Car Rental in Verona

Why rent a car in Verona?

Verona is a fascinating place to explore. The northern city is as known for its splendid architecture and many landmarks as for its well-preserved, historic atmosphere. Verona’s location means that it is near the Adriatic Coast, Lake Garda, and other famous cities like Venice and Milan, all of which you can easily reach with a rental car.

Top ways to enter Verona

• Verona Airport. Small, yet cozy and active, Verona Villafranca Airport serves more than 3 million travelers every year. There are plenty of flights to and from domestic destinations, cities in other European countries, and even airports in Africa and the Middle East. Verona Airport is 10km (6.2 miles) southwest of Verona.
• Bergamo Airport. Also known as Orio al Serio and Il Caravaggio, this airport is experiencing steady growth. In 2018, it served nearly 13 million travelers, a figure that it is expected to surpass in 2019. Bergamo Airport is just a little more than an hour’s drive west of Verona.
• Venice Marco Polo Airport. Named after the famous Venetian traveler, the fourth-busiest airport in Italy is served by old established airlines and low-cost carriers alike. Venice Airport is less than two hour’s drive east of Verona.
• Treviso Airport. This small airport that’s also in the province of Veneto is a large base for the low-cost carrier Ryanair which has flights to and from Germany, France, the Netherlands, Poland, and many other countries. Treviso Airport is about a 2-hour drive east of Verona.
• Milan Malpensa Airport. The second-busiest in Italy and among the 25 largest in Europe, Milan Malpensa serves countless daily flights to destinations in Italy, the rest of Europe, Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Modern and traveler-friendly, Malpensa Airport is just a two-hour drive west of Verona.
• By rail. If you arrive in Verona by train, you can conveniently pick up your rental car at Verona Porta Nuova station.

City facts

• Verona enjoys a humid subtropical climate with warm summers and mild winters. The average temperature is 29.2°C  (84.6°F) in July and 6.1°C  (43°F) in January. The precipitation is spread rather evenly between the seasons, with the period from March to May being slightly more rainy than the rest of the year.
• Like many other Italian cities, Verona boasts a long and fascinating history. First established in the 2nd century BC, it has been ruled by ancient Romans, Byzantines, Lombards, Venetians, and others. All of these groups have influenced the city’s appearance and traditions.

Top sights and activities

• Arena. The impressive Roman amphitheater was built in the 1st century A.D. and despite suffering from a major earthquake in the 12th century, it remains one of the city’s main attractions to this day. Nowadays it sometimes hosts grand opera performances and the concerts of world-famous musicians like Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen, and others.
• Basilica of San Zeno. Devoted to a 4th-century fisherman who became the Bishop (and later the patron saint) of Verona, the basilica was first built in the 9th century. Damaged and destroyed by invaders a number of times, it was always successfully renovated turning into a symbol of the resilience of the Veronese. The basilica and the Benedictine abbey located next to it still house the shrine of Zeno’s tomb as well as a smiling statue of the man himself.
• Castelvecchio. A fortified castle first built nearly 700 years ago, nowadays Castelvecchio houses the Verona City Art Museum. With an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and other artworks by medieval and Renaissance masters, the museum provides an insight into the city’s impressive history.
• Juliet’s House. Although William Shakespeare most likely never set foot in Verona, where his timeless classic Romeo and Juliet takes place, the famous author allegedly based the fighting clans of Capulets and Montagues on real, famous Veronese families. Because of this, Casa di Giulietta, the former home of the Cappello family, is one of the most visited attractions in the city and even has a balcony where the most famous scene of the play is supposed to have taken place. Another somewhat fictional landmark is Juliet’s Tomb which shares its premises with the excellent Antonian Fresco Museum.
• Roman Theatre and Palazzo della Ragione. Built in the 12th century, this grand complex is one of the city’s oldest landmarks with several historic buildings such as the huge and majestic hall with its wooden roof supported by two rows of columns and intricate loggia. It's definitely worth visiting because of its timeless beauty.
• Ponte Scaligero. This impressive fortified bridge spans across River Adige near San Giorgio Maggiore church and was built in 1354 as part of the Castelvecchio fortress defense system. It features three arches with four towers topped by crenellations as well as several statues depicting members of the powerful Scaligeri family that once ruled Verona.
•  Lamberti Tower (Torre degli Lamberti). The 85-meter-tall tower dominates Verona's skyline providing some breathtaking views over Piazza Erbe, Arena di Verona amphitheater, Adige river valley, Alps on a clear day etc. What is amazing about this is that the tower is still in its original condition. Its construction began in 1172 and soon it became one of the main symbols of Verona’s power and wealth.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. 
• Like in many other historic Italian cities, the traffic is limited in the historic center of Verona (the area is called the limited traffic zone or ZTL). As a visitor of the city, you are only be allowed to drive your rental car inside ZTL if your hotel is be located within the area. If that is the case, you have to ask your hotel about this and they’ll register your vehicle’s plate number with the local police and will provide you a designated parking area within the ZTL. Driving inside the ZTL without the special permit will lead to high fines. If unsure about which parts of Verona are inside ZTL or if you have any other questions regarding this topic, please ask your rental car provider for more information.
• Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h. When it is raining, the limits are respectively lowered to 110 km/h, 100 km/h, and 80 km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50 km/h during periods of heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
• Proof insurance and the car’s documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Being over the allowed limit can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment. 
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are numerous toll roads in Italy. The exact fee depends on the route of choice and the type of vehicle. See the official Italian toll road website for more information. Use the website’s toll road calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route. 

Ideas for day trips

• Venice. Although the sinking city obviously deserves a much longer visit than just a day trip, the fact that it is just a 90-minute drive east of Verona means you can still see it if you’re in a rush. Park your car near the center of Venice on the mainland and go admire the Doge’s Palace and the Clock Tower, roam through the narrow side streets to discover small cafeterias and art galleries, or travel to picturesque nearby islands like Murano.
• Lake Garda. The famous lake that is one of the favorite vacation places of Northern Italians is less than an hour’s drive from Verona. With a rental car, you can easily travel around it visiting towns like Torbole and Gargnano, enjoying the panoramic views from Monte Baldo or finding special spots and adventures of your own.
• Milan. Much more than just a business and fashion metropolis, Milan is a city that’s full of surprises. The historic center with the Duomo Cathedral and the Teatro alla Scala opera house is splendid. Its impressive museums cover not only art but also topics like archaeology and natural science. The parks on the southern side of the city are the perfect place to unwind from the hustle and bustle of the city. Milan is just a two-hour drive west of Verona.
• Padua. Completing the trinity of classical northeastern Italian cities that also includes Venice and Verona, Padua (or Padova, as it is sometimes also called) is another classy, sophisticated destination. In addition to a well-preserved historical atmosphere, the city boasts landmarks like Saint Anthony Basilica, the impressive square of Prato Della Valle, and the Museum-Laboratory of Ancient Scientific Instruments. The drive from Verona takes about an hour and 15 minutes.
• Sirmione. If you want to escape the hustle and bustle of Verona, head south for about an hour to Sirmione. This is a beautiful medieval town situated on the tip of a small peninsula that juts into Lake Garda and offers excellent views over the lake as well as several attractions, including the ruins of a Roman villa (Grotte di Catullo), thermal baths, and the Scaliger Castle. It’s a great place to relax and take in some idyllic scenery.
• Brentonico Plateau. This is an area of high plateaus located just half an hour away from Verona that offers plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities such as trekking, biking, or simply admiring the beautiful nature. The Brentonico Plateau is characterized by fields of rolling green hills and is home to a diverse array of flora and fauna. It’s also great for spotting some rare bird species like golden eagles.
• Bolzano. Located in Northern Italy’s South Tyrol region, which is close to the borders of Austria and Switzerland, Bolzano is the capital of one of the most beautiful regions in Europe. Aside from its stunning landscape, the city offers a unique mix of Italian and Austrian culture on display at places like Piazza Walther or Museo Archeologico. The drive from Verona to Bolzano takes about an hour and a half. 
• Lake Como. Lake Como is one of the most breathtakingly beautiful places in Italy. It’s a place of high mountains, lush vegetation, and calm waters with picturesque villages scattered across the shorelines. The drive from Verona to Lake Como takes around two hours, but it’s worth it for the spectacular views. Make sure to stop in the towns of Lecco, Bellagio, and Varenna on the way.
• Parma. The birthplace of Parmigiano as well as perhaps the best prosciutto (cured ham) in Italy, the Emilian city is also known for its unique and well-preserved architecture that includes gems like the Santa Maria Assunta Cathedral and the National Gallery. Located some 145 km (90 miles) southwest of Verona and near a number of other famous cities such as Bologna and Modena, Parma can be reached by car in under two hours.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car type in Verona is the mini, although many travelers also choose economy and compact vehicles. The most popular rental car is the Peugeot 108, followed by the Opel Corsa and the Fiat 500.

Further destinations

• Bologna. Historic, rebellious, and most importantly, delicious, Bologna is one of the most underrated cities of Northern Italy. While the Bolognese cuisine is the number one reason to come here because it’s so great, Bologna is also an upbeat university city with many events and festivals and some of the greatest bar and party culture in the country. From Verona, it’s only about a two-hour drive south.
• San Marino. Completely surrounded by Italy, San Marino is a lovely off-the-beaten-track destination. Many visitors come to be able to say they have visited another country but stay for the historical heritage of the oldest republic on the planet, the interesting museums, the delicious cuisine, and the unwavering hospitality of the local San Marinese. Located near Rimini, San Marino is about a 3-hour-and 30-minute drive from Verona.
• Switzerland. Southern Switzerland - the Italian-speaking part of the country - is one of the most picturesque regions of Europe. The mountain scenery is breathtaking. Towns like Locarno and Bellinzona look like they’re from fairy tales, and Lake Maggiore is just as scenic as Lake Garda. Lugano, the region’s capital, is just a 2-hour-and-30-minute drive northwest of Verona. Keep in mind that you’d be crossing an international border, so first, make sure your rental car provider allows it.
• Slovenia. With plenty of forests, mountains, valleys, a fun capital in Ljubljana and picturesque towns like Bled, it’s understandable why Slovenia is one of the up-and-coming travel destinations of Europe. Influenced by neighboring Hungarians, Austrians, and Italians, its unique culture is not to be missed. The Italian-Slovenian border is only about a three-hour drive east of Verona. Keep in mind that you’d be crossing an international border, so first, make sure your rental car provider permits it.
• Florence. The capital of Tuscany and birthplace of the Renaissance, Florence remains one of Italy’s most fascinating cities. Take in the world-famous landmarks and World Heritage Sites (there are too many to list), then take time to also explore the bucolic countryside that surrounds the city. The trip from Verona to Florence takes about three hours.

Car rental prices in Verona

• Vans - from €60 per day
• Premium cars - from €84 per day
• Small cars - from €36 per day
• Medium cars - from €35 per day
• Station wagons - from €55 per day
• SUVs - from €40 per day
• Large cars - from €43 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Keep in mind these simple tips when booking a rental car for Verona:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Verona is the cheapest in December when renting a car is about 43% cheaper than the yearly average and an entire 55% cheaper than booking a car in May. Come visit Verona in winter; it’s just as historic and charming!