La dotta, la grassa, la rossa: Bologna is one of the most historic and lively towns in our beautiful peninsula. With its porticoes (a UNESCO World Heritage for a few years now), its towers, its colors and its unmistakable homely scents, a landmark destination between central and northern Italy, served by the Guglielmo Marconi airport.

Head office

The airport is the seventh busiest in Italy: here you will find all the professionalism and impeccable service of RIM Autonoleggio, the perfect option for renting your car. At RIM you can book your favorite choice at one of our offices or online with clear conditions, no hidden costs or unusual policies, counting on the help of one of our operators who will pick you up at the airport and take you directly to your car.

To rent a vehicle from RIM car hire’s extensive fleet, you will need a valid international or European driving license, ID and credit card. In a few minutes, your visit to Bologna will begin in comfort and safety.

Is it worth renting a car in Bologna?

I colli bolognesi (Bologna hills) are renowned for their spectacular beauty, the perfect place to enjoy a nice car ride, in a territory where cars are taken very seriously. Emilia-Romagna is the home of a large number of top companies and firms, making the Bologna hinterland one of the most important industrial poles in our country. If you have a business appointment, traveling outside the city by car will be much easier than relying on transport.

Places to visit

The city center, reachable in just about twenty minutes, offers numerous internationally recognised points of interest. The Garisenda and the Asinello towers: the historical symbols of the city of Bologna, which takes shape in the two most immediately recognisable monuments. Whether you want to stop and admire them at the crossroads in Via Zamboni, or whether you want to tackle the extremely difficult climb (498 steps) and admire Bologna from the top of the Asinello, be sure to pass by! Bologna is a lively city, populated by numerous students and tourists from every corner of the world.

Piazza Maggiore (or Piazza Grande) is the Bolognese meeting point par excellence, as sang by Lucio Dalla in his popular hit, whose historic house (which can be visited) is located a few hundred meters from the Church of San Petronio, the cathedral that stands in the aforementioned square. Small trains depart from here to the famous and very important Sanctuary of San Luca, which dominates the city. The spiritual path to the Sanctuary is often tackled on foot by pilgrims and consists of numerous steps leading to the top of a hill. For a more relaxing trip, however, you can opt to travel the same route comfortably by car.

Did you know that Bologna has an intricate system of hidden canals? Built in the 12th century to transport goods and people, these waterways have been covered over since several centuries, but you can still see some traces that have survived over time. You can spot a famous canal for example at the Finestrella in Via Piella. At this spot, there is a real window from where you can peer out and enjoy the view of the canal. If you find it closed, just unlock it and push.

Traffic info

Bologna has its own Restricted Traffic Zone (ZTL) active from 07:00 to 20:00, with some areas always closed to traffic. As of 1 January 2020, the ZTL has been combined with a low-emission zone. Those who do not have a permit, which is usually reserved for residents and emergency vehicles, can purchase a day ticket for 6€ or one valid for 4 days for 15€. Beware, however: access to Area T and the University is forbidden even with a ticket. Much discussed is the municipality’s resolution imposing a 30km/h limit in many parts of the city: this measure, however, will make your driving experience even safer.

Between an exquisite cuisine: tagliatelle al ragù, lasagne, tortellini, mortadella and many other heavenly cold cuts; but also an historical and cultural heritage that has nothing to envy to all of the other major Italian cities, visiting Bologna will be a pleasure thanks to the professional assistance of RIM Autonoleggio, your trusted car rental able to fulfill every request and meeting your needs regardless of the specific reason for your visit.