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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Italy
Italy
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Italy
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Italy
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Italy
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Why Rent a Car in Italy?
Italy, with its captivating blend of history, art, cuisine, and diverse landscapes, offers an unforgettable travel experience. While trains connect major cities, renting a car provides the freedom to explore Italy at your own pace, discovering hidden gems and scenic routes that public transportation simply cannot reach.
Unmatched Flexibility and Freedom. A rental car allows you to set your own itinerary, explore off-the-beaten-path destinations, and stop whenever and wherever you desire. No more rigid schedules or crowded buses – just pure freedom.
Access to Remote and Scenic Locations. Italy's most breathtaking scenery, from the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, is best explored by car. Discover charming villages, vineyards, and hidden beaches inaccessible by public transport.
Comfort and Convenience. Avoid the hassle of navigating public transportation with luggage. A rental car offers a comfortable and convenient way to travel, especially for families or groups.
Cost-Effective for Group Travel. For families or groups of friends, renting a car can be more economical than purchasing individual train or bus tickets. Plus, splitting fuel costs makes it even more budget-friendly.
Driving in Italy: Rules, Tips & Local Regulations
Drive on
Right hand side
Speed limit within city centre
50 km/h or 31 mph
Languages
Italian
Average petrol price
€1.85 per litre or €7.00 per gallon
Speed limit outside the city
90-110 km/h or 56-68 mph
Currency
Euro
Acceptable limit of BAC
0.05%
Score
8.5/10
Dialling Code
+39
Driving in Italy can be an exciting adventure, but it's essential to be aware of the local rules and regulations to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Here's what you need to know before you hit the road.
1. ZTL Zones Be aware of Zona Traffico Limitato (ZTL) areas in city centres, where access is restricted to residents. Entering these zones without permission can result in hefty fines.
- Restricted Access
- Potential Fines
2. Speed Limits Adhere to speed limits, which are strictly enforced. Speed cameras are common, especially on highways and in urban areas.
- Enforcement
- Speed Cameras
3. Seatbelt Laws Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers in the vehicle. Ensure everyone is buckled up before starting your journey.
- All Passengers
- Mandatory
4. Parking Pay attention to parking signs and regulations. Blue lines indicate paid parking, while white lines indicate free parking (though often with time limits). Yellow lines are for residents or disabled parking only.
- Parking Signs
- Colour Codes
5. Toll Roads Many highways in Italy are toll roads (autostrade). Be prepared to pay tolls at designated booths, either with cash or a credit card. Telepass is an electronic toll collection system that can save time.
- Autostrade
- Payment Options
Top drives in Italy:
Italy is a driver's paradise, offering a wealth of scenic routes and road trip possibilities.
From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the dramatic Amalfi Coast, a car allows you to explore Italy's diverse landscapes at your own pace.
Car Rental Prices in Italy – Cost Breakdown
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40
7 Seater:
from £30 / $38 / €34
Automatic:
from £20 / $25 / €23
SUV:
from £18 / $23 / €21
Hire price
Average price for hiring a car per day in Italy
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Prices start at approximately £50 / $63 / €61 per day*. Increased demand during the summer months drives up prices. Book well in advance to secure the best rates.
Low season (November to February): Discounts available from around £30/ $38 / €37 per day*. Excluding the Christmas period. Fewer tourists mean lower rental rates.
*Please note that these prices are approximate and can vary based on factors such as vehicle type, rental duration, and location.
Tips for saving money when renting a car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy can be a cost-effective way to explore the country, but it's important to be mindful of expenses. Here are some tips to help you save money on your rental.
1. Book Early for the Best Deals.: Rental prices tend to increase as the pick-up date approaches. Booking several weeks or months in advance can help you secure lower rates and a wider selection of vehicles.
2. Compare Prices & Look for Discounts.: Use online comparison websites to compare prices from different rental companies. Look for discounts for AAA members, seniors, or military personnel.
3. Choose the Right Car for Your Needs.: Opt for a smaller, more fuel-efficient car if you don't need a lot of space. Smaller cars are also easier to manoeuvre on narrow Italian roads.
4. Check Insurance Options Carefully.: Determine if your existing car insurance or credit card provides rental car coverage. If so, you can decline the rental company's insurance, which can be expensive.
5. Avoid Airport Pick-Up.: Rental companies located at airports often charge higher rates than those in downtown areas. Consider taking a taxi or shuttle to a rental office in town.
6. Refuel Before Returning.: Refilling the petrol tank yourself before returning the car is always cheaper than having the rental company do it.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Italy?
Before you can rent a car in Italy, you'll need to meet certain requirements. Here's a list of what you'll need.
Valid Driver’s Licence – A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. If your license is not in Italian or English, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Minimum Age Requirement – The minimum age to rent a car in Italy is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Drivers under 25 may also be subject to a young driver surcharge.
Credit Card – A valid credit card in the renter's name is required to pay for the rental and to cover the security deposit. Some companies may accept debit cards, but restrictions may apply.
Passport or ID Card – You'll need to present a valid passport or ID card as proof of identity.
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Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Italy as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 20.03.2025
Exploring Italy by car was effortless! Such stunning scenery; every town felt like a postcard.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 15.09.2024
Such a fun trip! Reunited with friends, and the Italian countryside was breathtaking from the car.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 31.08.2024
Pretty good, actually.
Olivia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 29.10.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 11.06.2025
Pretty good vibe
Mia Lee
Reviewed: 13.01.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! Driving through Italy's picturesque landscapes was pure joy.
Evelyn Martinez
Reviewed: 18.12.2024
Italy was lovely. Relaxing by the coast was perfect, though the food in some smaller towns felt a bit touristy.
Katherine Brown
Reviewed: 18.03.2025
Italy was a dream! Cruising along the coast with the windows down, exploring hidden villages...unforgettable!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 25.04.2025