Milan is served by two airports: the large international Malpensa, located about 45 km northwest of the city, and Linate, which is used more for domestic flights, about 8 km southeast of the city. Of course, Ofran offers car rental services in both Malpensa and Linate.
◾ Congestion Charge
In Milan, as in many major cities in the world, there is a congestion charge in the city center, in the area known as Area C. The fee is collected from Monday to Friday between 07:30 and 19:30. In order to enter Area C, you must purchase and activate an entry card worth 5 euros. The card can be purchased at kiosks, newsstands, meters and ATMs.
◾ Driving in the city
In most of the historical areas in the centers of large cities entry is prohibited for vehicles that do not belong to local residents, and for this they receive fines. Look out for the Zona a Traffico Limitato sign indicating this.
If you find yourself in such an area, you will probably be photographed by the police and a report will be sent to your home after receiving your details from the rental company. For transferring the report to your name, the rental company will charge a handling fee.
Please note: GPS navigation and applications such as Waze do not always warn of entering ZTL zones.
◾ Parking
Travelers who arrive in Milan with a rental car and prefer to avoid entering the city will be happy to know that they can leave their car in one of the large parking lots next to the ring road. These stations are well connected to the subway.
Milan has five major train stations, including the central station (Milano Centrale) and Cadorna, which is well connected to Malpensa Airport and other cities.
◾ Autostrada del Sol - The highway of the sun
Renting a car in Milan will allow you to start the experiential journey on the "Autostrada del Sol", aka the A1 Road, which leaves northern Milan and connects it to Naples in the south, via Bologna, Florence and Rome. The length of the road is 754 km, making it the longest highway in Italy and the backbone of the country's road network.
◾ Planning to take the car to neighboring countries? Pay attention!
when renting a car in Milan you can also travel with the rented car to Switzerland, Austria, France, Slovenia and more – please make sure to mark the countries you plan to visit if you book via our website or mention it to our representative if booking via our call center, as in some cases (depending on the country or car group) a written confirmation from the car rental company is required.
◾ Road tolls in Italy
Please note that some of these countries require a special sticker for driving on highways which can be purchased at the kiosks at the border crossings. Be sure to find out about the need for a sticker every time you leave one country and enter another.
Recently an app where you can pay the tolls directly was launched, you can read more details here-
https://www.asfinag.at/en/toll/vignette/digital-vignette/
Renting a car in Italy also allows you to travel with the rented car by ferry to Sardinia or Sicily, but you must make sure that the ticket you purchased for the ferry also includes special insurance for the rented car, since the rental companies do not insure the car while it is on the ferry.
An important update for drivers regarding race tracks
For your attention, it is absolutely forbidden to enter tracks such as Autodromo Di Perguza or similar tracks with the rented vehicle. The rented vehicle is not insured on these routes and those who violate this prohibition are exposed to significant fines.
Driving in Milan during winter season
Planning a trip to Milan during winter and sky season? We have collected a few important tips for you:
◾ Snow chains
The law in Italy states that between the dates of 15.11 - 15.4 it is mandatory to have snow chains in the car in certain areas of Italy (mainly in the northern districts). Their use is subject to signage and road conditions and requires driving at low speed. Please note: the snow chains must be ordered in advance.
For your convenience, we've added a map where the mandatory areas to use snow chains are marked. to see the map Click here.
◾ Winter tires
Some of the rental companies in Italy offer specific vehicle groups equipped with winter tires, or those that can be equipped with winter tires, and these are available at selected stations only.
When booking winter tires, returning at a different station from the pick-up station may be limited or involve additional fee.
It is your responsibility to make sure that you have the necessary equipment for the conditions of the road you plan to travel, especially uphill to mountainous/snowy areas.
◾ Ski Racks
Some of the rental companies offer a ski rack for rent to connect to the rental car. The ski rack must be ordered in advance. The rack is suitable for two pairs of skis only and is an additional charge to be paid when picking up the car.
Please note that it is not possible to attach the rack to all vehicle groups. It is recommended to find out in advance that it is indeed possible to add him to the invited category.
◾ Driving a diesel/electric vehicle during winter time
Please note, that in very low temperatures, diesel fuel may freeze, so it's important to prepare accordingly when you are in driving in especially cold conditions. It is recommended to park the vehicle in a covered parking lot and purchase anti-freeze liquid to prevent the freezing of the fuel. Also note that electric cars are also affected by the cold, and it is possible to experience a drop of up to 30% in the range of use of the battery.
For more tips regarding renting a car during wintertime click here
and for important tips regarding renting a car abroad click here
Booking a car in Milan with Ofran will allow you to enjoy the benefits of traveling with a rental car in Milan, exploring all the sites and attractions that interest you and the freedom to do so according to your schedule.
Also, you'll be able to choose from a wide range of car groups the most suitable car for your vacation in an easy and comfortable process and with great prices.
Ofran wishes you a safe and pleasant trip with your rental car in Milan