Car Rental Florence Airport (FLR)

Florence's small airport is located approximately 4 km from the city. The airport has one terminal served by a number of car rental providers—all based at a rental lot on Via Palagio degli Spini, a short shuttle ride from arrivals.

This guide breaks down the do’s and dont’s of renting a car at Florence airport by providing a step-by-step pickup walk-through, return tips, pricing, and the best drives into Tuscany. Whether you're heading for Chianti wine roads or the A1 toward Rome, everything you need to know to rent a car in Florence is available in this guide.

Key Takeaways

• Over 15 car rental companies operate from a shared facility on Via Palagio degli Spini, connected to the terminal by a free shuttle running every 5–15 minutes.

• Prices typically start from around €20/day in the low season, rising to €45–65/day for an economy car in peak summer (June–September).

• Automatic cars are limited in Italy—book well in advance, especially for summer travel.

• Allow 1.5–2 hours from landing to driving, including baggage collection, shuttle transfer, and rental desk queues.

• All rental desks are located inside the main building at the lot—follow signage carefully on arrival.

• Florence’s ZTL (restricted traffic zone) is strictly enforced. Fines typically start at €80 per violation, so collecting your car at the airport helps avoid unnecessary risk.

Why Rent a Car at Florence Airport

Florence Peretola Airport is a compact, single-terminal airport—see the full layout on the https://www.aeroporto.firenze.it/en/. There are no long walks or complex transfers: one terminal, one exit, and a short shuttle ride to the rental car facility.

One major advantage of renting at the airport is its location outside Florence’s ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato). This restricted traffic zone covers the historic centre, with cameras monitoring every entry point. Vehicles entering without authorization are automatically fined, typically €80–335 per violation. Renting from a city-centre location can expose you to this risk, especially when exiting the area. Picking up your car at FLR helps you avoid it entirely.

From the airport, access to Tuscany is quick and straightforward. Chianti’s wine region is around 30–40 minutes south, Siena is about an hour away, and the A1 motorway (toward Rome or Bologna) can be reached in roughly 10–15 minutes. For a Tuscany road trip, Florence Airport is one of the most convenient starting points.

Pickup Options—On-Site vs Off-Site

All major car rental companies operate from a shared facility at Via Palagio degli Spini, 50145 Firenze. It’s located about 500 metres from the terminal, but there’s no practical pedestrian access—most travellers use the shuttle.

Free shuttle bus:

• Runs approximately every 5–15 minutes (slightly less frequent during quieter periods)

• Journey time: around 5–10 minutes

• Pickup: directly outside the Arrivals exit — follow “Rent a Car Shuttle” signs

• Drop-off: at the main rental facility building

Important: When you arrive at the rental lot, you may first see smaller branded booths. The main rental desks are located inside the larger central building—continue past the booths to reach it. This is a common point of confusion.

Some off-site providers (such as JoyRent and RentalPlus) operate separate shuttle services. If you’ve booked with one of these, follow the instructions in your confirmation email. Wait times may be slightly longer.

Alternative option: The T2 tram connects Florence Airport to Santa Maria Novella station in around 20 minutes (€1.70, every 4–10 minutes). If you’re staying in the city centre and don’t need a car immediately, you can travel into the city first and rent later from a local branch, often avoiding airport surcharges.

If you are staying in Florence first, renting a car at the city centre locations might be more sensible. Explore city-centre pickup options and pricing on our Florence city car rental page.

Compare Car Rental Firms at Florence Airport

Over 15 car rental companies operate from the shared facility at Florence Airport. These include a mix of international brands and local Italian providers.

 

Opening hours: Most desks operate daily between approximately 08:00 and 23:00, though hours may vary slightly by provider and season.

After-hours pickup: Available with some companies for an additional fee. Advance arrangement is usually required.

After-hours return: A key drop box is available at the rental facility. However, returning during staffed hours is recommended so the vehicle can be checked in your presence.

Which firm should you choose?
Rather than focusing on a single provider, it’s usually better to compare prices and conditions across multiple companies. Booking platforms such as DiscoverCars or Auto Europe aggregate offers from different suppliers and often provide better value than booking directly. Pay close attention to insurance coverage, excess policies, and fuel terms when comparing options.

Car Types You'll Find at FLR

Florence Airport rental providers offer a standard range of vehicles. Here’s what you can typically expect:

Manual vs automatic:
Manual cars are the standard in Italy. If you require an automatic, book well in advance—availability is limited, especially in summer. Expect to pay around 30–50% more.

Tip:
A compact car is usually the most practical choice for Tuscany. It offers enough space for luggage while remaining easy to handle on narrow roads and in small-town parking areas. Larger vehicles can be less convenient in historic centres and tighter parking zones.

Car Rental Prices at Florence Airport

Car rental prices at Florence Airport can vary significantly by season. Given below is a typical range for an economy car booked 2–4 weeks in advance through a comparison platform.

Deposit:
A security deposit of €300–€800 is typical, depending on the provider, car category, and insurance coverage. This may be reduced if you purchase full coverage directly from the rental company.

Fuel policy:
Most rentals operate on a full-to-full basis. Returning the car with less fuel usually results in a service fee (often €30–50) plus higher fuel charges.

Insurance (CDW):
Basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is included, but it comes with an excess (your maximum liability), typically ranging from €800 to €2,000.
You can reduce this excess by:

• Purchasing coverage from the rental company (€10–25/day), or

• Using a third-party excess insurance provider, often at a lower cost

Additional costs to consider:

• Young driver fee (under 25): €10–25/day

• Additional driver: €5–15/day

• One-way rental: varies by route and provider

• After-hours pickup: may incur an extra fee

• Cross-border travel: usually allowed within the EU, but must be declared in advance

How to save:
Book early, compare prices across providers, choose manual transmission where possible, and avoid add-ons like GPS—your phone is usually sufficient.

Airport Pickup and Return Process

Pickup (Allow ~1.5-2 hours from landing)

1. Collect your luggage from baggage claim. Florence Airport is small, but wait times can still range from 15–30 minutes depending on arrivals.

2. Exit the arrivals area and follow signs for the “Rent a Car Shuttle.” The stop is directly outside the terminal.

3. Board the free shuttle. It typically runs every 5–15 minutes, with a journey time of around 5–10 minutes.

4. At the rental facility, proceed to the main building where the desks are located. Smaller branded booths nearby are not the check-in point.

5. Locate your provider’s desk and queue if needed. Wait times can reach 30–60 minutes during peak arrival periods.

6. Complete the paperwork. You’ll need your driving licence, International Driving Permit (if required), credit card, and booking confirmation.

7. Collect your keys and proceed to the parking area. Vehicles are organised in clearly marked rows.

8. Inspect the vehicle carefully. Take photos or a short video of any existing damage, and check lights, tyres, and fuel level before departure.

9. Exit the lot and follow signs toward the main roads (A1 motorway or Florence ring road).

Return

1. Refuel before returning the car. Fuel stations are located on the roads approaching the airport—returning with less fuel usually incurs additional charges.

2. Follow signs for “Palagio degli Spini – Rent a Car.”

3. Enter the rental area and proceed to your provider’s designated section.

4. Park in the correct row (marked with letters or signage).

5. Hand over the keys and wait for the vehicle to be checked. If returning outside office hours, use the key drop box at the check-in cabin.

Tip:
Where possible, return the car during staffed hours so the condition can be confirmed on the spot and avoid any post-rental disputes.

Driving and Access from the Airport

Florence Airport provides easy access to central Florence and key destinations across Tuscany. Here are the main routes:

Getting to your Florence hotel:
Use the ring road (viali) that circles the city rather than driving through the historic centre. If your accommodation is located inside the ZTL, contact the property in advance—some hotels can temporarily register your vehicle for access.

Winter tyres (15 Nov – 15 Apr):
Italian regulations require either winter tyres or snow chains on certain roads during this period. If you plan to drive in rural or hilly areas, confirm availability with your rental provider in advance.

Parking and Local Driving Notes

ZTL — Read This Before You Drive

Florence’s ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is a restricted traffic zone covering most of the historic centre. Entry points are monitored by cameras, and unauthorized vehicles are automatically fined.

• Mon–Fri: 7:30–20:00

• Sat: 7:30–16:00

• Some areas: Active 24/7

• Fines: Typically €80–335 per violation

Rental companies may also charge an administrative fee for processing fines, which increases the total cost.

How to avoid fines:

• Pick up your rental car at the airport (outside the ZTL)

• Use the ring road (viali) instead of driving through the centre

• Park outside the ZTL and walk or use public transport

• If your hotel is inside the ZTL, contact them in advance—some can register your vehicle for limited access

For official maps and updates, see the Comune di Firenze ZTL page.

Parking Options

• Garage Europa (near Santa Maria Novella) — Covered parking, typically €25–35/day. Convenient for central access

• Garage Parterre (Piazza Libertà) — Located just outside the ZTL, usually around €20–25/day

• Park & Ride (Villa Costanza) — Free parking near the tram terminus. Take the T1 tram into the city centre (one of the most cost-effective options)

• Street parking:

• Blue lines = paid parking (typically €1–3/hour depending on zone)

• White lines = free (limited availability near the centre)

• Yellow lines = reserved (residents, disabled permits, or specific uses) 

Best Day Trips from Florence by Car

A rental car from Florence Airport gives you easy access to many of Tuscany’s most popular destinations. Here are some of the best options:

1. Chianti Wine Region (30–45 min)

Take the SR222 (Chiantigiana) south through Greve in Chianti. The route passes vineyards, small villages, and scenic countryside. It’s one of the most accessible and rewarding drives from Florence.

2. Siena (~1 hr)

A historic city known for Piazza del Campo and its medieval centre. Parking is located outside the walls, with easy access on foot. The FI–SI highway provides the fastest route.

3. San Gimignano (1–1.5 hrs)

Famous for its preserved medieval towers, this hill town is best visited early in the day to avoid crowds. Park in designated lots (P1 or P2) outside the historic centre.

4. Pisa (1–1.5 hrs)

Known for the Leaning Tower, Pisa also offers a quieter riverside area and local dining options away from the main tourist zone. The FI-PI-LI highway is toll-free and straightforward.

5. Val d’Orcia (~2 hrs)

A UNESCO-listed landscape of rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and small villages such as Pienza and Montalcino. Best explored by car, with the A1 motorway providing the fastest access.

6. Lucca (1–1.5 hrs)

A well-preserved walled city known for its walkable historic centre and cycling paths along the walls. Less crowded than Florence and easily reached via the FI-PI-LI.

Bottom Line

Florence Airport is small, efficient, and located just outside the ZTL (restricted traffic zone), making it one of the easiest places in the city to pick up a rental car. You can drive out without entering restricted areas, and you’re quickly connected to the A1 motorway and Tuscany’s main routes — including Chianti within about 30–45 minutes.

The process isn’t instant — plan for around 1.5 to 2 hours from landing to driving, especially during peak travel times. That said, it’s straightforward: take the shuttle to the rental area, head to the main building (not the small booths), inspect your car carefully, and keep fuel policies in mind before return.

To get the best value, compare prices through an aggregator, book early, and choose a manual car if you’re comfortable driving one. Before leaving the lot, take clear photos or a short video of the vehicle — documenting any existing damage can help avoid disputes later.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What car rental companies operate at Florence Airport?
More than 15 car rental companies operate from the main rental lot at Via Palagio degli Spini. Major international brands include Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Enterprise, National, and Alamo.
You’ll also find local and regional providers such as Autovia, Drivalia, Sicily by Car, Noleggiare, and others. All providers operate from the same off-site rental area, connected by a free shuttle from the terminal.

2. Is it cheaper to rent at the airport or book online?
Booking online in advance is almost always cheaper. Comparison platforms aggregate rates across providers and often offer prices significantly lower than walk-in desk rates.

For the best value, book at least 3–4 weeks ahead, especially during peak travel seasons.

3. What is the most reliable car rental company at Florence Airport?
Reliability varies by provider and booking conditions rather than brand alone. Large international companies typically offer broader fleets and longer hours, while local firms can be more competitive on price.

For peace of mind, many travellers book through aggregators that include full insurance coverage, reducing dependence on individual rental policies.

4. Where is the best place to pick up a rental car in Florence?

Florence Airport is generally the easiest pickup point. It is located outside the ZTL (restricted traffic zone), allowing you to drive out without entering restricted areas.

City-centre locations near Santa Maria Novella are an alternative, but require careful route planning to avoid fines.

5. Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) at Florence Airport?
If you hold a non-EU licence (including US, UK, Australian, or Canadian), Italian regulations require an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence.
It’s best to obtain one before travel, as some rental companies may refuse to release the vehicle without it.

6. Can I return the car after hours at Florence Airport?
Yes. Most providers offer after-hours return via a secure key drop box at the rental facility. However, returning during staffed hours is recommended so the vehicle can be inspected in your presence, reducing the risk of disputes.

7. Where is the nearest fuel station to the Florence Airport rental lot?
A fuel station is located on the road leading to the airport, making it convenient to refuel before returning your car.
Most rentals operate on a full-to-full policy. Returning the car without a full tank may result in refuelling charges plus a service fee.

8. Should I rent from Florence Airport or Pisa Airport?
It depends on your itinerary. Florence Airport (FLR) is more convenient for destinations in central Tuscany, including Chianti, Siena, and Val d’Orcia.
Pisa Airport (PSA) may offer more flight options and can be a better choice if you’re heading toward the coast, Cinque Terre, or Lucca.
If your trip starts and ends in Florence, picking up at FLR is usually the most practical option.