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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Bologna
Bologna
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Bologna
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Bologna
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Bologna
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 Bologna?
Bologna, the vibrant capital of the Emilia-Romagna region, is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and culinary excellence. While the city centre is easily navigable on foot or by public transport, renting a car offers the freedom to explore the surrounding countryside and nearby attractions at your own pace.
Explore the Emilia-Romagna Region: With a rental car, you can easily visit the charming towns of Parma, Modena, and Ravenna, each offering unique cultural and gastronomic experiences.
Discover Hidden Gems: Uncover picturesque villages, historic castles, and scenic landscapes that are off the beaten path and not easily accessible by public transport.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience: Travel at your own schedule and stop at any point of interest without being constrained by bus or train timetables.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Bologna
Before booking a rental car in Bologna, familiarise yourself with the standard rental terms and conditions. These include age restrictions, driver's license requirements, insurance coverage, and fuel policies. Understanding these aspects ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
140.7 square kilometres (54.3 square miles)
Population
Approximately 395,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET), UTC+1
Ideal for
Exploring Emilia-Romagna region
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Bologna is typically 21 years old, but some rental companies may have higher age limits for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges may apply for renters under 25.
2. Driver's License & DocumentationA valid driver's license is required. EU citizens can use their national license. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included in the rental price, but additional coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection are available. A security deposit is typically required and held on the renter's credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies can vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage and others imposing restrictions. Fuel policies usually require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesAdditional fees may apply for extra drivers, one-way rentals, GPS navigation systems, child seats, and late returns.
Car Rental Prices in Bologna – How Much Does It Cost?
Car rental prices in Bologna vary depending on the season, vehicle type, and rental duration. Booking in advance and comparing offers from different rental companies can help you secure the best deal.
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £45 / $56 / €50 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect higher demand and prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts on car rentals
Car rental rates in Bologna fluctuate depending on the time of year. Planning your trip around these trends can help you save money.
How to Book a Car in Bologna?
Booking a car in Bologna is easy and convenient. By following these steps, you can find the best deals and ensure a smooth rental experience.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs and budget.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement carefully, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and vehicle availability by booking well in advance, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card to the rental office to collect your vehicle.
General Information About Bologna
Bologna is a city rich in history, culture, and culinary delights. As you explore the city and its surroundings, keep in mind local traffic regulations, parking information, and refuelling options.
Located in the heart of the Emilia-Romagna region, Bologna is famed for its medieval architecture, vibrant piazzas, and delicious cuisine. While public transport is available, a car offers greater flexibility for day trips and exploring the countryside. Be aware of limited traffic zones (ZTLs) in the city centre, where access is restricted to authorised vehicles only. These zones are usually active during specific hours.
Top Attractions to Discover
Piazza Maggiore
The heart of Bologna, surrounded by historic buildings and cafes.
Two Towers (Due Torri)
Iconic symbols of Bologna, offering panoramic views of the city.
Basilica di San Petronio
A magnificent unfinished basilica, one of the largest in the world.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available throughout the city, offering secure parking for a fee.
On-Street Parking
Limited on-street parking is available, but it is often subject to time restrictions and fees.
Park & Ride
Park your car at designated park-and-ride facilities outside the city centre and take public transport into the city.
Gas Stations in Bologna
Main Fuel Chains
Major fuel chains like Eni, Shell, and Q8 have stations located throughout Bologna and its surrounding areas.
Refueling Guidance
Plan your refuelling stops in advance, especially if you're planning a long drive in the countryside.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps like Google Maps to find nearby gas stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Bologna
Use Contactless Payment
Pay for parking and public transport with a contactless bank card or mobile payment app.
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city centre.
Allow Extra Time for Traffic
Traffic congestion can be heavy during peak hours, so allow extra time for travel.
Plan for Limited Traffic Zones
Avoid driving in restricted zones without authorization.
Key Transportation Hubs in Bologna
Major Bus Stations
Bologna Bus Station
Located near the Bologna Centrale railway station, it provides regional and national bus services.
Railway Stations
Bologna Centrale
The main railway station in Bologna, offering high-speed and regional train connections to various destinations.
Airports
Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport (BLQ)
Located approximately 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) from the city centre, serving domestic and international flights.
What Do You Need to Rent a Car in Bologna?
Renting a car in Bologna requires a few essential documents and adherence to certain conditions. Here's a summary of what you need to rent a car in Bologna.
Ensure your driver's license is valid and meets the rental company's requirements. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit.
Drivers must meet the minimum age requirement, typically 21 years old, with potential surcharges for young drivers.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver's name is necessary for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification is usually required.
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Our Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Bologna 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 vibe
Chloe Davis
Reviewed: 22.10.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall
Liam O'Connell
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Solid, pretty chill
Ben Carter
Reviewed: 14.11.2024
Family loved Bologna! Exploring with our rental car was perfect.
Emily Wilson
Reviewed: 26.02.2025
Pretty good, easy drive
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 17.07.2025
Charming Bologna! Having a car made exploring easy, even day trips to the coast. Relaxing and delightful.
Isabelle Moreau
Reviewed: 26.01.2025
Loved exploring Bologna! Renting a car was a breeze; it made getting around so much easier. The only downside? That one cafe we tried had lukewarm espresso.
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 30.12.2024
Pretty decent, overall
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 05.06.2025
Charming city, perfect for a spontaneous weekend! The gelato was a bit underwhelming, though.
Ava Jones
Reviewed: 13.09.2024
Pretty relaxed, overall.
Noah Evans
Reviewed: 03.04.2025
Bologna surprised me! Having a car made exploring the region so easy and enjoyable. A truly beautiful city.
Maya Lee
Reviewed: 10.08.2025
Bologna was great for a quick business trip. Easy to get around, though the hotel breakfast was a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 11.08.2025