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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 centre, 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.
Car Rental Locations & Options
Car Hire Locations and Options
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Malpensa Airport (MXP) | • Largest selection of vehicles • All major rental companies • 24-hour service • Direct motorway access | • 50 km from city centre • Airport surcharge • Potential queues at peak times |
| Linate Airport (LIN) | • Only 7 km from city centre • 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 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
- Malpensa: Malpensa Express train (around 50 minutes to Milano Centrale), shuttle buses or taxis (around €95 fixed fare)
- Linate: Bus 73 or shuttle to city centre, taxis (€25-30)
- Bergamo: Shuttle buses to Milan Central Station (around 50 minutes)
- City: Milan's public transport system (metro, trams, buses) connects to most rental agencies
Car Rental Prices
Low-cost rental tips
- 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/autumn, 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 refuelling 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 from Milan, so factor shuttle time and cost.
Car hire prices in Milan 2025/2026
Parking and Driving
Milan Car Park 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 centre; park and use public transport |
| Shopping Centres | City outskirts | Free (time limits) | Usually require purchase; not for overnight use |
Traffic Restriction Zones
- Area C (Congestion Charge): Central Milan limited traffic zone
- Active: Monday-Friday 7:30-19:30
- Payment: Online, at newsstands or metres
- Cameras enforce entry/exit points
- Area B (Low Emission Zone): Covers 72% of city territory
- Restricts entry of highly polluting vehicles
- Most rental cars meet emissions standards
- Active: Monday-Friday 7:30-19:30
- No charge, but restricted vehicles prohibited
Driving Rules to Note
- ZTL violations result in fines plus rental company administration fee
- Limited traffic areas in historic centres of many towns (Como, Bergamo, etc.)
- Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h secondary roads, 130 km/h motorways
- Headlights required at all times outside urban areas
- Alcohol limit stricter than many countries (0.05% BAC)
Why rent a car in Milan
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
FAQs
How do I pay for Area C congestion charge in Milan?
You can buy a €5 daily ticket online (areac.atm.it), at parking metres or at authorised sellers like tobacconists (tabacchi) and newsstands. You'll need your licence 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 centre 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 centre, 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 centre.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Milan?
You will need to show a valid driver's licence, an international driving permit (for non-EU licences), 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.
