Renting a Car in Italy: Complete Guide for Travellers

Renting a car in Italy is still the best way to explore the country at your own pace — from the Sicilian coastline to the Dolomite passes, through the hilltop villages of Tuscany. This guide covers everything you need to know: requirements, prices, insurance, ZTL zones, comparison tools, and practical tips for renting a car in Italy without overspending.

Table of Contents

Requirements for renting a car in Italy

Before picking up your vehicle at the counter, make sure you have all of the following with you:

• A valid driving licence (not provisional, not expired)
• A credit card in the name of the main driver, required to place a security deposit
• Your identity document (national ID card or passport)
• Your booking confirmation if you reserved online
• The minimum age required by the agency (generally 21 years old)
• At least one year of driving licence history (two years for some agencies and vehicle categories)

Always read the terms and conditions before confirming your reservation, particularly if you are a young driver, if you want to add an additional driver, or if you plan to return the vehicle in a different city (one-way option).

Minimum age and young driver fees

The minimum age to rent a car in Italy varies by agency and vehicle category:

If you are under 25, a young driver fee (young driver fee) applies at almost every agency. This surcharge ranges from 6 to 22 € per day depending on your age and the rental company, and is often capped at a maximum amount. Check this figure at the time of booking, as it can add up considerably over the course of your rental.

Your driving licence: what you need to know

A full, valid driving licence issued by any EU or EEA country is accepted in Italy with no additional steps required. For drivers from outside the EU (including the UK, US, Australia and other countries), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national licence, though many agencies will accept a standard licence in practice. Always check directly with your rental company before travelling.
One condition applies regardless of where your licence was issued: it must be full and valid. Provisional licences are not accepted by rental agencies.
If you are living in Italy and want to know more about converting your foreign licence, see our guide on driving licences in Italy.

Credit card, deposit and insurance

The credit card: practically non-negotiable

A credit card is required by the vast majority of agencies in Italy. The rental company places a hold on a set amount (the deposit) as a guarantee, which is released when you return the vehicle, provided there is no damage or outstanding fine.
Some agencies accept a debit card, but with more restrictive conditions: a higher deposit, and often a compulsory additional insurance policy. Cash payment is refused almost universally. Contact the agency before your trip to confirm its requirements if you do not have a credit card.

Insurance: what is included and what you can add

Third-party liability insurance is included as standard with every car rental in Italy. For broader coverage, agencies offer:

• CDW (Collision Damage Waiver): covers damage to the vehicle, with a residual excess remaining your responsibility
• TP (Theft Protection): covers theft of the vehicle
• SCDW / Super CDW: eliminates the excess entirely, so you pay nothing in the event of a claim — though this option can sometimes cost more than the base rental itself

Tip: before purchasing the agency’s supplementary insurance, check whether your credit card (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold, American Express) already covers damage and theft on rental cars abroad — this is often the case with premium cards. Also take photos of the vehicle both at pick-up and at drop-off to protect yourself in the event of a dispute.

ZTL zones: the rule you cannot ignore in Italy

ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) are the number one source of unpleasant surprises for drivers renting a car in Italy. These are restricted traffic areas in historic city centres, accessible only to residents, taxis and authorised vehicles, monitored around the clock by automatic cameras.
You will find them in every major city (Rome, Florence, Milan, Bologna, Naples, Verona, Pisa and many more) as well as in hundreds of smaller towns. If you enter a ZTL without authorisation, a fine of 100 to 250 € per entry will be sent to your home address, sometimes six to twelve months after your trip. The rental company will add administrative fees of 25 to 60 € per infraction on top of that.

How to avoid ZTL fines

• Do not follow your GPS blindly: Google Maps and Waze are not always up to date on ZTL restrictions and their active hours
• Park outside the ZTL and continue on foot or by public transport to visit historic centres
• If your hotel is inside a ZTL, ask the property to register your licence plate with the local authorities before you arrive — this is generally free of charge
• Learn to recognise the signs: a red circle on a white background with the text zona traffico limitato, followed by a sign showing the hours of operation

Car rental prices in Italy

The cost of renting a car in Italy varies considerably depending on the season, city, vehicle category and agency. Outside peak season, expect to pay an average of 25 to 55 € per day for a compact car, all included except optional insurance. In July and August, prices can double or even triple in Sicily, Sardinia or along the Amalfi Coast.

On top of these rates, you may also face: young driver surcharges, supplementary insurance, additional driver fees, GPS rental, child seat, and one-way drop-off charges. Always compare the total final price, not just the base rate displayed.

Tips for renting a car in Italy for less

Book as early as possible. During peak season, rental fleets fill up quickly and prices climb as your departure date approaches. Booking two to three months in advance can save you up to 30%.
Use a comparison tool. We recommend DiscoverCars to compare offers from all available agencies at your location and dates in a matter of seconds. Also compare prices between the airport and the city centre — agencies located off-airport are often 20 to 30% cheaper.
Choose the right size of vehicle. A city car or compact is ideal in Italy: streets in historic centres are narrow, parking is difficult and fuel is expensive. A smaller car will make daily life considerably easier.
Opt for a manual transmission. Automatic cars consistently cost more in Italy and are available in limited numbers. If you are comfortable with a manual gearbox, you will have more choice and better deals.
Check your card’s insurance coverage. Before paying for CDW or Super CDW from the rental agency, review what your credit card already covers. Some premium cards (Visa Premier, Mastercard Gold) include damage and theft protection on rental cars abroad, which can save you 15 to 25 € per day.
Choose the full-to-full fuel policy. Pick up the car with a full tank and return it full — this is the most economical option. Avoid full-to-empty policies where the agency charges you for fuel at inflated rates.

Which rental company should you choose in Italy?

Italy is well served by major international brands and competitive local operators:

Our advice: always go through a comparison platform such as DiscoverCars rather than booking directly. You access the same vehicles at negotiated rates, and you can read customer reviews for each agency before committing. Prioritise agencies rated above 8/10.

Conclusion

Renting a car in Italy opens up some of the country’s most beautiful landscapes, including many places that are simply impossible to reach any other way. To travel with peace of mind, keep the basics in mind: book in advance through DiscoverCars, check your card’s coverage before purchasing extra insurance, and stay alert to ZTL zones in historic city centres.
Planning your trip? Also take a look at our guide on the cost of living in Italy to get a clearer picture of your overall budget.

Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Italy

Can I rent a car in Italy with a non-EU driving licence?

EU and EEA licence holders can rent a car in Italy with no additional requirements. Drivers from outside the EU, including those from the UK, US, Canada and Australia, are advised to carry an International Driving Permit alongside their national licence. Requirements can vary by agency, so it is worth checking directly when you book.

What is the minimum age to rent a car in Italy?

It varies by agency and vehicle category: between 18 and 21 for a city car, and 21 to 25 for larger vehicles. Drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge of 6 to 22 € per day depending on the rental company.

Can I rent a car in Italy without a credit card?

Some agencies accept a debit card, but this is the exception rather than the rule. The deposit held will generally be higher, and a supplementary insurance policy may be required. Contact the agency in advance to confirm its conditions. Cash payment is refused in almost all cases.

What is a ZTL and how do I avoid a fine?

A ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is a restricted traffic zone in a city centre, closed to unauthorised vehicles and monitored by cameras. An infraction costs 100 to 250 € per entry, plus administrative fees from the rental company (25 to 60 €). To avoid fines: park outside the ZTL, do not follow your GPS blindly, and if your hotel is inside a ZTL, ask them to register your licence plate before you arrive by car.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Italy?

Outside peak season, expect to pay between 25 and 55 € per day for a compact car. In summer, prices can double in Sicily, Sardinia or on the Amalfi Coast. Booking in advance through a comparison platform remains the best way to secure the lowest rate.

Do I need to purchase the rental company’s insurance?

Third-party liability insurance is included as standard. Before paying for CDW or Super CDW, check whether your premium credit card already covers damage and theft on rental cars abroad. If it does not, CDW is a sensible option for driving with peace of mind.

Are motorways toll roads in Italy?

Yes, Italian motorways (autostrade) are almost all toll roads. Keep a bank card or some cash handy for the toll booths. Some rental companies offer a transponder (telepass) for a daily flat fee — a convenient option if you plan to cover long distances on the motorway.