Europe > Italy > Genoa (GOA)
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Genoa can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Genoa ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Genoa ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Genoa?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
The Centro Storico is one of the largest medieval old towns in Europe. It is dense, atmospheric, and largely unsuitable for cars 🚫🚗. Narrow alleyways, hidden squares, and waterfront promenades make walking the best way to explore. Key sights such as the Old Port, Aquarium, Palazzi dei Rolli, and Via Garibaldi are all accessible on foot.
🚄 Rail connections and onward travel
Genoa works extremely well as a rail hub 🚄. Trains run frequently along the coast to Cinque Terre, La Spezia, and Pisa, making the city a natural stop on a north–south Italian itinerary. Inland, rail connections reach Milan in under two hours, opening high-speed onward travel to Turin, Bologna, Florence, and Rome.
For travellers exploring Liguria without a car, the coastal rail line is a real strength. Many towns are faster and easier to reach by train than by road, particularly in peak season when traffic can be heavy.
🚗 When renting a car becomes useful
A rental car becomes more attractive once you leave the coast 🌄. Inland Liguria, the Apennines, and smaller villages are far less accessible by public transport. Driving also allows flexibility for exploring quieter stretches of coastline away from the main rail corridor.
That said, driving in Genoa itself is challenging. Roads are steep, congestion is common, and parking is limited. Many visitors choose to rent a car after leaving the city, rather than on arrival.
🚗 Conclusion: should you rent a car in Genoa?
For Genoa itself, no ❌ — walking and public transport are more practical. However, if your plans include inland Liguria or broader road trips, renting a car makes sense once you move beyond the city.
