Day Trips from Turin by Car: the Alps, Sacra di San Michele and the Langhe
Turin is the perfect base for two very different sides of Piedmont: the mountains to the west and north, and the Langhe wine hills to the south. With a rental car you set the pace, without relying on regional trains and buses. Here are the best day trips and weekend escapes from the city.
Where to pick up your car in Turin
Dryyve has two offices. At Turin-Caselle airport (Strada Aeroporto 12, Caselle Torinese) the office is in the rental car park building: leave the terminal, cross the road and you’ll find it right in front of you. It’s open every day from 8:00 to 22:00. In the city, the office is at Corso Siracusa 33/D, open Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 12:30 and 14:30 to 18:30, and closed at weekends. For a weekend trip, the airport is the easier place to pick up.
The Lanzo Valleys
Less than an hour from Turin, the Lanzo Valleys are the easiest trip if you only have half a day: the Devil’s Bridge at Lanzo Torinese, stone villages such as Balme and Usseglio, and trails with views of the Graian Alps. In summer they’re a cool escape from the city heat.
Sacra di San Michele
About 40 minutes away, at the mouth of the Susa Valley, the Sacra di San Michele abbey towers over the valley from a rocky peak almost 1,000 metres high. It’s Piedmont’s symbol: from the car park it’s a short walk up to the Staircase of the Dead and the panoramic terrace. On the way back, stop at the Avigliana lakes.
Sestriere and the Via Lattea
About an hour and a half from Turin, Sestriere and the Via Lattea villages, such as Sauze d’Oulx and Cesana, are the place for skiing in winter and hiking in summer. From 15 November to 15 April, winter tyres or snow chains on board are required on mountain roads: ask for an equipped car when you book and check the weather and road conditions before setting off.
The Langhe
Heading south, you reach Alba, home of the white truffle, in about an hour. From there the road climbs through UNESCO-listed vineyards to Barolo, La Morra and Monforte d’Alba: wineries to visit, viewpoints over the hills and trattorias for a long lunch. In autumn, during Alba’s truffle fair, book ahead. If you’re tasting wine, make sure someone in the group stays sober to drive.
Driving and parking in Turin
- The centre has a camera-controlled ZTL, active on weekday mornings. Check the Comune di Torino website for up-to-date hours and boundaries.
- To visit the centre, use a multi-storey car park (for example under Piazza Vittorio Veneto, Porta Nuova or Porta Susa) and get around on foot or by metro.
- Fines for unauthorised entry are sent to the rental company, which charges them back to the customer.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I pick up my Dryyve car in Turin?
At Caselle airport, in the rental car park building opposite the terminal (every day, 8:00–22:00), or in the city at Corso Siracusa 33/D, Monday to Friday.
Do I need winter tyres to drive to Sestriere?
Yes. From 15 November to 15 April, winter tyres or snow chains on board are required on mountain roads.
How far is Alba from Turin by car?
About an hour, depending on the route and traffic.
What documents do I need at pick-up?
Your original driving licence, valid for the whole rental and held for at least one year, an ID or passport, and a Visa or Mastercard credit card in the main driver’s name. Copies, digital or temporary driving licences are not accepted.
How does the security deposit work?
An amount based on the car category is held on your credit card at pick-up and released after return. We do not accept prepaid cards for the security deposit.
Ready to go? Book your car rental in Turin with Dryyve, in the city or at Caselle airport.
