This is a collaborative post.
When you’re in Italy or any other country in Europe, driving a car may offer more convenience and freedom for you. Stopovers are possible and traveling at your own pace can give you more control over the places you visit. You’ll also get a good view of everything and go to fishing villages and towns that are not accessible to other tourists who prefer public transport.
However, there are several things that you need to take into consideration when it comes to car rentals in Italy. You must know about the requirements, possible extra charges, and other tips to save money and prevent getting headaches on your travels.
1. Choosing the Right Company
Major rental companies that you may find on various platforms include Sixt, Europcar, Budget, Hertz, and Avis. Check out the Italia bilutleie for price comparisons and to know more about the sizes and price of cars these companies offer. Look for trustworthy and well-known names, so you’ll know that you’re in good hands.
During one of the phases of the trip, you need to check out discounts and choose the more affordable packages. Most often, individuals choose the cars based on price but make sure that you’re getting something that will fit the whole family and the luggage if you’re taking a trip with them. Take the extra time to browse the website of at least three companies for more information.
A bit of research and extra work can pay dividends in the long run. It’s possible to not have any preferences at first because you just want to get an excellent deal, which many other people are doing.
If you don’t want to check out multiple costs simultaneously, some platforms will show you the best rates for your trip to Italy. This is similar to using platforms like Kayak when you’re searching for discounted flights and more.
2. Factors that May Drive up the Price
There are some obvious factors that you need to take into consideration. For one, this is the size of the vehicle and the overall duration of your rental. Others that are thrown into the mix are the following:
Automatic vs. Manual
Manual cars are standard in Europe because towns and countryside often have narrower roads. Automatic vehicles are rarely seen. If you’re dead set on renting an automatic, know that it will cost you more, and this is as much as 50% of the manual transmissions. More about manual transmissions on this page here.
Pick-up Locations
It’s always convenient to pick your car after you’ve landed at the airport. However, know that there are additional charges for these. Sometimes, it will make more sense when you decide to do the pick-up at one city and drop the vehicle off at another.
If you’re going to the Southern part of Italy and setting up an itinerary to the North, it would be more convenient if the company had a network or partner near your destination so you wouldn’t have to bother going South once again.
Some tourists appreciate the different places for pick-ups and drop-offs. However, these conveniences can cost up to 100 euros. Premium and big companies may even charge as high as 300 euros, but this might be worth it, especially if you’re trying to avoid the headaches and save time. There are also options of driving the vehicle on the borders before you go to another country, so make sure to check if this service is available.
Make calculations and see whether the extra money is worth picking and dropping off at various locations. With your spare time, you might be doing other things such as going into another country to explore, enabling you to make the most out of your vacation.
Picking up the Rented Vehicles at Airports May Add to the Existing Fees
You might find it more convenient to pick up the car at an airport, which translates to extra charges. This will be from 25 euros to 100 euros, and if you can’t pre-book online, it’s highly advised to visit the nearest booth in town for lower rates.
However, renting at the Italian airport has its own perks and advantages. For one, you won’t have to commute to pick up the vehicle yourself, and you could drive earlier to your hotel and get some rest.
Another thing is that more facilities located at the local airport are considered massive. You’ll be faced with wide selections of cars, and there’s a lesser chance of waiting for the vehicle to be given to you and lining up with other customers. Smaller booths and companies may have reduced hours.
This means that you can’t drop off the car anytime between 8 am to 5 pm, so go with the more prominent names in the industry. Of course, the decision to get the vehicle at the airport is totally up to you and if it’s going to be worth it.
Fees with Crossing Borders
Others will charge you extra for crossing borders in specific countries. Those countries and jurisdictions that are not a part of the European Union may charge you extra, and the fees can range from 15 euros to 60 euros. Read topics about the EU in this link: https://www.britannica.com/topic/European-Union.
3. Permission to Drive in Some Countries
Others have a restricted border, including Albania, Serbia, Croatia, and Montenegro. They are particular about foreigners crossing their borders. You may need to bring in some paperwork and proper identification cards if you have a business to attend to in these countries. Ask the car rental companies about their policies in crossing these borders and see if they will allow you.
4. International Driver’s Permit is a Must
If you’re going to pick up the car in Italy, you may be asked to show your passport, driver’s license, confirmation number, and credit card used to make the booking. Others will need to see your International Driver’s License before they allow you to drive.
The IDP will often translate your driver’s license into ten languages. The information may include your name, photograph, and other relevant information about you. Get this IDP in your city before you leave for $20. They are also available at the AAA if you’re coming from the US.
It’s important to remember that the International Driver’s Permit does not replace your original passport and license. It just acts as a supplement in other countries. Italy is one of these countries, and you may be required to show this if a police officer pulls you over. Other countries may include Austria, Greece, Slovenia, Spain, Germany, Poland, and Bosnia & Herzegovina. You may want to bring this everywhere you go, just in case.
Sample Itinerary in Italy
Arrival in Rome
The first day after your flight in Rome can be challenging. You can get settled best in the hotel of your choice when your car is ready for pick-up at the airport. Avoid making plans and rest as you might be exhausted.
Visit the Trevi Fountain, the Pantheon, and the Spanish Steps that lead you through the heart of Rome. You can also visit the Colosseum as this is one of the world’s new seven wonders. This is one of the largest theaters that can hold over 50,000 spectators at some point.
Going to the Crypt of the Capuchin Friars
Since you have a reliable car with you, there’s an option to go to the crypt of the Capuchin Friars. Know that entering a historical zone in these areas is possible, so you should ask beforehand where you can park.
The church of Santa Maria Della Concezione dei Cappuccini contains over 4,000 remains of friars who have served this place. You’ll find them to be arranged in an artistic pattern, and this is one of the off-the-beaten tracks that doesn’t have a lot of visitors in the early morning.
You can also go to Vatican City, where this is considered the pope’s home and the smallest country in the world. This is very famous among tourists, and you’ll have to fall in line to see the famous Sistine chapel and enter museums.
After the visit, you can go shopping, visit the catacombs, take a tour of the basilicas in Rome, or check the Castel Sant’Angelo.
When you don’t want a large crowd, there’s always an option to drive to Pompeii from Naples. There are luggage and storage facilities nearby, and you can get a guide that will help you go through the historical places.
This is a country full of historic places, stunning scenery, and gorgeous coasts. Before embarking on this journey, you may want to know more about the car rentals in the area so you can get into castle ruins, cliff-side villas, quaint villages, and seaside villages. You’ll be able to see more and go on a quick hike up the mountains at any time you want. This is very affordable, and you can make an online booking to get further discounts and cheaper rates.
