CAR HIRE IN ITALY

Italy is known for its amazing food and drink, but this captivating southern European country offers so much more to experience. Discover everything from historical sights and architecture to stunning landscapes immortalised by famous Italian painters. Unlock all of these while exploring Italy in your rental car.

Italy has been home to some of the world’s most impressive historic and cultural events and, with 53 in total, the country has the most UNESCO World Heritages Sites in the entire world. Admiring unique churches such as the Duomo in Siena and the Pantheon in Rome, or visiting the Vatican City in the heart of Rome is easy when you hire a car with us in Italy. If you are more inclined towards the arts, architecture is not the only thing you need to make sure you see in Italy. As you uncover this culturally rich country, you can admire Michelangelo’s David and Sistine Chapel frescoes, da Vinci’s Last Supper and Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Whether you are interested in traditional art or exceptional sculptural work, Italy has it all. Being one of the main influences in medieval art, Italy has had a great impact on the way art is viewed across Europe. With Avis you can explore its very roots.

If you are eager to familiarise yourself with the more contemporary art scene, visit the Venice Biennale or Milan Design Week, both globally recognised for their remarkable standard of work.

There may be nowhere on earth where art, history and fashion combine so well. The country boasts some of the world’s top designers of couture fashion including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Versace and Prada.

If you are looking for the ultimate shopping experience, cities such as Rome and Milan provide a never-ending choice of boutiques where you can lose yourself to temptation. The Via del Corso and the Via dei Condotti in the heart of Rome offer everything from affordable style to Italian couture. These are just a few examples of the dynamic fashion world that will be at your fingertips during your stay in Italy. Not only that, but once a year Milan hosts the world-renowned Milan Fashion Week, one of the year’s most prestigious and stylish events for all things related to retail, fashion and design.

When you’ve had your fill of art and history or you have shopped until you drop, Italy also provides ample entertainment and nightlife when the sun goes down. From beautiful seafront restaurants and bustling local trattorias, to unique wine bars, superb music venues and nightclubs, Italy has it all. 

For those foodies who dream of discovering more about Italy’s tantalising food culture, the Rialto Fish Market in Venice or the vibrant Ballaro Market in Palermo are also fascinating places waiting to be explored. If you simply want to enjoy iconic Italian dishes, make a stop in Naples for a traditional pizza Margherita, or visit Bologna, the home of the famous Ragù alla Bolognese.

With your rental car in Italy, this diverse country and its roads are yours to explore. Whether you’re passionate about history and culture, art or delicious food, with an Avis hire car we have you covered.

Which side of the road?
In Italy, please drive on the right side of the road.

Country driving laws

• Mobile phones may only be used with a hands-free device
• Dipped headlights must be used in poor daylight visibility when driving on motorways, dual carriageways, and rural roads
• Use the outside lane to overtake on motorways and dual carriageways
• Do not use the horn in a built up area unless in danger
• There are historical areas in which you cannot drive. Look out for “Zona traffico limitato”

Speed limits

All speed signs will be in km/h.

For a standard Avis rental vehicle with no trailers:

• Urban roads: 50 km/h (31 mph)
• Urban highways: 70 km/h (44 mph)
• Secondary extra-urban roads: 90 km/h (56 mph)
• Main extra-urban roads (Expressways): 110 km/h (68 mph)
• Motorways: 130 km/h (80mph)

Unless indicated by road signs.

Be aware of changes to speed limits displayed on road signs due to adverse weather conditions.

Child safety / Seatbelt laws

• It is compulsory for the driver and all passengers to wear a seatbelt
• Children aged under 12 and less than 150cm tall must be seated in an appropriate child restraint for their size
• Children weighing up to 9kg must be seated in a rear-facing child restraint, in the back of the car only

Please note - It is the child’s parent / guardian or vehicle renter’s responsibility to fit the child seat.

This information regarding road is provided for general guidance only. We endeavour to keep the information up to date and accurate, but any reliance you place on this information is at your own risk.