🧭 Yes, One-Way Rentals Are Allowed in Italy
You can return a rental car to a different city in Italy — it’s called a one-way rental. Major rental companies support it, but expect an additional fee and limited availability for smaller agencies.
🏙️ Most Common One-Way Routes
| From | Popular Drop-Off Cities | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Rome | Florence, Milan, Venice | Ideal for scenic road trips |
| Milan | Turin, Bologna, Rome | Great for business travelers |
| Naples | Amalfi Coast, Rome, Bari | Check fuel policy |
| Venice | Milan, Bologna, Verona | Limited office hours |
💰 One-Way Rental Fee in Italy
Most companies charge a one-time drop-off fee, ranging from:
- €30–€90 for domestic drop-offs
- €100–€300+ for international (e.g. to France or Switzerland)
Tip: Sometimes the fee is waived during promotions or if you rent from major cities.
🔍 Best Rental Companies Offering One-Way in Italy
| Rental Company | Allows One-Way | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Europcar | ✅ Yes | Wide availability, premium fleet |
| Hertz | ✅ Yes | Best for cross-border rentals |
| Sicily by Car | ✅ Yes | Often cheaper with debit cards |
| Sixt | ✅ Yes | Young driver-friendly |
| Avis/Budget | ✅ Yes | Budget options, but check office hours |
🚫 Important Restrictions
- Not all locations allow after-hours drop-off
- Must drop off at an authorized location (usually listed during booking)
- Cross-border returns require prior approval
- You may need to return during office hours to avoid fees
🧳 People Also Ask
Can I rent a car in Rome and drop it in Venice?
Yes, most major rental agencies offer one-way drop-off to Venice, but check availability.
Do I pay more for one-way rentals in Italy?
Yes, expect a surcharge between €30–€90 within Italy.
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Can I return my rental car in another country from Italy?
Yes, but international drop-offs have higher fees and stricter conditions.
Do I need special documents for one-way rental in Italy?
Just your usual rental documents — but cross-border travel may require a “green card” or cross-border fee.
📌 Tips for One-Way Rentals in Italy
- ✅ Book early – one-way cars run out quickly in summer
- 🔍 Compare prices on aggregator sites like EconomyBookings, AutoEurope
- 💳 Check if debit cards are accepted at both locations
- 🕒 Confirm drop-off time and location rules
- 📞 Call the pickup location to verify if your drop-off is authorized
💡 Summary
Yes, you can return a rental car to a different city in Italy. Most major car rental companies offer one-way rentals for an extra fee, typically between €30–€90. Cross-border returns are possible but more expensive and may require additional paperwork. Book in advance and confirm drop-off policies to avoid surprise charges.
❓ FAQ
Q: Are one-way rentals more expensive in Italy?
A: Yes, they include a drop-off surcharge. Still cheaper than trains for groups.
Q: Can I rent a car in Italy and return it in France?
A: Some companies allow it, but you must inform them in advance.
Q: Can I drop off a rental car at a hotel?
A: Usually not. You must use the rental company’s designated office.
Q: Is insurance affected by one-way rentals?
A: No, coverage stays the same, but cross-border coverage must be confirmed.
