Milan’s city center is filled with ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) zones, which restrict access to unauthorized vehicles and can result in hefty fines if entered mistakenly. Because of this, using public transportation while exploring the city is highly recommended.
However, once your Milan itinerary is complete and you're ready to visit nearby towns or head to the airport, renting a car becomes the most efficient and flexible option.
The best strategy? Pick up your rental at Milan Central Station and drop it off at the airport before your departure—a method that saves time, avoids unnecessary fees, and makes travel smoother.
This guide provides detailed information on the best booking methods, cost comparisons, and return procedures to ensure a hassle-free experience.
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| car rental office at Statione Centrale Milano (Milan central station) |
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| pick-up location of SIXT rental car is convenient as it is in front of the central station |
Car Rental Offices around Milano Centrale (Milan Central Station)
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| Locauto, National, Enterprise and Alamo office is located at east gate of the Milan central station |
Comparing Car Rental Booking Methods
There are "three primary ways" to book a rental car in Milan:
1. Hotel Booking Sites with Car Rental Options
Websites like Booking.com offer car rental services, often in partnership with major rental agencies. While convenient, their insurance policies tend to be more expensive.
2. Official Car Rental Company Websites
Booking directly from companies like Drivalia can sometimes provide better rates, more transparent insurance options, and direct customer support. Discount promotion codes can be found by searching on the web.
3. Car Rental Comparison Websites
Platforms like QEEQ.com aggregate prices from various rental providers, helping travelers find the best deals. They often offer more affordable insurance coverage than hotel booking sites.
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| Drivalia's official site |
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| car rental portal, Qeeq.com |
Cost Comparison: Finding the Best Deal
Below is a cost comparison table showcasing real rental prices for a compact car in Milan. These figures are based on actual rental quotes and include insurance coverage options:
Pros & Cons of Each Method
Booking.com
⭕ Easy to use if booking hotels and rentals together
❌ Very high insurance costs, leading to expensive total rental costs
⭕ Transparent insurance policies, reliable direct customer service
❌ Slightly higher base rental price
QEEQ.com
⭕ Lowest total cost, competitive insurance pricing
❌ Less direct customer support
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| Qeeq.com offers lowest price for Full Coverage insurance |
Hidden Risks of Third-Party Insurance
If you book a rental car through a third-party website and purchase insurance from them instead of the rental company, there are some important notes:
- Rental Companies Do Not Recognize Third-Party Insurance: Even if you've purchased full coverage through a booking site, rental companies will not acknowledge it.
- Upfront Payment for Damages: If damage occurs, the rental company will require you to pay out-of-pocket before allowing you to claim reimbursement from the third-party insurer.
- Reimbursement Process Can Be Complicated: Claiming your money back involves paperwork, supporting documents, and waiting for the insurance company to approve the refund.
- Extra Deposits May Be Required: Rental companies may place a larger hold on your credit card if you decline their insurance.
For a smoother experience, it is often better to purchase insurance directly from the rental company, even if it appears slightly more expensive at first glance.
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| Qeeq voucher statement regarding 3rd party insurance |
Why You Should Pick Up at Milan Central Station and Return at the Airport
One of the best strategies for renting a car in Milan is picking it up at Milan Central Station (Stazione Centrale) and returning it at Malpensa or Linate Airport. Here’s why:
- No Additional One-Way Fee: Unlike in many other cities, Milan rental companies typically do not charge extra for dropping off the car at the airport.
- Easier Return Process: Airports have dedicated return areas, making drop-off simple and efficient.
- Avoiding Central Milan Traffic: Picking up the car at the station allows you to leave the city easily without navigating heavy traffic zones.
Potential Variations in One-Way Fees
While there is generally no extra charge for returning a rental car at the airport, some rental companies or certain booking periods may impose additional fees.
It is advisable to check the terms carefully before booking. Based on actual experiences in February 2024 and 2025, no additional fees were incurred when picking up a car at Milan Central Station and returning it at the airport.
However, this may vary by company or season, so always confirm with the rental provider in advance.
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| pick-up location(parking lot) near central station by 5 minutes walk |
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| There is no Locauto booth, but maintenance vehicle and staffs can be seen |
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| Rental contract is completed on site. Double check the previous damages (spots marked in blue) |
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| take photos of exterior condition |
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| Manual transmission is the default, and automatic is available as an option |
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| Fiat Panda is the cheapest but quite roomy inside |
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| trunk space is enough for 2 people |
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| speedometer is in Km/h |
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| CarPlay or Android Auto is ready to use. You just need a USB cable. |
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| Fiat Ypsilon is the cheapest but practical hatch-back model popular in Milan |
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| Europeans prefer manual transmission! |
Driving & Parking in Milan
Traffic & 'ZTL' Zones
Milan has limited traffic zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato, ZTL), where only authorized vehicles can enter. Violating ZTL rules can result in hefty fines. |
| ZTL surrounding Milan downtown (Duomo Milano) |
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| DO NOT ENTER if you see this sign |
Parking Tips
- Street Parking: Blue lines indicate paid parking areas, and white lines indicate free spots.
- Parking Garages: More convenient but can be costly.
- Park-and-Ride Facilities: Recommended for tourists exploring the city center.
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| public parking lot at Rho Fiera Exhibition Center and machines to pay parking fee |
Milan Car Rental Return Locations: Malpensa & Linate Airports
When returning your rental car, it’s essential to know the layout of the two main airports in Milan:
Malpensa Airport (MXP) Rental Car Return
- Located at Terminal 1, with clear signage directing drivers to the return area.
- Refueling stations are available near the airport – make sure to refuel before returning to avoid extra charges.
- A shuttle service is available between Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 if needed.
Car Return sign at Malpensa airport
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| Sixt is located in another building |
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| car return office at Malpensa Airport |
Linate Airport (LIN) Rental Car Return
- Rental return area is right next to the main terminal.
- Smaller and easier to navigate than Malpensa, making the return process quick.
- Less busy than Malpensa, which can reduce wait times.
For both airports, take final photos of the vehicle before leaving to document its condition.
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| Linate airport rental car return center (parking tower) |
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| Locauto booth at Linate airport |
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| leave the key in the box if you arrive before/after opening hours |
