Car Rental Modena

Renting a car in Modena allows you to see this UNESCO-listed city in style. Our branches are central and easy to find, for maximum convenience. If you’re flying into Italy, you can also rent a car at the nearby Bologna Guglielmo Marconi Airport. From here, take the E45 freeway north-west towards Modena. It should only take 45 minutes, depending on the traffic.

You’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road, as in the U.S. Speed limits vary, with a maximum of 110 km/h (68mph) on many non-major and suburban roads, increasing to 130 km/h (80mph) on freeways. In rural areas, 90 km/h (56 mph) is the standard speed limit. Other key rules of the road include using dipped headlights on two-lane freeways and all passengers wearing seat belts.

Modena is a medieval town with historical, winding streets. There’s plenty of free parking available around the city, including almost 500 spaces available at the Piazza Giovani di Tien An Men on the Viale Monte Kosica route. Alternatively, the Ex AMCM parking lot on the south side of the center has 300 spaces.

There is a ZTL restriction in place in the center of Modena, to keep traffic and emissions in the city under control. These are signposted ‘ZTL – Restricted Traffic Zone’, with a green light shining if all cars are allowed to use the roads or a red light if access is restricted. You’ll be fined if you drive into this area on a red light, although if your hotel is inside it you can contact them to arrange access.

If you feel like winding down the windows and taking your car for a spin in the countryside then Florence, Siena, and Verona are only two hours away from Modena via gorgeous scenic routes.

Modena is a city full of cultural joys and attractions. An official UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the birthplace of the late opera singer Pavarotti and home to legendary carmakers Ferrari, Maserati, and Lamborghini.

From cars to cuisine, the wider Emilia-Romagna area is also the home of balsamic vinegar, and its lush countryside produces some of the best Parmigiano-Reggiano and prosciutto in the whole of Italy.

Dive into history

The Modena Cathedral is a Romanesque place of worship that dominates the town center with its leaning bell tower. Overlooking the Piazza Grande and its frescoed town hall, you can leave your car in one of the free parking lots nearby and explore the cobbled streets on foot. Another popular tourist destination is the Palazzo dei Musei, which displays masterpieces by Renaissance artists El Greco, Correggio and Tintoretto.

Car and opera heritage

The Enzo Ferrari Museum is found a short drive north from the center. Making a statement with its contemporary design and iconic yellow roof, this museum boasts a stunning display of flamboyant cars. Here you’ll learn more about the origins of the brand through a series of videos, vintage photographs and exclusive memorabilia.

You can continue your racing car experience at the Lamborghini Museum, just a 12-mile drive from Modena via the SP255. From humble beginnings to roaring success, experience Lamborghini through the ages at this sleek, stylish exhibition. Once you’ve checked out your favorite designs, go behind the scenes on a guided tour of the production line.

Modena’s legendary opera tenor, Luciano Pavarotti, has a museum dedicated to his life about 20 minutes’ drive from the city center. The museum contains stories, exhibitions, and memorabilia from his international opera career, and is a must-visit for fans of the larger than life singer.

A city to feast on

The city’s cuisine is exceptional, even by Italy’s high standards. A favorite regional dish is zampone, a pig's foot stuffed with flavorsome pork cuts on a bed of lentils. Sometimes it’s served as part of a Bollito Misto stew, a traditional Emilia-Romagna meat dish.

Like all Italian destinations, there will be plenty of fresh pasta and ravioli dishes to get stuck into. Modena is also renowned for its Parmigiano-Reggiano, so ensure your chosen dish is topped with lashings of this salty cheese.

Modena's most famous eatery is Osteria Francescana, a three-star Michelin venue tucked behind a blush pink facade on a narrow, cobbled street. With just twelve tables in this extremely high-end restaurant, you must reserve well in advance to savor its world-class dishes.

When you rent a car in Modena, you unlock the door to some of Italy’s most celebrated cities. So, whether you’re travelling for business or leisure, take a front seat and make the most of this glorious Italian region.