Italy is one of Europe's best driving countries, but it rewards a little preparation. Pick the car up at the airport rather than in a historic centre, and plan routes around the limited-traffic zones that protect most old towns.
For Tuscany and Umbria a compact car is ideal for hill-town lanes. In the Dolomites in winter, check that the rental includes winter tyres or snow chains, which are required on many roads between November and April.
Where to pick up
- FCORome Fiumicino
- MXPMilan Malpensa
- VCEVenice Marco Polo
- NAPNaples
- CTACatania, Sicily
- BLQBologna
Driving in Italy
| Driving side | On the right |
|---|---|
| Tolls | Most autostrade are tolled. Take a ticket on entry and pay on exit by cash or card. |
| Licence | Drivers with a non-EU licence should carry an International Driving Permit. Rental desks in Italy often refuse a car without one. |
| Good to know | Historic centres have ZTL zones (zona a traffico limitato) watched by cameras. Driving in without a permit brings a fine, often weeks later through the rental company. |