Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
La Spezia
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
La Spezia
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
La Spezia
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
La Spezia
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.
La Spezia is a charming coastal city and the gateway to the stunning Cinque Terre. While the city itself is easily navigable, hiring a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore the surrounding region at your own pace.
Explore the Cinque Terre at Your Pace. Public transport to the five villages can be crowded and infrequent. A car allows you to hop between them easily, discovering hidden gems along the way.
Discover Hidden Gems. Beyond the Cinque Terre, the Ligurian coastline offers numerous picturesque towns and beaches that are best accessed by car.
Enjoy Flexibility and Convenience. With a hire car, you're not tied to train or bus schedules, giving you the freedom to create your own itinerary.
Before hiring a car in La Spezia, be aware of local regulations. Ensure you meet the minimum age (usually 21+), possess a valid driving licence (an International Driving Permit may be needed), and understand the insurance options and deposit requirements.
Area
Approximately 51.39 square kilometres (19.84 square miles)
Population
Approximately 92,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time)
Ideal for
Coastal and regional exploration
Rush Hours
Expect traffic delays between 7:30 AM - 9:30 AM and 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
Rating
4.8/5
1. Age RequirementsMost hire companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some having a minimum age of 23 or 25 for certain car categories. Young driver surcharges may apply.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driving licence is required. Non-EU citizens might need an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is held on your credit card and refunded upon safe return of the vehicle.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck for mileage limits. Full-to-full fuel policies are common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Toll RoadsBe aware of toll roads ('autostrade') in Italy. Payment can be made with cash or credit card at toll booths.
6. Restricted Traffic Zones (ZTL)La Spezia and nearby towns may have ZTLs (Zona Traffico Limitato) restricting traffic in historic centres. Avoid entering these zones without authorisation to avoid fines.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $12 / €11 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high tourist demand.
Low season (November to February): Hire costs often come with discounts due to lower demand.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To book a car in La Spezia, follow these simple steps to ensure a smooth hire experience. Compare prices, choose a suitable vehicle, and carefully review rental terms to avoid any unexpected surprises. Booking early is essential for the best rates, particularly during peak seasons.
1. Compare Prices - Use online comparison platforms to find the best deals from various hire companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs, whether it's a compact car for city driving or a larger vehicle for group travel.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the hire agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your hire well in advance, especially during peak travel periods.
5. Pick Up Your Car - When collecting your hire, ensure you have your driver’s licence, credit card, and any other required documentation.
La Spezia is a vital port city known for its naval base and proximity to the Cinque Terre. Understanding traffic rules, parking, and fuel access is crucial, especially when venturing beyond the city centre.
La Spezia serves as an excellent starting point for exploring the Ligurian coast. The city offers a mix of maritime history, local markets, and easy access to some of Italy’s most beautiful landscapes. Driving within La Spezia requires awareness of traffic regulations and limited parking options.
Top Attractions to Discover
Naval Technical Museum
Discover Italy's maritime history with a vast collection of naval artefacts and exhibits.
La Spezia's Waterfront
Enjoy a stroll along the scenic promenade with views of the harbour and surrounding hills.
Castle of San Giorgio
Explore this historic castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and the Gulf of La Spezia.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Look for parking garages near the city centre or train station for secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs; blue lines indicate paid parking, while white lines indicate free parking (often time-limited).
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city and take public transport to the centre.
Gas Stations in La Spezia
Availability
Fuel stations are generally available on the outskirts of the city and along major roads.
Major Brands
Look for brands such as Eni, IP, and Q8.
Navigation Apps
Use navigation apps to locate the nearest gas station in real-time.
Useful Tips for Visiting La Spezia
Watch for Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in pedestrian zones and along the waterfront.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect heavier traffic during morning and evening rush hours, especially around the city centre.
Learn Basic Italian Phrases
Knowing a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals and navigating the area.
Tipping
Tipping is not mandatory but is appreciated for good service in restaurants and cafes.
Railway Stations
La Spezia Centrale
The main railway station, providing access to the Cinque Terre, Genoa, and other major cities.
Airports
Pisa International Airport (PSA)
The nearest major airport, located approximately 84 km (52 miles) from La Spezia, offering domestic and international flights.
Genoa Cristoforo Colombo Airport (GOA)
Located approximately 114 km (71 miles) from La Spezia, providing additional flight options.
Port
Port of La Spezia
A major commercial port, also serving cruise ships and ferries to nearby islands.
Hiring a car in Italy is a straightforward process, provided you meet the necessary requirements. Here's what you’ll need.
A valid driver's licence from your country of residence is required. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national licence.
The minimum age to hire a car is typically 21 years old, although some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Young driver surcharges may apply for drivers under 25.
A valid credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is required for the security deposit. Some hire companies may only accept credit cards.
A passport or other form of government-issued identification is required, especially for international renters.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 clients rate such place as La Spezia 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.
Family vacation in La Spezia was perfect! Exploring Cinque Terre by car was effortless and so scenic.
Olivia Davis
Reviewed: 24.06.2025
La Spezia was amazing! Having a car made exploring Cinque Terre so easy. Beautiful scenery and charming towns.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 25.07.2025
Chill, good vibes.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 27.05.2025
Heard so much about La Spezia, and it lived up to the hype! Exploring the Cinque Terre was a breeze with a car. The local seafood, though, was a bit underwhelming.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Pretty chill, good base.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 29.12.2024
Loved exploring La Spezia and the Cinque Terre! Having a car was perfect for our adventures.
Isabelle Dupont
Reviewed: 02.04.2025
Wonderful spontaneous weekend! La Spezia was delightful; having a car made everything so easy.
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 09.01.2025
Back in La Spezia after years, and it's even better! Having a car made exploring the region so much easier, and the town itself is delightful. Highly recommend!
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 05.12.2024
La Spezia was a dream! So easy to get around with a car, and the views were breathtaking.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 28.11.2024
© 2025 RentyCars. All rights reserved.
Such a convenient base for our Italian road trip! La Spezia itself was charming, and having a car made getting around the region a breeze. We loved exploring the coastline.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 26.06.2025