Today’s Best Car Rental Deals in Italy

Car Rental Deals in Italy

Pickup

  • Palermo Airport
    Palermo

Drop-off

  • Please select pickup location first.

Date &Time

09/17/2025 10:00 AM 09/18/2025 10:00 AM
Free Cancellation

Free Cancellation

Change of plans? Rent with confidence, cancel anytime. No fee. Final Rentals does not believe in charging any cancellation fee.

No Hidden Charges

No Hidden Charges

Pay full rental amount at the counter. No need to pay online. We work on clear pricing policy, what you see is what you pay.

Fair Fuel Policy

Fair Fuel Policy

You can return the car at the same fuel level as it was handed over to you and there will be no charges at all.

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Rent a Car in Italy: Essential Tips

Flexible Travel
Flexible Travel

Renting a car in Italy gives you the freedom to cruise coastal villages, or drive the scenic roads. Public transport can be limited outside cities, so having your own wheels ensures you won’t miss hidden gems like hilltop towns in Umbria or seaside villages on the Amalfi Coast.

Documents for Tourists
Documents for Tourists

You'll need a valid driver’s license. EU visitors can use their standard one, while non-EU visitors are strongly advised to carry an International Driving Permit. A passport or national ID is required for identity checks.

Documents for Residents
Documents for Residents

Residents will need a valid driver’s licence that you’ve held for at least one year, along with a credit card in your name for the booking and deposit.

Credit Card Requirement
Credit Card Requirement

To enjoy a hassle-free rental experience in Italy, be sure to bring a credit card in your name. It’s essential for both the deposit and payment, and ensures a quick and easy pickup process so you can hit the road without delays.

Driving Regulations
Driving Regulations

Seat belts are mandatory for all passengers, and driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are usually 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on rural roads, and up to 130 km/h on motorways. Speed cameras are common, both visible and hidden, so it's important to stay within the posted limits.

Child Seat Regulations
Child Seat Regulations

Children must be secured in car seats that comply with EU safety standards. Depending on their age and size, a child seat or booster may be required. These are typically offered as optional add-ons.

Traffic Rules
Traffic Rules

The legal blood alcohol limit in Italy for most drivers is 0.05%, but a zero-tolerance rule applies to novice and professional drivers. Using a mobile phone while driving is only permitted with a hands-free system. Therefore, it’s essential to follow these rules to avoid fines.

Toll Roads and Fuel Costs
Toll Roads and Fuel Costs

Toll roads are common across Italy’s autostrade, with charges based on how far you drive. You’ll collect a ticket when entering and pay at the exit using cash, card, or an electronic pass. Petrol stations are widely available and often offer full service, though fuel prices can be on the higher side.

Navigation and Parking
Navigation and Parking

Using GPS or navigation apps is helpful when driving in Italy, as roads can be tricky to navigate, especially in older city centres. Parking is generally available, but be sure to understand the colour codes. Blue lines mean paid parking, white lines are free, and yellow lines are reserved. Avoid parking in green zones unless you are authorised to do so.

Driving Conditions and Insurance
Driving Conditions and Insurance

Road conditions in Italy change with the seasons. Snow tyres or chains are required in winter for northern and mountain areas, and rentals typically include them. Summer sees more traffic near beaches, while spring and autumn offer lighter crowds and milder weather. It's wise to check your insurance coverage and consider extra protection.

Rent a car at Palermo International Airport (PMO)

Palermo Airport

  • Renting a car at Palermo International Airport (PMO) with Final Rentals is the most convenient way to begin your adventure through Italy.

  • Skip the hassle! Pickup desks are located right in the Arrivals hall, and our car park is just a short walk outside, no waiting for taxis or shuttles.

  • You can choose from compact city cars, spacious sedans, fuel-efficient vans, rugged SUVs, or 4×4 vehicles, all perfect for exploring everything from historic Palermo to the scenic Sicilian countryside.

  • No hidden fees, free cancellations, and inclusive coverage options like Collision Damage Waiver and roadside assistance.

  • Clean, reliable, and ready. All cars in our fleet are frequently serviced and cleaned between rentals, ensuring peace of mind and a smooth drive!

Best Time to Rent a Car in Italy

Low Season Rentals Provide the Best Value

If you're looking to save on your Italy trip, it’s smart to book your rental car in advance, particularly during the quieter months. Going with a smaller, budget-friendly car is a great way to explore without stretching your budget.

Summer Months Drive Up Rental Rates

From June to August, rental prices in Italy typically go up as the summer season draws crowds to popular destinations like the Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, and the Italian lakes. Increased demand during this peak period often means higher rates.

June Sees the Highest Rental Costs

June marks the beginning of Italy’s busy travel season, usually leading to higher prices and increased demand for services such as car rentals.

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What Our Clients Say

stars

The car provided was new, clean, spacious, and quite comfortable, which was a pleasant surprise. The guys at the airport were very polite and even helpful with suggestions about itineraries. We highly recommend this company if you need a rental car."

Ella Carter
stars

"I was impressed with their professional service. Final Rentals provided me with a brand new electric SUV, and the experience was amazing. Their staff is friendly and very helpful with instructions. I would recommend Final Rentals for anyone who needs a car."

Illy J
stars

"We travel every year, and we were especially impressed with the high-quality service. The process was smooth, and we were in our rental car in a few minutes. Thank you, Final Rentals team. Keep it up."

Tony Be
stars

"I was pleasantly impressed by this company. They offer a variety of clean and reliable cars as well as a friendly, welcoming, and professional service. I would recommend this to all my friends and relatives."

Jim Bagley
stars

"I recently rented a car and I had a really nice experience. The car was clean and in great shape, and the booking process was easy. The staff was friendly and super helpful."

Giulia Rai

Frequently Asked Questions

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

On average, renting a car in Italy costs approximately $45–55 per day, depending on location and season. In Rome, daily rates run around $49, while Milan averages $60–70/day. In off-peak months like February, prices drop to roughly $19–$25/day. Booking early and choosing economy models can save significant money, while automatic and larger categories (SUVs, luxury models) cost more, often $80–130/day or higher.

Where should I rent a car in Italy?

The best pick-up locations are major airports and larger cities like Rome, Milan, Naples, Florence, Bologna, and Palermo. Airports tend to have more availability and 24-hour desks. Smaller towns may have limited service or fewer car types. Booking in cities like Milan or Rome often offers competitive pricing and better options, but heavy traffic and ZTL restrictions may apply.

What is driving like in Italy?

Driving in Italy blends well-maintained highways with lively local roads. Highways—or autostrades—are modern with tolls and speeds up to 130 km/h. Secondary roads can be narrow and winding in rural areas. City centers often have ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones), and Italian drivers are known for an assertive style. Traffic culture can feel fast-paced. Stick to speed limits, respect signs, and use GPS with ZTL alerts to avoid fines of around $80–300.

How old do you have to be to rent a car in Italy?

Car rentals in Italy require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with a valid license for at least one year. Drivers under 25 face a young-driver surcharge—typically $10–30/day. Some agencies require drivers to be 24 or 25 for certain car categories or discounts. The official legal driving age is 18, but rental terms tend to be stricter.

How are gas prices in Italy?

Gasoline prices in Italy are high, averaging around $1.70–$1.85 per litre for petrol and $1.60–$1.70 for diesel. LPG and hybrid fuel options are cheaper. Self-service pumps are common and cost slightly less than staffed ones (by $0.10/L). Rural stations may only accept cash. Opt for compact or diesel vehicles for better fuel economy, especially if you plan long-distance drives through Tuscany or the Dolomites.

Do I need extra insurance to rent a car in Italy?

Basic third-party liability insurance is mandatory and usually included. You can add Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), theft protection, or full coverage for peace of mind. Rental agencies often charge $15–30/day for extra waivers. Your credit card or third-party policies may include coverage—check ahead. Especially in rural roads with potholes or crowded city zones where damage risks increase, upgraded insurance can save stress and expense.

What if I need a child seat in Italy?

Italian law mandates a child seat for children under 1.5m or under 12 years old. Most rental agencies offer seats or boosters for an additional fee—usually $8–15/day, capped at around $100 per rental. Book ahead, as late requests may not be available. Alternatively, you can bring your EU-certified seat, which ensures compliance and avoids fees when travelling between cities.

How do toll roads in Italy work?

Italy's highways (autostrade) are mostly toll roads. Booths and Telepass lanes collect charges based on distance or a flat rate. Expect around $0.09–$0.12/km, meaning Milan to Rome (570 km) costs about $32–38. Pay by cash or card at exit booths, or subscribe to Telepass for automatic charges. Avoid unexpected toll fees by keeping your ticket after entering and inserting it when exiting.

What are the common mistakes to avoid when renting a car in Italy?

Tourists often run into problems like mismatched names on booking and passport, forgetting to register for ZTL zones, and underestimating young-driver surcharges. Another frequent issue: selecting automatic cars, which can cost $120+ per day in summer. Fuel and GPS add-ons may inflate your bill. Always compare fuel policies, cancellation terms, and hidden charges from both big agencies and local suppliers.

How far in advance should I book a car rental in Italy?

Booking at least 3–7 days in advance strikes a good balance between availability and price. For popular summer months—May to August—book even earlier (2–3 months ahead) to secure economy models. Rates can drop closer to the date, but availability becomes limited. Final Rentals offer free cancellation up to 48–72 hours before pickup, so you can rebook for a better price if needed.

Can tourists drive in ZTL zones?

Foreign drivers should never enter ZTL zones without prior authorisation—even if staying at a hotel inside one. These areas, marked by cameras and signs (typically red-bordered white circles), carry fines of $80–$300 if violated. Only registered vehicles, taxis, or locals are permitted during active hours. If your hotel is located within a ZTL, ask them to register your vehicle's license plate—this will only grant access to that specific ZTL, not others in the same city.

Is it cheaper to rent a car at the airport or off-site?

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