Car Rental at Bologna Airport, Italy

Select a Vehicle Type for Rental in Bologna, Italy

• Economy Cars. Best for solo travelers or couples, fuel efficient and easy to park in the narrow streets of Emilia-Romagna’s historic towns. They are ideal for city breaks, exploring the centre of Bologna and visiting nearby destinations such as Modena, Ferrara and Imola.
• Standard cars. Comfortable mid-range option with more space and comfort than economy cars. Ideal for small families or longer trips from Bologna to destinations such as Parma, Ravenna, Florence and San Marino.
• SUVs. Suitable for families and travelers planning to explore the countryside, hills and mountains around Bologna including the Apennines, the Tuscan-Emilian Apennines National Park, the Colli Bolognesi vineyards and the beaches of the Romagna Riviera.

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.
• 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 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. Bologna’s historic centre is covered by ZTL monitored by cameras.
• 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.
• Aggressive driving, dangerous overtaking, improper use of emergency lanes, driving in bus lanes and entering restricted ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) areas without authorisation are subject to significant penalties.

• 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.
• Avoid the ZTL. Do not drive into the historic centre of Bologna unless your accommodation has registered your licence plate. Cameras record every entry and fines are sent to the rental company, which passes them on to you.
• 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.
• Prepare for the weather. Summers in the Po Valley are hot and humid, so avoid leaving electronics or perishables inside the car. In autumn and winter, fog is common on motorways, so reduce speed and keep your lights on.
• Monitor fuel level. Keep track on your fuel level especially on rural and mountain roads where gas stations can be scarce. If you’re driving through the Apennines it’s safer to start each day with a full 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. A compact car is easier to handle in the narrow streets of Emilian old towns, while a larger car suits long motorway drives.