Europe > Italy > Verona (VRN)
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Verona can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Verona ; 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 Verona ?
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 Verona?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.🚆 Arriving and getting around without a car
Verona Porta Nuova is a major rail hub on Italy’s north–south axis. High-speed trains connect Verona quickly with Venice, Milan, Bologna, Florence, and even Munich via the Brenner route. From the station, buses run frequently into the historic centre, although many travellers simply walk or take a short taxi ride.
Once inside the old city, a car becomes unnecessary. Verona’s main sights — the Arena, Piazza delle Erbe, Juliet’s House, Castelvecchio, and the river walks — all sit close together. Streets are narrow, traffic is restricted, and much of the centre is pedestrianised. Walking is not just practical; it is part of the experience.
🌿 Easy day trips without driving
Verona works extremely well as a base for car-free excursions. Trains and ferries make Lake Garda very accessible, especially towns like Peschiera, Desenzano, and Bardolino. You can also reach Vicenza, Padua, and Mantua easily by rail. Even Venice is just over an hour away, making Verona a natural inland counterpoint to a lagoon stay.
🚗 When a car becomes useful
A rental car only starts to make sense if you want to explore rural or mountainous areas. The Lessinia hills, the Valpolicella wine region, and routes heading north toward the Dolomites are far easier by car. Wineries, viewpoints, and small villages are poorly served by public transport, and distances look short but take time without private transport.
Conclusion — should you rent a car in Verona?
Not for the city itself. Verona is compact, walkable, and exceptionally well connected by rail. However, if you plan to visit Valpolicella, explore the hills, or use Verona as a launch point for alpine or countryside travel, renting a car for part of your stay can add real value.
