$39 Car Rental Bologna

Reasons to book a car rental in and around Bologna

Renting a car in Bologna offers travelers the freedom and flexibility to explore this vibrant city and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental car, you can visit key attractions like Piazza Maggiore and the historic Two Towers without the constraints of public transportation. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for those interested in cultural experiences, business-related travel, or simply sightseeing. You can also conveniently manage your luggage while moving between destinations. Exploring the Historic Center gives you access to iconic sites, while a short drive of 3 miles takes you to San Lazzaro di Savena, where you can discover Piazza Bracci and the Museum of Prehistory Luigi Donini. For a tranquil escape, Santo Stefano offers beautiful spots like the Church of San Michele in Bosco and Margherita Gardens. With a rental car, you can easily navigate these areas, ensuring that your travel plans remain adaptable. Overall, renting a car in Bologna enhances your travel experience by providing convenience, especially for families or culture enthusiasts looking to delve deeper into the region.

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: Budget has established itself as a popular choice for travelers in Bologna, with 2 rental locations available throughout the area. Known for their clean and well-maintained vehicles, Budget provides a reliable option for those looking for Midsize and Economy cars. Travelers appreciate the flexibility that comes with renting from Budget, allowing them to explore Bologna and its surroundings at their own pace.
• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo Rent A Car is recognized for its clean vehicles and expected service, making it a favorite among visitors in Bologna. With 2 rental locations in the area, Alamo offers a selection of Midsize SUVs and Compacts that cater to various traveler needs. Customers often highlight the ease of the rental process, contributing to a hassle-free experience while exploring the charm of Bologna.
• Avis: Avis is another reliable option for car rentals in Bologna, featuring 2 rental locations within the city. Travelers frequently choose Avis for their Midsize and Standard SUVs, which are well-suited for both urban driving and longer excursions. The supplier is known for its efficient service and commitment to quality, allowing visitors to navigate Bologna and beyond comfortably.

Where to stay in and around Bologna

• Historic Center: The Historic Center is a vibrant neighborhood in Bologna where travelers can immerse themselves in a rich cultural experience. It is home to iconic attractions such as Piazza Maggiore, the Two Towers, and the Basilica of San Petronio. With nearby options for dining and enjoying local wines, this area is perfect for those seeking a blend of history and modern amenities. Ideal for city-themed getaways, the Historic Center is bustling with activity, especially during events and public markets.
• Bologna Fiere District: Known for its business and cultural activities, the Bologna Fiere District is a hub for events, education, and the arts. Attractions like the EuropAuditorium Theater and Caserme Rosse provide a rich cultural backdrop. This area is ideal for business-themed trips while still offering city exploration opportunities. With easy access to convention centers and event venues, visitors will find this district to be a convenient and engaging place to stay.
• San Lazzaro di Savena: Located 3 miles from Bologna, San Lazzaro di Savena offers a unique blend of business, sports, and adventure experiences. Visitors can explore the local stadium and the Museum of Prehistory Luigi Donini, making it suitable for family and culture vacations. The area features shopping centers and nearby wineries, providing options for dining and relaxation. This city is a great choice for those who prefer a quieter setting while still being close to Bologna's attractions.

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

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting vehicle type and features. Whether you need an SUV for added space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendly options, utilize filters on Expedia to discover the best fit for your trip.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary with demand, so it's wise to reserve your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you are more likely to secure lower rates and better availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to maneuver in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance among cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle types—such as SUVs or luxury models—might not be available. This can also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always verify the age requirements before making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank to avoid additional fees. This is usually the most favorable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fueling alternatives, which are acceptable as well. Just remember to return the car empty in that scenario.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car rental companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car rental insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind in case something 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, look for rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent 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 and around Bologna is February, when both prices and demand are low. Following closely, March shows slightly low prices with average demand, making it another good option. April through June maintain average pricing and demand, while July tends to be the most expensive month, accompanied by high demand. August and September also see slightly high prices, with September being particularly busy for rentals.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	39.9°F (4.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Average
February	42.8°F (6.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	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	Average	Average
July	78.4°F (25.8°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	78.1°F (25.6°C)	Light Rain	Sunny	Average	Slightly High
September	69.3°F (20.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
October	59.9°F (15.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
November	50.4°F (10.2°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
December	41.7°F (5.4°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Low	Slightly Low

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 $39.

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.

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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