What hire car to choose in Italy?
Did you know that Italy has more than 7,500 kilometres of coastline? Italy is a dream destination for millions of travellers: seeing Rome and its history, touring Tuscany, strolling along the Venice’s canals, or marvelling at the Amalfi Coast. However, to enjoy the trip with freedom and flexibility, hiring a car in Italy is the most recommended option.
The key question, then, is: What rental car should you choose for your trip? Driving through the historic centre of Florence is not the same as driving hundreds of kilometres on the motorway towards Sicily. That's why this article provides a complete guide to help you pick the perfect car through DoYouItaly, the leading car rental comparison site in Italy.
The car you choose will make or break your trip. A car that's too large could make navigating Italy's narrow city streets needlessly difficult, while one that's too small will be uncomfortable if you're travelling with plenty of luggage.
DoYouItaly makes comparison simple: in just a few seconds, you can view the prices, features, and full conditions for every option, allowing you to book safely and economically.
Before you decide, take a moment to analyse these key points:
- Number of passengers and luggage: a small car is generally fine for two people. However, if you're a group of four with large suitcases, you'll need a family-sized vehicle or an SUV.
- Type of driving: if you're staying mostly in cities, a small car is best. For long motorway journeys and extended road trips, a wider, more comfortable model is probably the best choice.
- Budget: the bigger and more luxurious the car, the higher the rental and fuel costs will be. Choose a model that fits your budget: compact cars are usually cheaper.
- Fuel consumption: Smaller cars typically use less fuel, which is a major bonus if you plan to cover a lot of ground.
- Comfort: if you're driving for several hours each day, it’s worth prioritising a more spacious and comfortable vehicle.
You’ll find a wide array of vehicles through DoYouItaly, with each one suited to a different type of holiday:
This is the best (and cheapest) option for getting around major cities like Rome, Florence, or Naples. Their size makes parking easier on narrow streets and in heavy traffic. Plus, they're fuel efficient. Perfect for: couples or solo travellers.
These offer more room for both passengers and luggage, making them an ideal choice for small families or group trips. They offer greater comfort on long roads. Perfect for: families with children or groups of 3-4 people.
If your trip involves long stretches of driving, minor roads, or visits to rural areas like Tuscany or the mountainous north of Italy, an SUV is an excellent choice. They are spacious, powerful, and very comfortable. Perfect for: Larger groups or varied routes.
Italy is known for its intense traffic in cities and endless roundabouts. An automatic car offers a more relaxed driving experience, particularly in urban areas. While they are usually more expensive, many travellers find the extra cost worthwhile for the convenience.
Want to add a special touch to your journey? Imagine touring the Amalfi Coast or the island of Sardinia in a convertible. These vehicles are pricier, but they turn a holiday into a truly unique experience.
If you’re travelling with a large group or a big family, a people carrier is the best option. They offer huge capacity for passengers and luggage, along with plenty of comfort for long-distance travel.
Each Italian region is unique, and your rental car needs to match the environment. Here's a look at the perfect car for Italy's most popular spots:
- Major cities (Rome, Florence, Milan). We recommend a small or compact car. Parking is tough and many streets are very narrow.
- Tuscany. A larger model (medium car or SUV) is more comfortable for tackling the rural roads and reaching hilltop towns.
- Amalfi Coast. A small size makes navigating the tight coastal roads easier, and a convertible lets you soak up the panoramic views.
- Sicily and Sardinia. Family cars or SUVs are the best options. Distances are long, and you’ll need the space and comfort for discovering many beaches and villages.
- Larger road trips. Choose a medium, family, or SUV car for long hours behind the wheel.
The perfect car doesn't have to be the most expensive one. Use these simple tricks to lower your costs when booking:
- Book in advance: prices inevitably rise and availability drops as high season approaches.
- Compare models: a slightly bigger car might only be a few euros more, but offer significantly more comfort.
- Choose the car according to your real needs: be realistic. Don't pay for extra space if you are not going to use it.
- Check the policies: the cheapest choices are usually a full-to-full fuel policy and unlimited mileage.
Choosing the right hire car is essential for ensuring your Italian trip is comfortable, safe, and cost-effective. After all, navigating narrow city streets has nothing to do with cruising through the Tuscan countryside, along the coast, or up into the mountains.
With DoYouItaly, you're guaranteed to find the cheapest car rental in Italy through a quick, simple, and completely transparent process. Our comparison tool lets you easily select from a wide range of vehicles and categories, perfectly matching the vehicle to your destination, number of passengers, and budget.
The key to a successful rental is to book early and carefully analyse your travel needs. This way, you can enjoy Italy at your own pace, without limits and with total freedom.
For support, reach ourcustomer service team online, give us a call at +34 964 83 09 95, or get instant help with our 24-hour Virtual Assistant.
