What you should know before you rent a car
Practical information
Where can you rent a car in Italy?
Located in Europe, Italy is known for its food, fashion and beautiful coastline. Its most famous cities include Rome, Milan, Naples and Florence; there are also stunning natural areas and charming countryside towns and villages to visit – this is made even easier by rental car. Car rental companies are located in all the major cities, as well as at airports and in towns across the country. Europcar, Hertz and Sixt are just a few of the companies offering the chance to rent a car and explore Italy at your own pace. While there are trains (with stations such as Rome Termini, Milano Centrale, Genova Brignole and Bologna Centrale offering a large number of services every day), buses and airplanes available to transport visitors throughout Italy, there's nothing like having the freedom of driving from town to town, with beautiful coastal roads and highways to make your trip even easier. It's also possible to rent a car from the airport; arriving at Rome Fiumicino, Naples International Airport, Milan-Malpensa Airport or Venice Marco Polo Airport and being able to collect your car immediately is incredibly useful. International flights from the US to these airports and more are all available.
What are the driving rules you need to know in Italy?
The minimum driving age in Italy is 18; any younger that this, and it is illegal to drive on Italian roads. If you have a US driving license, you will need to obtain and International Driving Permit before renting a car in Italy; alternatively, it is possible to use an American driver's license however in this case, an official Italian translation is also required. In Italy, you must drive on the right hand side of the road; the use of seatbelts is required by law, and drivers should stick to the speed limit. This will vary depending on the type of road and location driven through, however on the freeway is 81mph and in urban areas tends to be 31mph. Speed cameras are in operation throughout the country. In Italy, the alcohol limit when driving is 0.5mg of blood alcohol – the equivalent to 1 unit.
Road trips to take in Italy
Italy is filled with stunning roads just waiting to be explored, from coastal drives to vineyard lined routes, winding country lanes to open highways. The journey is as exciting as the destination when you rent a car in Italy to explore some of its most beautiful regions – such as the ones below.
Road Trips from Rome
Found in central Italy, not far from its western coastline, Rome is the country's capital city and one of its most popular destinations. As such, it boasts plenty to see and do: the Colosseum, Vatican City, the Trevi Fountain and the Roman Forum are just a few of its famous attractions – not to mention the food! Rome is also well located for a number of great road trips. Rent a car from agencies including Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty and Sixt and take to the highway in search of adventure. Thanks to Rome's location near to Italy's western coast, rent a car and drive to the beach. Fregene and Maccarese are two popular options, both accessible by rental car. Alternatively, Naples can be reached in under three hours by car, making for a good day trip away from the capital city.
Road Trips in Tuscany
This central Italian region is famous for its vineyards, olive groves and capital city of Florence – which in itself is known for its renaissance art and delicious gelato! The region is also a very popular option for road trips, with roads passing through rolling hills and beautiful countryside. Rent a car in Florence, and drive at your own pace throughout the region; the Casentina Valley is a beautiful road trip accessible from Florence.
Road trips along the Amalfi Coast
Running along the coast of southern Italy, driving along the Amalfi Coast is a beautiful road trip to take, with stunning views and picturesque towns and villages to admire along the way. Stop off in colorful cliffside towns such as Positano, Sorrento and Atrani. The area is known for its hiking, so make a stop along the way to enjoy a short trek in the Italian hills, before dining in a restaurant overlooking the sea: the Amalfi Coast has it all. Rent your car in Naples or Sorrento.