There's no better way to see Italy than by car
See Italy from the comfort of your Avis hire car. Enjoy Italy at your own pace and soak up the breath-taking countryside, traditional small towns and the historic cities of Rome, Florence and Venice.So what are you waiting for? Start your Italian adventure with Avis car hire today.
Reliable car rental in Italy
With pick-up points across the country, including Rome, Milan, Florence and Venice, our Italy car hire services are conveniently located at every major airport, ferry port and train station. Whether arriving by air, land or sea, our efficient teams will ensure an easy check-in so you’re soon on the road to your final destination. Our car rental services are also available on the islands of Sicily and Sardinia.
With immense picturesque lakes in the north, romantic capital in the centre and string of balmy Mediterranean beaches along its coasts, Italy’s highlights are linked by an easily navigable network of Autostrade. Spectacular historic remnants, as well as the country’s lively metropolises, rolling vineyards and rural villages, draw more than 50 million visitors to Italy per year.
Embarking on a one-way trip across Italy in your hire car? Please let us know your desired destination in advance. Our friendly team will ensure your drop-off is quick and seamless, wherever you decide to meet us.
Popular airport locations in Italy
- Car hire Bologna Airport
- Car hire Florence Airport
- Car hire Naples Airport
- Car hire Turin Airport
- Car hire Olbia Airport
- Car hire Treviso Airport
- Car hire Bari Airport
- Car hire Milan Linate Airport
- Car hire Milan Malpensa Airport
- Car hire Palermo Airport
- Car hire Lamezia Terme Airport
- Car hire Pisa Airport
- Car hire Venice Airport
- Car hire Bergamo Airport
- Car hire Catania Airport
- Car hire Brindisi Airport
- Car hire Cagliari Airport
- Car hire Trapani Airport
- Car hire Alghero Airport
- Car hire Perugia Airport
- Car hire Verona Airport
- Car hire Genoa Airport
- Pescara Airport
- Car hire Ancona Airport
Popular car hire locations in Italy
- Car hire Bologna
- Car hire Florence
- Car hire Genoa
- Car hire Milan
- Car hire Naples
- Car hire Rome
- Car hire Turin
- Car hire Venice
- Car hire Catania
- Car hire Palermo
- Car hire Olbia
- Car hire Bari
- Car hire Trapani
- Car hire Brindisi
- Car hire Verona
- Car hire Sardinia
- Car hire Lecce
- Car hire Salerno
- Car hire Lamezia Terme
- Car hire Bergamo
- Car hire Brescia
- Car hire Pescara
- Car hire Pisa
- Car hire Treviso
- Car hire Trieste
- Car hire Perugia
- Car hire Ancona
- Car hire Siena
- See all locations
Hire a car in Italy and explore its architecture and art
Italy may be best known for some of its food and drink exports, but the beautiful southern European country has so much more to offer. See everything from renowned parts of history to landscapes that have been immortalized in many paintings by Italian masters. You can unlock all of these in your hire car!
Culture
Italy has been the home to many of the world’s most stunning historic and cultural events and, with 53 in total, houses the most UNESCO World Heritages Sites in the entire world. Home to unique churches such as the Duomo in Siena, the Pantheon in Rome or even the city-state Vatican City, admiring the architecture is easy when you rent a car with us!
If you are more inclines towards the arts, the architecture is not the only thing you need to see in Italy. You can simultaneously admire the works of renowned painted such as Michaelangelo, Raphael, da Vinci and many more. Whether you are interested in traditional art or exceptional sculptural work, Italy has everything on offer. Being one of the main influences in mediaeval arts, Italy has impacted the way art is viewed around Europe and with Avis you can explore the very roots.
If you are eager to explore the more contemporary art scene, explore the Venice Biennale or Milan Design Week, both globally known for their exceptional standard of work.
Shopping
History and art aren’t the only things Italy has in abundance. The country also boasts incredible shopping and designers from all corners of the peninsula. From Milan to Venice, you are guaranteed to find the retail experience you are looking for. If you are looking for an immersive experience into Italian shopping culture, explore the Rialto Fish Market in Venice or the Ballaro Market in vibrant Palermo.
If you are looking for the modern shopping experience, Rome and Milan are guaranteed to be able to fulfil your every wish. The Via del Corso as well as the Via dei Condetti in the heart of Rome offers everything your heart desires, from affordable style to Italian couture. These are only a few examples of the vibrant fashion frenzy that Italy has. Once a year Milan hosts Milan Fashion Week, known around the world as one of the most prestigious exhibitions of all things retail and design.
Nightlife
When you’ve had enough of art, history and shopping, Italy’s nightlife is ready to greet you. No slower or less exciting than during the day, Italy’s nights are wide awake. From the extensive selection of different restaurants and local flavours, to unique wine bars and music venues. Italy has it all.
More importantly, you have it all. In your rental car, the multifaceted country and its roads are yours to explore as you wish, whether you’re a history buff, art lover or food enthusiast, we’ve got you covered.
Road trips in Italy
The Amalfi Coast - Salerno to SorrentoThis 60 km route along the western coast of Italy is one of the most beautiful and scenic drives in the world. Clocking in at around 2.5 hours, the drive along the Amalfi Coast will fly by as you take in the gorgeous coastline and stop off at the charming and unique cafes and restaurants along the way. Take your time and make the most of it all.
Wind your way past the famous towns of Positano, Maiori and Ravello, each with their own rich history and unique sights, and take in the sweeping views from each stunning viewpoint.
Genova to La Spezia
The trip from Genova to La Spezia (Riviera Ligure) takes you through some of the most beautiful stretches of road in all of northern Italy.
Not only will you be enjoy breath-taking views, gorgeous fresh sea air and gleaming turquoise waters but you’ll also pass through Portofino, famous for its picturesque harbour.
With only 500 permanent residents you would be excused for thinking not much happens in this idyllic little town but when the sun is out (and that’s a lot of the time), Portofino becomes a bustling hub with boutiques, art galleries, cafes and more.
The trip takes 1.5 hours driving straight, but you won’t want to. We recomend building in time to spend a few hours enjoying the scenery and a few more for Portofino itself. A true Italian gem.
Driving rules in Italy
Which side of the road?In Italy, please drive on the right side of the road.
Country driving laws
- Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device
- Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility when driving on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural roads
- Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
- Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger
- There are historical areas in which you cannot drive. Look out for “Zona traffico limitato”
Speed limits
All speed signs will be in km/h.
For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:
- Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
- Urban highways: 70 km/h (44 mph)
- Secondary extra-urban roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
- Main extra-urban roads (Expressways): 110 km/h (68 mph)
- Motorways: 130 km/h (80mph)
Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.
Child safety / Seatbelt laws
- It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
- Children aged under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
- Children weighing up to 9kg must be seated in a rear-facing child restraint, in the back of the car only
Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.
This road rules information is for provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.
Unlock the world
Explore Italy with your rental car from Avis car hire. Always have the comfort of your rental car.Why choose Avis for your Italy car hire?
- Fully flexible
Enjoy fee-free flexible booking with full cash refunds and no vouchers.
- Fully flexible
- Savings on coverage
When you choose Avis Inclusive you can experience total peace of mind with no extras or surprises. Pay one upfront price for free Roadside Assistance Plus and 25% discount on comprehensive zero-excess cover.
- Savings on coverage
- Loyalty benefits
Join our free loyalty programme Avis Preferred, and benefit from priority service, discounts and more.
- Loyalty benefits
- Safety first
From our well-maintained fleet to protecting your data, we take safety seriously. That’s why we’ve partnered with Dettol® to ensure both hygienic rental locations and thoroughly cleaned vehicles.
- Safety first
- Faster collection
Save time at the counter by registering your details in advance with our simple and free QuickPass. You could be on the road sooner than you think.
- Faster collection
- VIP treatment
Get priority counter service on collection with Avis Preferred. At our larger locations you can use our Avis app to go straight to your car where the keys will be waiting for you.
- VIP treatment