SI
Open island
Car Rental in Italy
Explore Italy your own way, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the Amalfi Coast and the northern lakes. Compare offers from local rental companies and book online in minutes with transparent pricing, low or zero deposits, and pick-up at airports and city locations.
Islands
Islands: Italy
Major islands with their own hub — all the island's cities and the built-in car search on a single page.
SA
Open island
Sardinia
3 cities
Terms
Rental terms in Italy
The basic rules of most rental providers in the country. Exact terms of a specific offer are shown in the city search before payment.
- Driver age — from 21 years.
- Driving experience — from 1 years.
- Drivers under 25 pay a young-driver surcharge.
- Fuel policy: “full-to-full”.
- Cross-border travel to France, CH, Austria and Slovenia — by prior arrangement at booking.
- Basic insurance (CDW/TP) is included in the price.
- A Full CDW package reduces the excess to zero.
- No-deposit rentals are often available.
- National driving licence.
- Driver’s passport.
- International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
- A bank card in the driver’s name for the deposit.
On the road
Driving rules in Italy
A driver’s guide for the country — common traveler questions: currency, fuel, speed limits, toll roads.
| Currency | Euro (EUR) |
|---|---|
| Speed limits | 50 city · 90 rural · 110 expressway · 130 motorway (km/h) |
| Blood alcohol limit | up to 0.5 ‰ |
| Daytime headlights | not required |
| Vignette (toll roads) | not required |
| Winter tyres | mandatory from 15.11 to 15.04 |
Traffic rules: Italy
- Drive on the right and follow standard European traffic rules.
- Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, up to 110 km/h on expressways (superstrada), and 130 km/h on motorways (autostrada).
- Low beam headlights are mandatory at all times outside built-up areas, on motorways, and in tunnels.
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. For drivers under 21 or with less than three years of driving experience, the limit is 0.00%.
- Seat belts are mandatory for all occupants, including rear-seat passengers.
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free system.
- There is no vignette system. Italian motorways are tolled based on distance travelled. Collect a ticket when entering and pay when exiting.
- From 15 November to 15 April, many roads and Alpine routes require winter tyres or snow chains carried in the vehicle.
- Historic city centres operate ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) monitored by cameras. Entering without authorisation results in a fine. Parking colours: white = free, blue = paid, yellow = residents only.
Questions
Frequently asked questions about car rental in Italy
License, deposit, border crossing, driver age and toll roads.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Italy?
Driving licences issued in EU or EEA countries are accepted without additional documents. Drivers from other countries, including Russia, must carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) together with their national driving licence and passport.
What is the minimum age for renting a car?
The legal driving age is 18, but most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old with one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 usually pay a young driver surcharge.
Is a security deposit required?
Many rental companies offer relatively low deposits, and some vehicles are available without a deposit. Exact conditions are displayed when selecting a vehicle.
Where can I pick up and return the car?
The most popular locations are Rome (Fiumicino and Ciampino), Milan (Malpensa, Linate, and Bergamo), Venice, and Naples airports, as well as city offices. Hotel delivery may also be available.
Can I drive to neighbouring countries?
Yes, but travel to France, Switzerland, Austria, or Slovenia must be approved during booking. Switzerland also requires its own motorway vignette.
What are ZTL zones?
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) protect historic city centres and are monitored by cameras. Entering without permission results in automatic fines. It is usually best to park outside these zones.
What is the fuel policy?
Most rental companies operate on a full-to-full fuel policy.
When should I book?
Affordable vehicles in popular destinations sell out quickly during summer, public holidays, and peak tourist season. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
Nearby
Similar destinations
Neighboring and kindred countries of the Balkans and the Caucasus with built-in car search.
AL
Car rental in Albania
Albania
12 cities
CY
Car rental in Cyprus
Cyprus
12 cities
CR
Car rental in Crete
Crete
11 cities
Choose a city
Compare prices and book a car
Choose a city in Italy — inside is a preset search with offers from local rental providers.
- Free cancellation
- Secure booking
- 24/7 support