✈️ Trieste Airport Car Rental – Explore Italy & Slovenia?
Trieste Airport (TRS), officially Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport, is a perfect starting point for exploring Northeast Italy, the Slovenian coast, Croatia’s Istria, and the Alps. Renting a car here gives you maximum freedom to explore beaches, castles, wine regions, and charming historic towns.
Travelers love renting a car at Trieste Airport because:
- ✔️ It’s small and easy to navigate
- ✔️ Car rental prices are often lower than Venice or Ljubljana
- ✔️ Quick and simple pickup process
- ✔️ Direct access to major highways (A4 & SS14)
- ✔️ The perfect base for multi-country trips
Whether you’re heading to Trieste, Udine, Grado, Piran, Ljubljana, or Pula, a rental car is the most convenient option.
🏢 Car Rental Companies at Trieste Airport
All rental desks are located in the Arrivals Hall, with pickup/drop-off in the parking area next to the terminal.
Major rental companies:
- Avis
- Budget
- Hertz
- Sixt
- Europcar
- Enterprise / National / Alamo
- Locauto
- Noleggiare
- Autovia
- Maggiore
💶 Average Car Rental Prices at Trieste Airport
Prices vary by demand, season, car size, and insurance type. Here’s an overview based on real traveler averages.
Average Daily Prices
| Car Type | Price per Day | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Economy (Fiat 500, Toyota Aygo) | €18–€32 | Solo travelers, couples, city driving |
| Compact (Ford Focus, VW Golf) | €25–€45 | Most travelers, good balance |
| SUV (Jeep Renegade, Tiguan) | €40–€80 | Mountains, long distances |
| Minivan (7–9 seats) | €75–€140 | Groups, families |
| Premium (Audi A4, BMW 3) | €65–€120 | Comfort & long highway trips |
| Convertible | €50–€100 | Scenic coastline drives |
When prices are higher:
- Summer (June–September)
- Easter holidays
- Christmas and New Year
- Weekends before major events in Trieste or Udine
Booking early usually results in 20–35% lower prices.
🧾 What You Need to Rent a Car at TRS Airport
Renting a car at Trieste Airport is straightforward, but you must have the correct documents.
✔️ Required documents:
- Passport or national ID card
- Valid driving licence (held for 1–2 years depending on company)
- Credit card required for deposit (some accept debit cards but with restrictions)
- Booking confirmation (email or printed)
✔️ For non-EU visitors:
- International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your home country
- Some companies require both your national licence + IDP
✔️ Minimum age:
- Usually 21 years old
- Drivers under 25 typically pay a young driver surcharge
🚘 Choosing the Best Car for Your Trip
Your ideal rental car depends on your itinerary.
🚗 Economy & Compact Cars — Best for Cities
Recommended if you plan to explore:
- Trieste
- Udine
- Cividale del Friuli
- Palmanova
Benefits:
- Easy parking
- Low fuel consumption
- Ideal for narrow Italian streets
🚙 SUVs — Best for Mountains & Rural Areas
Consider an SUV if you plan to visit:
- Slovenian mountains
- Triglav National Park
- Croatia’s hilltop towns
- Alpine passes
🚐 Minivans — Best for Groups
Perfect for:
- Family trips
- Ski holidays
- Group excursions
🌞 Convertibles — Best for Scenic Routes
Great for:
- Coastal drives along the Adriatic
- Trips to Grado, Piran, or Rovinj
✨ Step-by-Step Guide: How to Rent a Car at Trieste Airport
1️⃣ Book your rental online
Booking online provides better rates and more car types.
Airport counter prices can be significantly higher.
2️⃣ Compare insurance options
Common choices:
- Basic insurance (included)
- Medium protection (reduced deductible)
- Full protection (covers tires, glass, scratches, theft)
Most travelers choose full protection for peace of mind.
3️⃣ Pick up your car at the airport
- Go to the rental desk
- Show your documents
- Sign the agreement
- Receive car keys and pickup instructions
4️⃣ Inspect the vehicle carefully
Take photos of:
- Bumper
- Wheels
- Doors
- Interior
- Fuel level
This protects you during drop-off.
5️⃣ Enjoy your road trip
Follow the green highway signs (Autostrada), or the coastal SS14 road for a scenic route.
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6️⃣ Return the car on time
- Refuel if required (full-to-full)
- Follow “Car Rental Return” signs
- Wait for the inspection
- Get your receipt
🛣️ Driving Tips for Trieste, Slovenia & Croatia
Trieste Airport is close to three countries, so prepare for different driving styles & regulations.
🚦 Speed limits in Italy:
- Urban: 50 km/h
- Rural roads: 70–90 km/h
- Highways (Autostrade): 130 km/h
🇸🇮 Driving in Slovenia:
If you plan to cross into Slovenia, you MUST purchase a Slovenian vignette (toll sticker).
🇭🇷 Driving in Croatia:
Croatia uses toll gates, not stickers.
Payments: card or cash.
⛽ Fuel types:
- Benzina = Petrol
- Diesel = Gasolio
- GPL = Auto gas
🛑 ZTL zones:
Historic centers often have restricted traffic areas.
Avoid entering ZTLs in:
- Trieste
- Udine
- Piran (Slovenia)
- Poreč (Croatia)
Entering a ZTL could result in an automatic fine.
🌍 Best Road Trips from Trieste Airport
Renting a car opens the door to unforgettable routes across Italy, Slovenia, and Croatia.
Here are the most popular trips starting from TRS.
1️⃣ Trieste City — 30 minutes
Don’t miss:
- Piazza Unità d’Italia
- Miramare Castle
- Carso cliffs (epic sea views!)
2️⃣ Udine — 35 minutes
Beautiful medieval city with:
- Loggia del Lionello
- Udine Castle
- Excellent local wines
3️⃣ Grado — 20–30 minutes
An island town with:
- Golden beaches
- Thermal spas
- Roman ruins
4️⃣ Slovenia’s Coast (Piran, Koper, Portorož) — 45–60 minutes
Expect:
- Clear water
- Venetian architecture
- Amazing seafood
5️⃣ Ljubljana — 1 hour 30 minutes
Slovenia’s capital is known for:
- Ljubljana Castle
- Riverside cafés
- Alpine views
6️⃣ Croatia’s Istria — 1–2 hours
Top places:
- Poreč
- Rovinj
- Pula Amphitheatre
A rental car makes it easy to explore multiple countries in a single trip.
🏨 Hotels Near Trieste Airport
Here are the best-rated accommodations close to TRS Airport:
| Hotel | Distance | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hotel Major | 3 min | €70–€110 | Closest option, modern |
| Hotel Furlan | 5 min | €60–€95 | Budget-friendly |
| Laguna Palace Grado | 25 min | €120–€200 | Luxury, seaside |
| Savoia Excelsior Palace (Trieste) | 35 min | €130–€250 | Premium city stay |
❓ FAQ: Car Rental at Trieste Airport
Is it cheaper to rent a car at Trieste Airport or in the city?
Usually the airport is cheaper thanks to more competition.
Do I need insurance?
Basic insurance is included, but full protection is recommended.
Can I drive to Slovenia or Croatia?
Yes, but inform the rental company.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, but availability is limited — book early.
Is parking in Trieste easy?
Use paid public parking. Avoid the ZTL in the historic center.
🧭 Final Tips for Renting a Car at TRS Airport
- Book early for the best rates
- Choose a small car for city driving
- Avoid ZTL zones
- Get full insurance for peace of mind
- Check cross-border rules for Slovenia & Croatia
- Rent an SUV for mountain routes
Car rental at Trieste Airport is simple, fast, and ideal for exploring the most beautiful locations in Italy and beyond. With the right car, you can enjoy complete freedom and comfort throughout your journey.
