Renting a Car in Italy in 2026: All you need to know

How to rent a car in Italy

Whether it’s from Florence to Rome or to get a taste of Tuscan wine country, we love renting a car in Italy. It gives total freedom to go where you please when you want. In this guide, we cover how to rent a car and what it’s like to drive there, including our top tips.

What do you need to rent a car in Italy?

When you rent a car in Italy, you’ll need a couple of documents:

• Your driver’s license from your home country
• Your ID (passport) 
• Credit Card in the driver’s name (for security deposit). Some rental companies accept debit cards; make sure to check in advance.
• For non-EU drivers: International Driver’s Permit (IDP)

The legal driving age in Italy is 18. However, to rent a car, you need to have held your driver’s license for at least 1 year. Generally, rental car companies in Italy require you to be 21 or older and not exceed the maximum age (usually 70-75 years).

Note: Most car rentals in Italy charge an extra fee if you’re under 25 years old.

If you’re a non-EU citizen, make sure to get your International Driver’s Permit. The Italian car rental might not ask for it, but you are required by law to have one, and it may be requested during a police check. You can arrange yours here.

Tip for renting a car with a US license: You can get an IDP in the USA through AAA before you travel. It only takes a few minutes and saves you hassle on arrival. Get your IDP here.

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Rental car insurance in Italy

Car insurance is not mandatory in many European countries, but in Italy it is. This is regarding the basic Car Damage Waiver insurance, which is arranged at the time of booking.

• Theft cover is recommended but not mandatory.
• Adding additional coverage? Arrange that in your initial booking, as prices are best when done this way.
• Check if your credit card policy covers car rental insurance in Italy.

Note: We learned that drivers are randomly checked by the Italian police. Therefore, always have your documents with you when driving in Italy. 

Is it easy to drive in Italy?

We love driving in Italy, but sometimes it can be a challenge. For example, roads can be really narrow in towns, and in rural areas (especially in the south, like Puglia), they are not always well-maintained. So, before you rent a car, it’s important to know some of the road rules and customs.

Zona traffico limitato

In Italy, there are zones that you need to pay attention to. These ‘zona traffico limitato’ or ‘Area Pedonale’ areas are off-limits to all vehicles without a permit. There are over 200 marked ZTL zones in the country.

Sometimes they are difficult to identify, but most:

• Are indicated by a sign with a big red circle or via a light system.
• You can only enter these zones by car when the ZTL is open (and you have a permit). This is noted on the sign at the entrance of the ZTL zone, or a green light will show. 
• Note: Be mindful that Google Maps often suggests driving directly through a ZTL, so keep an eye out for signs. 

The Autostrada and Superstrada

There are different roads in Italy:

• The highway, called the Autostrada, has a maximum speed limit of 130 km/h. This road is recognized by green signs indicating an ‘A’ road.
• The dual carriageways in Italy (Superstradas) permit you to drive 110 km/h.
• On single-carriageway roads, you can drive 90 km/h,
• In towns and cities: 50 km/h.

Note: Italy has many speed-limit monitors, so follow the speed limit to avoid an expensive fine. We don’t think a GPS is necessary when renting a car in Italy. Offline maps on Google Maps work perfectly fine. 

Top tips for renting a car in Italy

1. Do a walk around and check the car

When you pick up your car rental in Italy, make sure to do a walk-around and check if everything’s there. Cars in Italy should have:

• The legally required safety triangle and vest are in the back of the car.
• Traveling in winter? Make sure to check if there are snow tires on the car or snow chains in the trunk. Many areas require these between November and April. 

2. Be mindful of where you park 

Parking in Italy can be both paid and free. Paid parking areas are marked with blue lines, whereas those marked in white (or unmarked) are free. Always make sure to look out for signs indicating free parking, parking time limits, and possible parking disk (disco) requirements.

3. There are toll booths

There are many toll booths along Italy’s major roads and highways—for example, the Autostrada is a toll road. When you enter the Autostrada, you’ll receive a ticket and pay the toll once you exit, which is usually around 30-50 EUR per journey.

Toll booths are marked on your map app. If you have problems at the entrance or exits of the Autostrada, you can push the ‘help’ button. However, be prepared to speak some Italian as most of the assistants won’t speak English. 

4. Fill your car with the right gas

There are both self-serve (fai da te) and serviced (servitor) pumps to get gas in Italy. However, it is a bit more expensive to have an attendant fill up your tank. At the pump, you have two options: Gasolio (diesel) and Benzina (gas). It’s important not to confuse the two!

Often, your Italian rental car will have a sticker indicating what type of fuel it needs. The car key, dashboard, or fuel door is where you usually find this. Gas stations can be found in the country, in small towns and big cities, and on the Autostrada. 

How much does a rental car cost?

During the summer months, there’s always increased demand for car rentals in Italy, which drives up prices. However, they’re generally fairly priced. We like to browse our options online via a comparison site to make sure we get the best deal.

Things to consider:

• Where are you picking up your rental car? This can impact the price. For example, if you collect your car in a big city such as Rome, Milan, or Florence, it is much cheaper than in smaller towns and airports.
• It is also more affordable to arrange a rental car for Italy online prior to your arrival than at the office. 

Whenever we rent a car in Italy, our budget is most affected by toll roads and gas prices. Be prepared to pay a bit more when you use the major highways. Good to know: Gas is more expensive in Europe than in countries like the US.

Where do I rent a car in Italy?

There are numerous reputable car rentals in Italy to choose from! If you’re planning on renting a car in Italy in the summer, try to arrange this in advance. Reserving in advance ensures you secure the car you want, possibly at a lower price. 

If it makes sense on your route, pick up and drop off the car in different cities. It might be a bit more expensive, but it’s worth it if you consider the tolls, gas, and time. When you return the car:

• Make sure you know whether you need to fill up the gas;
• Have someone check the car for damage while you’re still there.