Best Campervan Rental in Italy (+expert tips!)

Italy’s rolling vineyards, rugged mountains, and colorful coastal villages are the perfect setting for an unforgettable road trip. We’ll help you find the best campervan rental in Italy, along with insider tips, what to pack, and the best places to add to your itinerary.

If you’re dreaming about renting a campervan in Italy, buona scelta — good choice! You’re about to experience “la dolce vita” in the most adventurous way possible.

We fell in love with Italy after spending a semester in college studying abroad in Florence. This country truly has it all: history, nature, art, food, wine, culture, food, wine… and did I mention food??

Renting a campervan in Italy gives you the freedom to chase the best sunsets, stumble upon hidden villages, and linger over long, wine-filled lunches without worrying about hotel check-ins or rigid schedules.

But before you book just any campervan, there are some important things to know (trust us — a little planning goes a long way here!).

In this guide, we’re sharing everything we’ve learned from our own campervan travels — how to choose the best Italy campervan rental for your budget and travel style, insider tips, what we wish we knew before we hit the road, and plenty of advice to help you plan an unforgettable Italian road trip.

We highly recommend you continue reading this guide as it is packed with insider tips on what to look for when choosing your vehicle, mistakes to avoid, and some other companies we’d recommend if you have a different budget or travel needs.

Get ready to experience “la dolce vita” – vanlife style!

Guide to renting a campervan in Italy

Here’s what we cover in this guide. Click on any of the links below to jump down to that section, or keep scrolling to get all the juicy details.

• Why trust us?
• Our experience
• How to book a campervan rental in  Italy
• Best Campervan Rentals in Italy
• Why hire a campervan or RV in Italy?
• When to make your booking
• Things to consider when choosing a vehicle
• How much does a campervan rental cost?
• Italy Campervan Rental FAQs
• Campervan insurance
• What to pack for a campervan trip
• Campervan with a baby
• Where to stay in your campervan
• Italy travel resources

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Why you can trust us about campervan rentals

If you’re new to this blog (welcome!), we want to share a few reasons why you can trust us about all things campervan-related:

• We have personally built 3 campervans from scratch.
• We have traveled all over the US in our own campervans.
• We have rented vans all over the world, in New Zealand, Iceland, Scotland, and more!

Now do you understand why I said we’re obsessed!?

I mention all of this to let you know we have a lot of personal experience on this subject. We truly know what we’re talking about and in this article we’re sharing our expertise with you.

Also, we simply love connecting with others who are interested in RV and campervan adventures, so let’s be friends!

Our personal experience traveling in Italy 

While we haven’t personally rented a campervan here (yet!), our TWS team has spent a cumulative 6+ months living and traveling in Italy and have experienced a lot of what this country has to offer.

We genuinely think a campervan or motorhome would be the perfect way to explore Italy. Having your own home on 4 wheels really gives you an added level of freedom that you just don’t have when you’re staying in a hotel or Airbnb.

With our experience in Italy combined with our extensive knowledge of campervan travel, you can trust that we know what we’re talking about in this article and are sharing tips that will truly help you plan your own trip. 

How to book a campervan rental in Italy

Best campervan rental companies in Italy

Okay, you’ve got Motorhome Republic pulled up for your dates and you can see all your options… But how do you even begin to choose between the companies?

Being that we’ve personally rented campervans all around the world (and have built 3 of our own!), we feel like we have a really good handle on what to look for. 

The companies below have been hand-picked by us, and we think each can be a good choice depending on what it is you’re looking for.

We’ve scoured reviews, compared specs, and analyzed prices to bring you a comprehensive list of the best campervan rentals in Italy so the decision is a little simpler for you.

We’re sharing which company we would rent with, but we’ll also highlight some other companies in case you think a different one would be a better fit for your personal needs or budget.

For each company, we’re sharing pros, cons, and price points (budget or mid-range) to make this big decision a breeze.

Anywhere Campers

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: couples or smaller families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: it’s in the name – Anywhere!
• Check availability here

Anywhere Campers is a flexible one-way rental service with a fleet of 50+ motorhomes across 35 countries.

Their big selling point is that you can pick up anywhere, anytime. From their website: “Whether it’s an early morning at an airport in Paris, or a dock in Oslo at midnight, we’ll be there.” Pretty badass, if you ask me!

And when your trip is over, you don’t need to drop off at a depot – Anywhere Campers will come to you. 

Pros:

• Flexible pickup and drop-off.
• Manual and automatic transmission available.
• All-inclusive rental price includes a fully-equipped kitchen and bedroom, as well as extra amenities like a BBQ grill, camping furniture, and 2 bicycles.
• Responsive customer service and roadside assistance.

Cons: 

• Not a huge selection of vehicles, though they do offer both vans and motorhomes.
• You need a debit or credit card that allows online payments. Probably not an issue for most, but good to know.
• Their motorhomes have a max capacity of 5 adults, but they recommend traveling with fewer than that for the sake of comfort.

McRent

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: spontaneous travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Bologna, Brindisi, Milan, Modena, Pisa, Rimini, Rome, Sardinia, Sassari, Turin
• Check availability here

McRent is one of the largest campervan and motorhome rentals in all of Europe with hubs in 17 countries. They have vehicles ranging from pop-up vans to large, fully-integrated motorhomes. 

This would most likely be our second choice for campervan rentals in Italy, as they have a large selection of layouts and availability for last-minute offers.

Pros:

• They sometimes offer exclusive deals for last-minute bookings, though vehicle selection may be limited.
• The hiring fee includes an awning, bike rack, gas bottles, balancing wedges, water hose, and cable.
• Vehicles are guaranteed to be no older than three years and include heating, cooking facilities, and a bathroom with sink, shower, and toilet.

Cons: 

• Manual transmission only, so ya gotta be able to drive a stick.
• Dish sets and bedding are not included in the rental fee and cost extra.
• One-way booking is not available, so you have to begin and end your road trip at the same station (this is the case with most campervan rental companies).

Motorhomes Italy

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: off-the-beaten-path travelers
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: many throughout the country – see the list here
• Check availability here

One of the biggest rental companies in the country, Motorhomes Italy’s huge selection of pickup and drop-off locations makes it easy to plan a road trip no matter where your itinerary takes you.

They have a handful of models to choose from, most of which are on the larger side. This could be a good choice if you’re traveling with a bigger group or family.

Pros:

• Lots of pickup and drop-off locations throughout the country
• One-way rentals available from one depot to another
• All vehicles are self-contained (meaning they have toilets!)
• All models have high roofs, so you can stand up inside

Cons: 

• One-way rentals may cost extra
• Manual transmission only
• Bed linens and kitchen accessories are not included

VanItaly

• Price range: mid-range
• Recommended for: couples or small families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Bologna, Florence, Gatteo, Milan, Rome, Venice
• Check availability here

This is the only rental company in Italy to specialize in converted vans – so all their vehicles are smaller and easier to drive than an RV or motorhome.

Having a smaller vehicle makes it much easier to drive and park, whether you’re traveling a narrow, winding mountain road in the Dolomites or a compact cobblestone street in Rome.

Pros:

• Discounted rates for long-term rentals
• Both manual and automatic transmission available

Cons: 

• Not a lot of different layouts to choose from
• Not all vehicles are self-contained
• Bedding/linen and kitchen accessories are not included

Roadsurfer

• Price range: budget to mid-range
• Recommended for: small groups or families
• Pick-up/drop-off locations: Bergamo, Bologna, Florence, Milan, Rome, Turin, Venice
• Check availability here

Founded in Germany in 2016, Roadsurfer now has a fleet of more than 5,000 vehicles across Europe and North America. They offer one of the widest selections of campervan and RV rentals on the market.

Their sleek vehicles come with interiors that are comfortable and functional, if not as “aesthetic” as some other companies. Automatic transmission is available in all models, and you can add a second driver free of charge.

Pros:

• Tons of vehicles to choose from ranging in price and size, from compact campervans to full-blown RVs
• Their website makes it very easy to compare vehicle options
• Rentals include all cooking and dining essentials, camp table and chairs, and an awning
• Minimum driver age is 18 in Italy, which is lower than most rental companies
• Unlimited mileage
• International travel is allowed throughout Europe (with a few exceptions)

Cons: 

• Bedding is not included and costs an extra €35 per person
• Not all vehicles are self contained; some have portable camping toilets available for a extra fee

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Why hire a campervan or RV in Italy?

Still need a little convincing on the whole renting a campervan thing?

We get it. If you’ve never experienced traveling in a campervan, the idea of it can be a little daunting. Don’t worry though — we literally have all the resources you need to make your trip a success. 

First, let’s chat about why renting a campervan in Italy is a good idea. Scratch that. An AMAZING idea.

8 Reasons to Rent a Campervan on Your Next Trip

When to book your campervan rental in Italy 

If you’re planning to rent a campervan in Italy, listen up because this is crucial… 

Book your vehicle as early as possible. (This applies to all companies on this list.)

During popular travel seasons (like summer), the best models get snagged up fast! 

Where to pick up your campervan in Italy

Depending on the company you rent with, there are plenty of pickup locations throughout Italy. Some common pickup locations include Rome, Bologna, Milan, Florence, Turin, and Venice.

What types of campervans or RVs are available?

There is a huge variety to choose from. 

We’ve listed a handful of different types below, but if you’re still confused, hop down to the next section where we’ve broken down some of the major things to consider that’ll make your decision easier.

• Low-roof converted minivan: ideal for budget-minded adventurers
• Pop-up campervan: iconic old-school campervan style
• High-roof campervan: spacious while still easy to drive and park
• Mini-motorhome: home on wheels, perfect for a young family
• Large motorhome: pile in the kids, bikes, and a dog for an epic road trip

Things to think about when choosing a rental vehicle

Choosing the best campervan can be a bit overwhelming. There are a lot of companies to choose from. Plus, every traveler has their own expectations for the level of comfort and budget they’re able to spend.

We’ve lived in 3 very different campervans, plus we’ve rented campervans in countries all over the world. So we have a pretty good idea of what to look for and some things to be wary of…

We’ve laid out our expert tips in this detailed article about what to look for in a campervan rental. 

Expert Tips for Renting a Campervan (from people who’ve been there!)

How much does a campervan rental in Italy cost?

Campervan rentals will vary drastically, depending on the following factors: 

• which company you choose
• type of vehicle
• time of year
• manual vs. automatic transmission
• how far in advance you make your reservation

To give you a general price range:

• 1 week in Italy in July (peak season) for a 2-berth campervan will cost about €887 / $945 USD (priced in April 2024) 
• 1 week in Italy in October (shoulder season) for a 2-berth campervan will cost about €750 / $800 USD (priced in April 2024) 

Other costs to consider

In addition to paying the nightly rental fee, you won’t want to forget these other things:

• Additional rental add ons (make sure you understand what is included with your company and what is an extra fee)
• Campground fees
• Insurance
• Gas
  • Insider Tip: Be sure you know whether your vehicle is gas or diesel so you fill up at the proper pump at the gas station.

Insurance for your campervan trip

Insurance is always one of those tricky topics to write about because it widely varies from person to person depending on the amount of risk you are willing to take. 

When traveling, we always make sure we are covered (we’ve heard some horror stories of accidents happening abroad).

Read the fine print of your credit card: A typical credit card rental car insurance policy only covers 4-door sedans and not campervans, so don’t rely on that coverage. 

As always, whether you get campervan rental insurance or not, we recommend getting medical travel insurance. 

Psst! We have an entire guide to how to choose the best travel insurance policy for you that should be helpful!

Italy campervan rental FAQs

I get it — there is a lot to think about when it comes to renting a campervan in Italy. 

Let’s go over some common questions and see if we can get them answered!

Do I need an international driver’s license to rent a campervan in Italy?

Yes – unless you have a European license.

If your driver’s license is issued by a member of the EU or the EEA (European Economic Area), you can rent a campervan in Italy with just your home license.

Otherwise, you will need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) in addition to your home license.

An IDP basically translates your driver’s license into several languages, including Italian. The rental car staff will ask to check your IDP before they hand over the keys.

To get an IDP, bring your driver’s license, two passport photos, and the $20 USD permit fee to your local AAA store (you can get your passport photos taken at the AAA store as well). Fill out the IDP application, pay the fee, and they will complete the rest. 

The IDP is valid for 1 calendar year. 

Can I bring a child on a campervan trip?

Absolutely. We’ve brought our daughter on many campervan trips! 

In fact, we’d say it’s a great way to travel with a baby or older children.

You will need to select a vehicle that has enough seating for your family. And you will need to think about what you will do about a sleeping space.

Which is better: Campervan or RV?

The answer to this is truly a matter of personal opinion. So here’s our opinion:

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, we’d absolutely recommend a campervan to keep the size to a minimum. However, if you’re traveling with a small family, a campervan may be too small to fit you all comfortably, so a small motorhome might be a better option.

What to pack for a campervan trip

We have a whole checklist of things to bring for your campervan trip, but here are some items you really don’t want to forget:

• Aeropress: If you are a coffee drinker and your rental company doesn’t include a coffee maker (many don’t), definitely pack this! Of course you’ll want to indulge in an espresso now and then, but making your own coffee will save you quite a bit of cash.
• Rubber bands and/or chip clips: This is something that is often overlooked, but important to keep the food you buy sealed (think bags of granola, crackers, etc.).
• Spices and oil: When going on a campervan trip, we always like to bring our own spices so we don’t have to stock up. You can bring mini containers filled with your faves (we bring high-quality salt, pepper, cayenne, and any others that strike our fancy). We like this leak-proof container for storing coconut oil and this one for storing olive oil.
• Lightweight towel: If your campervan rental does not include towels in the rental price (many charge extra), bring your own! We like this microfiber one or this Turkish towel.
• Travel lumbar pillow: If you have a bad back (like Ben!), this would be clutch! He had some back issues during our campervan trip to Ireland and was wishing we had packed his lumbar pillow. It’s way too bulky to fly with though, so I found this pillow for next time!
• Universal outlet adaptor: A basic travel item that everyone should have so you can plug in your device anywhere. 
• Shower shoes: Trust me when I say you don’t want to go barefoot in some of the campground showers! 
• Travel slippers: The floors of your vehicle will inevitably get dirty, so it’s nice to have a lightweight pair of slippers to wear at night to prevent your feet from collecting all that dirt.

We even created this handy PDF downloadable checklist so you don’t forget anything. And it’s totally FREE!

For more ideas, we have an article dedicated to all of the campervan essentials you might want to have on the road with you.

Packing for a baby on a campervan trip

This checklist has a whole section of all our baby-related items we recommend, but here are a few things we’d definitely recommend bringing if you are renting a campervan with a little one in tow.

• Travel high chair: We love this portable high chair and use it in our personal campervan at home.
• Travel tent: This is the sleeping tent that we used on trips when our daughter was under a year old. It packs up super small and gave her a safe space to sleep.
• Inflatable bed bumpers: We’ve transitioned from the tent to these as our daughter has grown and they worked really well to transform a normal bed into a safe sleeping space for our toddler.
• Your favorite baby foods: You’ll definitely find baby-friendly foods in Italy, but if you have favorites (freeze dried strawberries from Trader Joe’s are one of our go-tos for travel!), we’d recommend prioritizing packing snacks over diapers and wipes, as those will be easier to find anywhere.
• Travel sound machine: We don’t go anywhere without this!
• Tap light: This light is super handy at home or on travels.

→ Looking for more family travel tips? Check out our list of practical (& super encouraging!) tips for traveling with a baby.

Where to stay in your campervan

You’ll be happy to know that there are tons of campgrounds all around Italy.

Some of Italy’s RV parks or “villages” have jaw-dropping views and tons of amenities. Some are just okay, and then there are some that… leave much to be desired. One thing that most campgrounds we’ve seen have in common is that they don’t seem to offer much in the way of seclusion or privacy from your neighbors.

If that doesn’t sound appealing to you, there are also lots of farms and private landowners that offer space on their property for travelers to park a campervan overnight. 

Garden Sharing is a platform similar to Airbnb where hosts can post their garden, farm, field, or other outdoor space they have available. This unique experience could be a great opportunity to connect with locals.

Again, these spots vary quite a bit in terms of both price and quality, so we recommend booking as early as possible to get the best selection.

Wild Camping 

Unfortunately, wild camping is generally prohibited in Italy and can incur some hefty fines. Areas with higher tourist traffic are particularly strict and are monitored diligently.

We’ve seen some other websites suggesting it may be possible to wild camp in some areas, but we personally wouldn’t risk it.

Italy travel resources

Be sure to bookmark these additional articles because they will be a huge help as you plan your trip.

When to plan your Italy campervan trip

Find out the best time to visit Italy based on regional weather patterns and your personal travel style.

Best Time to Visit Italy: When to Go & When to Avoid!

What to expect at campsites in Italy 

If you’ve done a lot of camping in the USA or Canada, then campsites in Italy might not be what you’re used to. Most of the campgrounds we’ve seen in Italy don’t scream “wilderness”. Rather, they’re more open spaces with a lot of RVs parked close to each other.

That said, we have seen some campgrounds in Italy that have amazing views. As long as you know what to expect and start booking early, we think you can find great campsites.

Let us do the planning for you

If you’re feeling overwhelmed or planning just isn’t really your thing, then we have good news for you:

We’ve used our own experience to create the perfect Italy itineraries, focusing on different areas of the country.

Our classic Italy itinerary hits the top destinations for first time visitors. Spread out over 10 days, this itinerary includes the highlights of Rome, Cinque Terre, Florence and Venice.

Our Amalfi Coast itinerary covers the highlights of this coastal gem while based in Positano for one week. 

Combine the two for one epic Italy trip when you bundle & save!

We’ll send you our complete itinerary(ies), filled with tips and advice. Just click the banner to get your perfect Italy itinerary today!

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Love the idea of campervan trips around the world? 

Us too (hence why we keep booking campervan trips!).

Here are some more ideas for you to bookmark for future travels:

• Scotland Campervan Rental Guide
• Iceland Campervan Rental Guide 
• New Zealand Campervan Rental Guide
• Ireland Campervan Rental Guide
• UK Campervan Guide
• France Campervan Rental Guide
• USA Campervan Rental Guide
• Canada Campervan Rental Guide

Don’t miss your chance to grab our campervan rental packing list!

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We want to hear from you!

Are you planning a campervan trip in Italy and still have questions? Leave your comment below and we’ll do our best to get you the answers you’re looking for!