One of the most often asked questions I get from clients revolves around renting a car and driving in Italy. When traveling between big cities, I prefer to take high-speed trains; there is no reason to drive.  However, the best way to discover the smaller villages and visit off-the-beaten path locations with scenic views at your own pace is to rent a car and drive.

Independent travelers visiting Italy also want to know “Do they drive on the opposite side of the road?” I’m happy to report – they do not! They drive on the same side, which makes it easier – no learning curve involved!

RENTING A CAR IS PERFECT IF YOU:

• Will be visiting places that don’t have extensive train service, like Sicily, the Amalfi Coast, Puglia or Tuscany
• Are planning to have tours or activities scheduled and don’t want to rely on public transportation
• Have a large group, so it might be more economical than booking train tickets
• Wish to base yourself in the countryside and take a bunch of day trips
• Plan to visit farms, vineyards, hot springs etc.
• Don’t want to spend money on private transfers
• Like driving and the freedom to have loose, last minute plans

On my last research trip, we did a fair amount of driving. We picked up a rental car in Bologna and spend a few weeks driving around the Emilia-Romagna region and all over Tuscany.  On the heels of my trip, I’ve compiled some tips about driving in Italy that I’ve followed myself over the years, but have also helped my clients. Hopefully they will help you decide if renting a car and driving in Italy is something you want to do on your next trip.

TIPS FOR RENTING A CAR AND DRIVING IN ITALY

Do not, I repeat DO NOT drive in a larger city. I learned this the hard way in Rome.

You’ll need an International Drivers License for each driver AND a valid driver’s license from home. You will likely be able to rent a car without the IDL, but if you get pulled over or involved in an accident or incident where the police will respond- you will have a problem.  Better safe than sorry.

Avoid picking up or dropping off in the city center, if possible. Many cities in Italy have restricted zones, called ZTL. If you drive in them, you will get a ticket.  The police won’t pull you over, but your rental car license plate will be recorded by camera and months later, you’ll get a ticket with a hefty fine in the mail. Search for convenient pick-up-drop/off points nearby, instead.

Picking up and dropping off in two different cities or at airport location usually costs extra; but if this works best for your itinerary, the convenience is worth it.

Rental cars in Italy are usually manual transmission, this will offer you the lowest rate.  Make sure you request an automatic if you really need it; you will pay extra for one.

Renting a GPS will also cost extra, but I recommend you have some sort of navigation. You could bring your own from home, preloaded with directions and addresses.  Personally, I keep my itinerary and saved points on my Google Maps. I choose and recommend you forgo the GPS and use your smartphone instead.

If you do use your smartphone as your GPS – make sure it’s able to be charged at all times. Your rental may or may not be equipped with a charger, so I recommend you buy and pack a gadget like this (affiliate link), which worked like a charm. Or bring a battery pack for your phone.

Don’t just rely on GPS. I also recommend a good map of your intended driving area. You can find my recommendations for maps on my resources pages.

ON THE ROAD

Resist the urge to speed on the Autostrada or other large toll roads, just to keep up with traffic. Similar to ZTL zones, you may not get pulled over, but there are cameras everywhere, tracking you. You could be fined months later, through your car rental agency.

Much to my surprise and delight – most toll booths are unattended and automated and take cash or credit cards! This is super handy when you don’t have cash.

Typically, roads are fairly well signed and easy to understand. But it’s a good idea to research and bone up on road signs before you go. Download a translation app where you can snap a photo of a sign for on -the-go translating if you need to know a sign in the moment.

Italy loves its roundabouts. It can be hard to decipher what is considered an exit sometimes when GPS tells you “take the second exit”, but just take your time and go around again if you’re not quite sure which exit to take.

Different colored signs mean different things. Blue road signs indicate main roads that aren’t toll roads. Green signs indicate the autostrada and you will have tolls.

PARKING

Parking can be a bit of a crapshoot. Some larger towns have designated parking areas for visitors, but those lots can fill up quickly.  Do your research on parking ahead of time, plan on getting to town early and bring cash. Many lots charge by the hour and don’t take credit cards, only coins.

Take everything out of your car when you park, so you don’t make it obvious you have a rental car and to discourage thieves from breaking in. Load up the trunk if you have to! If you’re able to score a current local newspaper – it might be good to leave it on the dash or front seat – to make it seem like you’re a local.

 

FILLING UP AT THE GAS PUMP

Gas in Italy is not sold per gallon, but per liter; Generally speaking, gas is more expensive in Italy than in the U.S.

When filling up at the pumps, make sure you use Senza Piombo gas, or Senza PB unless of course you’re renting a diesel, which could be labeled as gasolio.

Often times the actual pump number at the station corresponds to the pump AND the type of gas you are putting in – not just the pump itself.

Gas tends to be cheaper in small towns or along smaller roads than in cities or at service stops along the autostrada. Save money by filling up off-the-beaten-path when you can. Save your autostrada detours for the Autogrills, where you’ll find   surprisingly delicious fresh food and good quality coffee!

Most gas stations in Italy don’t have attendants. Instead, you’ll encounter automated machines, which don’t allow you to just “fill-er-up”. Instead you may need to estimate first how much you’ll need, enter the Euro amount and then pump. It’s better to underestimate, so you don’t end up paying more than the tank will hold.

Automated machines take both cash or credit card..

At larger stations and along toll roads, when you do find an attendant, you can either give a dollar amount or tell them to fill it up; you will pay more per liter for this convenience.

WHO TO USE FOR DRIVING AND RENTING A CAR IN ITALY

When I’m arranging clients’ trips or coaching them to plan their own, if they’re going to be driving in Italy,  I always recommend renting from AutoEurope. I use them for my own travels too! There are several reasons why:

• AutoEurope checks with many of the major rental companies, using the info you input, to come up with the best price.  This saves you so much time and money, not having to check with each rental company separately. It’s easy one-stop shopping.
• They’re a U.S. based company, and you pay in U.S. Dollars. You can pay for everything before you leave, so there is no worry about hidden fees, conversion rates or having to pay in foreign currency.
• They will price match if you happen to find a better rate.
• They have great customer service and are available 24/7 in case of emergencies or things that come up while you’re traveling.
• Working with friendly English-speaking agents means you don’t need to worry about trying to communicate in a language you aren’t fluent in.

Inspired to take your next road trip to Italy now? Get in touch –  so we can start planning something amazing! If you liked these tips sign up for my newsletter, so I can deliver more.