$81 Car Rental Bologna

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bologna

Renting a car in Bologna offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental car, you can easily visit key attractions such as the iconic Piazza Maggiore and the historic Two Towers, both located in the heart of Bologna. For families, having a car simplifies luggage management and allows for comfortable travel to places like the Ducati Museum, which is perfect for cultural experiences. Additionally, you can venture to nearby destinations like San Lazzaro di Savena, just 3 miles away, where you can explore Piazza Bracci and the Museum of Prehistory Luigi Donini. The convenience of a rental car also allows you to discover charming neighborhoods like Santo Stefano, featuring the Church of San Michele in Bosco and Margherita Gardens. Whether you are seeking cultural, city-themed, or business experiences, renting a car provides a practical solution for navigating Bologna and its beautiful surroundings, ensuring you can enjoy everything the region has to offer without relying on public transportation.

Most popular car rentals in Bologna

• Economy: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 2 medium suitcases—ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families. The economy car is a popular choice for exploring Bologna due to its compact size, making it easy to navigate through the city’s narrow streets while being budget-friendly for your trip.
• Midsize SUV: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 large suitcases—great for families, couples, or small groups. Midsize SUVs provide additional space and comfort, making them perfect for longer drives and road trips around the picturesque Emilia-Romagna region while offering ample luggage capacity.
• Compact: Accommodates 5 travelers with up to 3 medium suitcases—suitable for solo travelers, couples, or families. The compact car option is favored for its combination of size and efficiency, allowing you to easily park in crowded areas and enjoy the flexibility of your travel plans while comfortably fitting your luggage.

Top rated car suppliers in Bologna

• Budget: Known for clean and well-maintained vehicles, Budget has 2 rental locations in the Bologna area, making it a convenient choice for travelers. The most booked cars with this supplier are Midsize and Economy, ideal for those looking for quality and value. Renting from Budget allows you to explore Bologna and the surrounding regions at your own pace, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey.
• Alamo Rent A Car: With a focus on reliable service, Alamo Rent A Car operates 2 locations in Bologna. This supplier is particularly popular for its Midsize SUVs and Compact cars, which cater to a variety of travel needs. Alamo is a great option for those seeking a hassle-free rental experience while exploring the beautiful Emilia-Romagna region.
• Avis: Avis provides 2 rental locations in the Bologna area, offering a selection of vehicles that include Midsize and Standard SUVs. Known for their commitment to customer satisfaction, Avis is a solid choice for travelers looking for a comfortable driving experience. With a vehicle from Avis, you can easily navigate Bologna and beyond, enjoying the flexibility that car rental offers.

Where to stay in and around Bologna

• Historic Center: The Historic Center of Bologna is a vibrant neighborhood that offers a rich blend of culture and history. Travelers can explore iconic landmarks such as Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the Basilica of San Petronio, all of which reflect the city's cultural heritage. The area is also known for its bustling markets and a variety of dining options, including wineries and cafes, making it an ideal base for tourists seeking a city-themed experience.
• Bologna Fiere District: Located near the heart of Bologna, the Bologna Fiere District is perfect for those interested in business and cultural events. It is home to venues like the EuropAuditorium Theater and Caserme Rosse, which host various performances and conferences. The proximity to piazzas and cultural sites ensures that visitors can enjoy a mix of business and leisure activities in this dynamic area.
• San Lazzaro di Savena: Situated just 3 miles from Bologna, San Lazzaro di Savena offers a unique blend of adventure and business experiences. With attractions like the Museum of Prehistory Luigi Donini and Piazza Bracci, this city is great for those looking to explore local history and culture. Additionally, visitors can enjoy nearby shopping centers and dining options, including wineries, making it a versatile choice for travelers.

10 tips to save on your car rental in and around Bologna

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by vehicle type and specific features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilize the filters on Expedia to discover the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to book your car well ahead of your trip. By reserving early, you're more likely to secure lower rates and enjoy a wider selection, particularly during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come at a lower rental cost and are easier to maneuver and park in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between price, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 years may encounter higher deposits or daily fees, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before finalizing your booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is typically the most favorable option. Others may provide full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which can also work, but ensure you return the car empty in such cases.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience might justify the extra cost.
7. Know your payment options: Most car rental companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind if anything unforeseen occurs during your trip. It's easy to add car rental insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan to take long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is necessary to rent a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Bologna

The best value period to rent a car in Bologna is February, when prices are slightly low and demand is moderately low. This trend continues into March, which also offers slightly low prices and average demand. April through August sees average to slightly high prices with moderate demand, while September stands out as the most expensive month with higher demand. October and November show average pricing levels, with steady demand throughout.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
February	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
March	49.1°F (9.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
April	55.9°F (13.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
May	63.3°F (17.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	72.9°F (22.7°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
July	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Average
September	69.3°F (20.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
October	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	50.4°F (10.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
December	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average

Finding the cheapest car rentals in Bologna

Using our Search Wizard

If the deals that are available on our page do not suit your needs, then enter Bologna into the search wizard at the top of the page. We will compare all the best deals available for your car rental in Bologna and provide you with a list of the cheapest options, with no added fees.

Renting a car in Bologna

Pay at pickup is available, so you don’t have to worry about spending your money until you arrive at your vehicle in Bologna. We partner with reliable partners that guarantee an enjoyable experience for solo travelers, couples, and families. Package your car with a flight or hotel to unlock even more savings from Expedia.

Expected prices in Bologna

Prices are subject to seasonal change depending on when you decide to arrange your car rental but right now you can book from $81.

Flexibility & Cancellation

Most car suppliers offer penalty-free cancellations, so you don’t have to worry about losing money if your plans change. To cancel your booking log into your account through the Trips portal. Click manage booking and cancel this car. If you needed to alter your booking, then you can create a new one once you have canceled.

We all love being rewarded

One Key members save 10% or more on select hotels, cars, activities and vacation rentals. Not only that, earn OneKeyCash for every dollar spent on eligible hotels, vacation rentals, flights, car rentals, and more when you book across our family of brands: Expedia, Hotels.com and VRBO. Learn more and join today.

Car classes available from Expedia in 2026

The classes of vehicles available will change depending on your chosen location.

• Compact car rentals    
• Convertible car rentals    
• Economy car rentals    
• Fullsize car rentals    
• Luxury car rentals
• Midsize car rentals    
• Mini car rentals    
• Minivan rentals    
• Pickup car rentals    
• Premium car rentals
• Sportscar rentals    
• Standard car rentals    
• SUV rentals    
• Van rentals