Car Rental at Venice Airport, Italy

Select a Vehicle Type for Rental in Venice, Italy

• Economy Cars. Best for solo travelers or couples, fuel efficient and easy to park in the compact streets of Veneto towns. They are ideal for city breaks, exploring the mainland around Venice and visiting nearby destinations such as Treviso, Padua and Chioggia.
• Standard cars. Comfortable mid-range option with more space and comfort than economy cars. Ideal for small families or longer trips from Venice to destinations such as Verona, Vicenza, Trieste, Ferrara and Bologna.
• SUVs. Suitable for families and travelers planning to explore the hills and mountains around Venice including the Prosecco wine region, the Asolo hills, the Dolomites near Cortina d’Ampezzo, Lake Garda and the beaches of Jesolo and Caorle.

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. Many cities near Venice, including Padua, Treviso and Verona, have ZTL areas in their historic centres monitored by cameras.
• The historic centre of Venice is car-free. Cars can only reach the edge of the islands at Piazzale Roma and Tronchetto, where you must park and continue on foot or by water bus (vaporetto).
• 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.
• You can’t drive into Venice. The historic centre is car-free. Park at Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto or on the mainland in Mestre and continue by water bus, tram or train. Leaving the car on the mainland is often cheaper and easier.
• Avoid the ZTL. In mainland cities such as Padua, Treviso and Verona, do not enter the historic centre unless your hotel has registered your licence plate. Cameras record every entry and fines are sent to the rental company, which passes them on to you. Use GPS apps that show restricted zones.
• 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 Veneto are hot and humid, so avoid leaving electronics or perishables inside the car and use sunshades. In autumn and winter, fog is common on the plains around Venice and snow may affect mountain roads towards the Dolomites, so reduce speed and keep your lights on.
• Monitor fuel level. Keep track on your fuel level especially on mountain roads in the Dolomites and in rural areas, where gas stations can be scarce, particularly on Sundays and in the evening.
• 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 Veneto towns and in car parks, while a larger car suits long motorway drives and mountain trips.