by Planning a trip to Italy? Get ready for an amazing adventure! Italy is a country filled with beautiful sights, tasty food, and a rich history.
One of the best ways to see everything Italy has to offer is by renting a car. This gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and visit places that might be hard to reach by public transport.
In this guide, we’ll look at the top car rental companies in Italy for 2024. We’ll also answer some common questions about renting and driving a car in Italy.
Whether you’re planning to cruise along the stunning Amalfi Coast, explore the rolling hills of Tuscany, or visit charming small towns, this article will help you make the best choice for your Italian road trip.
Car Rental Services in Italy
Let’s dive in and discover how you can make the most of your Italian adventure on four wheels! You can rent a car to explore Italy easily.
Top 20 Car Rental Services in Italy in 2024
Here’s a rundown of the best car rental companies in Italy, ranked by their overall scores:
- Rent4You.it (9.8/10)
- Locauto (9.4/10)
- Enterprise (9.0/10)
- Sicily by Car (8.6/10)
- Europcar (8.2/10)
- Autovia (7.9/10)
- Drivalia (7.2/10)
- National (7.1/10)
- Noleggiare (7.0/10)
- Sixt (6.8/10)
- Hertz (6.7/10)
- Ecovia (6.5/10)
- Thrifty (6.3/10)
- Dollar (6.2/10)
- Optimorent (6.0/10)
- Alamo (5.8/10)
- Budget (5.0/10)
- Green Motion (4.6/10)
- Maggiore (3.5/10)
- Avis (3.0/10)
Now, let’s take a closer look at each of these companies:
1. Rent4You.it (9.8/10)
Rent4You.it takes the top spot with an impressive score of 9.8 out of 10. This Italian company stands out for its:
- Great customer service
- Wide range of vehicles
- Easy-to-use website
- Clear booking process
- Competitive prices
- No hidden fees
Customers love Rent4You.it for its reliability and quality vehicles. They offer flexible pickup and drop-off locations across Italy, making it easy to plan your trip.
2. Locauto (9.4/10)
Locauto comes in second with a score of 9.4 out of 10. This company is known for:
- High-quality car rental services
- Wide selection of vehicles
- Modern and well-equipped fleet
- Transparent pricing
- Helpful staff
- Convenient locations at major airports and city centers
Locauto’s quick and efficient pickup and drop-off procedures are a big plus for travelers who want to start their Italian adventure without delay.
3. Enterprise (9.0/10)
Enterprise scores a solid 9.0 out of 10. This well-known company offers:
- Reliable service
- Good customer support
- Wide range of vehicles
- Emerald Club loyalty program
- Convenient pickup and drop-off locations
Enterprise is a good choice for both business and leisure travelers. Their loyalty program can be especially useful for frequent renters.
4. Sicily by Car (8.6/10)
Sicily by Car earns an 8.6 out of 10. This company specializes in:
- Rentals tailored for exploring Sicily and beyond
- Good understanding of local areas
- Competitive Pricing
- Straightforward rental terms
- Quality customer service
If you’re planning to explore Sicily or other parts of southern Italy, Sicily by Car could be a great choice.
5. Europcar (8.2/10)
Europcar scores 8.2 out of 10. This international company offers:
- Wide selection of vehicles
- Convenient booking process
- Flexible rental terms
- Locations at major airports and urban centers
- Eco-friendly car options
Europcar is a solid choice for travelers who want a mix of international standards and local expertise.
6. Autovia (7.9/10)
Autovia scores 7.9 out of 10. This Italian company focuses on:
- Eco-friendly mobility
- New and modern fleet
- Wide range of vehicle types
- Competitive pricing
- High-quality customer service
Autovia is a good option for environmentally conscious travelers who don’t want to compromise on quality.
7. Drivalia (7.2/10)
Drivalia earns a 7.2 out of 10. This company stands out for:
- Straightforward rental experience
- Value-driven approach
- Good customer satisfaction
- Competitive Pricing
- Reliable fleet of vehicles
Drivalia is particularly good for those new to renting cars in Italy, thanks to its simple and transparent approach.
8. National (7.1/10)
National scores 7.1 out of 10. This company is known for:
- Efficient rental process
- Emerald Club loyalty program
- Wide range of vehicle options
- Regular fleet updates
- Convenient locations across Italy
National is a good choice for frequent travelers who can benefit from their loyalty program.
9. Noleggiare (7.0/10)
Noleggiare earns a 7.0 out of 10. This Italian company offers:
- Friendly interface
- Transparent pricing
- Attentive customer service
- Wide range of vehicles
- Flexible rental options
Noleggiare is a good option for those looking to explore Italy’s diverse landscapes and historical sites.
10. Sixt (6.8/10)
Sixt scores 6.8 out of 10. This global company provides:
- Premium rental experience
- Wide selection of high-quality vehicles
- Modern and well-maintained fleet
- User-friendly booking platform
- Flexible rental policies
Sixt is a good choice for those looking for a mix of quality vehicles and good customer service.
11. Hertz (6.7/10)
Hertz earns a 6.7 out of 10. This well-known company offers:
- Wide-ranging fleet
- Options for various budgets
- Efficient service
- Presence at key locations throughout Italy
- Clear rental agreements
Hertz is a reliable option with a long-standing reputation in the car rental industry.
12. Ecovia (6.5/10)
Ecovia scores 6.5 out of 10. This company focuses on:
- Eco-friendly vehicle options
- Competitive Pricing
- Variety of vehicles available
- Transparent rental experience
- Locations at major airports and tourist spots
Ecovia is a good choice for environmentally conscious travelers.
13. Thrifty (6.3/10)
Thrifty earns a 6.3 out of 10. This budget-friendly option offers:
- Affordable car hire solutions
- Straightforward and efficient service
- Variety of vehicles
- Clear terms and conditions
- Locations at major airports and tourist destinations
Thrifty is a good choice for cost-conscious travelers.
14. Dollar (6.2/10)
Dollar scores 6.2 out of 10. This company provides:
- Competitive Pricing
- Wide range of vehicles
- Straightforward rental process
- Convenient locations
- Options for various travel needs
Dollar is another good option for budget-conscious travelers.
15. Optimorent (6.0/10)
Optimorent earns a 6.0 out of 10. This company offers:
- Affordable car hire solutions
- Straightforward booking process
- Transparent pricing
- Reliable vehicles
- Convenient pickup and drop-off locations
Optimorent is a good choice for those looking for basic, no-frills service at a good price.
16. Alamo (5.8/10)
Alamo scores 5.8 out of 10. This company provides:
- Friendly and efficient service
- Focus on international travelers
- Straightforward booking process
- Competitive rates
- Transparent pricing structure
Alamo is a solid option for international visitors to Italy.
17. Budget (5.0/10)
Budget earns a 5.0 out of 10. This company offers:
- Competitive Pricing
- Range of vehicles for different needs
- Presence at major transportation hubs
- Straightforward rental process
- Options for economical travel
Budget is a familiar name for many travelers and can be a decent choice for those prioritizing cost.
18. Green Motion (4.6/10)
Green Motion scores 4.6 out of 10. This company focuses on:
- Eco-friendly vehicle options
- Fuel-efficient, hybrid, and electric vehicles
- Commitment to sustainability
- Options for environmentally conscious travelers
- Presence in key Italian locations
Green Motion is a unique choice for those prioritizing environmental responsibility.
19. Maggiore (3.5/10)
Maggiore earns a 3.5 out of 10. This Italian company offers:
- Local touch to car rental experience
- Range of vehicles for various needs
- Understanding of navigating Italy’s diverse regions
- Personalized service
- Selection of latest Italian car models
Maggiore could be an option for those looking to support a local Italian brand.
20. Avis (3.0/10)
Avis scores 3.0 out of 10. This globally recognized brand provides:
- Widespread presence across Italy
- Diverse fleet of vehicles
- Options for various travel needs
- Locations in major airports, cities, and towns
- Familiar brand for many international travelers
Despite the low score, Avis remains an option for those who prefer renting from a well-known international brand.
Is it recommended to rent a car in Italy?
Renting a car in Italy can be a great idea, especially if you want to explore rural areas, small towns, or regions with less frequent public transportation. Here are some pros and cons to consider:
Pros of renting a car in Italy:
- Flexibility: You can travel at your own pace and make spontaneous stops.
- Access: You can easily reach places that are hard to get to by public transport.
- Convenience: No need to worry about train or bus schedules.
- Scenic routes: You can enjoy beautiful drives like the Amalfi Coast or Tuscan countryside.
Cons of renting a car in Italy:
- City driving: In big cities like Rome, Milan, or Florence, parking can be hard to find and expensive.
- Traffic: City traffic can be heavy and stressful.
- ZTL zones: Many Italian cities have Zona Traffico Limitato (restricted traffic zones) where driving is regulated. Fines for entering these zones without permission can be high.
- Manual transmission: Most rental cars in Italy have manual transmission. Automatic cars are less common and more expensive to rent.
When to rent a car in Italy:
- If you’re planning to explore rural areas or small towns
- If you want to take scenic drives
- If you’re traveling with a group or family and need flexibility
- If you’re comfortable driving in potentially challenging conditions
When not to rent a car in Italy:
- If you’re only visiting major cities with good public transport
- If you’re not comfortable driving in heavy traffic or on narrow roads
- If you’re on a tight budget (remember to factor in costs like parking and tolls)
What are the popular cars for rent in Italy?
In Italy, the most popular rental cars are usually small to medium-sized vehicles. This is because they’re easier to drive on narrow roads, especially in historic city centers and rural areas.
Here are some of the most popular types of rental cars in Italy:
- Compact and Economy Cars
- Examples: Fiat 500, Fiat Panda, Lancia Ypsilon
- Why they’re popular: Easy to maneuver, good fuel efficiency, perfect for navigating tight and winding roads
- Mid-size Cars
- Examples: Volkswagen Golf, Ford Focus
- Why they’re popular: Good balance of space and maneuverability, comfortable for longer drives
- Luxury Cars
- Examples: Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Audi models
- Why they’re popular: Offer a more upscale driving experience, popular in fashion-conscious cities like Milan
- Convertibles
- Why they’re popular: Great for enjoying scenic coastal drives, popular in areas like the Amalfi Coast or Italian Riviera
- SUVs and Minivans
- Why they’re popular: Good for families or groups, provide more space and comfort for longer trips
Here’s a quick comparison table of popular rental car types in Italy:
| Car Type | Best For | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compact (e.g., Fiat 500) | City driving, couples | Easy to park, fuel-efficient | Limited space |
| Mid-size (e.g., VW Golf) | All-round use | Balance of space and maneuverability | Higher rental cost than compact |
| Luxury (e.g., BMW) | Comfort, style | High-end features, smooth ride | Expensive, harder to park in cities |
| Convertible | Scenic drives | Fun, great views | Limited practicality, higher cost |
| SUV/Minivan | Families, groups | Spacious, comfortable for long trips | More expensive, harder to park |
When choosing a rental car in Italy, consider:
- Where you’ll be driving: City streets or country roads?
- How many people are traveling: Do you need extra space?
- Your budget: Remember, smaller cars are usually cheaper to rent and run
- Your driving comfort: Are you okay with manual transmission?
- The season: In summer, you might want air conditioning
Is it difficult to drive in Italy?
Driving in Italy can be challenging, especially if you’re not used to European driving conditions. However, it can also be a rewarding experience that allows you to explore the country at your own pace.
Here’s what you need to know:
Challenges of driving in Italy:
City driving
- Heavy traffic: Italian cities can have intense traffic, especially during rush hours.
- Narrow streets: Historic centers often have very narrow, winding streets.
- Limited parking: Finding a parking spot in cities can be difficult and expensive.
ZTL zones (Zona Traffico Limitato)
- Many city centers have restricted traffic zones.
- Entering these zones without permission can result in hefty fines.
Aggressive driving style
- Expect close tailgating and frequent horn use.
- Lane discipline may be less strict than you’re used to.
Road signs
-
- Most road signs are in Italian.
- Some signs may be unfamiliar to non-European drivers.
Roundabouts
-
- Very common in Italy, but rules may differ from other countries.
Toll roads
-
- Many highways (autostrade) are toll roads.
- You need to collect a ticket when entering and pay when exiting.
Easier aspects of driving in Italy:
- Rural driving
- Driving in the countryside is often more relaxed.
- You can enjoy scenic views and less traffic.
- Well-maintained highways
- Autostrade (highways) are generally in good condition.
- They allow for efficient travel between cities.
- Freedom to explore
- Having a car lets you discover hidden gems off the beaten path.
Tips for driving in Italy:
- Learn basic Italian road signs before your trip.
- Rent a GPS or use a reliable map app.
- Be aware of speed limits:
- 130 km/h (80 mph) on highways
- 90-110 km/h (56-68 mph) on main roads
- 50 km/h (31 mph) in towns
- Always carry your driver’s license, rental agreement, and insurance documents.
- Be prepared for tolls on highways – keep cash or a credit card handy.
- In cities, park in designated areas or parking garages to avoid fines.
- Be extra cautious of pedestrians and scooters in urban areas.
Here’s a quick comparison of driving in different areas of Italy:
| Area | Traffic | Parking | Road Conditions | Overall Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Big Cities (Rome, Milan) | Heavy | Very Limited | Congested | High |
| Small Towns | Moderate | Limited | Narrow streets | Medium |
| Countryside | Light | Usually available | Winding roads | Low to Medium |
| Highways (Autostrade) | Can be heavy | N/A | Well-maintained | Low |
While driving in Italy can be challenging, many visitors find that the freedom and flexibility it offers outweigh the difficulties.
With proper preparation and a cautious approach, driving can greatly enhance your Italian experience.
How much is average car rental in Italy?
The cost of renting a car in Italy can vary widely depending on several factors. Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:
Average daily rental costs:
- Economy/Compact car: 30-50 EUR per day
- Mid-size car: 50-80 EUR per day
- SUV/Luxury car: 100+ EUR per day
Factors affecting the price:
- Type of car: Smaller cars are cheaper, and luxury cars are more expensive.
- Rental duration: Longer rentals often have lower daily rates.
- Time of year: Prices increase during peak tourist seasons (summer, holidays).
- Booking time: Last-minute bookings are usually more expensive.
- Pickup location: Airport pickups often cost more than city center locations.
- Transmission type: Automatic cars are less common and more expensive than manual.
Additional costs to consider:
- Insurance:
- Basic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage can cost 10-20 EUR per day.
- Some credit cards offer rental car insurance – check before you travel.
- Extra features:
- GPS rental: 5-15 EUR per day
- Child seat: 5-10 EUR per day
- Additional driver fee: 5-10 EUR per day
- Fuel policy:
- “Full to Full” is common – you return the car with a full tank.
- Prepaid fuel options are available but often more expensive.
- Mileage limits:
- Many rentals offer unlimited mileage but check the terms.
- Limited mileage options may be cheaper if you don’t plan to drive far.
- Cross-border fees:
- If you plan to drive to another country, there may be additional fees.
- Young driver surcharge:
- Drivers under 25 often pay an extra fee.
- Deposits:
- A significant deposit (often 500-1000 EUR) is usually required on your credit card.
Here’s a sample comparison of rental costs for a week in summer:
| Car Type | Base Rate/Day | Insurance/Day | GPS/Day | Total for 7 Days |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | 40 EUR | 15 EUR | 10 EUR | 455 EUR |
| Mid-size | 70 EUR | 15 EUR | 10 EUR | 665 EUR |
| SUV | 120 EUR | 20 EUR | 10 EUR | 1050 EUR |
Money-saving tips:
- Book in advance: Prices are usually lower when you book early.
- Compare different companies: Use comparison websites to find the best deals.
- Look for package deals: Sometimes booking car rentals with flights or hotels can save money.
- Check for discounts: Some companies offer discounts for AAA members, seniors, or certain credit card holders.
- Avoid airport pickups if possible: City center locations are often cheaper.
- Choose a smaller car: Unless you need a larger vehicle, smaller cars are cheaper to rent and run.
- Watch out for upsells: Be cautious of unnecessary add-ons at the rental counter.
Remember, the cheapest option isn’t always the best. Consider factors like the company’s reputation, included services, and terms and conditions when making your choice.
FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about renting a car in Italy:
- Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to drive in Italy?
- If your license is not from an EU country, you need an IDP along with your regular license.
- Get your IDP before leaving your home country.
- What’s the minimum age to rent a car in Italy?
- Usually 21, but some companies require drivers to be 25 or older for certain car types.
- Drivers under 25 often pay a “young driver surcharge.”
- Is it better to rent a car with manual or automatic transmission?
- Manual transmission cars are more common and cheaper to rent.
- If you need an automatic, book well in advance and expect to pay more.
- What kind of insurance do I need?
- Basic insurance is usually included, but consider getting additional coverage.
- Check if your credit card offers rental car insurance.
- How do I handle ZTL zones in Italian cities?
- Avoid driving in city centers where possible.
- If your hotel is in a ZTL, inform them of your car details so they can register it.
- What do I do if I get a traffic ticket?
- The rental company will likely charge your credit card for any fines.
- They may also charge an admin fee for processing the ticket.
- Can I take my rental car to other countries?
- It depends on the rental company’s policy. Always inform them if you plan to cross borders.
- There may be additional fees for cross-border travel.
- How do toll roads work in Italy?
- Take a ticket when you enter the highway.
- Pay when you exit (cash or credit card).
- Some roads use an electronic system – ask your rental company about this.
- What should I do if the car breaks down?
- Call the emergency number provided by your rental company.
- Don’t try to fix the car yourself unless instructed to do so.
- Is it safe to leave luggage in the car?
- It’s best not to leave valuables visible in the car.
- If you must, use the trunk and park in well-lit, busy areas.
Conclusion:
Renting a car in Italy can be a fantastic way to explore this beautiful country at your own pace.
From the winding roads of the Amalfi Coast to the rolling hills of Tuscany, having your wheels gives you the freedom to discover Italy’s hidden gems.
When choosing a rental company, consider factors beyond just price. Look at customer reviews, included services, and the company’s reputation.
Top-rated companies like Rent4You.it, Locauto, and Enterprise offer a good balance of quality service and value for money.
Remember that driving in Italy can be challenging, especially in big cities. Be prepared for narrow streets, limited parking, and different driving styles.
However, with some preparation and caution, the rewards of driving in Italy – scenic routes, charming villages, and off-the-beaten-path discoveries – can far outweigh the challenges.
Consider your itinerary carefully when deciding whether to rent a car. If you’re mainly visiting big cities, public transportation might be a better option.
But if you’re exploring rural areas or want the flexibility to make spontaneous stops, a rental car can be invaluable.
Lastly, always read the rental agreement carefully, understand the insurance coverage, and be aware of additional costs like tolls and parking fees.
With the right preparation, renting a car can be the key to unlocking an unforgettable Italian adventure.
So, get ready to hit the road and create your Italian journey. Whether you’re cruising along the Mediterranean coast, winding through mountain villages, or exploring the vast countryside, your Italian road trip awaits. Buon viaggio!
