Turin from Monte dei Cappuccini
Either walk up or drive your car hire to the top of Monte dei Cappuccino where a church and the National Mountain Museum named after the Duke of Abruzzi sits. On a clear day, you can see the Alps. You could just about make them out when I visited (though you can't tell from this picture!)
Porta Nuova Turin Railway Station
If you're spending some time in exploring Turin on foot or public transport before picking up a Turin car hire, collecting one at Porto Nuova, Turin's main railway station in the city centre is a great option. It's also pretty handy if you're arriving into the city by train. It's also just a 20 minute walk or a few Metro stops away from another of Turin's train stations - Porta Susa.
If you're flying into Turin, see our post on collecting a car hire at Turin Airport.
Travelling around Turin
Taking the tram over Ponte Vittorio Emanuele I
The city itself is pretty easy to see on foot or using public transport (Turin's system includes a metro, tramlines and buses as well as a public bike hire scheme). I spent my few days in the city exploring by foot but their public transport system seemed pretty extensive. If anything, it looked like fun using their tram system!
The public transport system is run by GTT (Gruppo Torinese Transporti) and you can find information to help you plan your journeys on their website here: www.comune.torino.it.
TO Bike sharing
Like Milan (and so many other cities around the world now), they also introduced a bike sharing scheme called [TO] Bike. You'll spot the yellow bikes all over the city centre. They offer a weekly pass and daily pass and you'll need to buy a prepaid card so you can use them. Learn more by visiting the [TO] Bike website (in Italian). Check in at the Turin information office in Piazza Castello too for information.
Turin car hire
If you're looking to see Turin by car as well as the area around, you can pick up an Italy car hire at Turin Airport or in the city centre. Getting to nearby palaces, churches, foodie towns like Alba as well as mountain resorts are easier by car.
At Porta Nuova, there's actually only one car hire company based here and that's the Italian leader in car hire, Maggiore.
Maggiore's office is located on via Nizza near the intersection with via San Pio V.
Arriving by train?
Chef Express at Porta Nuova
If you're picking up a car rental after arriving by train, head straight ahead away from the platforms, past the Chef Express and other shops. You'll see signs to the Uscita/Exit and M for Metro.
Station atrium - which exit?
You'll walk through a round atrium which is surrounded by stores and see signs to various exits. Follow the sign to via Nizza, which is the one on the right.
Sign to Maggiore car rental
Before the exit, you'll see a bright yellow sign for a number of stores as well as Maggiore.
Under the porticoes on via Nizza
Head out and turn left. Maggiore's office is under the porticoes (arches) of the station along via Nizza.
Maggiore car hire
Once you've got your keys and sorted out the relevant paperwork, you'll find Maggiore's car hire car park also under the porticoes but towards the other end. So when leaving the car hire office, turn right and keep walking.
Find Maggiore car hires here
You'll soon see them marked by blue Maggiore stands. It all looks a little bit makeshift and someone from Maggiore should be on hand to help you out.
Arriving on foot or public transport?
Pharmacy at Porta Nuova
From inside the main hall of the station (entrance from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, then you'll find the via Nizza exit towards your left. Walk past the pharmacy and you'll see it on your left. Alternatively, just walk up along via Nizza from Corso Vittorio Emanuele II and you'll find Maggiore's office on your right under the porticoes.
If you're looking to pick up a car hire from Porta Nuova and haven't booked yet, you can do so now here: Turin Railway Station car hire.
View from the terrace near Basilica di Superga
Drive your Turin car hire to Basilica di Superga for more fantastic views.
Happy travels!