Car Hire Reggio Emilia

Reggio Emilia in the Emilia-Romagna region of northern Italy is one of the country’s hidden gems. In the heart of the Po Valley, it has lived in the shadow of some of its more famous neighbours – from the bigger cities like Bologna to the tourism magnets of Modena, Ferrara and Ravenna. However, its combination of history, culture and fantastic food is putting Reggio Emilia on the map. The city is known the world over for its pioneering early years education as well as its music – with many visitors arriving in the city on their way to the RCF Arena largest concert venue in Europe.

So, if you want to take the road less travelled in this stunning part of Northern Italy, the intriguing city of Reggio Emilia is the perfect is destination and there is no better way to explore the region than by hire car. You’ll find our friendly Avis team in Reggio Emilia on hand to offer advice and provide the perfect rental car for your trip.

Our rental location in Reggio Emilia is conveniently located on the northern edge of the city with good road and rail access. The location is close to the Autostrada A1 (Autostrada del Sole) the longest autostrada in Italy linking the major cities of Milan, Bologna, Florence, Rome and Naples.

If you arrive in Reggio Emilia by train, our rental office is a 4min walk from the regional railway station Reggio Via Fanti with connections to both the Central Station and high-speed services at Reggio Emilia AV Mediopadana station. Reggio Emilia is well-connected to the small airport at Parma as well as international flights into Bologna Airport.

It’s just a 5min (1.8km) drive from Avis Reggio Emilia in Via Zacchetti into the centre of Reggio Emilia via Viale Makallè. Turn left as you leave our location and at the end of the street, turn right onto Viale Regina Margherita continuing onto Via Makallè and into the centre of Reggio Emilia.

As you set off on your tour of Regio Emilia look out for the remains of the hexagonal city walls which date back to Roman times. Fast forward through the centuries to arrive at the Piazza del Duomo where you’ll find the impressive Cathedral dedicated to Santa Maria Assunta alongside the 16th-century Palazzo del Municipio (City Hall).

Reggio Emilia describes itself as the “Città del Tricolore” (City of the Tricolor) as the first place in Italy to display the national green, white, and red flag symbolizing the unity of the country. Close by the cathedral, you can visit the Tricolour Flag Museum, where you can learn about the history of the Italian flag. Away from the Duomo, check out the city’s squares lined with cafes and restaurants.

If you are interested in education, you’ll want to stop off at the "International Centre for Children's Culture and Creativity Loris Malaguzzi”, to understand more about the Reggio Emilia approach to early years education. For music lovers, the city’s immense RCP Reggio Emilia Arena, the largest in Europe, accommodates 100,000 people and since it opened in 2020, has hosted stars including Harry Styles.

Reggio Emilia is a great base for exploring northern Italy and the Emilia-Romagna region by hire car.

Parco Nazionale dell’Appennino Tosco-Emiliano

Head for this stunning national park nestled in the nearby Apennines mountains. A 1hr41min (86km) drive south of Reggio Emilia, it provides the perfect setting for walking, cycling and outdoor adventure.

Castle tour

The area around Reggio Emilia is home to some magical castles just waiting to be discovered on a captivating road trip around the Reggiana Hills. Don’t miss the land of

Matilde’s Castles of Canossa, Rossena and Bianello, a drive of around 1h40min (60km).

Po Valley

Take a drive along the River Po Valley to explore the attractive riverside towns of Brescello, Boretto and Guastalla a drive of 1hr27min or 68km. Take a trip on the river or visit the Museum of Don Camillo and Peppone.

While Reggio Emilia offers charms of its own, driving around this part of northern Italy is a great way to experience the life, culture and scenic beauty of the beautiful Emilia-Romagna region.

If you are feeling inspired, our experts have compiled some great Italian road trips.

Hiring a car is a great way to explore the region around Reggio Emilia – if you feel inspired, the Emilia-Romagna region is home to car makers Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Ducati. While the region is criss-crossed with major highways, it is easy to go off the beaten track and enjoy some slow panoramic routes.

If you have not driven in this part of the world before just as in the rest of mainland Europe, you’ll be driving on the right-hand side of the road. We’d advise familiarising yourself with the road rules for driving in Italy before you travel.