Why rent a car in Genoa?
Genoa is known for its historic port, colorful streets, and proximity to the Italian Riviera. With a rental car, you can easily explore destinations such as Portofino, Cinque Terre, and the Ligurian coastline.
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to discover the region beyond the city and travel comfortably between seaside towns and cultural sites. You can also explore car rental in Pisa or discover options across Italy.
Exploring Genoa and the Ligurian Riviera by car
Routes and highlights from Genoa
Genoa sits at the centre of the Ligurian coast and a rental car gives you access to one of the most scenic stretches of coastline in Italy in both directions. Heading east along the Riviera di Levante, Portofino is about 35 km from the city on a narrow coastal road that passes through Recco and Camogli. Santa Margherita Ligure is a larger and more accessible base for visiting the Portofino headland. The Cinque Terre villages begin about 90 km east of Genoa; the best approach is to drive to La Spezia or Levanto and use the train or ferry to reach the individual villages, as road access to most of them is restricted. Heading west along the Riviera di Ponente, San Remo is about 140 km and the route passes through a succession of smaller resort towns. Inland from Genoa, the scenic SS45 up the Trebbia valley and the A26 motorway toward Alessandria both provide easy access to the Ligurian Apennines. For more destinations, see car rental in Italy.
Driving and parking in Genoa
Genoa has a complex road network with a series of tunnels and elevated motorways running through and beneath the city. Navigation without a GPS is difficult, and a good maps application is strongly recommended. The historic centre has restricted traffic zones and parking is very limited close to the old port area. The most practical option is to use one of the multi-storey car parks near the centre, such as those at Piazza della Vittoria or near Principe station, and explore the city on foot. Genoa Airport (IATA: GOA), officially named Cristoforo Colombo Airport, is located 6 km west of the city centre on a runway that extends over the sea on a jetty.
Best time to rent a car in Genoa
May, June and September are the best months for driving along the Ligurian Riviera. The coastal roads are busy in July and August, particularly on the approach to Portofino and in the Cinque Terre area, and parking near the most popular beaches becomes difficult. The spring months offer a particularly pleasant driving experience, with mimosa and wisteria in bloom along the coastal road and comfortable temperatures throughout. Genoa itself is a rewarding city to visit year-round, as its labyrinthine historic centre is relatively unaffected by seasonal visitor numbers.
Car rental price in Genoa
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Genoa, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €197 |
| Mid-size car | from €268 |
| Large car / SUV | from €301 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
