Rent a Car in Milan: The Ultimate Guide for 2023

Introduction

Milan is an exciting destination for travelers, with world-class shopping, dining, art and architecture. Renting a car allows you to fully experience Milan and surrounding areas in Lombardy at your own pace. This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know to rent a car in Milan.

Overview of Milan Car Rental

Renting a car in Milan gives you flexibility and freedom to see attractions in the city center and take day trips to places like Lake Como. Here are some key things to understand:

Benefits of Renting a Car in Milan

Explore at your own pace instead of relying on public transportation
Take day trips to places outside the city easily
Access outskirts and rural areas not served by transit
Transport luggage easily from the airport or train station
Freedom to discover hidden gems and lesser-known spots

Locations to Rent a Car

Airports: Milan Malpensa, Milan Linate
Train stations: Milan Central Station, Cadorna Station
Downtown locations across the city
International rental car companies with Milan branches

Types of Cars Available

Economy or compact cars for solo travelers or couples
Midsize sedans for small groups and luggage capacity
Minivans for families needing more seats and space
Luxury cars for indulgence and style

Renting a car allows you to design your own Milan itinerary. Next, we’ll look at choosing the perfect car for your needs.

Choosing the Right Rental Car

With so many options, selecting the ideal rental car in Milan takes some consideration.

Group Size

If traveling solo or as a couple, an economy or compact car offers affordability and ease driving and parking. Families or larger groups will need a minivan or SUV with more seats and luggage room.

Trip Plans

If you’ll stay within Milan, a smaller car gets around easily. For day trips to Lake Como or other destinations,choose a car with storage and comfort for longer drives.

Transmission Type

Manual transmission is more common in Italy than automatic. Reserve early for an automatic car if needed. Some luxury or high-end vehicles may only offer automatic.

Fuel efficiency

Diesel cars have greater fuel efficiency for longer day trips. Petrol is commonly used in cities for shorter trips. Hybrid or electric cars are eco-friendly options.

Luxury cars

For an indulgent trip, rent a luxury car like a Mercedes, BMW, Tesla or Maserati. These have premium comfort and features.

By considering your itinerary and needs, you can select the ideal Milan rental car to enhance your experience.

Booking Your Rental Car

Once you’ve chosen the perfect car, it’s time to complete the reservation. Here are tips for a smooth booking process:

Compare rental company rates online – Search aggregator sites like Kayak for best deals
Reserve early – For peak season travel, book 1-2 months out
Double-check details – Confirm pick-up location, dates, car type before booking
Add insurance – Purchase added liability and collision coverage for peace of mind
Understand inclusions – Know what is and isn’t included like GPS, child seats, etc.
Look for deals – Check for coupon codes and loyalty discounts
Avoid prepaying gas – Refuel yourself to avoid inflated station rates
Review cancellation policy – Understand if you can cancel or modify the booking

Advance planning ensures you get the car you want at the best available price. Soon you’ll be ready to hit the road.

Picking Up Your Rental Car

The excitement begins when it’s time to pick up your Milan rental car. Here’s an overview of what to expect:

Rental counter process:

Present your booking confirmation
Verify driver details like age and license
Decline optional extras if unwanted
Thoroughly inspect car for damage before signing
Pay deposit with credit card if applicable

Airport pick-up:

Follow signs to rental counters after baggage claim
Allow extra time at airports compared to neighborhood branches
Many companies offer airport shuttles to offsite lots if cheaper

City locations:

Often have quicker pick-up compared to airports
Hotels may offer rental car delivery or partnerships
Validate parking if picking up from a public garage

With the paperwork complete, you’ll get keys and directions to the vehicle. After one final walk-around inspection, you’re ready to hit the road!

Driving in Milan

From its bustling historic streets to modern highways, Milan has some unique driving conditions. These tips will help you navigate confidently:

City Center

Narrow lanes and tight spaces need caution
Limited Traffic Zones restrict access for many vehicles
Pedestrians and bikes are plentiful – drive slowly
Parking is extremely limited – use garages outskirts if possible

Highways and Roads

Autostrada toll highways link Milan to other regions
Tangenziale ring road circles the city with fast moving traffic
Watch for scooters that weave between lanes
Maintain safe following distance at higher speeds

Rules and Regulations

Blood alcohol limit of 0.05% – zero for new drivers
Must carry passport or ID at all times
Headlights required day and night outside cities
Winter tires mandatory in snowy conditions

Gas and Tolls

Unleaded gasoline is most common, diesel also used
Pay tolls with cash or credit cards
Vehicles use “Telepass” transponders for electronic toll collection

Parking

Limited street parking – look for blue lines
Metered parking – buy ticket from machines
Public garages abundant in outskirts
Hotels may have private parking availability

Pay attention to traffic patterns, road signs and other drivers as you get acclimated to Milan’s driving environment.

Top Rental Car Locations

With so many pick-up points across Milan, you have flexibility in where you start your rental. Here are top locations to consider:

Airports

Malpensa Airport (MXP) – Large international airport with most rental companies’ onsite

Linate Airport (LIN) – A smaller regional airport near Milan city center

Bergamo Airport (BGY) – Alternative airport 45 miles from Milan

Train Stations

Milan Central Station – Connects to destinations across Italy and Europe

Cadorna Railway Station – Regional commuter rail hub in northwest Milan

Downtown

Via Vittor Pisani – Busy street by Central Station with rental offices

Piazza Duca D’Aosta – Central transport hub next to Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

Corso Buenos Aires – Vibrant shopping area with metro access

Wherever you pick up, having a car rental makes exploring Milan easy and fun. Now let’s look at top things to see and do during your visit.

Exploring Milan

With your rental car, you have the freedom to discover Milan’s top sites:

Milan Cathedral (Duomo di Milano)

This ornate Gothic cathedral took nearly 600 years to complete and dominates the city center with intricate details and cavernous interior. Don’t miss the chance to ascend the roof for amazing views.

Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

The soaring glass-domed arcade connects Piazza del Duomo and Piazza della Scala, lined with luxury shops and restaurants. Look for the ornate floor mosaics.

Teatro Alla Scala

One of the world’s premier opera houses, catching a performance at La Scala is a magical experience during your stay. Even if no shows coincide, tour the lavish interior.

Pinacoteca di Brera

This art museum houses works by Raphael, Caravaggio, Titian, and more in a 17th century palace. Don’t miss “The Kiss” by Francesco Hayez.

Quadrilatero d’Oro

Milan’s high fashion district is perfect for shopping, with big designer brands centered on Via Monte Napoleone and Via Sant’Andrea. Window shop or splurge on Italian style.

Santa Maria delle Grazie

Home to Leonardo da Vinci’s renowned mural “The Last Supper,” make reservations ahead of time to view this masterpiece in person and admire the architecture.

Sforza Castle

Constructed in the 15th century, this fortress houses art collections, artifacts, ancient ruins, and beautiful grounds for strolling.

Navigli District

The charming canal area comes alive at night with restaurants, bars, street musicians and a vibrant local scene. Daytime has markets and cafes.

Milan has something for all interests. Let your rental car take the stress out of getting around so you can fully experience the highlights.

Day Trips from Milan

Beyond the city, Milan is a great jumping off point for picturesque day trips around Lombardy. With a rental car you can efficiently explore destinations like:

Lake Como – Stunning lake ringed by charming waterside villages and dramatic mountains

Bergamo – Walled historic upper town and modern lower town nestled in the hills

Pavia – University town with striking castle, churches, and medieval architecture

Verona – Famous for Shakespeare sites like Juliet’s balcony and ancient Roman Arena

Parma – Elegant foodie heaven with markets, cafes, and Parmesan cheese tours

Cremona – Birthplace of Stradivari violins with musical heritage and gothic buildings

Mantua – Atmospheric lakeside town with Renaissance palaces and artistic legacy

Wherever you wander, having your own wheels makes crafting memorable day trips simple, letting you chase inspiration.

Driving Italy’s Lakes Region

If scenic drives are your passion, cruising the sublime lakes region of Northern Italy is a must. Here are top road trip routes:

Lake Como – Cruise lakeshore roads stopping in Bellagio, Varenna, and lakeside villas.

Lake Maggiore – Drive from Stresa to Verbania, take a boat tour to Isola Bella.

Lake Garda – Head south to charming Sirmione, then on to Malcesine.

Lake Lugano – Cross into Switzerland to explore Lugano and lakeside villages.

Lake Orta – Visit medieval Orta San Giulio and take the ferry to Isola San Giulio.

With your rental car you can chase your whims – stop where you please for photo ops, long lunches, or hikes with breathtaking scenery around every bend.

Navigating Milan by Car

Now that you’ve gotten a taste of what Milan has to offer, here are some key tips for getting around:

Use navigational apps like Google Maps to avoid getting lost
Input destinations ahead of time to get accurate directions
Have a offline map or atlas as backup in case you lose cell service
Note parking zones and garage locations near attractions to save time
Avoid restricted traffic zones in city center without proper vehicle permit
Calculate toll roads into route estimates – have cash and credit cards handy
Gas up often as stations can be sparse in rural areas
Keep emergency contact numbers and roadside assistance info accessible
Give yourself plenty of time to get around – traffic and narrow roads slow movement
Use public transport like trams, buses and metro to supplement driving when feasible

With good planning, your Milan driving experience will be smooth, efficient and stress-free, leaving you to focus on creating memorable moments.

Parking in Milan

While driving allows freedom to explore, parking can be tricky in Italy’s second largest city. Here are tips to save time and headaches:

Read signs carefully – some zones limited to residents or permits
Use smartphone apps to find and reserve parking ahead of time
Consider outskirts – better availability compared to city center
Don’t leave valuables visible to avoid break-ins
Verify hours – some spots have overnight limits
Purchase ticket or pass – keep proof visible to avoid fines
Use cash and coins for meters and machines
Avoid restricted zones – you may be towed or fined
Check garage clearance – low ceilings or tight spaces common

With some planning, you can find convenient and cost effective parking to start exploring Milan.

Rules of the Road in Italy

To avoid issues while driving, it helps to know some key Italian road rules:

Blood alcohol limit of 0.05% – lower for new drivers
Must carry ID at all times
Headlights required day and night outside cities
Winter tires mandatory in snowy conditions
Yield to traffic merging from the right
No cell phone use while driving – hands-free allowed
Children under 4 must be in child safety seats
Seat belt use mandatory for all passengers
Carry proof of insurance and ownership docs
Keep passports of all travelers in car
Passengers may not consume alcohol in vehicle

Following the rules keeps you safe and avoids traffic tickets. Now let’s look at what to do in case of an emergency or accident.

Dealing With Emergencies

Hopefully your Milan trip goes smoothly, but it pays to be prepared. Here are tips if you encounter issues:

Flat tire: Safely pull over and set up road flares or warning lights. Change the flat yourself or call roadside assistance if provided by rental company.

Accident: Alert authorities immediately if anyone is injured. Exchange insurance and contact details with other drivers involved. Take photos of damage and scene. File a report with rental company immediately.

Breakdown: Move vehicle to shoulder and use hazard lights. Call rental company roadside help to arrange for repair or towing to shop. Don’t continue driving if unsafe.

Illness: Head to the nearest hospital or emergency care clinic. Contact emergency services via 112 number if needed.

Theft: File a police report immediately in case of stolen rental vehicle or possessions. Alert your rental company about loss of vehicle.

Staying calm and following procedures will help resolve any issues efficiently so you can get back to your trip.

Returning Your Rental Car

When your Milan escape comes to an end, returning your rental car takes just a few steps:

Refill gas tank yourself to avoid overpriced charges
Thoroughly clean the exterior and interior
Check for personal items left behind
Match return date, time and location to contract
Inspect vehicle with agent and note any new damage
Keep receipt showing return to avoid later disputes
Arrange alternate transportation – don’t assume drop-off has rental counter
Cancel any supplemental insurance unless using same company again soon

With a smooth return, you can reminisce about your epic Italian adventures until you set off on the next one.

Cost Saving Tips

While very convenient, car rentals can get expensive. Use these strategies to save:

Compare rates across multiple companies and aggregators
Join loyalty programs for deals
Avoid extras like GPS or child seats if you have your own
Check for discounts like AAA membership savings
Rent for longer periods – daily rates drop significantly
Book well in advance for best availability and prices
Choose pick-up and drop-off points outside city center
Don’t prepay for a full tank – refill yourself before return
Consider car sharing services as an alternative like Turo

A little strategic planning goes a long way towards keeping rental costs in check.

FAQs About Milan Car Rentals

First time renting in Italy? Here are answers to frequently asked questions:

Do I need an international license to rent a car?

An international driving permit is recommended but a standard license from EU countries, USA, Canada or Australia should suffice if non-EU resident.

What side of the road do Italians drive on?

Driving is on the right hand side of the road, same as most of Europe and North America.

Is car insurance required?

Yes, it’s mandatory to have third-party liability insurance. Purchase full coverage for damage protection.

Are manual transmissions common?

Yes, stick-shift cars are much more popular than automatics, especially with smaller vehicles. Reserve early for automatic.

How old do I need to be to rent a car?

Minimum rental age is usually 18-20 internationally and 21-25 for locally, varying by company. Surcharges often apply for drivers under 25.

Can I take a rental car between countries?

No. Rental cars must stay within Italy unless you purchase extra insurance and pay applicable border fees.

Is winter tire use required?

Yes, winter tires are mandated in many parts of Italy during cold or snowy months. Chains may also be required in mountain areas.

Can I use a foreign credit card for deposit?

Most rental companies accept major international cards for reservations and deposits. Debit cards also usually work if you meet credit requirements.

By knowing the rules and processes, your car rental experience will be smooth as you explore Milan and surroundings.

Conclusion

With its world-famous fashion, design, and historic architecture, Milan offers incredible experiences. Renting a car allows you to journey at your own pace, visit key sites, take memorable road trips, and customize your itinerary. Use this guide to choose the perfect rental car, get oriented to driving in Milan, see top attractions, and plan your Italian adventure. The freedom of the open road awaits – enjoy!