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The Ultimate Guide to Driving in Italy: How to Rent a Car & Drive Stress Free (+ Essential EV Rental Tips)

Thinking of driving in Italy? Renting a car is the key to exploring Italy’s picturesque countryside and hidden villages. In this guide, I’ll share everything you need to know—from rental tips to insider driving advice—so you can hit the road with confidence and make the most of your Italian adventure.
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If you’re dreaming of exploring Italy’s stunning countryside, seaside roads, and hidden gems, renting a car is the way to go! With so many tourists flooding the big cities in recent years, one of the only surefire ways to experience the authentic Italy you’ve dreamt about is to venture off the beaten path… and that means having your own wheels.

Renting a car in Italy is like having a personal tour guide, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. You’ll still get to visit the must-see cities, but you’ll also discover charming small towns and villages that most tourists miss.

Perhaps you’ve heard that driving in Italy can be stressful, confusing, and downright unenjoyable. But that hasn’t been our experience after multiple trips renting cars all over Italy, from Tuscany to Sicily to Puglia.

As long as you plan ahead and know what to expect, driving in Italy has way more pros than cons! Here’s everything you need to know about driving in Italy — from rental tips to local driving etiquette and how to manage driving an EV in Italy.

Delve into Italy

Renting a Car in Italy

Renting a car in Italy is straightforward, but there are a few things to know that will make the process of renting your car – both booking from home, and picking it up in Italy – much easier.

driving in italy

1. Save Money & Headaches when Booking Your Italy Car Rental

Where to Book

We personally recommend booking through Discover Cars, our go-to platform for rental bookings. 

Discover Cars makes it easy to compare prices across major companies, offers competitive deals, and includes an insurance option for peace of mind. We find it especially convenient for navigating different agencies’ policies, which can vary a lot in Italy. 

Discover Cars is also known for its transparent booking process, with clear terms that help you avoid any unwelcome surprises.

Who to Book With

While it’s tempting to try a smaller (usually cheaper) company, we usually recommend booking with a major, reliable name: Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, and Enterprise. These companies are reliable, have extensive support, and can help sort things out more easily if any issues come up.

We’ve also had great experiences with Centauro, a more affordable local option with good reviews and friendly service. They’re not everywhere, but they’re worth checking out if you’re near one of their locations and want to save some euros.

Local rental companies may have cheaper rates, but it can be harder to tell if they’re trustworthy. For peace of mind, sticking with a well-known name is often worth the extra cost.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental

In Italy, you’ll find car rental offices at nearly every airport, train station, and city center. Some hotels, especially upscale ones, can even help you arrange to have a rental car delivered to you. The best pickup point depends on your itinerary and travel style.

  • Airport Pickup: Airport rental offices tend to have the best hours (often 24 hours) and lower rental rates compared to city offices. If you’re flying in and heading directly to the countryside, the airport might be the best pickup option.
  • City or Town Pickup: Picking up in town can be more convenient if you’re only planning a day trip. Just note that city rental offices often have limited hours, and prices can be higher.

For these reasons, we typically end up renting from the airport – easier logistics and a better value for most trips.

Types of Car to Rent in Italy

Italy’s rental fleet is predominantly manual, but automatics are available from most large rental companies if booked in advance.

Just be aware that automatics can come with a higher price tag—often double the cost of a manual. If you’re unfamiliar with driving manual, be sure to reserve an automatic well in advance and confirm at pickup that you’re getting the right car.

Did You Know

Electric vehicles (EVs) are usually available at a significant discount compared to traditional automatics. Italy is surprisingly well-equipped for EVs, with charging stations in most tourist areas and highways – so this can be a great option for those looking for a good deal on an automatic car!

For most travelers, we recommend a smaller car for easy maneuvering and parking, even if you’re staying outside the city. Italy’s roads, especially in small towns, are often narrow, and a larger vehicle can be a challenge to navigate.

driving in italy

P.S. When you book using my links, you help support Rachel IRL at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!

2. What to Know About Collecting a Rental Car in Italy

Driver’s License Requirements

An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required by law for Americans and other non-EU drivers. While rental agencies don’t always ask for it, you’ll need it if you’re stopped by the police. We haven’t been asked for ours so far, but we always bring it just in case—it’s one less thing to worry about on the road.

Rental Offices at the Airport

Unfortunately, long lines are common at airport rental counters. It’s a good idea to budget an extra 60–90 minutes after landing, especially if you’re on a tight schedule or need to meet an Airbnb host.

Some rental companies offer “fast track” services to complete paperwork online and pick up the car directly from a kiosk in the parking lot. However, we recommend double-checking this with the local office, as these services may not always be available, even at the hours they say they are (especially in the evening).

3. Returning Your Rental Car in Italy

Returning a rental car in Italy is straightforward, but there are a few things to keep in mind:

Busy Rental Lots

Drop-off can be chaotic, especially at larger airports. Plan to arrive with some buffer time. Once, we arrived two hours before our flight and still spent over 30 minutes at drop-off because one attendant was handling everything.

Vehicle Inspections

It’s pretty common to see complaints about rental companies being overly strict on minor dings or scratches. In our experience, bigger agencies tend to be more lenient in Italy, but it can depend on the individual attendant.

To avoid surprise fees, we recommend using a travel credit card with rental car insurance. This perk has come in handy for us more than once – reimbursing us for unexpected fees, even for small fender scratches!


Important Things to Know About Driving in Italy

From major highways to city streets, driving in Italy is an experience with its own quirks and surprises. Here are some essentials that’ll help you feel prepared.

1. Understand Italy’s Road System

Italy’s roads range from toll highways to scenic provincial routes, each offering a unique driving experience.

Highways (Autostrade)

Italy’s main highways, called autostrade, are easy to spot with their green signs. They’re fast and efficient, perfect for covering longer distances. 

Many – but not all – autostrade are toll roads, where you’ll take a ticket upon entry and pay based on distance when you exit. 

Payment can usually be made by cash or card, though this varies geographically: Northern Italy’s toll highways typically accept cards, while some tolls in regions like Sicily are still cash-only (coins included!).

Provincial Roads (Strade Provinciali)

Connecting smaller towns, strade provinciali are often scenic but can be narrow and sometimes winding, with just one lane in each direction. They’re ideal for those who enjoy a leisurely drive through vineyards, cliffs, or rustic countryside landscapes. You’ll likely find yourself on these roads one way or another, as they access areas the autostrade don’t reach.

Speed Limits, Traffic Cameras, and Fines

Italy enforces speed limits strictly with traffic cameras, especially on autostrade and within cities. 

It’s common for fines to be sent months later via your rental company, so it’s worth sticking to the limits, which vary by road type: 130 km/h on highways, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 50 km/h in cities. 

If you’re unsure, Google Maps usually displays the speed limit, but always prioritize posted signs for accuracy.

driving in italy

2. Know How to Navigate Italian Cities

Driving in Italian cities can be challenging, especially with the presence of ZTLs (Restricted Traffic Zones). These zones are restricted to resident vehicles, and entering without permission results in hefty fines.

Avoiding Fines in ZTLs

Cities like Florence, Rome, and Milan—and even many smaller towns—use ZTLs to reduce traffic congestion in historic or busy areas. These zones are monitored by cameras, and fines are automatically mailed to violators. 

If you’re staying within a ZTL, your hotel may arrange special access, but if not, plan to park outside these zones. 

In some places, like Palermo, you can buy a ZTL pass from local shops (tabaccherie) to access certain areas. It’s a good idea to ask your accommodation host for tips before arrival.

City Driving Tips

Navigating Italian cities is all about staying alert. Roads are often narrow, with one-way streets, assertive local drivers, and parked cars squeezed into every possible space (often at odd angles that may reduce road width). Scooters zip around freely, so expect sudden lane changes, especially in busy spots like roundabouts.

3. Parking in Italy

Parking in Italy is not too difficult, but there are some key things to know and keep an eye out for: 

Types of Parking Lines

  • Blue Lines indicate paid parking. Look for a nearby meter and display the ticket on your dashboard. If you pay via app, you do not need to display anything.
  • White Lines mean free parking, but they’re rare in tourist areas.
  • Yellow Lines are reserved for residents or special permits, so avoid parking in these spaces.
  • Pink Lines are for pregnant women or parents with young children.

Parking Apps

Apps like EasyPark and Pay-by-Phone are handy to download before your trip, as they’re common across Italy and simplify parking payments. Nearby meters or kiosks usually display app instructions.

These apps are particularly helpful if you’re parking in different cities, as each town may have its own system.

Finding Parking When It’s Scarce

In crowded areas, especially in tourist hotspots, street parking can be tough to find. A quick Google Maps search for “parcheggio” will often show paid lots or garages nearby. These can be pricier but usually have ample space and are well-located.

4. Driving Etiquette in Italy

Driving rules in Italy may differ slightly from what you’re are used to, but a few key points will help you feel comfortable on the road.

Unspoken Driving Habits

  • Flashing Lights: A quick flash often means “move over,” especially on highways.
  • Honking: Common in cities, honking is more about communication than aggression—think of it as a quick “heads up.”
  • Roundabouts: Cars already in the roundabout have the right of way, but signaling isn’t as common here. If you’re used to driving in the UK, keep in mind that Italian roundabouts tend to be more “freestyle.”

Expect scooters and motorcycles to weave through traffic frequently, so stay aware and give them space if possible.

driving in italy

5. Fueling Up & Roadside Services

Fueling up in Italy can be a bit different than in the U.S. You’ll find both self-service and full-service options at gas stations.

Self-Service vs. Full-Service Stations

Italy has both self-service (fai da te) and full-service gas stations. 

Self-service is typically cheaper but can be finicky with foreign cards, so have cash or a debit card on hand just in case. 

Full-service attendants will fill the tank for you, clean your windshield, and sometimes check oil levels. They’re more likely to accept foreign cards or contactless payments (like Apple Pay), which can be convenient.

  • Key Phrase: “Pieno, per favore” (“Full, please”) is all you need to say if you want a full tank.
  • Note: Many full-service stations are closed on Sundays or take a midday break (usually 1–3pm) in rural areas. Self-service is generally available 24 hours, even if full-service is closed.

Emergency Assistance

For breakdowns, the national roadside assistance number in Italy is 116. Italian law requires cars to carry safety vests and warning triangles, and you’ll likely see drivers using them if they’re stopped on the side of the highway.


Driving Electric Vehicles (EVs) in Italy

With Italy’s increasing focus on sustainability, more travelers are considering renting electric vehicles (EVs) to explore the country. While driving an EV in Italy can be eco-friendly and cost-effective, it comes with some unique considerations for charging and accessibility.

1. Renting an EV in Italy

  • Many rental agencies, especially at major locations in cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence, now offer electric and hybrid vehicles. However, EV availability may be limited in smaller towns or rural areas, so it’s best to reserve one in advance.
  • Make sure to confirm the vehicle’s estimated range, especially if you’re planning a road trip in areas with fewer charging stations, such as rural Tuscany or southern regions like Puglia.
things to do in ostuni puglia italy

2. Charging Stations in Italy

  • Availability: Charging infrastructure in Italy is growing, but it’s still less dense than in some other European countries. Major cities, tourist hubs, and highways have reasonably good coverage, while remote areas may have fewer options.
  • Types of Chargers: You’ll find a mix of standard AC chargers (Type 2) and fast DC chargers (CCS and CHAdeMO) across Italy. Fast chargers are mostly concentrated along major highways and urban areas.
  • Charging Networks: Networks like Enel X, Be Charge, and Tesla Superchargers are the primary providers in Italy. It’s helpful to download apps like Nextcharge or JuicePass (Enel X’s app) to locate charging stations, check availability, and pay directly from your phone.

3. Costs and Payment for Charging

  • Charging prices vary depending on the provider and speed of the charger, but using fast chargers can be more expensive than charging at a slower AC station.
  • Payment Options: Most charging stations allow payment through an app or a contactless credit card, but some rural stations may require a membership card from a specific network. Make sure to check each network’s app for payment options and fees.

4. Planning Your EV Journey in Italy

  • Route Planning: When driving an EV in Italy, it’s essential to plan your route carefully, particularly if you’re exploring rural regions. Major highways (autostrade) tend to have reliable charging options, while secondary roads may not. Using a navigation app like Google Maps or the built-in system in your EV can help you locate charging stations along your route.
  • Charging Tips for Road Trips: Italy’s toll highways usually have service areas with at least one charging station, but it’s wise to charge whenever you can, particularly in less densely populated areas. Some hotels offer charging points for guests, so consider checking this when booking accommodations.

5. Final EV Tips for Driving in Italy

  • Range Anxiety: Plan conservatively if you’re new to EVs or unsure of charging station availability. Even though Italy is expanding its infrastructure, EV drivers may need extra time for recharging, especially in less populated areas.
  • Peak Times: In high-season tourist areas, charging stations may be busy. Aim to charge overnight or during non-peak hours when possible.

Driving an EV in Italy is a fantastic way to enjoy a quieter, greener journey. With careful planning and an eye on charging locations, it’s possible to experience the country’s natural beauty and cultural landmarks with minimal environmental impact.

driving in italy

FAQs about Driving in Italy

Is it easy for tourists to drive in Italy?

Yes, it can be relatively easy for tourists to drive in Italy—especially if you’re prepared and aware of some unique road rules and local habits. Major highways (autostrade) are well-maintained, and GPS navigation is widely available to help you find your way. For those traveling to rural areas, scenic coastal roads, or regions without extensive public transport, driving is often the most convenient option.

However, certain things can add complexity, like navigating narrow streets in historic towns, ZTL (Restricted Traffic Zones) in cities, and understanding Italian driving norms. If you’re comfortable with these factors, driving in Italy can be a wonderful way to explore the country.

Can you turn right on red in Italy?

No, turning right on red is not allowed in Italy. In fact, right turns on red are generally prohibited throughout Europe unless a specific sign indicates otherwise.

In Italy, you must wait for the green light before proceeding. So if you’re used to turning right on red, be sure to hold back and wait—it’s an easy thing to forget!

Is it stressful to drive in Italy?

Driving in Italy can feel stressful, especially in busy cities or unfamiliar countryside areas, but it really depends on where you’re driving and your own comfort level. City driving, particularly in places like Rome, Naples, and Palermo, can be challenging due to heavy traffic, assertive drivers, scooters darting in and out, and limited parking. Rural driving, on the other hand, is usually much more relaxed and enjoyable, offering beautiful views and less congestion.

With a bit of preparation, most tourists find driving outside of major cities quite manageable. If you’re sticking to scenic routes, smaller towns, and rural areas, driving can actually be very enjoyable and far less stressful than you might expect.


P.S. When you book using my links, you help support Rachel IRL at no extra cost to you. It’s a win-win!

Final Thoughts: Should You Drive in Italy?

Driving in Italy isn’t for everyone, but for travelers with a sense of adventure, it’s the best way to experience Italy’s hidden gems and beautiful scenery.

If you’re up for the challenge, remember to pack your International Driving Permit, familiarize yourself with Italian road signs, and plan routes that will give you the most enjoyment.

If you’re still trying to plan the perfect trip to Italy, check out the archives here.

Think I missed something? Try my recs and want to tell me about it? Leave me a comment, send me an email, or tag me on Instagram

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