Compare cheap car hire at Trieste Airport with practical details on rental desks, vehicle types, driving routes and typical prices.
Trieste Airport (Trieste – Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport, TRS) serves the city of Trieste and the northeastern region of Italy. Located about 33km northwest of Trieste near the town of Ronchi dei Legionari, the airport is also a convenient arrival point for travellers visiting Slovenia, Croatia and the northern Adriatic coast.
Many visitors choose to hire a car at the airport, particularly when exploring coastal towns, historic cities and countryside areas across northeastern Italy.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Trieste Airport currently does not have regular direct flights from Ireland. Travellers usually reach the airport by connecting through major European hubs.
The total travel time from Dublin typically ranges between 4 and 6 hours depending on the connection.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
The car hire desks at Trieste Airport are located inside the arrivals area of the terminal building. After leaving baggage reclaim, travellers will find the rental counters in the public arrivals hall.
Vehicles are collected from the car rental parking area directly outside the terminal, just a short walk from the arrivals exit.
Airport maps and passenger information are available on the official Trieste Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Trieste Airport
Several international and Italian car rental companies operate at the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Locauto (Enterprise)
- Sixt
Vehicles are usually collected from the airport’s dedicated rental parking area located beside the terminal building.
Typical Rental Prices at Trieste Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | Larger Family Vehicle |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €35 – €60 per day | €60 – €95 per day | €95 – €160 per day |
| April – June | €40 – €75 per day | €75 – €120 per day | €120 – €190 per day |
| July – August | €55 – €100 per day | €100 – €160 per day | €160 – €240 per day |
| September – October | €40 – €80 per day | €80 – €130 per day | €130 – €200 per day |
| November – December | €35 – €65 per day | €65 – €105 per day | €105 – €170 per day |
Choosing the Right Rental Car in Northeastern Italy
Economy Cars
Small hatchbacks are useful for driving and parking in cities such as Trieste and nearby towns.
Family Cars
Mid-size vehicles provide extra comfort for travelling along the Adriatic coast or across northern Italy.
Estate Cars
Estate vehicles offer additional luggage space and are popular for longer road trips.
Crossover Vehicles
Crossover vehicles are often chosen by travellers heading into rural areas or exploring nearby Alpine regions.
Driving from Trieste Airport
The airport connects directly to the A4 motorway, which runs across northern Italy.
- Trieste city centre – about 35 minutes
- Udine – around 30 minutes
- Venice – roughly 1 hour 30 minutes
- Ljubljana (Slovenia) – about 1 hour 15 minutes
The A4 motorway links the airport with major destinations across northern Italy.
Travellers exploring northern Italy sometimes also compare arrival airports such as Venice Airport, Bergamo Airport or Bologna Airport.
Driving Tips for Italy
Driving in Italy is on the right-hand side of the road. Major motorways are generally well maintained and clearly signposted.
Italian motorways operate toll systems known as “autostrade”. Drivers pay tolls when entering or leaving these roads.
More travel information can be found on the official Italy tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Trieste
Hiring a car makes it easy to explore several destinations across the region.
- Trieste – historic port city with Austrian and Italian influences
- Udine – elegant city known for Venetian architecture
- Grado – seaside resort on the Adriatic coast
- Slovenian coast – towns such as Koper and Piran
Many visitors combine several of these destinations during a road trip across the northern Adriatic region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Trieste Airport?
The rental desks are located inside the arrivals area of the terminal building.
Which companies operate car hire at Trieste Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Locauto.
How far is Trieste Airport from Trieste city?
The airport is located about 33km northwest of the city.
Is driving in Italy easy for visitors?
Yes. Motorways and main roads are generally modern and clearly signposted.
Do Italian motorways have tolls?
Yes. Many motorways operate toll systems known as autostrade.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Trieste Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles remain common in Italy.
Should I book Trieste Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Trieste to Venice?
The journey normally takes about 1 hour 30 minutes depending on traffic.
Which motorway connects Trieste Airport with Venice?
The A4 motorway connects Trieste Airport with Venice and other cities across northern Italy.
