Want to Explore Milan by Car? Tips for First-Time Visitors
Like most of Italy and Europe at large, Milan is well connected by public transport. However, the rails won’t take you to an isolated Tuscany villa or a seaside resort.
Using a car rental service in Milan allows you to see parts of Italy that you wouldn’t see from a train window, and it also helps you avoid relying on schedules or long public transport journeys that seem to stop every five minutes.
However, if you are planning to drive in Milan for the first time, there are a few things you need to know in advance. They’ll help you avoid issues and ensure your journey is as smooth as possible.
Choose the Right Base for Pickup and Drop-Off
Renting a car is all about convenience, and one of the major decisions you’ll need to make is deciding where to pick it up. If you are flying in, you can collect your car at the Milan Malpensa Airport or Milan Linate Airport as it will allow you to avoid public transport right away. However, this option is usually more practical if you are planning to go outside the city soon after your arrival.
If you’ll spend a few days in Milan, it may be advisable to rely on public transport first, then have the car delivered to the city centre. The city is well served by the metro and trams, so you’ll avoid the trouble of dealing with traffic and the limited parking.
The same kind of thinking also applies to drop-offs, although airport drop-offs may make more sense here. Companies like Dryyve give you the flexibility to choose where you want to drop off the car throughout Italy, and it doesn’t have to be where you picked it up.
Think Beyond the City Centre
The main attractions within Milan are easy to access on foot or by metro. If you want to visit the areas around the Duomo di Milano, the fashion district, or the main shopping streets, you may not need a car for your first day or two.
But that’s not all you want to explore while you are in Milan, so plan trips beyond that central ring to make the best use of your car. Business districts on the outskirts, exhibition centres, and suburban neighbourhoods are often easier to reach by car.
Apart from that, Milan is a gateway to northern Italy. You can easily access stunning lakes, historic cities, and the Alps with your rental car. Lake Como, Lake Garda, Verona, and Bergamo all sit within 1 and 2 driving hours, and a car will give you the flexibility to explore without worrying about timing or frequent stops.
Understand How Milan Moves
Milan’s traffic can feel a bit more structured compared to a city like Rome, but its traffic patterns also require some significant adjustments for UK residents.
The first thing to note is that cars in Italy drive on the right, with the driver sitting on the left. This requires a short adjustment period, and you’ll need to be more careful when joining roundabouts or other roads. Try to build confidence in the first hour or two.
The city also operates a congestion charge zone known as Area C. This covers most of the historic city centre with access monitored by cameras. It’s active Monday–Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m, and a ticket costs €7.50 per day. Try to plan your routes in advance to avoid accidental entry and unnecessary charges.
Apart from that, traffic tends to peak during weekday rush hours, and the drivers have little patience. Even a single second of hesitation at a green light will be met with car horns, so try to keep up.
Know the Legal and Rental Requirements Before You Drive
Before you start driving in Milan, it’s important to make sure your paperwork is in order. UK residents don’t need an International Driving Permit if they already have a standard UK licence, but it’s required for non-UK and non-EU residents. It may not be checked, but if it is, it can cost anything from €408 to €1,634 in fines.
Apart from that, you need to ensure that the car is booked in the name of the person who’ll be driving. If more than one person will drive it, you need to ensure the additional drivers are registered before you get in the car.
On the rental side, have a look at the various policies to ensure you know what you are getting. Confirm the insurance, fuel policy, and mileage limits. If you need to make any adjustments, talk to the car rental service.
Note that most cars in Italy are still manual, but you can still request an automatic one. They cost more, but the adjustment can be worth it if you aren’t comfortable with manual cars. You can also consider other extras like GPS navigation or a car rack. Companies like Dryyve offer lots of booking flexibility and can even adjust your booking to fit your requirements.
