Car Rental in Bergamo, Italy

Where to drive

• Lake Como: Drive to the iconic shores of Lake Como, visiting towns like Bellagio and Varenna. The journey is approximately 1.5 hours (60 km) and offers breathtaking scenery.
• Milan: Explore Italy's fashion and design capital, Milan, just an hour's drive (55 km) from Bergamo. Perfect for a day trip to see the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
• Dolomites (Val di Fassa): For mountain enthusiasts, a trip to the Dolomites, specifically Val di Fassa, takes around 3 hours (200 km) and offers spectacular hiking and skiing opportunities.
• Verona: Visit the romantic city of Verona, famous for its Roman Arena and Juliet's House. It's about a 1.5-hour drive (115 km) east of Bergamo.
• Franciacorta Wine Region: Indulge in wine tasting in the Franciacorta region, known for its sparkling wines, a short 45-minute drive (40 km) from Bergamo.
• Lake Garda: Drive to the largest lake in Italy, Lake Garda, exploring Sirmione or Riva del Garda. The drive is approximately 1.5 hours (100 km) to the southern tip.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Italy, you typically need a valid driver's license from your home country, held for at least one year. Non-EU citizens must also present an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside their national license. A passport or national ID card and a major credit card in the main driver's name are also mandatory. The minimum age for rental is generally 21, with surcharges often applied for drivers under 25.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Bergamo vary significantly by season and vehicle class. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day during the low season, while SUVs or premium models can range from 60-120 EUR or more daily. Expect prices to surge by 50-100% during peak summer months and major holidays, with an average overall daily rate often around 40-70 EUR.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Italy, speed limits are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on main roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (autostrade). Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day, outside of urban areas. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 12 years old or shorter than 150 cm must use appropriate child safety seats.

Parking

Parking in Bergamo can be challenging, especially in the historic Città Alta. Paid parking zones are common, often indicated by blue lines, requiring payment at nearby machines. White lines typically denote free parking, while yellow lines are reserved (e.g., for residents or disabled drivers). It's best to look for designated parking garages, especially when visiting Città Alta, where access for non-residents is restricted by ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) during certain hours.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Bergamo and the surrounding areas. You'll find petrol (benzina) and diesel (gasolio). LPG and electric charging stations are becoming more common. Prices are generally higher than in some other European countries, with unleaded petrol approximately 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter and diesel slightly less. Most stations accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash for smaller, independent stations.

Which car to choose

For navigating Bergamo's narrow, winding streets in Città Alta and exploring charming lakeside villages, a compact or economy car is highly recommended. These are easier to park and maneuver. If you plan extensive drives into the Dolomites or across longer distances with luggage, a comfortable mid-size sedan or a small SUV could be more suitable. Manual transmission is common, but automatics are widely available, though often at a slightly higher price.

Frequently asked questions