Car hires in Milan: practical information
Where to rent a car in Milan
Finance and fashion make Milan one of the best cities, not only in Italy but in Europe. While it was greatly destroyed during WWII, it makes up for its lack in Romantic architecture with its chic Italian charm. Milan is linked to the rest of Italy with major motorways, making it an easy city to get in and out of by car. Once you book your tickets from London to Milan, check out a low cost car hire in Milan as well to make your trip that much easier.
There are two major airports in Milan, Linate and Malpensa. Alternatively you can also fly into Bergamo's Orio al Serio Airport or Parma Airport with a low cost airline. All of these airports have car hire services and are the most convenient places to pick up car hires in Milan. At Linate choose from Auto Europa, Avis, Budget, EasyCar, Europcar, Locauto Rent, Maggiore National, Sixt, Targa Rent and Thrifty, all in the Arrivals Hall.
Parking in Milan: what you should know
It's not recommended to drive in Milan's city centre during the week, Monday to Friday because of the heavy traffic. On weekends however, it's a breeze and finding parking is much easier. Travellers coming into Milan are advised to park their cars in one of the huge car parks along the ring road. From there you can use the underground tube system to get into the city centre. Just watch out, they close at midnight and you'll have to wait until morning to get your car out.
Milan is a very walkable city, so if you are visiting the inner city then it's a good idea to park your car outside the old city walls (to avoid paying a congestion fee) and walk in or take the metro. Parking is scarce in the city and most hotels in Milan don't offer parking to their guests unless they are located out of the city and have the room.
Road trips from Milan: what to do, what to see
To note: drivers need to pay a congestion fee for driving inside the former city walls. The fee is calculated by engine-type and age of car and ranges from €2-10. It can be paid by SMS, online or at newspaper stands. If you do not pay this fee within 48 hours of driving in the area, you will be fined €75. The fee only applies between 7:30am and 7:30pm.
- A stone's throw away: Lake Como is a beautiful lake just at the foothills of the Alps. There are very quaint villages nearby as well like Como, Menaggio, Varenna and Bellagio. It takes about 50 minutes to reach Lake Como by train, around the same by car. Lake Como is part of Italy's Lake District so if you have more time, visit the other lakes as well!
- A little further: Bergamo is about 60km north-east of Milan and makes for a great trip out of the city. It is about an hours drive, depending on how fast you can get out of Milan's traffic. It's a Renaissance university town with a lot of heritage and history to share. Bergamo is known for its medieval atmosphere and pretty architecture. Take the funicular up the hill for some great views.
- A proper day-trip: Fancy a romantic day out with some wine and cycling? If that's the case, plan a trip to Oltrepò Pavese, the wine region in Lombardy. It's about a 90 minute drive to the south. Pack your appetite and good walking shoes, the vineyards are beautiful and the wines tasty. It's an excellent opportunity to taste form provincial cooking at a traditional Italian restaurant too.
For more things to do in Milan, check out Mini-guide: Milan.
