Car Hire Genoa

Guide

Genoa, located in northwestern Italy on the shore of the Ligurian Sea, has a large harbour and is a fascinating place to visit, full of culture and history with beautiful historic buildings and architectural features, numerous museums, and not forgetting the stunning picturesque countryside all of which attracting thousands of tourists annually. Explore the area with cheap car hire in Genoa. Its a great way of getting around, especially when you get to decide when and where you would like to visit. Book before you leave in order to secure a vehicle ready for your arrival.

Explore Genoa

Radiating haphazardly outward from the port is a dense and fascinating maze of medieval alleyways. Within this, west of Piazza Matteotti, is the magnificent 12th century Cattedrale di San Lorenzo. Inside is the Renaissance chapel of St John the Baptist, whose ashes reputedly once rested in the 13th century sarcophagus. In the Museo del Tesoro are a number of astonishing relics of Christian antiquity, including a lock of hair from the Virgin Mary, a glass vessel from the Last Supper, and a piece of Jesus’ cross.

Focal points of the city, worth exploring, are the spectacular Renaissance palazzi of Palazzo Ducale, Palazzo Reale, Palazzo di San Giorgio and Palazzo del Principe Doria Pamphilj, each with its own important history and exquisite architecture. Wander the many piazzi, such as Piazza Banchi (with its excellent Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola), Piazza Caricamento, and Piazza Sarzano, and discover charming medieval churches and pleasant cafes. North of Piazza Sarzano is the twin-towered Gothic stone gate of the 12th century Porta Soprana. On the waterfront, visit the Ponte dei Mille and the restored 16th century Lanterna lighthouse.

Genoa has numerous well-appointed accommodation, excellent restaurants and quaint cafes, while the nightlife scene is varied and exciting. Popular spots for enjoying a break from the bustle of the city are Nervi and Pegli, which have lush parks and peaceful promenades.

An excursion to the hinterland north of the city is an attractive option while staying in Genoa. Along a spectacular scenic route are the charming medieval hill-fortresses and villages of Casella, Torriglia, Montebruno, Fontanigorda, Rezzoáglio, Madonna della Guardia, Ronco Scrivia, and Castello della Pietra, while outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails into the mountains of the Parco Naturale dell'Antola.

Transport

By air
Genoa’s international airport is served by major European carriers. Alitalia and other carriers fly into the Aeroporto Internazionale di Genova Cristoforo Colombo, located six kilometres west of the city centre near the town of Sestri Ponente. Shuttle services into the city are convenient and reliable.

Car rental companies operating from Genoa Airport include; Auto Europa, Avis, Budget, Sixt, Europcar, Hertz and Maggiore. Book car hire in Genoa with us before leaving and we will compare the market for you to ensure we find you the best deals online.

By bus
Volabus operates to and from the airport and Stazione Brignole train station, located to the east of the city centre. Along the route the train stops at Piazza Acquaverde, which is the harbour train station. Tickets can be bought on the bus.

The main bus station in Genoa is at Piazza Principe. Several bus lines provide connections between the city and towns along the Ligurian coast, along the French Riviera, and elsewhere in Italy. Diana Tours operates a bus service between Nice Airport (France) and Genoa.

By car
The autostrada A12 southeast from Genoa links up with the autostrada network for all northern and southern destinations; Rome is a six-hour drive from Genoa. From Milan, Genoa is 150kms or roughly two hours to the south. Nice is 2 hours, 30 minutes through tunnels west on the A10.

By train
Genoa has good rail connections to the rest of Italy. It lies only 1 hour, 30 minutes from Milan; 3 hours from Florence; and 1 hour, 30 minutes from the French border. Genoa has two major train stations: Stazione Principe and Stazione Brignole. Chances are you'll arrive at the Principe, Piazza Acquaverde, nearest to the harbour and the old part of the city. The Brignole, on Piazza Verde, lies in the heart of the modern city. Trains and municipally-operated buses run between the two stations.

By boat
Grimaldi Lines has overnight ferries similar to cruise ships. From Barcelona, the ferry takes 18 hours, while the ferry from Palermo in Sicily takes 20 hours. Tirrenia Navigazione ferries leave from various ports around the Mediterranean. The most popular route is a 13-hour trip via Sardinia.