Planning your trip – getting to Italy with your own or a rented car

Many travelers choose to rent a car upon arrival, landing at airports in Rome, Bergamo, or Naples. However, if you're planning a longer trip from Poland or renting a car in a neighboring country, you must remember about road tolls, which in 2026 are almost entirely digital.

Driving through the Czech Republic, Austria, or Slovenia requires a valid e-vignette. To avoid border stress and high fines, it's best to purchase them in advance:

• Czech vignettes – essential when driving on the motorway towards Vienna.
• Austrian vignettes – crucial for crossing the Brenner Pass.
• Slovenian vignettes – necessary if your route goes through Istria or Trieste.
• Slovak vignettes and Hungarian – if you choose the eastern route.

Where is the best place to rent a car in Italy?

In 2026, the rental market in Italy is divided into three main channels. Each has its pros and cons.

1. International chains (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar)

This is the safest choice for people who value standard and new cars. In 2026, these companies are focusing on electric and hybrid fleets.

• Pros: Transparent terms, high quality of service, easy complaint process.
• Cons: Highest prices on the market.

2. Local players (Maggiore, Sicily by Car, Locauto)

Italian rental companies often offer better prices than the giants, but require more careful reading of the terms and conditions.

• Pros: Good prices, high availability of cars in southern regions.
• Cons: Frequent attempts to charge for minor scratches (always take photos upon pickup!).

3. Aggregators and comparison websites (Rentalcars, Discover Cars)

In 2026, this is the most popular booking method. They allow you to compare prices from hundreds of companies in one place.

Key aspects you need to pay attention to

Renting a car in Italy differs from doing so in Poland or Germany. Here's a checklist for the 2026 season:

Insurance – Full Coverage or excess?

Italian driving style can be... expressive. Narrow streets and dense parking make minor damage not uncommon. In 2026, we recommend purchasing full coverage insurance (SCDW) directly from the rental company. Although external excess insurance is cheaper, in case of damage, the rental company will still block funds on your card, and you will have to claim their refund from the insurer.

Credit Card vs Debit Card

Despite digital progress, in 2026, most Italian rental companies still require a physical credit card in the main driver's name for the security deposit. Debit cards are accepted less often and usually only on the condition of purchasing the most expensive insurance package.

Traps awaiting drivers in Italy

Narrow roads and parking

Renting a large SUV in Sicily can turn into a nightmare. Italian towns were built for horse-drawn carriages, not modern SUVs. In 2026, we recommend renting Compact or Economy class cars (e.g., Fiat 500, Lancia Ypsilon), which are much easier to park.

Fuel and motorway tolls

Motorways in Italy (Autostrade per l'Italia) are tolled at gates. In 2026, more and more gates only support electronic systems (Telepass) or cards. Avoid lanes marked in yellow (Telepass only), unless your rented car is equipped with it.

Table: Rental cost comparison (Mid-season 2026)

How to save on car rental in 2026?

• Book in advance: Prices in July are 200% higher than when booking in March.
• Pickup outside the airport: City center offices often have lower rates than those directly in the terminal.
• Full tank: Always choose the "Full-to-Full" option (you pick up full, you return full). The "Pre-paid fuel" option is extremely uneconomical.
• Check vignettes: If you're renting a car, for example, in Munich to drive to Italy, make sure you have an Austrian vignette.