Renting a Car in Milan – ULTIMATE Guide

The main reason that you’d rent a car in Milan is to travel outside of Milan. The city itself has an extensive network of public transport and is, in fact, a bit of a nightmare to drive around, especially if you’re new to the city. It can be more of a hassle than a help.

HOWEVER, if your trip to Italy entails road trips from Milan to places like Lake Como, the Dolomites or Tuscany, renting a car is a brilliant idea. It offers you the flexibility to design your road trip however you please! Without relying on set routes and timing of other forms of transport.

You can get a little lost, stop at the cute random roadside coffee shops and take all the scenic stops you’d like (which I guarantee you, will be many!)

If you don’t already have wheels when you arrive in Italy, you’ll need to rent them! I rented a car through Discover Cars and found them to be a great tool to find the best deals on car rentals in Milan. I’ll touch on this further down the article.

We’ve actually written a legit Discover Cars review on all the pros and cons of using Discover Cars for your car rental, so give that a read beforehand 🙂

Driving in Milan, like many cities, is a mix of efficiency and absolute chaos. There are a few key things to watch out for. However, once you’re out of the city, the roads are much, much more relaxed!

Driver’s License and ID

You will need a full driving licence before being allowed to rent a car in Milan. Although technically you should have an international driver’s permit, MOST companies do not enforce this. Well, not in my experience anyway. This is often the case if you have an EU or UK driver’s licence.

However, it is technically a requirement. Some rental car companies will enforce it, and the police might too. If you are travelling from outside the UK/EU, then it may make things smoother to get an IDP.

You will need to show them your passport, so don’t forget to have it with you when you pick up your car.

Most rental companies will also only rent to drivers over the age of 21, and many will have an additional “fee” or more expensive insurance for young drivers under 25.

Roads and Driving Standards

The roads in the city are well-maintained, but traffic can be wild, especially during rush hours. Locals drive fast and with an assertiveness that one can only expect from Italians.

Milan has introduced ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones, which are essentially restricted areas in the city centre where unauthorised vehicles will face harsh fines for driving through. These zones are monitored by cameras and are active during the weekdays… these are risky for us travellers who are usually unfamiliar with the rules.

However, once you get out of the city madness and onto the open roads, things calm down… a lot.

Parking

Parking is tight in Milan, and it operates on a colour-coded method which you’ll want to brush up on to avoid fines!

• Blue parks are paid,
• Yellow is for residents, and
• White means free (but sadly, these are very rare to find)

Underground garages and park-and-ride options are most likely going to be your best bet.

There are some epic places to road trip or day trip from Milan. Below are a few of my favourites and tips to make sure you’re prepared for the journey:

Lake Como – 1.5 hours from Milan

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If you’re looking to stay around Lake Como, you’ll need to head north via the A9 motorway to reach Como town. From there, you’ll then wind your way around the lake to the towns of Bellagio or Varenna. The roads are narrow but super scenic, hugging the water’s edge! Parking fills up here incredibly fast over the summer months, so as they say… arrive early or book ahead.

Verona – 2 hours from Milan

For those of you cruising over to stay in Verona, you’ll need to drive east via the A4 motorway for an easy, toll-based route to the city of Romeo and Juliet. Verona is compact and walkable, but just like Milan, it has its own ZTL zones. I’d recommend parking outside the historic centre. The drive itself is straightforward, with plenty of cafes and service stops for breaks; however, it’s not the most scenic.

If you’re only planning to explore Milan and Verona, I’d consider taking public transport between the two instead of driving. However, if you’re continuing on further, it might still be worth renting a car.

Dolomites – 3.5–4.5 hours from Milan

Ahh, the Dolomites. One of my favourite places to visit in Italy, and the ultimate road trip from Milan! To head into these magic peaks, you’ll need to take the A4 then A22 toward Bolzano or Cortina d’Ampezzo. The scenery around you changes from lovely but semi-boring flat plains to dramatic alpine views. It’s a longer drive, so it’s best done as an overnight trip or with a very early start.

If you’re heading into the Dolomites, be sure to check the season and whether you’ll need snow accessories like snow chains. These should be offered by the rental company, usually for an extra fee.

Tuscany – 3–4 hours from Milan

If a trip to stay in Tuscany is calling your name, you’ll need to travel South via the A1 motorway. This route will take you through rolling hills en route to Florence, Siena, or the Chianti region. Be prepared for multiple scenic view stops! The roads are great; however, Tuscany’s towns often have their own ZTL zones – so def check ahead and again, park outside the old centres when possible.

As I’ve mentioned already, renting a car in Milan is a brilliant idea if you want to go on a road trip from the city. Here are a few tips, pieces of information and words of wisdom when it comes to car rentals in Milan:

How Much Does it Cost to Rent a Car in Milan?

Car rentals in Milan are surprisingly affordable, especially for us budget-conscious travellers. If you’re travelling with a few mates, splitting the cost of a car rental can work out to be a super cost-efficient way of getting around – a heap of fun!

Budget car models like a Fiat Panda or Hyundai i10 usually start at approx €5-€8 per day, while mid-range vehicles range from €10-€25 daily, depending on season and availability. But, as you can expect, prices spike over the summer and holiday periods.

However, optional extras, like insurance upgrades (€10-€20/day) or additional drivers (€5-€10/day), can quickly add up, so it’s worth comparing packages carefully. Younger drivers, which usually refers to those under 25, may face surcharges of €10-€25/day. Plus, most rentals require a credit card to hold as a deposit.

Get Insured BEFORE you visit Milan

Unfortunately, things can go wrong when you least expect them. This is why good travel insurance is essential before you head on your trip to Milan.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Navigation in Milan

Google Maps is my go-to for navigation in literally all parts of the world. When travelling to more remote locations, you can expect a few occasional quirks and dropouts. Offline Map functions can be really helpful and a smart backup if your signal gets patchy. This has saved me from getting lost on multiple occasions!

Many car rentals will offer a GPS add-on for an extra charge – but in my opinion, Google Maps does the job. Just make sure they have a phone stand so that you can see if maps or that you have a trusted passenger to whom you can delegate directional responsibilities!

Pick up/drop off location

The most practical places to rent a car in Milan are from either:

• Malpensa Airport is ideal if you’re flying in and keen to head straight out on a road trip. Malpensa Airport is outside the city’s restricted traffic zones (ZTL), and it connects easily to the A8 and A9 motorways toward Lake Como, the Alps, or even Switzerland!
• Linate Airport is closer to the city and works well for shorter trips to places like Bergamo or Franciacorta.
• Milano Centrale Train Station is the most convenient if you’re arriving by train. However, it’s important to note that driving out of the city centre can be stressful due to traffic and ZTL fines. Tbh, it’s often worth taking public transport to an airport location to pick up your car and avoid city-centre driving altogether.

Note: If you plan to drop off the car in a different location from where you picked it up, you can often incur a steep one-way fee.

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Petrol

Fuel in Italy is expensive.

At the time of writing, petrol prices average around €1.80 to €2.10 per litre. Most of the gas stations that you’ll find are self-service; however, some offer full-service, but this comes at a premium. 

If you’re planning a road trip to the Dolomites, Tuscany, or Lake Garda, it’s a good idea to fill up before leaving Milan, as rural stations can be slim pickings and often close earlier than you might expect.

Be sure to check your agreement on fuel; most rental companies expect a “full-to-full” fuel tank. AKA you pick it up full and return it full. If this is the case, make sure you return it full; otherwise, you’ll be charged an ugly, inflated fuel fee. Google Maps or Waze are great apps to help you locate the nearest petrol station to your drop-off point.

Insurance Coverage

A basic insurance package is often included in most rentals, but it usually comes with a high excess – sometimes over €1,000. This essentially means that if anything happens, you’ll need to cover up to €1,000 to cover any damages… which would put a big ol’ dampener on your road trip. 

For peace of mind, especially on longer roadies through mountains or rural areas, I’d recommend forking out for the extra Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and theft protection. In places like Tuscany and the Dolomites, the roads are windy and the village lanes can be tight… 

Rental car insurance is not something to skim over. Grab ya glasses, pour a coffee, and read the fine print. Make sure you understand what’s covered and what’s not before you hit the open Italian highways.

Checking Damage

Always check the car for damage before you drive off. Walk around the car and take pictures of any scratches, dents, or broken parts. Don’t forget the tyres, windows, and the inside of the car.

Make sure the rental company writes down any damages that you find. When you return the car, try to be there during the check. Ask for a note that says everything is okay. This helps avoid surprise charges later. You’re welcome 🙂

The short answer is yes, you can drive your rental car from Milan across borders and into nearby countries. Think: Switzerland, France, Austria, and Slovenia.

BUT. You must declare this to the rental company when booking. Most providers allow for it, but you might need to pay extra fees to get the right documentation and insurance to cover international travel, especially if you venture into non-EU countries. 

Milan is a fab launch point for loads of international road trips. You can reach Geneva via the Mont Blanc Tunnel, Innsbruck through the Brenner Pass, or Ljubljana by cruising along the Adriatic coast. 

Always carry your passport, driver’s license, rental agreement, and any required insurance documents. Note that if you’re returning the car in another country, expect a steep one-way fee. You might be best to loop back to Milan. 

There is no simple one-size-fits-all answer as to which is the best car rental company in Milan. They all fulfil basically the same function, they offer similar vehicles, and the prices tend to be pretty close together too (with a few outliers who are taking the absolute piss).

We made our first booking through Discover Cars and found their website, prices and booking process to be good. You can search through various cars, companies and dive into each’s reviews before making your decision. It’s WAY easier than having to search through each of the car rental companies themselves.

Milan has a really efficient public transport system that includes metro, trams, and buses, all operated by ATM (Azienda Trasporti Milanesi). 

These are your options for getting around Milan without a car, no matter where you stay in Milan:

• The Metro – fast, efficient, and regular
• Trams – great for shorter city trips, rather scenic option
• Buses – fill in the gaps for the above routes
• Walking – in the city centre, your own two legs are often your best option
• Taxis – expensive, but of course, convenient
• Bike and e-scooter rentals – great in summer, but the cost can add up for longer distances

Here are the questions that I get asked most commonly about renting a car in Milan:

One of the key takeaways about renting a car in Milan is to not rent a car in Milan if you’re ONLY staying in Milan. However, if you’re planning to venture out from Milan, it’s a bloody fantastic option! Whether you’re getting willingly lost in Tuscany or the Dolomites. The freedom that your own four wheels can offer is unmatched.

Plus, it’s often a pretty reasonable price – especially if you can divide it by a few mates.

But don’t forget the words of advice in this article! Check what’s included in your insurance, only select necessary add-ons, pick up your car outside of the city and look over the car for any existing damages before you drive off.

Oh, and have one hell of a time on your Italian roadie 🙂 Don’t forget to jump onto Discover Cars to search through the best car rental options