Best place to rent a car in Venice, Italy
Hey fellow travellers! If you're planning a trip to Venice and want to explore the Veneto region, one of the top questions to answer before you go is: where's the best place to rent a car in Venice, Italy?
The answer depends on a few key things - where you're flying in from, how long you'll be staying in Venice and whether you're planning a road trip.
Venice is a pretty special destination because it's built on a lagoon and is unlike most Italian cities. Cars can't go zipping through the historic centre, so visitors usually leave their vehicles at the edge of town and continue on foot or by vaporetto.
So, choosing the right rental spot can make a big difference to your whole itinerary. Let’s find out in this ultimate guide by Venice Insider Guide.
What's the best place to rent a car in Venice, Italy?
So, what's the best place to rent a car in Venice, Italy?
For most travellers flying into Venice, Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) is probably your best bet. The airport has a whole area dedicated to car rentals in the P1 multi-storey car park, where all the major rental companies have their offices and vehicles.
If you're arriving by train, however, Venice Mestre railway station is a pretty good option. Mestre is on the mainland and has loads of car rental offices just a stone's throw from the station, which makes it super convenient if Venice is just the first stop on a wider Italian adventure.
Piazzale Roma, at the entrance to Venice's historic centre, is another possibility. It can be a good choice if you're already staying in Venice and want to pick up a car before heading off - but it's usually less useful if you just want to visit Venice and don't need a car at all.
So, let's boil it down:
- Flying into Marco Polo Airport: get a car at the airport.
- Getting the train to Mestre: grab a rental from Mestre station.
- Already in Venice: Piazzale Roma can work if you're planning a longer trip.
- Just visiting Venice: you probably won't need to rent a car at all.
1.Renting a car at Venice Marco Polo Airport
Venice Marco Polo Airport is where most international flights land - and it's on the mainland, in Tessera.
If you're landing at VCE and about to set off on a road trip, it's one of the most straightforward places to get a car.
According to the airport's latest info, the car rental in Venice offices are all on the third level of the P1 multi-storey car park. Even if you've booked online, you'll still need to go to the rental company's airport office to collect your keys.
Loads of big rental companies have offices at the airport, including:
SIXT Noleggio Auto Venezia - Aeroporto di Venezia Marco Polo, Europcar Venezia Aeroporto, Hertz Autonoleggio - Venezia Aeroporto, Avis Autonoleggio - Tessera Aeroporto di Venezia and Sicily by Car aeroporto Venezia.
There's loads of choice, which makes it easy to compare different options and pick the one that suits you best.
Who should rent at Marco Polo Airport?
This is a great option for:
- who arrives in Venice by plane;
- who wants to leave Venice right away;
- who's planning a northern Italy road trip;
- who has luggage to deal with and wants to get a car as soon as they land;
- who's heading off to the Dolomites, Verona or Lake Garda;
- who wants to avoid having to get into Venice before collecting their vehicle.
If Venice is the first stop on your holiday, you could also just take public transport or a taxi into the city for a few days and rent the car later, when you're ready to hit the road.
2.Renting a car at Venice Mestre
Another great spot for renting a car in Venice is Mestre.
Mestre is on the mainland and is super easy to get to from Venice's historic centre by train, bus or tram.
Travellers arriving by train will love Mestre because there are loads of car rental agencies just a short walk from the station.
Some of the local rental companies include Sixt Autonoleggio e furgoni Venezia Mestre Stazione, Locauto Venezia Mestre Stazione, Avis Autonoleggio - Venezia Mestre Stazione and Sicily by Car Autonoleggio FFSS Mestre.
This is a great choice for:
Venice → Dolomites → Verona → Lake Garda → MilanInstead of taking a car into Venice, you can arrive by train and then leave the car behind while you explore the historic centre, only to collect your rental car later in Mestre when the road tripping portion of your holiday gets underway.
3 Is Piazzale Roma a good place to rent a car from?
Piazzale Roma is just the main road access point to Venice's historic centre, with buses and cars able to get there before you continue on foot or by boat.
There are rental offices there, including Sixt Autonoleggio e furgoni Venezia Piazzale Roma, Hertz Autonoleggio - Venice, and Europcar Venezia.
It can be a useful place to rent a car if you are already staying in Venice and are going to leave the city by car. But, there is a catch - you wont be able to use the rental car to explore the historic centre of Venice.
Once you get into the heart of the city, the car stays parked.
For this reason Piazzale Roma is more useful as a place to leave from on a road trip than as a base for actually sightseeing in Venice.
Car rental Venice: Venice Airport vs Mestre vs Piazzale Roma
The three locations cater to different travel needs.
Marco Polo Airport is perfect for people who are picking up their rental car right after landing.
Mestre Station is the best choice for when you arrive by train or want to visit Venice before you start the driving part of your holiday.
Piazzale Roma can be useful for people who are already in the historic centre and are getting ready to leave Venice.
So, it really depends on your itinerary rather than trying to pick the 'best' out of the three.
Why Venice is a bit different when it comes to renting a car
Venice is one of Italy's most unusual destinations for car rental.
The historic centre is made up of islands, and its most famous neighbourhoods - San Marco, Rialto, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro and Castello are all pedestrian areas with no normal streets you can drive a rental car down.
Instead, you usually arrive at the edge of the historic centre and then get around on foot, by vaporetto, water taxi or other local transport.
That means the question “Where can I rent a car in Venice?” is not quite the same as it is in cities like Rome, Milan or Florence.
You are more or less deciding where to pick up your car before leaving Venice, rather than where to drive around the city itself.
Why rent a car in Venice?
Renting a car makes sense if you have a larger Italian itinerary that includes Venice.
The car is especially useful if you want to combine Venice with places like the Dolomites, Lake Garda, Verona, Padua, Vicenza, Treviso, the Prosecco Hills or the Venetian countryside.
It can also be useful for people doing a longer road trip across northern Italy, allowing Venice to be just one of several stops rather than the only destination.
On the other hand, if your trip is just going to be a short break in Venice, a rental car is generally not worth it. The historic centre is pedestrianised and is mostly explored on foot and by water transport.
So, it is worth bearing that in mind when searching for the best place to rent a car in Venice, Italy: the best location is not necessarily the one closest to your hotel, but the one that fits with your overall plans.
Where should you park your rental car in Venice?
If you are going to be in Venice for several days, there is little reason to keep your rental car in the historic centre.
Instead, consider parking at the edge of the city or on the mainland.
You have a few options including the parking facilities around:
Piazzale Roma, which puts you right on the doorstep of Venice;
Tronchetto, another major vehicle access and parking area;
Mestre, which is particularly convenient if your holiday starts or ends on the mainland.
The right choice just depends on your accommodation, how long you are staying and whether you are collecting or returning the vehicle.
If you decide to rent a car before visiting Venice, finding a parking spot is 1 of the 1st practical details you need to sort out.
The municipality lists several options in the Venice area, including Autorimessa Comunale, Parcheggio S. Andrea & parking facilities in San Giuliano. There are also loads of parking options in Mestre. Your choice of parking depends on your itinerary.
Parking at Piazzale Roma
If you want to leave your vehicle just outside the city centre, Piazzale Roma is probably your best bet.
It's particularly convenient if your accommodation , luggage & timing mean you need to be close to the city's main entrance point.
Parking at Tronchetto
The Tronchetto area is another well-known spot for leaving a vehicle before heading towards Venice.
It can be useful if you want to combine a rental car with a stay in the historic centre of Venice.
Parking in Mestre
If you don't actually need to bring the vehicle into Venice at all, parking in Mestre can be a pretty practical option.
This is especially relevant if the rental car is being collected in Mestre & you just plan to use public transport to get to Venice.
Can you drive a rental car in Venice?
One of the most important things to understand before booking a rental car is no, not in the historic centre of Venice.
The historic centre is made up of islands connected by bridges and pedestrian routes, so cars cant actually get through areas like San Marco, Rialto, Cannaregio, Dorsoduro or Castello.
You therefore need to leave the car at a suitable parking facility or rental location before you go exploring the historic centre.
There are also Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) areas on the mainland, like in Mestre, where access is controlled and unauthorised vehicles can get fined. The City of Venice has cameras monitoring licence plates to keep an eye on who is entering the restricted areas.
This is especially important when collecting a rental car in Mestre: always make sure you check the exact route & where the ZTL gates are located before you start driving away.
Airport or Mestre: which car rental in Venice location should you choose?
Rather than asking which location is universally better, think about where your holiday itinerary starts & ends.
Choose Marco Polo Airport if:
You're flying into Venice & are straight into a road trip.
This is particularly convenient if you're heading off towards the Veneto countryside , the Dolomites or other northern Italian destinations straight away.
Choose Mestre if:
You're coming in by train or want to spend some time in Venice before starting your road trip.
Mestre can be pretty useful if you want to separate the sightseeing in Venice bit of your holiday from the driving bit.
Choose Piazzale Roma if:
You're already in Venice & need a vehicle to leave the city.
It can be handy if your accommodation is right in the historic centre of Venice & you want to collect the car shortly before you leave.
What should you check before booking a rental car in Venice?
Finding the best spot to rent a car in Venice, Italy is only the first step. The rental conditions themselves can make a big difference to the final cost & convenience of your journey.
Before you confirm your booking, check:
Collection & return times. Make sure the office is open when your flight or train gets in & when you plan to return the car.
Fuel policy.Full-to-full is often straightforward, but always read the small print.
Mileage restrictions. Some rates may include unlimited mileage, while others can impose limits.
Insurance & excess. Check what is included in the basic price & what is still your responsibility in the event of any damage.
Deposit. Rental companies may require a security deposit, often linked to the driver's credit card.
Driver requirements. Verify the minimum age, driving licence requirements & any additional-driver fees.
Automatic or manual transmission. Automatic vehicles can be more useful if you're not used to driving a manual car in Italy, but they can be more limited or more expensive depending on availability.
Cross-border travel. If your itinerary includes Slovenia, Austria, Croatia, Switzerland or another country, verify that the rental agreement lets you travel abroad.
One-way rental. If you want to collect the car in Venice & return it in another Italian city, check if a one-way fee applies.
Vehicle size. A compact car is often easier to handle than a large vehicle on Italian roads, particularly in historic towns & smaller villages.
Do you need a car for a Venice holiday?
For a holiday based entirely in Venice, usually no.
The city is much easier to experience without a car. Walking is a big part of the Venetian experience, & the vaporetto network connects loads of different parts of the lagoon.
A rental car becomes much more useful when Venice is combined with other destinations.
For example, a 7-day itinerary could look like:
Days 1–3: Venice
Explore the historic centre, visit St. Mark's Square, Rialto, Dorsoduro, Cannaregio & the lagoon without a car.
Day 4: Collect the rental car
Either take the train to Mestre or travel to the airport, depending on your booking.
Days 4–7: Northern Italy road trip
Continue off towards destinations like Verona, Lake Garda, the Prosecco Hills or the Dolomites.
This way you avoid paying for a vehicle while it's just sitting around unused during your Venice stay.
Best place to rent a car in Venice for a road trip
If your holiday is actually a northern Italy road trip, the best rental point will depend on which direction you're heading off in.Marco Polo Airport: a hassle-free start to your Italian road trip
When looking for a starting point for a journey beginning immediately after an international flight, Marco Polo Airport is a pretty obvious choice because the rental facilities are all tucked away in a convenient spot - the airport's own parking area.
If on the other hand you'd rather get a feel for Venice first, Mestre can be a useful starting point: you can visit Venice without a car, then pick up your vehicle on the mainland when you're ready to move on.
Alternatively, if you're already staying in the historic centre, Piazzale Roma can save you from having to make unnecessary transfers before starting your road trip.
The key is to find a rental location that fits in with your holiday plans - rather than just picking the one that's nearest to the airport.
Car Rental in Venice: Useful Tips for Overseas Visitors
If you're visiting Italy from abroad, you'll want to bear a few things in mind.
First, make sure you have your original driving licence to hand - the one that's valid for your nationality - and check whether you need an International Driving Permit as well, depending on your licence.
It's also a good idea to keep all your rental documents safe and take a few snaps of the vehicle before you leave the rental station, just in case you need to refer back to them later. Take a record of the exterior, wheels, windscreen and fuel level.
And don't just rely on your satnav for directions - especially in areas like Venice and Mestre where road signs are often a bit tricky to navigate. ZTL restrictions apply in some areas and entering an unauthorised zone can result in a hefty fine.
Finally, factor in a bit of extra time when returning your vehicle - especially if you're flying out from Marco Polo Airport.
Where's the Best Place to Rent a Car in Venice, Italy: The Final Word
So, what is the best place to rent a car in Venice, Italy? Honestly, the answer depends on your own personal circumstances.
If you're arriving by plane and want to get going on your road trip right away, Venice Marco Polo Airport is a pretty good bet.
If you're arriving by train or want to explore Venice before renting a car, Mestre is a practical choice.
If you're already based in the historic centre and are about to leave Venice, Piazzale Roma can be useful too.
But here's another thing to consider: if you're on your own in Venice, you may not need a rental car at all. Venice is a city that's best discovered on foot - and by water. Renting a car makes more sense when you're heading off the island and into the wider Veneto region or Northern Italy.
So why not plan your trip in two stages: explore Venice without a car first, then rent one when it's time to hit the open road. That way, you can enjoy the canals, bridges and historic palaces of Venice without worrying about parking - while still having the freedom to explore further afield.
Frequently Asked Questions: Best Place to Rent a Car in Venice, Italy
What's the best place to rent a car in Venice, Italy?
If you're arriving by plane and want to start your road trip straight away, Venice Marco Polo Airport is a good option. If you're arriving by train, Mestre might be a better choice.
Can I rent a car in the middle of Venice?
There aren't any rental offices actually on the historic island - but there are some around Piazzale Roma, which is the point where the mainland meets the island.
Should I rent my car at Marco Polo Airport or Mestre?
Marco Polo is a bit more convenient after a flight. Mestre can be more practical if you arrive by train or want to visit Venice beforehand.
Do I really need a car to visit Venice?
No, not necessarily. Venice is a city that's best explored on foot - and by water.
Can I drive from Venice to the Dolomites?
Yes, this is one situation where renting a car can make a lot of sense - especially if you want to explore the mountain towns and countryside beyond the main public transport routes.
Can I drive a rental car into Mestre?
Yes, but do be aware of the ZTL areas and keep an eye out for cameras. Unauthorised access can result in a fine.
Where do I collect my rental car from Venice Airport?
At Marco Polo Airport, the rental offices are tucked away on the third level of the P1 multi-storey car park - while the actual vehicles are collected from the designated rental area.
Is renting a car in Venice worth it?
It can be worth it if Venice is part of a wider road trip around Veneto or Northern Italy. But for a short city break in Venice itself, a car is generally not necessary.
How do you combine Venice with a road trip?
A pretty good strategy is to visit Venice first - without a car - and then pick up your vehicle at Mestre or another suitable rental location. This saves you money on parking while still giving you the freedom to explore when you're ready to move on.
Hey travellers, - if you think Venice is just a destination, think again. It's actually the start of an incredible journey through northern Italy. Where you choose to pick up your rental is key - depends on your itinerary, really. Leave the car at home once you hit the historic centre - it's way more fun to explore on foot. And save the driving for the real stars of the show: the landscapes and quaint little towns just outside the lagoon.
Stick with us for more insider's tips on all things Venice - we'll keep on sharing on Venice Insider Guide.