can you rent a car in venice

[VanLuke]

Yes, you can rent a car in Venice, but it is almost never practical or advisable for exploring the historic islands of Venice itself. The city is a network of canals and pedestrian-only alleys, making cars useless. The smart approach is to rent a car on the mainland, specifically at Marco Polo Airport (VCE) or Mestre, the mainland district of Venice, and use it exclusively for exploring the wider Veneto region.

Your rental car will serve no purpose on the islands of Venice, where transportation is by foot or boat. If you drive to the islands, you must leave your car in a parking facility on the edge of the city, such as Tronchetto or Piazzale Roma. These are the only points accessible by road. Parking is expensive, often costing €30-50 per day, and spaces are limited, especially during peak tourist season. The real value of a rental car here is for day trips to destinations like the Prosecco wine region, the Dolomite mountains, or the city of Verona.

For getting around Venice itself, the public water buses, called vaporetti, are the efficient and cost-effective alternative. A multi-day vaporetto pass is a worthwhile investment. Therefore, the best strategy is to plan your itinerary: use the rental car for the part of your trip dedicated to the mainland, and rely on water transport for the iconic city center.

Consideration	Details	Cost/Essential Info
Primary Rental Locations	Marco Polo Airport (VCE), Mestre train station	Most convenient for pick-up/drop-off.
Island Parking	Tronchetto, Piazzale Roma	Large, multi-story garages; daily rates apply.
Average Daily Parking Cost	€30 - €50	Can be higher during summer and holidays.
Best Use of Rental Car	Day trips to Veneto region (e.g., Verona, Padua)	Frees you from train schedules.
Primary In-City Transport	Vaporetto (water bus)	ACTV operates the network; passes available.
Car-Free Zone	Historic Center of Venice (islands)	No roads, only canals and footpaths.
Alternative to Renting	Train travel between cities, then vaporetto	Often less stressful than driving and parking.
Recommended Rental Company	Major international agencies (Hertz, Avis, etc.)	Reliable and have clear English contracts.

[OSkylar]

Honestly, skip the car rental for Venice itself. The second you step out of the train station or parking garage, you're in a world of walking and boats. We rented one for a day trip to the hills for wine tasting, which was perfect. But for the city? It's a massive expense and hassle. Just get a vaporetto pass and enjoy getting lost on foot. You'll thank me later.

[Sanders]

From a logistical standpoint, renting a car is feasible but strategically unwise for the city core. The key is location. Rent at the airport upon arrival for journeys beyond Venice. If your accommodation is on the islands, proceed directly to Piazzale Roma via bus or taxi, park the car in a secure garage for the duration of your city stay, and only retrieve it when you're ready to explore the mainland. This separates your walking/boating vacation from your driving tour efficiently.

[CorbinMarie]

We made the mistake of driving to the islands thinking it would be easier. Big mistake. Finding parking at Piazzale Roma during summer was a nightmare, and we spent nearly an hour circling. The €40 for 24 hours was a tough pill to swallow for a car we didn't even use. The freedom of a car is great for the countryside, but in Venice, it feels like an anchor. Stick to the trains and boats for a much more relaxed visit.