How to find a cheap car hire deal in Prato
In search of a cheap rental car in Prato? With an average price of R 3,387 a day, you're headed for some big savings. Whether you're wanting a zippy little number, a family sedan, or anything in between, we round up all the top offers to help you spend less.
Daily rental prices in Prato start from just R 361.
Making it more than a quick visit? Grab a weekly rental from R 2,522 and squeeze in a few road trips.
To score the best price on a Prato car hire, it's a good idea to book in advance. Rates generally climb as your travel dates get closer, and you might be left with fewer choices.
Locauto, Maggiore and Free2move are among the most trusted providers in the city. They're a smart place to start comparing offers.
The coverage Locauto or another company offers for your Prato car hire can vary, so be sure to go over the small print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will provide it for an extra fee.
Consider booking a one-way rental. You might be able to pick up a bargain if the provider needs to move vehicles between sites. Find the best available rates by clicking 'Return car to a different location.'
Search for a vehicle with a 'Fair fuel policy.' You'll pick up and drop off your ride with a full tank, so you're only paying for what you use. No hidden refueling charges at drop-off either.
Go wherever the road takes you by picking a rental with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can go as far as you like with no extra cost.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best deal with this company. Prices average R 797 a day.
Coming in next is [this provider](this provider](https://www.skyscanner.co.za/car-hire/car-hire-with-provider/optimo-rent/1161)), which offers daily rates of around R 795.
The third option also keeps costs manageable. Expect to pay roughly R 817 a day for one of their rentals.
If you're still weighing up what kind of wheels you need, consider something from the Compact rental category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type in Prato.
Compare car hire types in Prato
Small: These cheap rental cars in Prato may be small in size, but they're big where it counts. Including mini and economy vehicles, they're nimble, great on mileage, and a match made in heaven for city driving.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, comfort and space. Easy to handle in traffic and roomy enough for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: You've got the suitcases, the kids, the snacks, the works. Large vehicles have got the capacity to fit it all without breaking a sweat. Perfect for long-distance journeys, this Prato car hire category includes full-size cars.
SUV: When the urge to explore hits, an SUV's all in. It's your perfect road trip companion, ready for highways, backroads, and everything in between. These sports utility vehicles also offer extra space and improved safety features.
Van: Choose this vehicle category when you want a car for rent in Prato that can handle the big jobs. Typically featuring commercial vans and trucks, they're designed to transport more, whether that's equipment, suitcases or big groups.
Insurance and optional extras
Choosing excess insurance for your Prato car hire lets you drive with confidence. It protects you from paying a big excess fee in case of theft or a collision. Insurance policies can differ between rental providers, so take the time to shop around.
Level up your ride with nifty extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These add-ons can make your trip easier and more enjoyable when you rent a car in Prato.
Good to know
To rent a vehicle in Italy, you generally have to be at least 21 years old. Some companies may offer rentals to younger drivers at an extra cost, so carefully review the policies before locking in your ride.
If you're travelling with kids, find out if you need to add a car seat to your Prato car hire booking. Whether local laws require them or not, they're always the safest way for little ones to travel.
You'll have to provide some documents when you get to the rental counter. As a general rule, bring a valid driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the excess (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and additional photo ID. Your booking confirmation will spell it all out.
For first-time drivers in Italy, be aware that traffic here keeps to the right side of the road.
Keep within the local speed limits. Most of the time that's around 45kph in urban areas and 125kph or so on highways, unless signed otherwise.
In Italy, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you think you'll be drinking, pass the keys to someone else or choose another way to travel.
Try to travel outside heavy traffic periods for a smoother run. 8am is one of the busiest times to be on the road in this destination.
You'll be using the euro (EUR) here. Along with your debit and credit cards, consider having some cash handy for minor purchases.
Best hotels in Prato for drivers
Pull in, drop your bags, and start relaxing at Hotel Villa San Michele. Offering parking as well as a minibar and an airport shuttle, this hotel is about 10 kilometres from central Prato.
Alternatively, make use of the parking at Il Cochino. The city centre is roughly 8 kilometres from this stay, which also features internet access and a lounge.
Browse through the hotels in Prato for even more choices. Use the 'Parking,' 'Outdoor parking,' and 'Valet parking' filters to find the perfect fit. You can even apply the 'Electric vehicle (EV) charging station' filter to zero in on EV-friendly stays.
Once you've found a car hire deal in Prato and your hotel, the only thing left to decide is where to explore first. Get things started with top attractions like Duomo, Palazzo Comunale and Sant'Agostino Church.
Hit the road: Where to drive to from Prato
Around 72 kilometres north of central Prato, Bologna should be on your itinerary. Head straight for must-see sights like Piazza Maggiore and St. Peter's Basilica Church.
They've perfected the guest experience at Hotel Bologna Airport and NH Bologna Villanova, two accommodation options with parking in Bologna.
Alternatively, collect your cheap car hire in Prato and drive about 18 kilometres southeast to Florence. Featuring Brunelleschi's Dome and David of Michelangelo, its attractions speak for themselves.
C-hotels Ambasciatori and The Social Hub Florence Lavagnini are comfortable places to stay in Florence if you're settling in for a while. Book one of these and have somewhere handy to leave your ride.
Want to stretch this drive a little longer? Genoa is a top road trip destination that's about 177 kilometres west of Prato. Plan to make a few pit stops at Doge's Palace and Aquarium of Genoa.
Drift off to sleep in Genoa at either B&B Hotel Genova Principe or Holiday Inn Genoa City by IHG. They've got a bed waiting for you and a place for your wheels too.
