Brescia's traffic guide for getting around by car

Famous for its impressive archaeological and historical heritage from the Roman Capitolium to the monastic complex of Santa Giulia (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites) Brescia is a dynamic crossroads and an important hub in eastern Lombardy. Well connected to Bergamo, Milan, and Verona, as well as to nearby Lake Garda and Lake Iseo, the city’s layout featuring a prestigious historic center and an expanding modern area requires particular attention for those visiting by car, especially when it comes to Brescia’s Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL). Here are our tips to help you navigate and park in Brescia with ease.

How Brescia’s ZTL works: hours, restrictions, and other key info

Let’s start by noting that the ZTL in Brescia’s historic center which includes the streets around Piazza della Loggia, Piazza Paolo VI (the Cathedral), and Piazza Vittoria operates at clearly defined hours, often from 7:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. every day, including holidays. Access is monitored by cameras, and except for residents, public transport, or vehicles with special permits (for example, for hotel guests), entry is prohibited to unauthorized drivers.
As for the areas surrounding the center, such as Corso Magenta or the streets near the station, while there isn’t a permanent ZTL, paid parking is widespread and often subject to high hourly rates.
In the area around the Mario Rigamonti Stadium, although no permanent ZTL is in place, traffic restrictions and temporary parking bans are enforced on match days for Brescia Calcio, for safety and traffic management reasons. On such days, it’s advisable to avoid parking in the area to prevent fines or forced towing.
For detailed information on temporary permits, updated operating hours, and restricted areas, refer to the official website of the Municipality of Brescia and Brescia Mobilità.

Free parking in brescia: where to park

Finding free parking in the heart of Brescia, especially on weekdays, can be quite challenging. Most parking options are concentrated in paid underground garages or street-level parking areas with hourly rates.

If your destination is the historic center, it’s best to make use of the strategic parking areas near Brescia’s metro stops or large park-and-ride lots, leaving your car outside the oldest part of the city. The most convenient though paid underground parking facilities are Piazza Vittoria, Parcheggio Stazione, and Parcheggio Fossa Bagni, which provide quick access to the city center.

For those looking for cheaper or free options, these are generally located farther from the center, in semi-peripheral areas or large park-and-ride facilities such as Sant’Eufemia or Prealpino, often connected to the city center by metro or bus.

If your visit is related to an event or exhibition, always check whether the organizer provides designated or partner parking areas. Finally, keep in mind that Brescia is an excellent starting point for exploring Franciacorta, Lake Iseo, or Lake Garda, so if you don’t need your car for trips outside the city, consider reaching the center by public transport (train or bus).

For short- or long-term rentals, you can rely on our car rental service near Brescia Station.