Europe > Italy > Cuneo (CUF)
The Car or no Car advice for Cuneo can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Cuneo ; 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 Cuneo ?
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 Cuneo?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🚆 Arriving in Cuneo
Cuneo’s airport, CUF (Cuneo Levaldigi), is small and handles only a handful of flights each week. Most visitors arrive instead via Turin, which has a major airport and very frequent trains to Cuneo. The rail journey takes around two hours and passes through rolling Piemonte landscapes. It is an easy arrival and avoids the need to drive straight away.
🚶♂️ A very walkable city
Cuneo is tidy, flat, and surprisingly elegant. Its arcades offer shade in summer and shelter in winter. The grid layout makes the centre simple to explore on foot. Local buses do run, yet you will rarely need them. Cafés, markets, and viewpoints are scattered across the centre, so almost everything is reachable without any stress.
🏞️ When a car becomes genuinely useful
Although the city is walkable, the surrounding valleys are the real draw. They are stunning but spread out. A rental car makes a big difference if you want to reach:
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Valle Gesso – the gateway to the high Alps and the entrance to Parco Naturale delle Alpi Marittime.
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Valle Stura – a scenic drive towards the French border, lined with mountain villages.
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Wine country – although Alba and the Langhe are further north, a car makes touring vineyards far easier.
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Mountain sanctuaries and medieval hamlets – public transport is sparse, especially on weekends.
Buses do exist, yet they are infrequent, and many routes operate only on school days. Therefore, a car gives far more flexibility for day trips and outdoor activities.
🚗 Driving conditions
Driving in Piemonte is generally smooth. Roads are well maintained, and traffic is light away from Turin. However, the Alpine valleys include narrow routes, hairpin bends, and sudden weather changes. Snow is common in winter, so hire cars are usually fitted with seasonal tyres. As long as you drive cautiously, the scenery makes every kilometre worthwhile.
✈️ Car hire at CUF and alternatives
Cuneo Airport has on-site car hire desks, but fleets are limited. Booking early is essential. If availability is poor, renting a car at Turin Airport (TRN) is often cheaper and gives a wider choice of vehicles. You can then enjoy a pleasant drive south to Cuneo.
🧭 Conclusion — Should you rent a car in Cuneo?
If you intend to stay within the city, you will not need one at all. However, if you want to explore the Alpi Marittime, the scenic valleys, or the Piemonte countryside, a rental car becomes the most practical and enjoyable option.
