Car Rental at Milan Bergamo Airport, Italy

Select a Vehicle Type for Rental in Bergamo, Italy

• Economy Cars. Best for solo travelers or couples, fuel efficient and easy to park on the narrow streets of Bergamo. They are ideal for city breaks and short trips to nearby destinations such as Crespi d’Adda, Franciacorta and Lake Iseo.
• SUVs. Suitable for families and travelers planning to explore the lakes, mountains and countryside around Bergamo including Lake Como, Brembana and Seriana valleys, Alpine passes and ski resorts.

Driving Rules in Italy

• Carry your driving licence, passport/ID and insurance documents at all times. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your country of origin.
• Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Follow speed limits: typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h on motorways (autostrade), unless otherwise signposted. Lower speed limits may apply in adverse weather conditions, including the fog that is common in the Po Valley in autumn and winter.
• Maintain safe following distance, stay in your lane and use indicators when changing lanes, overtaking or turning.
• Obey all traffic signals and road signs; running a red light or ignoring traffic regulations may result in substantial fines.
• At roundabouts, give way to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout unless road signs indicate otherwise.
• The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l for most drivers. Lower limits apply to novice drivers (during their first three years of holding a licence) and certain professional drivers. Penalties for drink driving are severe.
• Traffic cameras are widely used throughout Italy to enforce speed limits, restricted traffic zones (ZTL), red-light violations and other traffic offences.
• Use a mobile phone only with hands-free system while driving. Using handheld device is prohibited.
• All passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
• Children under 150 cm in height must use an approved child restraint system suitable for their height and weight, in accordance with Italian regulations.
• Move aside immediately for emergency vehicles using flashing lights and sirens.
• Parking is permitted only in designated areas. Pay attention to coloured parking lines: blue indicates paid parking, white usually indicates free parking and yellow is reserved for authorised vehicles or disabled permit holders. Illegal parking may result in fines or towing.
• The historic centre of Città Alta and some other areas of Bergamo are ZTL (limited traffic zones) monitored by cameras. Entering without authorisation is subject to fines. Aggressive driving, dangerous overtaking and improper use of emergency lanes are also subject to significant penalties.
• In winter (generally from mid-October to mid-April), many roads, especially in mountain areas, require winter tyres or snow chains on board. Check with your rental company.

• Learn the traffic rules. Familiarize yourself with Italian driving regulations beforehand to avoid fines. Always keep your driver’s license and vehicle documents with you in case the traffic police request them.
• Inspect the car. Check the vehicle thoroughly inside and out when you pick it up. Take photos or videos and make sure any scratches or damage are recorded in the handover report.
• Avoid ZTL fines. Do not drive into the Città Alta restricted zone without checking the rules. Fines are sent by post, often months later, through the rental company. Choose a hotel with parking and use the funicular or bus to reach the Upper Town.
• Prepare for the weather. Fog is common in the Po Valley in winter, and snow is possible on roads to the Alps and valleys. In summer, avoid leaving electronics or perishables inside a hot car.
• Monitor fuel level. Keep track of your fuel level, especially on rural and mountain roads where gas stations can be scarce. If you’re driving in mountainous regions it’s safer to rent a car with larger fuel tank.
• Choose the right insurance. Make sure your rental includes sufficient coverage especially for collision and theft.
• Pick the right vehicle. Consider the size and type of car for your itinerary, especially the steep, narrow streets of Città Alta and winding lakeside or mountain roads.