Car Rental in Milan, Italy

Where to drive

• Lake Como: Drive to Bellagio or Como town, approximately 50-85 km north of Milan (1 to 1.5 hours), for breathtaking lake views and charming villages.
• Verona: Explore the city of Romeo and Juliet, about 170 km east of Milan (2 hours driving), home to a magnificent Roman arena.
• Turin: Head west approximately 145 km (1.5 hours) to discover Turin's elegant architecture, royal palaces, and renowned automotive museum.
• Cinque Terre: While a longer drive, the stunning coastal villages of Cinque Terre are about 230 km south (2.5-3 hours) and best accessed by car for the scenic journey to the starting points.
• Swiss Alps (Lugano, Switzerland): Cross the border to Lugano, Switzerland, approximately 80 km north (1 hour), for alpine scenery and a different cultural experience.
• Garda Lake: Drive east for about 140 km (1.5 hours) to Italy's largest lake, offering charming towns like Sirmione and Riva del Garda.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Italy, you will generally need a valid passport or national ID, a valid driving license from your home country, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not issued in Latin alphabet. Most rental companies require the driver to be at least 21 years old, with some requiring 25 for certain car categories, and typically at least one year of driving experience.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Milan can vary significantly based on vehicle class and seasonality. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles could range from 70 EUR to over 150 EUR daily. Summer months typically see a 30-50% increase in prices due to higher demand. The lowest daily price can be as low as ≈ 15 EUR during off-peak times for compact models.

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 extra-urban roads, and 130 km/h on motorways (autostrade). Headlights must be on at all times outside urban areas. The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants, and children under 12 years or under 150 cm tall must use appropriate child seats or booster seats.

Parking

Parking in Milan can be challenging. Blue lines typically indicate paid parking, often managed by meters or apps, while white lines are for residents only or free for limited times. Yellow lines mean no parking. It's advisable to use underground parking garages, especially in the city center, which are clearly signposted and generally safer.

Fuel stations

Fuel (benzina for petrol, gasolio for diesel) is widely available throughout Milan and Italy. Most service stations accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash, especially for unattended pumps outside of business hours. Fuel prices are among the highest in Europe, typically around 1.80-2.00 EUR per liter for petrol and diesel, though prices fluctuate.

Which car to choose

For navigating Milan's city streets and ZTLs, a compact or economy car is highly recommended due to narrow roads and limited parking. If planning trips to the lakes or mountains, a slightly larger sedan or a small SUV offers more comfort and better handling on winding roads, especially if traveling with luggage. Manual transmission cars are common, but automatics are readily available if preferred.

Frequently asked questions