Last updated: April 2026

Driving in Italy: What You Need to Know

Before you rent a car in Italy, here are the essential driving facts:

Drive SideRight
International Driving PermitRecommended
Speed Limit (Motorway)130 km/h
Average Fuel Priceโ‚ฌ1.80/L
Minimum Rental Age21+

Sources: ACI (Automobile Club d'Italia) ยท Italia.it โ€” Driving Guide

๐Ÿ’ก Insider Tip

ZTL zones in city centers will trigger automatic fines โ€” check before driving into historic areas.

Best Cities for Car Hire in Italy

Click on any city below to see detailed rental information, driving tips, and provider comparisons.

Rome

While central Rome is best navigated on foot, a car rental from Fiumicino airport unlocks the stunni...

Car hire in Rome โ†’
Milan

Milan's Malpensa airport is your gateway to Northern Italy's lake district. Drive to Lake Como in un...

Car hire in Milan โ†’
Naples

Naples is the launchpad for one of the world's most famous drives โ€” the Amalfi Coast. From Sorrento ...

Car hire in Naples โ†’
Florence

Tuscany's rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and medieval hilltop towns are the stuff of road trip ...

Car hire in Florence โ†’
Catania (Sicily)

Catania is eastern Sicily's main airport and the ideal starting point for a Sicilian road trip. Driv...

Car hire in Catania (Sicily) โ†’
Palermo (Sicily)

Western Sicily offers a completely different flavor โ€” from Palermo, drive to the ancient Greek templ...

Car hire in Palermo (Sicily) โ†’

Airport Car Hire in Italy

Car Hire in Italy FAQ

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Italy?
For Italy, an IDP is recommended. We recommend carrying one as some rental agencies and police may request it, especially outside major tourist areas.
What side of the road do you drive on in Italy?
In Italy, you drive on the right side of the road. If you're used to driving on the left, take extra care at roundabouts and junctions.
How old do I need to be to rent a car in Italy?
The minimum age to rent a car in Italy is typically 21. Drivers under 25 may face a young driver surcharge of โ‚ฌ5โ€“25 per day depending on the provider.
Which car rental comparison site is best for Italy?
Italy requires careful platform choice because of ZTL zones and varying cross-border policies. AutoEurope excels here with European expertise and premium brand partnerships that include clearer ZTL guidance. For budget rentals in Sicily or southern Italy, Localrent's network of Italian agencies often has the lowest prices.