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Car Hire in Italy.

Search for the best car rental deals in Italy

  • Free Cancellation
  • Excess Protection
  • 24/7 Support
  • Fair Fuel Policy
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What our customers say

Viaggare provided a very efficient service. The car was basic but fine. I would use viaggare again

Mike - Verona Airport, 2 days ago

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Compare the best car hire deals in Italy

Search for the best car hire deals in Italy with Zest for inclusive deals you won't find anywhere else. Excess protection as standard along with free cancellations and amendments if your plans change. Compare deals for SUVs, Compact, 7 seaters and convertibles - you're in safe hands when you book Italy car rental with us.

Booking your car hire in Italy with Zest means you’re ensuring a smooth, easy, and stress-free experience. Whether you’re booking with Italy Car Rent, Noleggiare ,or one of our other providers, you’ll always be welcomed with exceptional customer service.

Whether you are picking up your car from Pisa Airport, Bari Airport or Rome Fiumicino Airport, getting around by car is the best way to enjoy mainland Italy.

  • Excess insurance included
  • Free Cancellation & amendments
  • Fair Fuel Policy
  • Breakdown assistance
  • 24/7 customer support
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Which car rental company should I book with in Italy?

You'll only find the best car rental providers in Italy who will give you the best service with us. You can choose between large, well-known brands or you can opt for Italy-only companies such as Sicily by Car or Ecovia. We keep a close eye on customer feedback so, whoever you choose, you can be rest assured to always get the best service with your Italy car rental. Now that's Amore.

SICILY BY CAR GREEN MOTION ITALY CAR RENT NOLEGGIARE EUROPCAR ALAMO KEDDY ECOVIA OPTIMORENT THRIFTY CENTAURO CENTAURO PLUS HERTZ ENTERPRISE AUTOVIA DOLLAR AUTOMANIA LOCAUTO ECH MOVENTUR PREMIUM RECORD GO FELIRENT SIXT NU CAR RENTALS M RENT SRC RENT CAR VIAGGIARE NOLEGGIARE

<h2 style="font-size:30px;">Book with Zest Car Rental in Italy</h2><p>We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to sweat over. We want you to relax and look forward to your holiday, not worry about the logistics.</p><h2 style="font-size:30px;">Unlock the real Italy</h2><p>Italy is famous for its timeless historic cities, rolling vineyards, and celebrated culinary heritage, but it is also the perfect gateway to spectacular coastlines and dramatic alpine passes.</p><p>A scenic drive along the Amalfi Coast connects iconic cliffside towns like Positano and Sorrento, framing spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea. Navigating these winding routes opens up secluded fishing villages and coastal paths that regular public transport options cannot easily match.</p><p>Further north, a rental vehicle gives you the freedom to explore the rural heart of Tuscany or the dramatic peaks of the Dolomites at your own comfortable pace. You can follow the winding avenues of cypress trees through the Val d'Orcia or tour the medieval hilltop villages of Umbria.</p><p>Having complete control over your itinerary allows you to stop at rural morning markets, explore remote countryside trails, and discover family-run trattorias completely free from rigid group tour schedules.</p><h2 style="font-size:30px;">Can I take my rental car across national borders?</h2><p>Given Italy's central position, many travelers want to extend their road trip across borders into neighboring destinations like Austria, Croatia, France, Germany, Monaco, San Marino, Slovenia, Spain, or Switzerland. Please be aware that each provider enforces completely individual regulations regarding border crossings.</p><p>To check what options are available for your journey, we recommend generating a live quote on our website where eligible cars will be explicitly labeled with exact permissions or local fees.</p><h2 style="font-size:30px;">Our Fleet in Italy</h2><p>At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles in Italy to suit every type of traveller. Fuel-efficient economy cars and nimble compact models are highly practical for navigating narrow historic city lanes and finding parking in busy urban centers like Rome, Florence, or Milan.</p><p>If you plan to tour the winding mountain routes of the north, carry substantial holiday luggage, or cruise regional highways with family, choosing a spacious intermediate vehicle or a compact SUV can provide additional power, ground clearance, and reliable interior comfort for the terrain.</p><h2 style="font-size:30px;">One Way Rentals in Italy</h2><p>In Italy, you can pick up your car and drop it off at a different location, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. One-way rentals are perfect for linear road trips, cross-country travel, or flexible itineraries, such as collecting your vehicle at Milan Malpensa Airport and returning it in a southern hub like Rome Fiumicino Airport.</p><p>Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.</p><h2 style="font-size:30px;">Driver Age Requirements in Italy</h2><p><strong>Can I rent a car in Italy if I am under 25?</strong><br>Yes. However, many providers apply a Young Driver Surcharge and may restrict access to luxury vehicle categories. Young driver fees vary by provider and may still apply depending on age and vehicle category.</p><p><strong>Can I rent a car in Italy if I am over 70?</strong><br>Yes. While some providers may have additional requirements or conditions for older drivers depending on policy, others welcome senior drivers with zero restrictions or extra costs.</p><h2 style="font-size:30px;">What is the best time of year to explore Italy by car?</h2><p>The ideal time to explore Italy on a driving holiday is during the late spring months of April to June or the early autumn months of September to October. During these periods, you can enjoy beautifully mild temperatures, clear driving skies, and comfortable conditions while completely avoiding the intense peak summer heat and dense holiday crowds.</p><p>The summer months of July and August bring continuous sunshine but also major congestion around popular coastal resorts and lake districts, meaning booking rental vehicles well in advance is highly recommended.</p><p>The winter months of November to March bring cooler, wetter conditions. High routes and mountainous regions in the north can experience sudden snow and ice, which may require appropriate seasonal precautions. Winter equipment rules can vary by region and season, especially in mountainous areas.</p><h2 style="font-size:30px;">Essential Tips for Driving in Italy</h2><p>Driving in Italy is conducted on the right-hand side of the road, with overtaking executed on the left. Many motorways in Italy use a distance-based toll system where you typically collect a ticket at an entry gantry and settle the payment at an exit barrier booth via cash or credit card.</p><p>Some motorway sections in Italy may use cashless free-flow systems where tolls are recorded electronically without physical booths, often linked to vehicle registration or in-vehicle systems depending on the operator. Some rental providers may offer electronic toll solutions, or tolls may be charged back after the journey depending on the provider.</p><p>Italy enforces strict drink-driving laws and penalties can be severe. If you plan to drive, the safest approach is not to consume alcohol before getting behind the wheel.</p><p>Check current local requirements regarding the use of dipped headlights or daytime running lights, as rules may vary depending on conditions and road type.</p><p>When navigating large municipal zones, motorists must look out for Limited Traffic Zones, known locally as Zona a Traffico Limitato or ZTL. These historic centers are monitored by automated camera frameworks, and entering without authorization can lead to fines issued through automated enforcement systems.</p><p>Outside major urban boundaries, maintain a defensive driving style to account for tight mountain switchbacks, narrow countryside paths, and sudden speed drops near smaller rural communes.</p>

Useful Facts about Italy!

In Italy, you’ll drive on the right, overtake on the left and give way to vehicles coming from the right. For the complete lowdown on driving in Italy, check out our Italy driving guide.

  • Currency: Euro (€)
  • Side of the road to drive on: Right 
  • Time difference: Italy follows Central European Time (CET), which is GMT+1.
  • Dialling Code: +39

Travelling to Italy in the Winter?

At Zest, our providers can include winter tyres, snow chains and ski racks as additional inclusions! Simply select this during the booking process if you require any optional extras. Discover our tips for collecting a rental car in the winter! 

Need to contact us on rental?

We hope that your holiday and car hire collection goes smoothly, however we understand that things don’t always go to plan.

If your flight is cancelled or delayed, please let us know on +44 1362 852288. 

If you experience an issue upon collection, a member of our customer support team will be more than happy to help! Contact us and we will liaise with the car rental provider to resolve any problems. 

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Average customer rating for car hire in Italy

(4.58 out of 5.00) based on 2821 responses to our customer survey.

Popular locations in Italy

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Zest's Top 10 Tourist Attractions in Italy!

  1. Rome, Lazio

    Discover the grandeur of ancient Rome at the Colosseum and Roman Forum, and delve into art and history at the Vatican City's St. Peter's Basilica and Museums.

  2. Florence, Tuscany

    Immerse yourself in the Renaissance beauty of Florence by exploring the Uffizi Gallery, climbing the iconic Florence Cathedral's dome, and strolling across the historic Ponte Vecchio.

  3. Venice, Veneto

    Experience the enchanting allure of Venice by visiting St. Mark's Square and Basilica, taking a gondola ride along the Grand Canal, and exploring the unique crafts of Murano and Burano Islands.

  4. Amalfi Coast, Campania

    Revel in the breathtaking Amalfi Coast, with its highlights including the picturesque town of Positano, the historic Amalfi Cathedral, and the stunning vistas from Ravello's Villa Cimbrone.

  5. Cinque Terre, Liguria

    Traverse the stunning Cinque Terre villages through scenic trails, and relish the charm of places like Vernazza with its coastal dining and Manarola's mesmerizing sunsets.

  6. Tuscany Countryside, Tuscany

    Indulge in the serene beauty of the Tuscan countryside by exploring the Chianti wine region, visiting Siena's remarkable Cathedral and Piazza del Campo, and discovering San Gimignano's medieval towers.

  7. Pompeii and Naples, Campania

    Step back in time at the Pompeii Archaeological Site, explore Naples Archaeological Museum's artifacts, and savor authentic Neapolitan pizza in the vibrant city.

  8. Milan, Lombardy

    Experience Milan's modern and historic blend by admiring the grandeur of Milan Cathedral, viewing Leonardo da Vinci's masterpiece "The Last Supper," and indulging in shopping at Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.

  9. Umbria

    Delight in Umbria's beauty by visiting the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi, exploring Perugia's charming historic center, and unwinding by the tranquil waters of Lake Trasimeno.

  10. Italian Riviera, Liguria

    Experience the allure of the Italian Riviera by discovering the charming coastal town of Portofino, exploring the historic Genoa city, and enjoying the beauty of Santa Margherita Ligure.

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