Car Hire in Italy

Italy is one of the world's great road trip destinations. Whether you're winding along the Amalfi Coast, drifting through Tuscan hill towns, or tracing the edges of the Dolomites, driving is often the only way to truly experience the country.

Best airports for car hire in Italy

• Rome Fiumicino (FCO) — central Italy, Amalfi Coast, Tuscany within striking distance.
• Milan Malpensa (MXP) — the Lakes, Piedmont wine country and the Alps.
• Naples (NAP) — Amalfi Coast, Pompeii, Cilento and Campania.
• Florence (FLR) — Tuscany, Umbria and the Cinque Terre.
• Palermo/Catania — ideal base for exploring Sicily.

Important: ZTL zones

Many Italian city and town centres have Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) — restricted traffic zones monitored by cameras. Entering without a permit results in automatic fines that often arrive weeks after your trip. Most hire cars are registered, but check with your supplier and avoid driving into historic centres unless you have specific permission.

Driving in Italy: key rules

• Drive on the right. Speed limits: 130 km/h motorway, 110 km/h dual carriageway, 90 km/h other roads, 50 km/h urban.
• Headlights must be on at all times outside urban areas.
• Autostrada tolls apply — carry a Telepass card or cash/card for toll booths.
• Mobile phone use while driving is illegal and heavily fined.