Renting a Car in Milan, Italy: Everything You Need to Know

Why Rent a Car in Milan?

I recently took a trip to Milan and decided to rent a car through EconomyBookings. Here's everything I learned—plus a few tips I wish I knew before hitting the road.

Milan is Italy's fashion capital, a business hub, and a gateway to some of the most beautiful regions in Northern Italy. Trains are great (and fast), but if you're traveling with family, visiting smaller towns, or just want more flexibility, a rental car is 100% worth it.

Some of the nearby places you'll want to visit:

• Lake Como (1.5 hours)

• Bergamo (1 hour)

• Cinque Terre (3 hours)

• Lake Garda (2 hours)

Driving gives you the freedom to stop at local vineyards, scenic lookouts, and little villages that trains just don’t reach.

Where to Pick Up Your Rental Car

Most people pick up their rental at Milan Malpensa Airport or Linate Airport. You can also find rental locations near the Milano Centrale train station if you're arriving by rail.

Pro tip: Book your car in advance online. Prices are much better and you’ll have more vehicle options. I used EconomyBookings and found a great deal compared to some of the bigger sites.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Italy

To rent a car in Milan, you’ll need:

• A valid driver’s license (for non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended and sometimes required)

• A credit card (debit cards are often not accepted)

• Your passport

• To be at least 21 years old (though some companies require drivers to be 25+)

Always double-check the specific rental company's policy—they do vary!

Driving Into Milan: ZTL Zones (Super Important!)

Italy’s big cities, including Milan, have ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato). These are restricted driving areas to reduce congestion and pollution. If you enter a ZTL without permission, you will be fined.

In Milan, the main ZTL is called Area C, and it covers the historic center. If your hotel is inside Area C, ask them for guidance or permission before driving in.

My tip: Avoid driving into the city center unless absolutely necessary. Park in a garage outside the ZTL and use public transit to explore the city.

What It's Like Driving in Italy

Driving in Italy isn’t as intimidating as some make it out to be—but it is different:

• Roads are narrower

• Speed limits change often (and are strictly enforced with cameras)

• Italians drive fast but are generally predictable

• Toll roads (autostrade) are common

Navigation tip: Use Google Maps or Waze, but also have a basic idea of your route beforehand in case of signal loss.

Parking in Milan

Parking can be tricky in the city center. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Blue lines = paid parking

• White lines = free parking (rare)

• Yellow lines = residents only (don’t park here!)

Your best bet is to use paid parking garages. You can search for them on Google Maps or apps like EasyPark.

Gas Stations & Fuel Types

Most rental cars are diesel in Italy. Make sure you know which fuel your car takes—putting the wrong one in is an expensive mistake.

Gas stations are self-serve and often require prepayment at a kiosk. Many close at night or have limited service on Sundays, especially outside the cities.

Cost of Renting a Car in Milan

Prices vary a lot depending on the season, car type, and how far in advance you book. Here’s what I paid:

• 3-day rental: $110 total

• Insurance: Added full coverage for peace of mind

• Fuel: ~$40 for a full tank

Book early and compare rates. EconomyBookings usually gives you several choices across major rental brands.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Absolutely—if you plan to explore beyond Milan. Renting a car gave me so much flexibility. I visited Lake Como at my own pace, stopped at little cafes, and didn’t have to worry about train schedules.

But for the city itself? Stick to walking and public transit.

TL;DR - Quick Tips:

• ✅ Book early through EconomyBookings

• ✅ Watch for ZTL/Area C in Milan

• ✅ Get an International Driving Permit if you're not from the EU

• ✅ Use a credit card and check age requirements

• ✅ Don’t drive into the city center unless necessary

Got questions about renting a car in Italy? Drop them in the comments or DM me on Pinterest—I’m happy to help!

Safe travels! 🚗🇮🇹