World-famous cities with romantic Gothic architecture, sleepy vineyards, and sparkling coastline fringed with dreamy villas are the views you can find in Italy. Many travelers – including JoinMyTrip’s community – choose not to stay in one place, seizing the opportunity to experience the country’s incredible beauty. So, driving in Italy becomes a popular choice. But before you hit the road, you need to know a few important things. Hear from TripLeader Windy, a local trip designer from Italy, about the tips, dos and don’ts, and other essential things!
Where to Rent a Car in Italy
First of all, you need to secure a car before hitting the countryside or exploring the top cities. Renting a car in Italy is relatively easy and simple. You need to be at least 21 years old and secure a driving license provided by the European Union or an international driving permit (IDP). Speaking about where to rent, there are lots of car rental companies in the country. Prices might differ depending on the region and car type.
We recommend finding a rental car via DiscoverCars.com. The website allows you to navigate through different options of car rental companies and deals. You can book directly on the website, and it will connect you to the designated company. Also, you can put a filter of where you want to pick up the car.
What to Prepare Before Driving in Italy
Here is a checklist of what you need to have before driving in Italy, compiled by Windy:
- International Driving Permit: Required for non-EU drivers (check if your country needs one).
- Full Insurance: Many roads are narrow and chaotic, so extra coverage is a good idea.
- GPS or Offline Maps: Google Maps works well, but some areas (like the countryside) might have weak signals.
- Coins for Tolls: Most highways have tolls (you can pay with a card, but it’s good to have cash just in case).
Dos: Essential Tips for Tourists
We asked Windy about the most important thing tourists need to know about driving in Italy. So, these are her tips:
Rent a Small to Medium-Sized Car
Smaller or medium-sized cars make it easier to navigate through Italy’s smaller roads. You can find these narrow roads in the countryside or small towns. Driving a big Volkswagen T-Roc might be frustrating, so choose the smaller ones instead!
Refuel Then Pay
When stopping at a gas station, it’s better to refuel first before paying. Choose the manned station (servito) that provides this service. There are also a lot of self-service refuel machines available
Turn On Your Headlights
If you are thinking about driving outside the big city area, make sure to turn on the headlights. Even during the day, you must keep your headlights on outside city areas.
Use Winter Tires or Chains in Snowy Areas
Specialized winter tires ensure your safety and comfort while driving in snowy and slippery conditions. Besides that, it is part of the Italian driving regulations. So, expect to get fined if you don’t do so.
Know ZTL Zones
In Italy, there is ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato). These restricted traffic areas are common in historic city centers (like Florence, Rome, and Milan) and are only accessible to residents or authorized vehicles. If you enter one without permission, you’ll get a fine—even if you didn’t see the sign!
Be Prepared for Toll Roads
Many highways are tolled, so have cash or a credit card ready. You can also get a Telepass for automatic payments if you’re planning a long trip.
Don’ts: Things to Avoid
Don’t Ignore the Flashing Lights
Italian drivers can be aggressive, and often it is shown by flashing their lights multiple times. If you find someone flashing their lights from behind, they are asking you to move over. So, better not ignore the lights and drive defensively!
Don’t Speed Excessively
Speeding on Italian highways or city roads might get you in trouble. Italy has many Autovelox (speed cameras), and fines are sent to your rental company. Highways (Autostrade) have a system called Tutor, which measures your average speed.
Don’t Spend Time Driving in Crowded Cities
Roads in big cities like Rome and Florence can be overwhelmingly crowded. To avoid stress, I recommend parking and taking public transportation instead.
Don’t Honk in Northern Italy
In Northern Italy, do not honk unless necessary. You may get fined, especially in smaller cities!
Road Trip Destination in Italy
After learning the essentials about driving in Italy, you can start researching the best road trips to take. My personal favorite is Northern Italy, especially the Dolomites. It is one of the most stunning roads in Italy. Starting from Friuli, where I live, to the Belluno region up to the Dolomites mountain range, the views are absolutely breathtaking. The challenge is that mountain roads are very narrow and full of turns, you need skill to drive on mountain roads.
I also host several road trips in Italy. We can drive along the beautiful mountainous roads of the Dolomites or the winding coastal roads of the Amalfi Coast. I’ll be happy if you join us on a fantastic and safe road trip!
Final Thoughts: Is Driving in Italy Worth It?
Absolutely! Despite the challenges, driving in Italy is one of the best ways to explore hidden gems that public transport won’t reach. The rolling hills of Tuscany, charming villages in Sicily, and breathtaking coastal roads are worth the effort. Just remember to stay alert, respect the rules, and enjoy the ride—because driving in Italy is more than transportation, it’s an adventure!
Then, if you are thinking about hopping on a road trip in Italy, you can do that with JoinMyTrip. We have road trips hosted by experienced travelers and local guides, like TripLeader Windy. Every trip is unique and authentic, allowing you to discover the hidden beauty of Italy.