Rent a car in Bologna with Europcar
Bologna is home to the oldest university in the world and is still a university city with a large student population, which brings with it a lively nightlife. Add some of the finest restaurants in Italy... and this cosmopolitan city has all the ingredients to delight anyone.
Located in the northeastern part of Italy, Bologna is easily accessible by car from
Turin and
Milan. Whether you just want to visit the city or wish to take a broader tour of Italy, rent a car with Europcar and make the most of your stay in Bologna and its surroundings.
Car rental with Europcar in Bologna
Bologna has three convenient Europcar rental offices. Arriving by plane? Pick up your car at the
main airport and don't waste time getting on the road. There are also two offices in the city, one in the north and another near the main train station.
If you are visiting Bologna as a couple or with a few people, a city car will be the ideal choice for driving in the city; the Peugeot 208 and the classic Italian Fiat 500 are both excellent choices. If you are visiting Italy with family or in larger groups, the Peugeot 3008 is a more spacious choice, ensuring a comfortable journey.
Van rental is also available at Europcar Bologna. Whether you need to move or transport heavier loads, you will find the perfect van in our fleet to meet your needs.
Europcar offers you the utmost freedom for your holidays in Italy. You can choose to rent cars and vans for both long and short periods.
Driving in Bologna
To rent a car in Italy, you must be over 18 years old and have a valid EU driving license. International driving licenses are accepted but not required.
On highways, the maximum speed limit is 130 km/h, while on main roads and secondary roads it is 110 km/h and 90 km/h respectively. In urban areas, the speed limit ranges from 50 to 70 km/h and is reduced around busy areas, such as schools.
Paid parking is active from Monday to Sunday, from 07:00 to 20:00. Several underground parking lots are available in the city center. Blue signs and road markings indicate paid parking areas. White road markings indicate free parking; pay attention to signs that may indicate a time limit for parking. Parking spaces marked in yellow are reserved for special vehicles, police, disabled, etc.
The historic center of Bologna is a ZTL () active every day from 07:00 to 20:00. Only residents or those with a permit can enter this area. It is possible to pay for a daily pass (€9), which is valid for 24 hours. This area is monitored by cameras and, if you enter without authorization, you will be fined. If you are staying in a hotel within the ZTL, you can ask the hotel to register your license plate to allow you to enter this area.
For the most part, the main roads in Italy are toll highways. The toll can be paid in cash or by credit/debit card.
Plan your trips carefully, considering that very few gas stations in Italy are open on Sundays. Those that are open on Sundays are often closed on Mondays.
Discover Bologna and its surroundings by car
Wonderful day trips can be made around Bologna. In Modena, you will find Osteria Francescana, ranked among the top five restaurants in the world: a must-visit for food lovers. Florence, the majestic Renaissance city, is just an hour away.
Further afield, interesting destinations include the beautiful seaside town of Rimini (125 kilometers away), the romantic oasis of
Venice (155 kilometers away), and the fashion capital Milan (215 kilometers away). Bologna is a perfect base for exploring this magnificent area of Italy.
What to see in Bologna
The historic center of Bologna is one of the largest in Europe and hosts dozens of medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings to admire, including the Basilica of Santo Stefano and the Basilica of San Petronio.
Home of ragù, Bologna has a well-deserved reputation for its cuisine; you will find countless cozy trattorias and Michelin-starred restaurants throughout the city. The city also offers lively markets and elegant boutiques for those who want to do some serious shopping.
About 3.5 kilometers by car from the city center, the Sanctuary of the Madonna of San Luca is a must-see attraction. This 18th-century building houses the longest portico in the world, with 666 arches, and a depiction of the Virgin Mary, said to have been painted by Saint Luke. Thanks to its hilltop location, it offers breathtaking views of the city's red rooftops.
Choose Europcar Bologna to move easily in and out of the city.
