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Finding a car rental in Milan is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of suppliers all around Italy with no booking fees. Pick up at Malpensa, Linate, Bergamo or Milan city center, and choose from economy cars, automatic cars and SUVs for trips to Lake Como, Lake Garda and the Alps. Compare fuel policies, mileage limits and one-way fees before you book, plus get tips on ZTL zones, tolls and parking.
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Malpensa Airport (MXP) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies • 24-hour service • Direct highway access |
• 50 km (31 miles) from city center • Airport surcharge • Potential lines at peak times |
| Linate Airport (LIN) | • Only 7 km (4 miles) from city center • Quick pickup and departure • All major rental companies |
• Smaller than Malpensa • Airport surcharge • Limited late-night options |
| Bergamo Airport (BGY) | • Budget airline hub • Often lower rates • All major rental companies |
• 50 km (31 miles) from Milan • Airport surcharge • Congested access roads during peak times |
| Central Milan | • No airport surcharge • Multiple locations throughout city • Convenient for train arrivals |
• Limited vehicle selection • Restricted hours (often closed Sundays) • Navigating city traffic upon departure |
Reaching Rental Locations
On average, car rentals in Milan cost around €81 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €11 per day.
Compare pickup locations. Airports add about a 16% surcharge. City branches often have lower base rates but shorter hours and fewer cars. Weigh that against transport costs like the Malpensa Express or airport shuttles.
Time your booking to the season. For Milan’s summer, Fashion Weeks, and trade fairs, book 1-3 months ahead. In winter or non-event spring/fall, 1-2 weeks ahead often works and can be cheaper.
Pick cheaper car types. Manuals cost 20-30% less than automatics. An economy/compact will save on fuel and make Milan parking easier.
Cut fuel costs. For longer drives, diesel can be more economical. Fill up at suburban supermarket stations and return the car full-to-full to avoid refueling fees.
Start the rental when you leave Milan. If you’re sightseeing in the city first, delay pickup to skip Area C (€5 on weekdays) and pricey parking. If you must drive in, use Park & Ride lots for €2.50-3.00/day.
Check one-way and airport alternatives. Within Italy, one-way fees are usually €50-100. International drops are higher. Bergamo (BGY) often has lower rates, but it’s 50 km (31 miles) from Milan, so factor shuttle time and cost.
Milan Parking Options:
| Type | Location | Cost (Approx.) | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | Throughout city (blue lines) | Varies by area and time | Time limits apply; free evenings (20:00-8:00) and Sundays in some areas |
| Municipal Garages | Various city locations | Varies | Safer than street spaces; some offer discounts for advance booking |
| Park & Ride | Near outer metro stations | Varies | Convenient for visiting city center; park and use public transport |
| Shopping Centers | City outskirts | Free (time limits) | Usually require purchase; not for overnight use |
Traffic Restriction Zones:
Driving Rules to Note:
Get a rental car so you can visit:
Lake Como – Como, Cernobbio, Menaggio
Lake Maggiore – Arona, Stresa, Verbania
Lake Garda – Desenzano
Bergamo
Franciacorta – wine route
Venice – Piazzale Roma, Tronchetto
How do I pay for Area C congestion charge in Milan? You can buy a €5 daily ticket online (areac.atm.it), at parking meters or at authorized sellers like tobacconists (tabacchi) and newsstands. You'll need your license plate number. You must pay by midnight on the day after you enter the zone.
Is it difficult to drive in Milan? Milan has tricky one-way systems, limited traffic zones and busy traffic, so it can be difficult if it's your first time driving there. We suggest you use public transport within the city center and use your rental car mainly for trips outside Milan.
Where can I park for free in Milan? In many areas, you can park for free on streets with blue lines after 8:00 pm until 8:00 am the next morning and all day Sunday. You can also find free parking in white-lined spaces, usually in residential areas further from the center, but these spots can be hard to find.
Can I drive directly to tourist attractions like the Duomo? You can't drive right to the Duomo and many main attractions because they are inside Area C and pedestrian zones. You should park at a nearby garage (such as Parcheggio Piazza Diaz) or use a Park & Ride service and take public transport to the center.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Milan? You will need to show a valid driver's license, an international driving permit (for non-EU licenses), your passport and a credit card in the driver's name. The credit card needs enough available credit for the security deposit.
Should I rent a car immediately upon arrival or later in my trip? If you plan to spend your first few days in Milan city, you should wait to rent a car until you're ready to explore the areas outside Milan. The city's public transport is excellent for sightseeing and a car isn't needed and can be expensive to park.
How can I avoid ZTL violations when visiting other towns from Milan? You should look up the ZTL zones before you visit historic towns like Como, Bergamo and others. We suggest you park outside restricted zones and walk or use local public transport. If your hotel is inside a ZTL zone, the staff can often register your car for temporary access.
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