Europe > Italy > Trieste (TRS)
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Trieste can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Trieste ; 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 Trieste ?
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 Trieste?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
✈️ Arriving at Trieste Airport (TRS)
Trieste Airport is small but efficient, with good rail integration. A dedicated station sits directly outside the terminal, offering frequent regional trains to Trieste Centrale in around 30 minutes. This is a major advantage and immediately reduces the need for a rental car if you plan to stay within the city.
Car hire is available at the airport, although the range is smaller than at Venice Marco Polo. Prices are often competitive, particularly outside peak summer months.
🚆 Exploring Trieste without a car
Trieste itself is compact and highly walkable. The grand Piazza Unità d’Italia, the waterfront, cafés, and historic quarters all sit close together. Local buses cover hills and suburbs effectively, while trains run along the coast toward Miramare Castle, one of the region’s highlights.
Rail connections also make easy day trips possible to Udine, Venice, and even Ljubljana, all without driving. For city-focused travel, a car is unnecessary.
🚗 When a car becomes useful
A rental car starts to make sense if you want to explore beyond the city. Nearby highlights include:
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The Karst Plateau and its caves
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Coastal villages toward Duino
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Wine regions and rural Friuli
Public transport in these areas exists but is infrequent. Roads are scenic, quiet, and well maintained, making driving pleasant.
Conclusion — should you rent a car in Trieste?
Not for the city itself, which is best enjoyed on foot and by train. However, if your plans include countryside drives, coastal routes, or cross-border exploration, Trieste is an excellent and relaxed place to start a road trip.
