Thinking of exploring Italy by car? If your plans include road tripping through the countryside, visiting seaside villages, or taking on the rolling vineyards of Tuscany, renting a car can make your Italian adventure smoother and more rewarding. But with so many different companies and confusing rules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. That’s why this guide is here to help you, step by step, from choosing the best car rental company to understanding insurance and Italian road basics. This page is perfect for visitors from the US, Canada, UK, Australia, and beyond who are ready for a real Italian road trip. For more practical insights and local advice, don’t forget to check out ItalyOnFoot.com before you go.
When Renting a Car in Italy Makes Sense
Renting a car in Italy is not always necessary, but sometimes it can make your journey much more comfortable and interesting. The Italian train and bus system is fast and effective between major cities like Rome, Florence, Milan, and Venice. In these places, you’re better off skipping the car because of traffic, parking headaches, and special restricted driving zones (called ZTLs). However, there are some parts of Italy where having a car is a huge advantage. If you want the freedom to explore hidden country roads, remote hill towns in Tuscany, villages in Umbria, or regions like Puglia, the Dolomites, Sicily, or Sardinia, a car can give you real flexibility.
Here are some top reasons to consider a rental car in Italy:
- You plan to travel through the countryside, wine regions, or mountains.
- You want to see small villages that are not easily reached by train or bus.
- You’re visiting islands like Sardinia or Sicily, where public transport is limited.
- Your trip includes the lakes (Como, Garda), the Dolomites for hiking, or beach towns in southern Italy.
But when should you skip the rental car? If you’re basically staying in big cities, save yourself the stress and use public transport instead. The trains are reliable, fast, and much easier than dealing with city driving and ZTL fines.
Types of Car Rental Companies in Italy
In Italy, you’ll find three main types of car rental providers. Understanding the differences can help you choose the best fit for your needs and budget.
Here’s what you’ll see:
- International Brands such as Hertz, Europcar, Avis/Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise. These companies are easy to recognize for most travelers and have good English support and reliability.
- Italian or Local Brands such as Sicily by Car, Maggiore, Locauto, Noleggiare, Autovia/Ecovia, Drivalia, and Italy Car Rent. These brands are often cheaper and have strong coverage at smaller airports and regional destinations.
- Online Brokers or Comparison Sites like Auto Europe, DiscoverCars.com, Rentalcars.com, and KAYAK. These websites let you compare many brands in one place and often provide the best prices and flexible cancellation.
Each type comes with its own pros and cons, which we’ll go into soon. But first, let’s check out the companies you’ll be choosing from.
Top International Car Rental Companies in Italy
Picking an international brand in Italy can give you extra confidence, especially if you’ve used their services before. Here’s a look at some of the most popular global rental car companies in Italy and their strengths.
Hertz
With locations at nearly all of Italy’s main airports, train stations, and tourist cities, Hertz is a good pick if you prefer to stick with a worldwide name. You’ll find plenty of choice, including compact and automatic cars, and can join their Gold Plus Rewards program if you’re a loyal customer. However, be ready for higher prices, bigger deposits, and add-on fees for extras. To explore Hertz’s offers in Italy or book your rental, visit their official site.
Europcar (and Keddy by Europcar)
Europcar and its lower-cost brand Keddy have a strong presence at most major Italian airports and cities. Europcar is often well-rated for vehicle quality and reliability, making it a solid mid-range choice. Keddy is a budget label with basic service and sometimes higher deductibles. For booking, go directly through the Europcar Italy site.
Avis, Budget & Maggiore
Avis and Budget share lots of locations with their Italian sister brand, Maggiore. Maggiore has deep Italian roots and leverages the international coverage of the Avis/Budget network. These three cover almost all airports, major train stations, and famous towns. They’re perfect for travelers in loyalty programs, but keep an eye out for upselling counter staff and double-check your coverage. You can book directly with Avis Italy or Budget Italy or Maggiore.
Sixt
Sixt is popular for their modern fleet, great for anyone who wants to drive a German car or needs an automatic. Their branches are mainly in big cities and airports like Milan, Rome, and Florence. They tend to charge more; always read deposit and fuel policies with care. For direct bookings, go to the official Sixt site.
Enterprise / Alamo / National
These sister companies are known for customer service and have a respectful footprint in Italy, especially at airports and big towns. They might not have as many pickup points as Hertz or Europcar in smaller towns, but often provide a trustworthy experience. See what’s on offer at the Enterprise Italy site.
Top Italian & Local Car Rental Brands
Don’t overlook Italian and regional companies. Often, they’re cheaper than big global names and can offer convenient locations at small airports or in less-traveled regions. Here’s a closer look at the local favorites:
Sicily by Car (Auto Europa)
Founded in Italy, Sicily by Car operates over 50 offices and is especially strong in Sicily, Sardinia, and the south. They offer budget rates, a wide choice of vehicles, and are popular among larger groups and families. As with all local brands, check recent branch reviews and document the car condition when you pick up/return. Book at the official Sicily by Car site.
Locauto
Locauto has more than 70 Italian locations, including all major airports and most rail stations. With competitive pricing and good recommendations from travelers, it’s worth comparing this brand on multiple sites. Service can vary, so recent reviews are always helpful. Find out more at Locauto’s website.
Maggiore
Maggiore is one of the oldest names in Italian rental cars and is now part of Avis Budget Group, giving you the flexibility of a local company with global backing. They cover most big airports, tourist regions, and train stations. They often rank among the best-value local brands. You can book or review their options at Maggiore’s official page.
Noleggiare
A younger and fast-growing Italian brand with dozens of offices at main airports and regional hubs, Noleggiare is often praised for its low prices and availability at hard-to-reach locations. But always review the local office’s reputation. Visit Noleggiare’s website for details.
Autovia / Ecovia
These two sister brands are present across Italy and are noted for excellent rates on anything from small cars to vans. They cater well to families and group travelers looking for bargains. Autovia is for standard rentals, while Ecovia focuses on pockets and economy options. For more, check Autovia or Ecovia sites.
Drivalia
Drivalia offers both traditional vehicles and modern electric cars. With offices in all the main airports and many train stations, they’re perfect for travelers seeking budget options with new, clean vehicles. Their official site showcases all choices.
Italy Car Rent
This is a smaller but growing player in Italy’s airport rental scene, often receiving high ratings for friendly service. They focus on airports and can be checked out directly on Italy Car Rent’s official website.
Helpful Rental Car Comparison Sites
Instead of searching each rental company one by one, try these major online brokers to save time and compare rates easily:
- Auto Europe Lets you compare rates from all the big international and most Italian brands.
- DiscoverCars.com Shows you clear, upfront final prices including required fees and taxes.
- Rentalcars.com Simple for side-by-side comparison with lots of reviews.
- Kayak Also good for quick overviews, pulling in offers from major brokers.
On these sites, you can filter deals by rating, car type, fuel policy, transmission, unlimited mileage, and other options, which helps you find the car that fits your trip.
What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy
Before you show up at the rental counter, make sure you meet these rental requirements:
- Minimum age: 21 years old (most companies), sometimes up to 25 for certain vehicles or to avoid a “young driver fee.”
- Driver’s license: US, Canadian, UK, Australian and other non-EU drivers must bring both their home driver’s license plus an International Driving Permit (IDP). EU/EEA visitors can use their regular license alone.
- Rental history: Most companies require you to have held a driver’s license for at least one year.
- Credit card: Nearly all rental car companies require a credit card under the main driver’s name for the deposit. Debit card rental is very rare and often needs extra checks.
- Papers to carry: Passport, license, IDP, and rental voucher/confirmation.
Always double-check the rules for your chosen brand. Being properly prepared at pickup prevents stressful surprises!
Car Rental Insurance in Italy: What’s Included and What’s Extra
Insurance requirements can get confusing in Italy, but here’s what you really need to know:
- Every car rental must include Third Party Liability (TPL), Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), and Theft Protection (TP). These are normally built into your base rate and cannot be declined.
- The catch? The deductible (the amount you still pay if something happens) is high, often €1,000 or more. You can reduce this risk by purchasing extra coverage at the counter or from a broker before you go.
Optional extras you’ll be offered:
- Super CDW or Zero Excess coverage cuts your share of the bill down to zero (or nearly zero) but raises your total price per day.
- Personal Accident Insurance (PAI) for injuries to driver or passengers.
- Extra roadside assistance for events like flat tires or lost keys.
Many travelers prefer to buy “full coverage” from comparison sites like DiscoverCars or Auto Europe since it’s usually cheaper. With third-party coverage, you may have to pay up front for a repair or claim and be reimbursed later, so know how it works before declining coverage at the rental desk.
Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car in Italy
There are two main pickup options for car rentals across Italy: airports and city/train station locations. Each setup has differences that might affect your choice.
Airports: Main airports (Rome Fiumicino, Milan Malpensa and Linate, Venice, Naples, Catania, Palermo, and others) have rental car counters and large vehicle lots. Collecting a car at the airport is straightforward and driving out is easier, especially for first-timers. However, airport rentals sometimes cost more and are busier during peak travel times.
City Centers and Train Stations: In major cities, pickup points are usually near train stations (like Rome Termini, Florence SMN, Milan Centrale). This is handy if you train between cities and only need a car in the countryside. Remember, many city offices are inside or near ZTL traffic zones, so ask staff for directions on exiting without getting a ticket.
Local Tip: If possible, plan to pick up your car outside the city center or at the airport. Driving in historic centers can be confusing and stressful!
Driving and Parking Basics: ZTL, Tolls, Italian Road Rules
Italy’s scenic roads are unforgettable, but there are important rules to know so you don’t get fined or stressed:
ZTL Zones (Zona Traffico Limitato): Most old town centers have restricted traffic areas. Only permit holders can enter; if you drive in by mistake, a camera takes your plate and you’ll get a steep fine later (plus an extra rental agency fee). Always ask about ZTLs before leaving the rental lot.
Tolls (Autostrade): Most Italian highways are toll roads. Pick up a ticket at the entry booth; pay at the exit with card or cash. Never use the Telepass lanes unless your rental comes with a device.
Italian Road Rules to Remember:
- Drive on the right, overtake on the left.
- No right turn on red lights.
- Always use headlights when driving outside towns, even during the day.
- Seat belts are required for everyone; children under 12 or under 1.5 meters must be in a child seat.
- Speed limits:
- 130 km/h on highways
- 90 km/h on rural roads
- 50 km/h inside towns
- The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%; for new drivers and those under 21, it’s zero.
Park only in marked areas; blue lines mean paid parking, white is free, yellow is for residents or disabled drivers.
How to Book and Pick Up Your Rental Car in Italy
Renting a car in Italy doesn’t have to be hard if you follow these simple steps. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Use a comparison site (Auto Europe, DiscoverCars, Rentalcars, or Kayak) to compare prices and find deals with unlimited mileage and fuel policies you are happy with.
- Check both international brands (like Hertz, Europcar, Avis) and local brands (Sicily by Car, Locauto, Noleggiare). Sometimes local companies are cheaper and just as good!
- Book in advance, especially for summer months, holidays, or popular spots like the Dolomites or Amalfi Coast. Automatics and SUVs get reserved quickly.
- Decide on insurance. Buying full coverage from a broker is usually cheaper than at the counter, but read the small print so you know how claims and deductibles work.
- When you pick up the car:
- Inspect the car all around. Take pictures or a video (focus on wheels, bumpers, windows) and make sure any scratches are marked on your damage form.
- Ask about local ZTL zones or special instructions on how to leave the area without risk of a fine.
- Double-check the fuel policy, is it full-to-full?
- At return:
- Refuel close to your drop-off point to match the same fuel level.
- Photograph the car again at drop-off (especially if returning after hours).
- Get a copy of the check-in paperwork or a return receipt.
Quick Guide: Comparing Top Companies for Your Needs
With so many choices, here’s a simple way to match you with the right rental provider:
| Type of Traveler | Best Option |
|---|---|
| First-time visitor, wants maximum support and familiar names | Hertz, Europcar, Avis/Budget/Maggiore, Sixt |
| Frequent traveler, flexible and looking for value | Sicily by Car, Locauto, Drivalia, Noleggiare, Autovia/Ecovia, Italy Car Rent |
| Price-sensitive, flexible on brands | Start with a broker (DiscoverCars, Auto Europe) and filter by reviews/rating |
Remember, in Italy, it’s smart to read reviews for your specific rental branch, not just the brand, since service and policies may differ!
FAQ: Quick Answers to Common Italy Car Rental Questions
Renting a car in Italy can bring up a lot of questions. Here are some answers to calm your nerves:
- Do I need an International Driving Permit? Yes, if you’re coming from outside the EU. Always bring your home license too.
- Can I rent a car under 25? Usually yes, but a higher “young driver” fee will apply (and some models are off-limits).
- Will my US/UK/Aussie credit card insurance cover me? Sometimes, but beware the high deductible on Italian rentals. Consider extra coverage for peace of mind.
- Can I drive into city centers? Only if you avoid ZTL zones, most historic centers are off-limits to rental cars without permission.
- What happens if I get a traffic fine? The car rental company will charge you an administration fee and forward your details to the police. You’ll get the ticket by post later.
- Is there automatic car availability? Yes, but automatics are less common than manuals in Italy. Always book early if this is a must for you.
Instead of crowning a single “best” car rental company for Italy, think about what matters most to you: familiar names, good prices, branch coverage in your region, or extra support for nervous first-timers.
Use this guide to weigh your options and always double-check the recent reviews for the exact branch where you’ll pick up and return your car. Booking directly through the official sites listed above gives you control and less stress if you need to modify your plans.
Planning a countryside drive or exploring off-the-beaten-path towns? The right rental company can turn your Italian road trip into a memory that lasts forever. Safe travels and buon viaggio!