How to find a cheap car hire deal in Italy
Searching for a cheap rental car in Italy? With prices starting from RM24 a day, you're on the road to big savings. Whether you're looking for a go-anywhere compact, a family sedan, or anything in between, we round up all the best offers to help you spend less.
For longer getaways, RM166 is the lowest rate for a weekly rental.
Browse the car rentals in Florence and keep more cash in your pocket. It's the cheapest place in Italy to book your ride.
Trieste is the most popular city to rent a car.
When comparing companies, check out what's on offer from Drivalia. It's a trusted name in Italy.
There's no need to go far after landing to pick up your ride. Car rentals are available at major airports including Rome Fiumicino Airport, Milan Malpensa Airport and Milan Bergamo Airport.
Milan, Rome, Venice, Naples and Catania are a few of the most convenient cities to organise a set of wheels.
Book a one-way rental and you could pay less. If a city is short on vehicles, providers often lower prices to encourage returns there. Choose 'Return car to a different location' to find those cheaper routes.
Sticking around for a while? Consider a 30-day rental. Longer bookings can cost less since there is less admin involved for the company.
Choose a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy' to avoid refueling costs. It arrives with a full tank and goes back the same way, so it's easier to keep track of what you're paying.
Select 'Unlimited mileage' under the 'Policies' filter and let the map decide where your journey ends. Travel wherever the road takes you without added mileage charges.
Best time to book a car hire in Italy
Here's the secret to booking at the right time. One week in advance gives you the best window to grab the best price on a car hire in Italy.
The most affordable month to rent a car is April, with rates averaging RM236 a day.
July tends to be the most expensive.
Compare car hire types in Italy
Economy: Hit the road in one of these and keep your travel budget on track. Lower daily rates and strong fuel efficiency mean you spend less overall while still getting a smooth, easy-to-handle ride.
Small: Mini and economy cars are part of this category. Their compact dimensions and easy handling make city driving less stressful. And with engines made to use less fuel, they're a practical choice when searching for a cheap rental car in Italy.
Medium: Medium rentals are a comfortable middle ground. Bridging the gap between small and large, they offer a step up in comfort and space without going all out on size. Compact and intermediate models are included in this lineup.
Large: Big journeys call for bigger thinking. Whether you're cruising with your entire crew or heading off on a longer drive, these full-size cars deliver the space you need. Look forward to generous seating, serious luggage capacity and comfort that goes the distance.
SUV: From highways to unexpected detours, SUVs are ready for it all. With an elevated driving position, adjustable seating arrangements, and stable performance across a range of terrain, they're ideal for road trips throughout Italy.
Van: For business use or large group travel, this category of car for rent in Italy has the extra carrying power you need. These commercial vans and trucks feature generous cargo space and practical layouts that make loading more efficient.
Luxury: Ready to go all in? This goes beyond getting from A to B — it's about showing up in style. Luxury vehicles combine premium design, next-level tech, and refined performance in one exceptional package.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers what you'd otherwise have to pay if your rental car is stolen or damaged. While not mandatory, it can be a real lifesaver if something goes wrong. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you understand exactly what's offered.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a navigation system or mobile Wi-Fi. These features can make your trip more comfortable and stress-free when you rent a car in Italy.
Driving in Italy: What you need to know
The minimum age to rent a car in Italy is generally 21 years old. Some providers set their own rules, so check your rental company's terms to find out where you stand.
Bringing the kids with you? Car seat requirements vary from one place to another, and the correct setup may depend on their height, weight and age. Find out if you need to add one to your car rental reservation in Italy.
You'll likely be asked for these three things when picking up your rental car: your physical driver's licence, extra photo ID, and a credit card with enough funds for the security deposit. Debit cards are generally not accepted. Any other requirements will be listed in your booking.
If you haven't driven before in Italy, remember that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Stay within local speed limits of about 45kph through urban areas and around 125kph on highways. Check the road signs, as limits may vary.
In Italy, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to drink, leave the driving to someone else or find an alternative way to get around.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) for day-to-day spending on your trip. You may find it useful to carry a mix of cash and cards to cover you in every situation.
Italian is the language you'll hear most people speak in Italy.
