Milan is Italy's second largest city and a major hub for business, fashion, and tourism. Hiring a car in Milan can be an excellent choice if you're planning to explore the wider Lombardy region, visit the beautiful Italian lakes, or venture into the Alps. Understanding where to hire, what to expect, and how to navigate Milan's driving conditions will help you make the most of your rental experience.
The most popular location for car hire in Milan is at the airports. Milan Malpensa Airport, located about 50 kilometres northwest of the city centre, is the main international gateway and hosts all major car rental companies including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and Enterprise. The rental desks are located in the arrivals halls of both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, making collection straightforward after your flight. Milan Linate Airport, closer to the city centre at just 7 kilometres away, also offers car hire services from several companies and can be more convenient if you're staying in central Milan.
Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport, technically serving Milan despite being about 45 kilometres away, is another option particularly for budget airline passengers. Several car rental companies operate here, and the airport's location makes it ideal for those heading to the lakes or eastern Lombardy. The rental facilities are modern and efficient, with clear signage in multiple languages.
City centre car hire locations are available throughout Milan, with offices near Milano Centrale railway station, in the Porta Garibaldi area, and along major thoroughfares. These locations can be useful if you're spending a few days in the city before picking up a car for onward travel. However, collecting from the airport is often more convenient and sometimes cheaper, as airport locations typically have larger fleets and more competitive pricing.
Driving in central Milan itself is challenging and often not recommended for visitors. The city has an extensive limited traffic zone called Area C, which covers most of the historic centre. Only authorised vehicles can enter this zone between 7:30am and 7:30pm on weekdays, and entry without permission results in automatic fines captured by cameras. If you're hiring a car primarily for city sightseeing, you might want to reconsider, as Milan has excellent public transport including metro, trams, and buses.
Parking in Milan is notoriously difficult and expensive. Street parking uses a colour-coded system where blue lines indicate paid parking, white lines are free but extremely rare in central areas, and yellow lines are reserved for residents or specific permit holders. Multi-storey car parks are available throughout the city but charge high hourly rates, particularly in central locations. Many hotels offer parking but at premium prices, sometimes over 30 euros per day.
However, hiring a car makes perfect sense if you're using Milan as a base to explore the surrounding region. Lake Como is just an hour's drive north, Lake Garda about 90 minutes to the east, and the beautiful wine regions of Franciacorta and Valtellina are easily accessible. The Alps offer stunning mountain scenery within two hours' drive, and charming cities like Bergamo, Brescia, and Pavia are all within easy reach.
When choosing a car hire company in Milan, the major international brands generally offer the most reliable service and well-maintained vehicles. Prices vary significantly depending on the season, with summer months and fashion week periods seeing higher rates. Booking in advance almost always results in better prices than turning up without a reservation. Weekend rentals can be expensive, whilst week-long rentals often work out cheaper per day.
The type of vehicle you choose should depend on your plans. If you're staying mostly in the Milan area and visiting nearby towns, a small car like a Fiat 500 or similar makes sense as it's easy to park and fuel-efficient. For trips to the lakes or mountains, particularly in winter, consider something with more power and possibly all-wheel drive. Families or groups might prefer a larger car or people carrier, though these can be difficult to manoeuvre and park in tight Italian streets.
Insurance is an important consideration when hiring a car in Milan. Basic third-party coverage is included by law, but you'll want to consider additional protection. Collision damage waiver and theft protection can save you from substantial costs if something goes wrong. Super cover or excess reduction policies can reduce or eliminate your financial responsibility in case of damage. Check whether your credit card or travel insurance already provides car rental coverage before paying for additional insurance.
Fuel is widely available in and around Milan, with petrol stations throughout the metropolitan area. However, many stations close on Sundays and during lunch hours, typically between 12:30pm and 3:30pm. Self-service stations are common and often cheaper, accepting cash and cards. Most rental cars run on diesel rather than petrol, which is usually more economical for longer journeys. Always check your fuel type before filling up to avoid costly mistakes.
Traffic in Milan can be heavy, particularly during morning and evening rush hours on weekdays. The ring roads around the city, especially the Tangenziale Est and Tangenziale Ovest, frequently experience congestion. Allow extra time for journeys during peak periods, and consider using navigation apps that provide live traffic updates. Italian drivers in Milan tend to be assertive and quick, so defensive driving is advisable.
Tolls are charged on most motorways around Milan, including routes to the lakes and other major destinations. The toll system is straightforward, with payment booths accepting cash, credit cards, and electronic payment devices. Keep your toll ticket safe as you'll need it when exiting the motorway. Some rental companies offer electronic toll passes for convenience, though these usually come with a daily fee.
Winter driving around Milan requires special consideration. Whilst the city itself rarely sees significant snow, the nearby mountains and lakes can experience winter conditions from November through March. Snow tyres or chains may be required on mountain roads, and some rental companies include these in winter months whilst others charge extra. Always check the weather forecast and road conditions before heading into mountain areas.
Age restrictions apply when hiring cars in Milan, with most companies requiring drivers to be at least 21 years old, though some set the minimum at 23 or 25 for certain vehicle categories. Young driver surcharges typically apply for those under 25, adding to the daily rental cost. Senior drivers may also face restrictions or additional fees depending on the rental company's policies.
Additional drivers can usually be added to the rental agreement for a daily fee, and this is worth considering for longer trips where sharing the driving makes sense. All drivers must present valid licences and meet the age requirements. Some premium loyalty programmes include free additional drivers as a benefit.
Hiring a car in Milan opens up wonderful opportunities to explore northern Italy beyond the city limits. Whilst driving in Milan itself can be stressful and unnecessary given the excellent public transport, having a car provides freedom to discover the stunning lakes, mountains, and historic towns that make Lombardy such a special region. With proper planning, understanding the local driving conditions, and choosing the right vehicle and rental company, your Milan car hire experience can be smooth and rewarding.