Guide To Renting a Car In Bologna - Bologna Living (2024)

FAQs

What do I need to know about renting a car in Italy? ›

I recommend against renting a car in Italy if you: Plan on visiting large cities such as Venice (car-free), Rome, Bologna, Florence, Milan or Naples. They are all well connected by high-speed trains and very difficult to explore by car, with crazy traffic and hard-to-grasp parking rules.

ZTL Bologna: how to get around by car. Although the city is well connected thanks to the motorways, driving in the city center is not easy and you have to be careful not to enter prohibited areas.

You don't need a car at all. Just use the trains; Bologna-Parma and Bologna-Florence take about an hour, and trains are frequent.

Everyone knows that, unlike in many other European countries, basic CDW car rental insurance is mandatory in Italy. That is, you are legally required to have this coverage while driving a rental car in Italy, and the rental companies won't let their car off the lot until they are sure you're covered.

Generally, rental car companies in Italy require you to be 21 or over and no older than the maximum age (usually 70-75 years). All drivers must present a valid driver's license, an ID as proof of their identity, and a credit card to make the payment.

Driving in Italy for many foreigners is like a nightmare. Sometimes we must admit that could be tough, but this happens mostly in the biggest city, such as Rome, Naples or Florence. Too many cars and a not efficient urban system are the problems.

A car in Puglia is a must to see the most beautiful spots in the area! Be aware that theft from rental cars is a chronic problem in southern Italy, especially Sicily. You're safer parking your car with an attendant than on the side of the street. Don't leave valuables inside.

You will be asked to show Proof of ID such as your passport or national ID card, and while most companies will ask for a credit card for a deposit, there are some agencies that will accept debit cards. Having a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) as part of your hire is a requirement to drive any car in Italy.

A few areas outside the city center may be not very recommendable at night, but the incidence of violent crimes in the city is still very low. Avoid the university district, it can get loud and noisy, as well as the areas around major party street (such as Via del Pratello).

Can you drink the tap water in Bologna? ›

Yes, that is the short answer. Drinking water from the tap is considered safe in Italy. Water in the major Italian cities and towns is safe to drink; you can fill up water bottles at city fountains or in water parks all over the country.

Re: How credit-card-friendly is Bologna? You will have to pay cash for local public transport tickets, and often in small shops or restaurants. However, there is no need to carry lots of cash. Take a debit card and get money out of ATMs as needed.

Italy has a system called Telepass, which allows drivers to pay tolls electronically via a transponder placed on their windshield (similar to the E-ZPass and FasTrak systems used in parts of the U.S.).

Bologna is a walkable city, and you are never more than 30 minutes to key points of interest. It's an enjoyable place to explore on foot but the city does have a great bus system, TPER (Trasporto Passeggeri Emilia Romagna).

On average a rental car in Italy costs $678 per week ($97 per day).

If you plan on driving during your visit to Italy, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you should carry with your driver's license. Yes, if you're visiting, you'll need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your legal driving license.

Visa. Visa offers CDW for rental cars in Italy. Currently, their only exceptions for countries are Israel, Jamaica, the Republic of Ireland, and Northern Island. Additionally, their coverage is limited based on vehicle.

The rental car age limit in Italy is typically a minimum of 18, but some suppliers will not rent to anyone under 21. There are no maximum age limits but any drivers under 24 will usually have to pay around an additional €20 per day.

Travelers of any age over the minimum can rent cars in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, or Switzerland.

What is the oldest age you can rent a car? ›

While there is no maximum age to rent a car in the US, it can be a different story when you travel elsewhere. Age limits vary between rental agencies and from country to country, but often fall between age 70 and 80.

It's even in English! Good To Know: Italian drivers don't always come to a complete stop at stop signs. Keep that in mind if you're at the same intersection (or if you're a pedestrian crossing the street).

You can't make a right turn on a red light.

Though Italy has far fewer traffic lights than roundabouts, there are traffic lights and it is illegal to make a right turn on red.

Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road (the same as the U.S. and much of Europe). And equally important, the steering wheel is on the left side as well.

Do you need insurance to rent a car? No, you don't need to have insurance because rental cars are already insured. That said, some form of rental insurance is strongly advised because if you rent a car without insurance, you are responsible for any damages to the vehicle.

CDW is MANDATORY in Italy. The MCassist people say that they will cover you in Italy if you have a platinum card and decline the CDW if the rental agent allows you to decline the CDW. Be aware that CDW leaves you with some liability. You might want to purchase the super CDW.

If you're visiting as a tourist, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver's license. If you're living here in Italy, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver's license, but only if you're not a resident or have been a resident for less than one year.

A valid driver's license with a photo. A photo ID (For example: a driver's license or passport) Credit or debit card (check the acceptable forms of payment at the location you're renting from)

Ragú Bolognese

You know this namesake has to be one of the most famous food dishes in Bologna! But please don't let the term 'meat sauce' con you into thinking this is a simple dish just anyone can make. Homemade tagliatelle or pappardelle pasta in a classic Bolognese sauce is a deceptively simple and delicious dish.

It's also known as one of the most welcoming cities. From my own experience (and that of my friends), I can confirm it: Bologna is indeed an expat friendly place. Travelers of all kinds will find something for them in Bologna: with its rich history, great art scene, incredible architecture and some cool parks.

Is Bologna expensive? ›

#6 IT'S NEITHER CHEAP NOR EXPENSIVE IN BOLOGNA

Having said that, when compared to popular Italian cities such as Rome, Florence, Milan or Venice, Bologna is still a bargain. Food, for the most part, is affordable.

What's Bologna Most Famous For? Bologna is famed as a foodie's paradise. It's the capital city of the Emilia-Romagna region where some of Italy's well-known pasta dishes, meats, cheeses and wines come from.

Bologna buses

The bus is the best public transport option in Bologna as it's a convenient and cost-effective way to move around the city. The buses connect the various neighbourhoods of Bologna to the city centre and vice versa. The average wait time is 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Re: Is Bologna worth visiting? Yes, it's well worth a visit and it's far less touristy than the other places you've visited in Italy.

You will get a better exchange rate by using your credit card, as opposed to exchanging US dollars in Italy. Keep in mind that if you pay cash, you're more likely to get a discount in an independently owned store, if you ask for it.

If your bank is a member, you can use the ATMs of other banks in the alliance without paying a withdrawal fee. Italian bank BNL (Banca Nazionale Del Lavoro) is part of the alliance.

As a rule, debit cards are more widespread and commonly accepted in Italy so if you pay with Visa and MasterCard you'll have no particular difficulties. The only problem with a debit card is that a withdrawal from an ATM can cost you 5$ on average.

If you have not paid the toll fee for driving on a toll road during your stay in Italy, a payment demand for additional charges is sent to your home. This is usually sent by the Nivi S.p.A. debt collection agency. Sometimes the payment demand is only sent to you months or years later.

You can pay tolls in cash, credit cards, using Telepass - an OBU unit through which tolls are deducted automatically.

Highways in Italy are not for free. If you want to avoid tolls, take roads called “statali” that are free of charge. However, the fastest option is hands down the highway. Before entering the highway you have to pass a pay toll from which you'll get a ticket.

Which is the best area to stay in Bologna? ›

The best area to stay in Bologna is Centro Storico. This is the historic city centre, where you'll find all the tourist attractions, including the Fountain of Neptune, Basilica of San Petronio and the medieval towers. Centro Storico is also the best place to stay in Bologna for foodies or first-time visitors.

Ride to and from Bologna Airport with Uber. Instead of waiting for the BLQ shuttle or taxi, you can request a ride directly in the app and be on your way.

Everyone knows that, unlike in many other European countries, basic CDW car rental insurance is mandatory in Italy. That is, you are legally required to have this coverage while driving a rental car in Italy, and the rental companies won't let their car off the lot until they are sure you're covered.

A 16-country study of car hire costs worldwide reveals that Turkey and the USA are the cheapest places to hire a car this summer, and Italy and Portugal are the most expensive.

If you're visiting as a tourist, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver's license. If you're living here in Italy, you can rent a car in Italy with a US driver's license, but only if you're not a resident or have been a resident for less than one year.

Italy has a system called Telepass, which allows drivers to pay tolls electronically via a transponder placed on their windshield (similar to the E-ZPass and FasTrak systems used in parts of the U.S.).

Unfortunately, there is no agreement for reciprocal recognition of drivers' licenses between the United States and Italy. The Italian Ministry of Transportation has determined that bearers of U.S. driver's licenses cannot obtain an Italian license directly in exchange for a domestic one.

Many of us drive correctly and carefully, and be afraid of drive a car in Italy may represent just a cliché. In fact, there are no reasons to get afraid of driving in Italy, no more than in other places in the world. The car is one of the best ways to travel in Italy.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Italy for a week? ›

How much does it cost to rent a car for a week in Italy? On average a rental car in Italy costs $678 per week ($97 per day).

You will be asked to show Proof of ID such as your passport or national ID card, and while most companies will ask for a credit card for a deposit, there are some agencies that will accept debit cards. Having a Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) as part of your hire is a requirement to drive any car in Italy.

You can't make a right turn on a red light.

Though Italy has far fewer traffic lights than roundabouts, there are traffic lights and it is illegal to make a right turn on red.

If you have not paid the toll fee for driving on a toll road during your stay in Italy, a payment demand for additional charges is sent to your home. This is usually sent by the Nivi S.p.A. debt collection agency. Sometimes the payment demand is only sent to you months or years later.

A valid driver's license with a photo. A photo ID (For example: a driver's license or passport) Credit or debit card (check the acceptable forms of payment at the location you're renting from)

You can pay tolls in cash, credit cards, using Telepass - an OBU unit through which tolls are deducted automatically.

In Italy, Uber currently operates in eight cities, including Rome and Milan, where it offers its so-called Uber Black service, providing professional drivers in luxury sedans.

What side of the road do they drive on in Italy? Unlike in the UK, motorists drive on the right-hand side of the road in Italy and overtake on the left – which can take some adjustment if you're used to driving on the left.

Italians drive on the right side of the road, just like Americans. That may seem basic, but you'd be surprised how many people don't know. Traffic lights and stop signs work the same as most other countries, but, like most of Europe, right turns during red lights are ALWAYS ILLEGAL.

It's even in English! Good To Know: Italian drivers don't always come to a complete stop at stop signs. Keep that in mind if you're at the same intersection (or if you're a pedestrian crossing the street).

Is it safe to drive a rental car in Italy? ›

A car in Puglia is a must to see the most beautiful spots in the area! Be aware that theft from rental cars is a chronic problem in southern Italy, especially Sicily. You're safer parking your car with an attendant than on the side of the street. Don't leave valuables inside.

If you plan on driving during your visit to Italy, you must obtain an International Driving Permit (IDP), which you should carry with your driver's license. Yes, if you're visiting, you'll need to have an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your legal driving license.