Renting a car in Italy can be an excellent option to explore this country full of history, culture, and breathtaking landscapes. With an extensive network of well-maintained roads and a variety of destinations, from cosmopolitan cities to picturesque villages, having a car gives you flexibility and convenience. In this complete guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about renting a car in Italy—from required documents to practical tips for a smooth experience.
Why Rent a Car in Italy?
Renting a car in Italy is the perfect choice if you want to explore the country independently and beyond traditional tourist routes. With a car, you can:
- Discover unique landscapes: From the vineyards of Tuscany to the scenic roads of the Amalfi Coast, a car allows you to reach places that are hard to access by public transport.
- Enjoy flexibility: Create your own itinerary and decide how much time to spend in each place, without depending on bus or train schedules.
- Access rural areas: Many of Italy’s most charming regions, such as Umbria or the Sicilian coast, are easier to visit with a car.
Can I Drive in Italy with a Brazilian License?
Yes, but only when accompanied by the International Driving Permit (IDP). To rent a car in Italy, you’ll need your Brazilian license, but most rental companies also require the IDP.
What you need to rent a car in Italy:
- Be over 21 years old
- Driver’s License: Your license must be valid for the rental period.
- IDP (International Driving Permit): Most rental companies require an international license in addition to your national one. Apply through your State’s Detran website.
- Passport: Brazilians without Italian citizenship must present a valid passport to rent a car in Italy.
- International credit card in the driver’s name: Required for paying any remaining balance (if not paid fully online), the security deposit, and covering extra charges.
How to Choose a Car Rental Company in Italy
In Italy, you’ll find both international and local rental companies. To compare car types and prices, use a price comparison tool. We usually book through DiscoverCars. Other good options include Rentcars, Kayak, and even Booking.com, which recently started offering car rentals. Key points to check:
Check the Company’s Reputation
Customer reviews are a great way to gauge service quality. Comparison sites help, but also search for reviews on Google or forums to avoid surprises.
Rental Insurance Policy
Understand what’s included in the basic insurance and the cost of adding extra coverage for peace of mind. Basic insurance requires a deposit of at least €850 on your credit card. The amount is released within 15 to 30 business days after returning the car.
Full insurance is more expensive but usually requires a smaller deposit.
Airport Counter or Shuttle Service
When choosing a company, check if it has a counter inside the airport or if you’ll need to take a shuttle to their lot. In some cases, you must call them so the van can pick you up. In that case, make sure you have a working SIM card when you land in Italy, especially if you have appointments right after arrival.
How to Book
- Book online: You can reserve in advance on the internet.
- Documentation: Present all required documents at the rental desk.
Should I Book in Advance?
If you’re traveling in high season (June to October), booking ahead is essential. Otherwise, you risk finding no cars available or paying much more for an upgraded category.
Should I Pay Everything Upfront?
Sometimes you can pay the full amount upfront or just a deposit to secure your booking.
Paying in advance may be useful if you’re booking from Brazil. For example, with Rentcars, you can pay in reais with no IOF tax and even split into installments.
Other companies only allow partial payment online, requiring the rest at the counter with your physical credit card.
Late Arrival Tolerance
Most rental companies will wait up to one hour after your scheduled pick-up time. After that, your booking may be canceled, and you might need to rent again at current rates.
If you booked through Rentcars and know you’ll be late, you can reschedule or request a refund as long as you notify them at least 48 hours in advance.
Does Renting for Longer Mean a Lower Daily Rate?
No. In Italy, renting for longer can actually mean paying more per day. For example, renting for 30 days straight may cost more per day than renting two separate 15-day periods. We still don’t understand the logic behind it.
Pick Up in One Place and Drop Off in Another
Most companies charge an average fee of €89 for this option.
Best Prices at Airports
Rental prices are usually lower at airports. Just check if the transfer costs offset the savings.
Do I Need to Rent a GPS?
No, instead invest in a good SIM card and use Waze or Google Maps (often integrated via Android Auto or Apple CarPlay).
Car Size
When choosing a rental car, consider the following:
- Street and parking sizes: Italian cities are historic with very narrow streets, often one-way. Smaller cars are easier to drive and park. Many hotels lack private parking, and urban areas have limited spots—important in Tuscany or the Amalfi Coast.
- Fuel consumption: Smaller cars usually consume less fuel. Think about this if you plan to drive long distances.
- Luggage space: Larger cars provide more room, ideal for families or groups with several bags.
- Comfort: Bigger cars are generally more comfortable for long trips, offering more passenger space.
Additional Driver
If you want to share driving duties, you’ll need to pay an average fee of €10 per day for each additional driver. Depending on the insurance level you choose, this fee might be waived.
Driving in Other Countries
If you plan to drive across other European countries, most companies charge an extra fee depending on your destinations. In some cases, premium insurance covers this without additional charges.
Snow Tires or Chains
Always make sure your rental includes snow chains or winter tires when traveling in snowy or icy conditions. From November 15 to April 15, they are mandatory on many Italian roads. Not having them can lead to fines or accidents.
Take Photos and Videos at Pick-Up
Do a detailed inspection before leaving the rental lot. Document scratches, dents, chips, or cracks on windows, wheels, and bumpers. Also, check the fuel level. Usually, the policy is to return the car with the same amount of fuel as when you picked it up.
See Also:
- Driving in Italy: Essential Tips for Car Rental, Tolls, Parking, and ZTL Zones
- Fuel in Italy: Everything You Need to Know Before Driving Abroad
- Tolls in Italy: Complete Guide to Autostrade, Costs, and Payment Options
- Driving in Italy: How to Use Self-Service Gas Stations
Italian Car Brands
Here are some car brands you’ll find in Italy that aren’t available in Brazil, plus our thoughts on some models:
Alfa Romeo
Although once present in Brazil, Alfa Romeo no longer sells cars there. In Italy, it’s a popular rental option with sporty style and Italian design.
Skoda
A Czech brand owned by Volkswagen since 1991. Known for great value and solid build quality, Skoda cars are popular in Europe. We rented the Skoda Kamiq—nice car, but its multimedia system didn’t work with Android Auto (same category as the VW Polo).
Seat
A Spanish brand owned by Volkswagen since 1986. Seat cars are sporty and stylish, sharing platforms with other VW models. We rented a Seat Arona and loved it—well-equipped and fuel-efficient (same category as the VW Polo).
Cupra
Originally a sporty sub-brand of Seat, Cupra became independent in 2018 under Volkswagen Group. Cupra models are high-performance with bold design and advanced tech. We rented a Cupra Formentor to carry large suitcases—it was amazing! (same category as Sportwagon).
MG (Morris Garages)
A historic British brand now owned by SAIC Motor, a major Chinese automaker. MG is known for its sporty heritage. We haven’t rented one yet.
FAQs About Car Rental in Italy
1. Do I need an international driver’s license to drive in Italy?
Yes, most car rental companies in Italy require an International Driving Permit in addition to your national license.
2. What is the minimum age to rent a car in Italy?
The minimum age is usually 21, but for certain vehicles it may be 25 or older.
3. Can I cross borders with a rental car from Italy?
Yes, but you usually need prior authorization from the rental company, and additional fees may apply.
4. What should I do in case of an accident or breakdown?
Contact the rental company immediately and follow their instructions. They typically provide an emergency number for such cases.
5. Are there time restrictions for returning the rental car?
Yes, many companies have specific return hours. Always check in advance to avoid extra charges.
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