison

    Compare car rental prices across aggregators to find the best one-way deal for your travel needs from global and local providers. Confirm your booking as soon as you find a car hire deal in your budget.

  • Be flexible with the vehicle models

    Being adaptable with your car rental options can help you secure better deals. Typically, economy and compact cars are the most affordable, making them ideal for city travel. However, there is a broad selection of vehicles available to meet different travel requirements.

Car categories Prices start from (EUR/€) Seating capacity Popular vehicle models
Economy or Compact €13.57 per day 3-4 seats Hyundai i10, Ford Focus, Kia Ceed
Standard or Intermediate €26.07 per day 5 seats Citroen C5 Aircross, Ford Kuga Automatic, Volkswagen T-Roc Automatic
Luxury €65.95 per day 4 seats Audi A5 Avant, BMW 3 Series, BMW 5 Series
SUVs €14.32 per day 5-6 seats Hyundai Kona, Jeep Avenger Automatic, Volkswagen T-Cross
Vans or Minivans €58.61 per day 9 or more seats Renault Espace, Opel/Vauxhall Vivaro, Ford Transit Custom
Convertibles €68.93 per day 3-4 seats Fiat 500, BMW 4 Series Convertible, Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet
Always keep in mind that the average rates mentioned are just estimates and can vary between companies, on the basis of factors such as seasonality, rental duration, car type, and driver’s age.

Driving in Italy: Essential things to know

  • Know about the ZTLs

    Know About The ZTLs

    ZTLs are Limited Traffic Zones in Italian cities designed to reduce congestion, pollution, and protect cultural heritage. Many towns, like Rome and Milan, have strict ZTL zones. Entering triggers cameras and fines. Research the allowed areas before driving.

  • Toll roads

    With a rental car, you must pick up a ticket when entering the highway and pay the toll at the toll booth, either in cash or with a credit card. Watch for signs and choose the correct lane marked for cash or credit card.

    Do not enter the ‘Telepass’ lanes unless the rental company has provided you with a transponder.

  • Fuel policies

    Two types of fuel policies that can be opted for are discussed below:-

    • Same-to-same fuel policy

      As per the same-to-same fuel policy, you are required to return the car with the same amount of fuel as it was during pick up.

    • Full-to-full fuel policy

      According to the full-to-full fuel policy, you will receive the car hire with a tank full of fuel and are also expected to return it the same way, with a full tank of fuel.

Good to know: Usually, a full-to-full fuel policy is opted for because it is slightly cost-effective, as you just have to pay for the amount of fuel you consume.

Necessary requirements for booking a one-way car rental from Rome to Milan

Below mentioned are some of the necessary requirements you need to fulfil in order to rent a car from Rome to Milan:-

Requirements EU residents Foreigners Note
Passport or proof of ID Any proof of ID Passport Identity proof must be presented.
Credit card Required Required The credit card should be valid and in the name of the main driver only.
Driving license EU driver’s license International Driving Permit (IDP) and Driver’s License

(if the original license is not in the Latin alphabet)
The driver’s licence for both types of travellers should be valid and without any major endorsements.
Age criteria 21 years or above 21 years or above However, a young driver’s surcharge will apply to drivers under 25.
Requirements can differ between companies, so always check the supplier's rental terms before booking for accuracy.

Key takeaways from the necessary requirements

  • The credit card of the main driver is necessary for holding the security deposit.
  • You must be at least 21 years old to rent a car in Italy. Some rental companies might allow rentals at 18 years, but charge a young driver surcharge for drivers under a specific age.
  • Carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) if you do not have an EU license.
  • All the documents should be in the name of the main driver.

Most asked questions

  • How much does a one-way car rental from Rome to Milan cost?

    Typically, the cost of renting a one-way car from Rome to Milan starts from around €13.57 per day for an economy or compact car category.

    However, this price is not fixed and may vary from company to company, depending on various factors like seasonality, rental duration, driver’s age, and car category.

  • What is the security deposit amount for renting a car in Rome?

    The security deposit amount varies depending on multiple factors, such as car category and the rental company. Refer to the rental terms of your chosen supplier for more accurate information.

  • Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Italy?

    If you are a foreigner renting a car in Italy, and your driving license is not in the Latin alphabet, then you will need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

    And, in case your country does not issue an IDP, get an official translation of your domestic documents to present along with the original license at the rental desk.

  • Is renting a car better than taking the train from Rome to Milan?

    Renting a car to Milan can be a better choice than taking train. With a car hire, you get the freedom and flexibility to plan your stops and move as per your convenience, which is not possible in a train.

    Moreover, with multiple passengers and extra luggage, renting becomes more comfortable.

  • Can I rent a car in Italy without a credit card?

    Most car rental companies require a credit card to hold a security deposit in Italy.

    The deposit amount is blocked on the main driver’s credit card and gets released in full upon completion of the rental period, provided no damage has been caused to the vehicle.

    It is suggested to read the supplier’s rental terms for more information on credit cards and security deposits.

  • How much is the drop-off fee for a one-way car rental from Rome to Milan?

    The one-way drop-off fee varies depending on factors like supplier, vehicle, rental duration, drop-off location, etc., and is included in the total rental cost.

VIP Cars Editorial Team

VIP Cars Editorial Team

We deliver self-researched, fact-checked insights on car rentals, travel trends, and mobility, crafted independently by industry-savvy travel experts. Our goal is to provide reliable, niche content that helps every road traveler make confident, informed decisions.

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