Rent A Car In Udine, Italy: Competitive Prices And A Practical UK Traveller’s Guide

Compare great-value options, understand insurance and fuel policies, and choose the best pick-up point to explore Udine, the Collio wine hills, and the wider Friuli region at your own pace.

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Udine Car Rental Guide: Where To Pick Up And What To Know

Udine is a compact city with excellent rail links, but a hire car is the easiest way to reach the Friuli countryside, hill towns, vineyards (Collio), and day trips towards the Dolomites, Trieste, or the Slovenian border. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the main decisions are pick-up location (airport vs city), transmission (manual is common; automatics can cost more and sell out), and protection levels (excess and deposit can be high). Always review the fuel policy (full-to-full is usually simplest), mileage limits, cross-border rules (Slovenia/Austria), ZTL restricted zones in historic centres, and any extra charges for additional drivers, young drivers, or late returns.

Trieste Airport (TRS) – Ronchi Dei Legionari

Most practical ‘airport’ option for Udine. You’ll usually find multiple rental brands and a wider choice of vehicles than in town. Pros: longer opening hours, good availability for one-way hires, easier access to main roads. Cons: airport fees can apply, queues at peak flight times, and you’ll need to drive around 35–45 minutes to Udine depending on traffic. Navigation tip: follow signs for ‘Autonoleggi/Car Rental’ on arrival, then exit towards A4/A23 connections for Udine.

Udine Railway Station Area (Stazione FS / Piazzale Europa)

Convenient if you arrive by train from Venice, Milan, or Trieste and want to collect a car after checking in. Pros: walkable access, easy for short hires, often fewer airport surcharges. Cons: limited opening hours, smaller fleet (automatics may be scarce), and city driving can be busier. Watch for nearby restricted access (ZTL) and plan a route out of town before setting off.

Viale Palmanova / Udine South (Retail And Arterial Road Zone)

A practical pick-up area with simpler road access than the historic centre. Pros: easier parking and quicker exit towards Palmanova, Trieste, and the A23; less stress than central streets. Cons: may require a taxi/bus from your accommodation, and fewer walk-up options outside business hours.

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Fast Arrival, Wider Choice Of Cars

Airport counters typically offer longer opening hours, a broader fleet (including automatics and larger cars), and straightforward onward driving for regional trips. It can be excellent value if you book ahead and avoid busy arrival peaks.

Car Hire at Udine Airport – Rated by Real Travellers

See genuine customer reviews for trusted car rental services near Udine and pick the best option for your journey.

Rental company	Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Accepts Debit Cards	Key Advantages
Best Overall	4.7 198K+ reviews	$353	1.1 mi from Udine Downtown	Low deposit		●Friendly professional staff ●Quality modern vehicles ●Quick efficient service
	1.5 1100+ reviews	$110	0.8 mi from Udine Downtown	$1,040 - $1,141		●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick collection and return ●No hidden charges

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 14 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

An Englishman's Guide to Italian Petrol Stations

Navigate Italian petrol stations with ease using this comprehensive guide. Learn about the two pricing systems, the importance of choosing the right fuel, and essential phrases for a smooth refuelling experience.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Trieste Airport (Ronchi dei Legionari) dominates Udine-area pickups, hosting all major brands (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Locauto, Drivalia); online channels generate 54.76% of Italian rentals."

Booking Patterns

"ANIASA 2024 reports Italian short-term rentals up 18% to 4.3m bookings; mini/economy hold 39.38% share, while SUVs/MPVs grow fastest at 7.54% CAGR, driven by summer leisure peaks."

Customer Pain Points

"Italian Competition Authority (AGCM) findings show opaque ancillary fees and CDW/Super CDW upselling are the top complaint, prompting mandatory fee-transparency rules for operators."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Trieste Airport (Aeroporto FVG) - Car Rental Listings
Mordor Intelligence - Italy Car Rental Market Report
Trenitalia - Trieste Airport Intermodal Hub (rail link from Udine)
ANIASA 24° Rapporto (National Car Rental Association)
Il Sole 24 Ore - Aniasa Rental Fleet Report
Mordor Intelligence - Italy Car Rental Market Segmentation
AGCM (Italian Competition Authority) - Fee Transparency Directive on Car Rental
Verra Mobility & Sixt Italy Tolling Partnership (addressing post-trip charge disputes)

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Udine

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Udine

UdineMilan

From

$81.00

Popular Self-Drive Routes & Day Trips From Udine

Best Scenic Driving Routes:

Udine to Cividale del Friuli & the Natisone Valley Loop

Heritage towns & countryside loop2 hr 30 min–4 hr driving (half-day to full day with stops)

A relaxed loop combining a UNESCO-listed Lombard town with river scenery and vineyard-dotted hills. Expect easy driving on regional roads, short walks to viewpoints, and excellent trattorie for Friulian specialities.

Cividale del Friuli, Devil’s Bridge (Ponte del Diavolo), San Pietro al Natisone, Pulfero, Cialla Valley (wine area)

Udine to Trieste via Duino Castle & the Karst Plateau

Coastal drive & viewpoints2 hr–2 hr 45 min driving (full day recommended)

Drive to Italy’s most cosmopolitan port city, stopping for coastal panoramas at Duino and continuing via the limestone Karst for dramatic scenery. Ideal for a mix of sea views, historic architecture, and cafés in Trieste’s grand squares.

Duino (Castello di Duino area), Sistiana Bay viewpoint, Trieste (Piazza Unità d’Italia), Opicina (Karst viewpoints), Miramare Castle (near Trieste)

Udine to the Dolomiti Friulane (Forni di Sopra & Val Tagliamento)

Mountain scenery & outdoor route3 hr–4 hr driving (full day; longer with hikes)

Head north into Friuli’s quieter mountains for alpine villages, forest roads, and big peaks. This is a rewarding drive in good weather, with plenty of opportunities for short walks and photo stops along the Tagliamento valley.

Gemona del Friuli, Venzone, Forni di Sopra, Passo della Mauria, Villa Santina (Val Tagliamento)

Quick Trips (2–8 Hours) From Udine:

Cividale del Friuli Highlights

4–6 hours

Explore the historic centre, riverside viewpoints, and museums, then enjoy a slow lunch in a local osteria. Perfect if you want culture without a long drive.

Palmanova & Outlet Shopping Stop

3–5 hours

Walk the star-shaped fortress town and combine it with a convenient shopping break nearby. An easy, low-effort outing with plenty of parking.

Aquileia Mosaics + Grado Seafront Stroll

6–8 hours

See Aquileia’s renowned basilica mosaics, then continue to Grado for lagoon air, a café stop, and a sunset walk along the waterfront.

Trieste City Break (Coffee & Architecture)

6–8 hours

Spend the day in Trieste for grand Habsburg-era streets, historic cafés, and sea views. Add a quick stop at Miramare for gardens and coastal panoramas.

Gemona & Venzone Medieval Towns

4–6 hours

Two characterful northern towns on the way to the mountains, ideal for a gentle drive, short walks, and local pastries or prosciutto tastings.

Car Rental Planning Tips for Driving Around Udine

Check licence rules before you fly: Carry your driving licence and passport. If your licence is not EU/EEA, confirm whether an International Driving Permit is required by your rental firm and Italian regulations.

Watch for ZTL restricted zones: Many historic centres (including in nearby towns) have ZTL camera-controlled areas. Park outside the centre and walk in unless your hotel has registered your plate.

Understand fuel types and self-service hours: Diesel is common in Italy; double-check the pump label (Benzina vs Gasolio). Some stations offer unattended self-service outside staffed hours—keep a payment card handy.

Choose the right car for mountain routes: For Dolomiti Friulane day trips, a compact car is easiest on narrow village streets, but consider a bit more power for steep climbs if travelling with passengers and luggage.

Plan parking in advance: In cities like Trieste and coastal areas in summer, parking fills quickly. Use paid car parks or signed ‘P’ areas and keep coins/cards for meters and garages.

Allow extra time for scenic stops: Friuli’s best drives involve viewpoints, village detours, and short walks. Add 30–60 minutes buffer time to your navigation estimate for a more relaxed day.

Review insurance and damage procedure: Inspect the car carefully at pick-up, photograph existing marks, and confirm excess and coverage. If anything happens, document the scene and contact the rental provider promptly.

Driving in Udine, Italy: Complete Travel Guide

Essential information for motorists exploring Udine, including speed limits, fuel costs, car rental tips and road rules across the Friuli-Venezia Giulia region

LANGUAGES

Italian, Friulian, Slovene

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+39

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

90-130 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (Strictly Enforced; 0.00% for novice and professional drivers)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.26/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.58/L - $2.55/L

TRAVELER RATING

7.8 / 10

Driving in Udine: FAQs for UK Travellers

Practical answers on licences, ZTL zones, mountain weather, motorway tolls and border crossings in Friuli-Venezia Giulia

Does my UK photocard licence work in Italy, or do I need an International Driving Permit?

Yes, you need both. Since Brexit, UK licence holders must carry a 1949 Geneva IDP alongside the photocard to drive legally in Italy. The permit costs £5.50 from the AA or RAC and is valid for 12 months. Most Udine rental desks — Sicily by Car, Maggiore, Hertz at Trieste Airport — will refuse to release a car without seeing the IDP. Non-UK EU licences are accepted on their own. Carry your passport too: police checks on the SS13 toward Palmanova are common on summer weekends.

What's the ZTL trap in Udine's old town, and how much is the fine?

The historic centre around Piazza Libertà, via Mercatovecchio and the Castle is a yellow-signed ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitado) active roughly 07:00–19:00 Monday to Saturday. Cameras photograph every plate; foreign-registered cars typically receive an €80–€100 fine posted weeks later to the rental company, which adds a 30% admin fee. Always park outside the ring road at Parcheggio Moretti or Viale Trieste and walk in. If your hotel is inside the ZTL, ask reception to pre-register your plate before you drive through.

Can I drive from Udine into the Dolomites in winter without snow chains?

Risky without them. From late November to early April, the SS52 Carnica, Passo della Mauria and the road to Sappada often require M+S winter tyres or fitted snow chains. Police checks at Forni di Sopra, Tarvisio and Sauris turn cars away. Rental firms in Udine rarely include chains, so book in advance for €40–€60 per set, or pick them up at the Autogrill on the A23 near Udine Sud. Temperatures regularly drop below −10°C, and fog on the A23 around Osoppo can be sudden.

How do I pay tolls on the A23 and A4 near Udine without an Italian Telepass?

Both are standard pay-as-you-go autostrade with manned and cash lanes. Foreign-registered cars take a ticket at the entry barrier and pay cash or card at the exit — just say 'senza Telepass' to the operator. Avoid the yellow-light Telepass-only lanes; they close automatically and you cannot reverse out. The Udine Sud to Tarvisio (Austrian border) stretch costs around €5.50, while Udine to Venice is roughly €6.20. Hiring a Telepass device for €5 a day from Maggiore or Europcar saves queueing at peak times.

I'm 22 — will every Udine rental desk add a young-driver surcharge?

Almost all of them will. Minimum age in Italy is typically 21 (Avis, Budget, Sixt) or 19 (Sicily by Car), with the licence held at least 12 months. Drivers under 25 pay a daily Young Driver Fee of €15–€25 plus an extra collision damage waiver of about €10 a day, even on full-insurance bookings. Drivers over 70 face a senior-driver surcharge of roughly €10 per day. Always ask for the total per-day cost before signing, not just the headline rate on the website.

Can I take my hire car from Udine into Austria or Slovenia without extra paperwork?

Usually yes, but check the contract first. Major firms — Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Maggiore — allow cross-border trips into Austria, Slovenia, Croatia and Switzerland; some cheaper local suppliers ban them outright. No green card is needed for EU/EEA travel, but you must carry the rental agreement, V5-style paperwork and a warning triangle. A fire extinguisher is mandatory in Slovenia. The A23 becomes the A2 to Villach; the Austrian 10-day Vignette costs €9.90 and is sold at the first petrol station after the border.

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