Car Rental in San Marino - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in San Marino is generally not recommended for most tourists. As one of the world's smallest countries at just 61 square kilometers, San Marino is highly compact and easily explored on foot or via local buses. The historic center of San Marino City features steep, narrow medieval streets with limited parking and restricted vehicle access in many areas, making driving more of a hindrance than a help. However, a car becomes useful if you're planning to explore the broader Emilia-Romagna region of Italy or want flexibility to visit multiple Italian cities during your trip. San Marino drives on the right side of the road, following Italian traffic regulations. Road quality is generally good, though mountain roads can be winding with steep inclines. Parking is challenging in the historic areas, with most visitors using designated lots outside the old town. Unless you're combining your San Marino visit with extensive travel through northern Italy's countryside, you'll find public transportation and walking far more practical for experiencing this microstate's attractions.

International Driving Permit

Information not available for San Marino specifically. Generally recommended for non-EU visitors - obtain from your home country before travel and verify current requirements.

Valid Driver's License

A valid driver's license from your home country is required. EU licenses are typically accepted; non-EU visitors should verify current acceptance rules.

Minimum Age

Rental agencies typically require drivers to be 21-25 years old. Check specific age requirements with your chosen rental provider.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is typically included with rentals. Additional coverage options are generally recommended - verify what's included and consider supplemental coverage.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is typically required for security deposits. Debit cards are often not accepted - confirm requirements when booking.

Italian Driving Rules

San Marino follows Italian traffic regulations. Familiarize yourself with local driving laws and road signs before driving.

San Marino has no airport, so rent from nearby Rimini (Italy) airport or Bologna airport, then drive into the microstate - ensure your rental agreement allows cross-border travel into San Marino as it's a separate country.

Before driving off, verify you have all required documentation including insurance that covers San Marino, and photograph any existing damage - the mountainous terrain with narrow medieval streets requires careful vehicle inspection.

GPS is essential for navigating San Marino's steep, winding roads and limited signage - download offline maps as the small territory may have connectivity gaps, and note that the historic center (Città) has restricted vehicle access.

Fuel up before entering San Marino or in the lower areas as stations are limited in this 24-square-mile country - parking is challenging in the historic center with most visitors using designated lots outside the old town walls.

Plan extra time for returns to Italian airports (30-60 minutes from San Marino depending on traffic) and ensure the tank meets the rental agreement terms - verify drop-off procedures as you'll be crossing back into Italy.

San Marino's historic center features extremely narrow medieval streets with tight turns and steep inclines that can be challenging for larger vehicles - consider parking at designated lots outside the old town and walking or using shuttle services.

The mountainous terrain means roads often have sharp hairpin bends and limited visibility around corners - drive slowly and use your horn when approaching blind curves, especially on the approach roads from Italy.

Parking in San Marino is extremely limited within the historic areas, and many zones are restricted to residents only - arrive early to secure spots in public parking areas or use the cable car (funivia) from Borgo Maggiore to avoid driving into the upper town entirely.

As a microstate surrounded by Italy, San Marino has its own traffic regulations but generally follows Italian driving rules - ensure you have all required documentation including insurance valid for San Marino, and note that Italian traffic police may conduct checks on approach roads.