- Italians are confident and somewhat aggressive drivers, so don't expect people to slow down for you or let you out. When pulling out on a motorway, as soon as you see a gap, go for it decisively and don’t dither.
- Don’t always rely on your Sat Nav when going off the beaten track. Some roads might not be as complete or as drivable as they appear digitally! It’s worth investing in a Touring Club Italiano map of the region you’re heading to. The maps are made in Italy and give excellent presentation of the terrain, scenic routes and places of interest, and are relied on by locals and tourists alike.
- Check the Autostrade per l’Italia website for toll charges, to plan your journeys, and for news and web cams to check for any traffic hold-ups.
Search for the best car hire deals in Italy
Driving in Italy might conjure up thoughts of manic roads, hooting horns and hairpin bends, but aside from the more chaotic city centres of Rome and Naples, book car hire in Italy and you’ll discover that driving is actually more civilised than you might expect.
In some cases, that horn tooting can just be a friendly hello or a small celebration that the traffic lights have gone green.
In some cases, that horn tooting can just be a friendly hello or a small celebration that the traffic lights have gone green.
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Where can you rent a car in Italy?
Car rental in Italy in 2016 couldn’t be easier.
The usual international brands, such as Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Thrifty, Goldcar and Avis, can be found in all major airports, as well as leading local firms.
Compare and book online in advance for the best deals on Italy car rental in 2016.
Car hire firms also have a presence in Italy’s cities and towns, which might prove to be a more convenient option for you. Vehicle availability might not be as wide as it is at the airports, so it’s especially important to book well in advance for non-airport pick-ups.
Exploring via motorway
There are more than 479,688 kilometres (298,064 miles) of roads in Italy, including more than 6,400 kilometres (3,975 miles) of motorway (autostrade).
The extensive network of privatised motorways is in excellent condition, and although traffic moves fast, most drivers in Italy are well behaved.
Tolls are charged at varying distances and scales. You take a ticket when you enter an autostrada and pay when you exit.
The main north-south route is the Autostrada del Sole, which extends from Milan to Rome as the A1, from Rome to Naples as the A2 and, finally, from Naples to Reggio di Calabria as the A3.
In the north, the main west-east route, stretching from the Slovenian border via Venice, Verona, Brescia and Milan to Turin, is the A4.
Key things to remember
Driving is on the right in Italy. Remember when you rent a car in Italy that you are legally required to carry your driving licence, car documents, insurance papers and a reflective safety vest in the car. It's also worth keeping some spare coins for parking meters.
Parking can be tricky at times, with space in towns and cities at a premium. To make your car hire in Italy go as smoothly as possible, arrive early to make sure you get a space and leave early to avoid the rush hour.
Top tips for car hire in
Italy
Find out more about other forms of transport on our getting around Italy page.