Car Rental Florence—Compare prices across 50+ Locations

Key Takeaways

• A car is generally not necessary within Florence city centre, but it is useful for visiting destinations in Tuscany, including smaller towns and rural areas with limited public transport

• Florence Airport (FLR) offers convenient access for driving outside the city and helps avoid entering restricted traffic zones (ZTL)

• Florence has a ZTL (restricted traffic zone) in the historic centre, monitored by cameras at entry points. Unauthorized access results in fines, typically starting at around €80 per violation

• Rental prices vary by season. Lower rates are usually available in winter, while summer and holiday periods see higher demand and pricing

• Non-EU drivers may require an International Driving Permit (IDP), depending on their country of licence and rental provider requirements

• Pisa Airport (PSA), located approximately 80 km from Florence, may offer a wider range of vehicles and more competitive pricing in some cases

Why Rent a Car in Florence

Florence is a compact, walkable city with a well-connected public transport system. For most trips within the historic centre, a car is not necessary. The city also has a ZTL (restricted traffic zone), where unauthorized driving can result in fines.

However, a car becomes useful when travelling beyond Florence into the Tuscan countryside, where public transport options are more limited and often require multiple connections.

Areas such as Chianti, Val d’Orcia, and smaller hill towns are not always directly accessible by train, and bus services can be infrequent. Driving allows more flexibility when visiting these locations, particularly if you plan to explore multiple stops in a single day.

Destinations Commonly Visited by Car

• Chianti region — Includes towns such as Greve, Panzano, and Castellina. Public transport exists but is limited between smaller villages

• Val d’Orcia — Includes Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano. Train access is indirect, and local transport connections are limited

• San Gimignano — Accessible by public transport via transfer (typically through Poggibonsi), but more straightforward by car

• Cortona — Train access is available via Camucia, but reaching the historic centre requires an additional transfer

• Volterra — Limited public transport connections; typically requires multiple transfers

If your stay is focused on central Florence, a rental car is generally unnecessary. If you plan to explore Tuscany’s rural areas or visit multiple towns, renting a car provides greater flexibility and convenience.

Pickup Options—Airport vs City

Florence has one airport, a central train station, and several city rental offices. Your pickup location can affect both convenience and driving conditions, particularly due to traffic restrictions in the historic centre.

Additional Notes

Florence Airport (FLR) is located approximately 6 km from the city centre and provides direct access to the A1 motorway. This makes it a practical option for travellers planning to drive outside Florence immediately after pickup.

City-centre rental locations, including those near Borgo Ognissanti and Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station, are convenient for travellers staying in Florence before continuing their journey. However, driving out of the city may require navigating traffic and restricted zones (ZTL).

Florence Airport is connected to the city centre by tram (T2 line), with a journey time of approximately 15–20 minutes. This allows travellers to reach the airport without driving through restricted areas.

For terminal pickup details and supplier locations, see our Florence Airport car rental page.

Airport Pickup Considerations

The rental car area at Florence Airport is located a short distance from the terminal. A shuttle service is typically required to reach the pickup lot. Allow additional time for transfer and vehicle collection, particularly during busy periods.

City Pickup Considerations

Rental offices in central Florence are often located within parking garages or designated facilities. While convenient for access, these locations may involve navigating restricted traffic zones when exiting the city.

Car Types Available in Florence

Driving conditions around Florence and the wider Tuscany region vary between urban streets, motorways, and rural roads. In the historic centre, streets are narrow and parking is limited, while countryside routes may include winding roads and smaller lanes.

For most itineraries starting from Florence, smaller vehicles are generally easier to manage, particularly when visiting hill towns or navigating limited parking areas.

Additional Notes

• City driving: Compact or economy cars are typically more practical for navigating Florence’s streets and parking areas outside the ZTL

• Tuscany travel: Compact and mid-size cars are suitable for most routes, including Chianti and Val d’Orcia

• Transmission: Most rental cars in Florence are manual. Automatic vehicles are available but cost more and may have limited availability, especially in peak season

• Seasonal demand: Prices and availability vary by season, with higher demand during summer and holiday periods

 

For trips starting in Florence and extending into Tuscany, compact or mid-size vehicles offer the best balance of cost, comfort, and ease of driving. Larger vehicles may be less convenient in historic centres and smaller towns.

Compare Car Hire Florence Suppliers

Florence has a mix of international rental brands and regional operators. Availability, pricing, and service levels can vary by location (airport, train station, or city centre) and by booking conditions.

General Observations

When comparing rental providers in Florence, consider the following factors:

• Pickup location: Airport (FLR), Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station, and city offices offer different levels of convenience and vehicle availability

• Pricing structure: Lower base rates may not include full insurance or reduced excess options

• Vehicle availability: Smaller cars are more widely available; automatic vehicles may be limited, especially in peak season

• Deposit policies: Security deposits and payment requirements vary by provider

Rental Conditions to Note

• A credit card in the main driver’s name is typically required at pickup

• Debit cards are rarely accepted, depending on the provider and booking terms

• Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) is usually included, but excess amounts can vary significantly

• Young driver fees may apply for drivers under 25

• One-way rentals (e.g., Florence to Rome or Pisa) may include additional fees 

Booking Tip: Comparing providers across multiple platforms and reviewing the full rental terms can help identify the most suitable option based on price, coverage, and pickup location.

Airport Pickup Guide

Florence Peretola Airport (FLR)

Florence Airport is relatively compact, which can make car rental pickup more straightforward compared to larger airports.

After baggage claim, follow signs for “Autonoleggio / Car Rental.” The rental car area is located approximately 500 m from the terminal on Via Palagio degli Spini. A shuttle service operates regularly between the terminal and the rental area.

The airport is about 6 km from the city centre. The T2 tram line connects FLR to Santa Maria Novella (SMN) station in approximately 15 minutes.

FLR also provides convenient access to the A1 motorway, allowing direct travel toward destinations such as Siena, Chianti, and Rome without entering central Florence.

Pisa Airport (PSA) — Alternative Option

Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport is located approximately 80 km from Florence (around one hour by road). It is larger than FLR and typically offers a wider range of flights and rental providers.

In some cases, rental rates at Pisa may be lower than those in Florence. If arriving in Pisa, it can be practical to collect a rental car there and drive onward to Florence or Tuscany.

The FI-PI-LI highway connects Pisa to Florence and is toll-free. However, travelling to Pisa solely for lower rental prices may not be necessary unless it aligns with your flight plans.

 

Driving Tips -- ZTL, Tolls, Speed Cameras

Florence ZTL (Restricted Traffic Zone)

Florence’s historic centre is covered by a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato), where vehicle access is restricted and monitored by cameras at entry points.

• Access without authorization results in fines, typically starting from €80 per violation

• Each entry point is monitored separately, and multiple entries may result in multiple fines

• Active hours generally apply during weekdays and parts of Saturday; some zones may operate continuously

Fines are issued after the trip and are forwarded by the rental provider, often with an additional administration fee.

How to Avoid ZTL Fines

1. Avoid driving into the historic centre unless you have confirmed access

2. Be cautious when using navigation apps, as routes may pass through restricted areas

3. If your accommodation is within the ZTL, confirm in advance whether temporary access can be arranged and ensure your vehicle details are registered

4. Ask the rental provider for guidance on routes that avoid restricted zones

5. Use parking facilities outside the ZTL and continue into the centre by public transport or on foot

Speed Cameras

Speed cameras (autovelox) are common across Italy, including motorways, rural roads, and city approaches.

Typical speed limits:

• Urban areas: 50 km/h

• Rural roads: 90 km/h

• Dual carriageways: 110 km/h

• Motorways: 130 km/h (110 km/h in wet conditions)

Speeding fines vary based on the level of violation and are typically processed after the rental period.

Tolls

Motorways (autostrade) in this region are tolled. Payment is made at exit points by cash or card.

Approximate toll costs:

• Florence to Rome: €20–25

• Florence to Bologna: €12–15

• Florence to Pisa: €6–8 (alternatively, the FI-PI-LI road is toll-free)

Fuel

Fuel prices in Italy typically range between €1.70–1.90 per litre, depending on location and fuel type.

• Benzina = petrol (unleaded)

• Gasolio = diesel

Check the correct fuel type before refuelling. Most rental agreements use a full-to-full fuel policy, where the car must be returned with a full tank.

Parking Guide

Street Parking Colours

Florence uses coloured markings on the road to indicate parking rules:

• Blue lines — Paid parking. Payment is made via meters or mobile apps. Rates vary by zone, typically higher near the city centre

• White lines — Free parking. These are limited in central areas and more common in outer neighbourhoods

• Yellow lines — Reserved parking (e.g., for residents, disabled permit holders, or loading zones). Parking without authorization may result in fines

• Pink lines — Reserved spaces (e.g., for specific categories such as expectant mothers). Local rules may vary, so signage should be checked

Garages and Park+Ride

For stays in Florence involving a car, garages or Park & Ride facilities are generally more practical than on-street parking in central areas.

Additional Notes

• Parking in central Florence is limited and subject to restrictions due to the ZTL.

• Parking garages offer more predictable availability and pricing compared to street parking.

• Park & Ride facilities outside the centre provide a lower-cost option with public transport connections into the city.

Practical Tip

Using a Park & Ride facility and continuing into the city by tram or bus can be a convenient and cost-effective alternative to driving into central Florence.

Best Day Trips from Florence by Car

Exploring Tuscany by car allows access to smaller towns, vineyards, and rural landscapes that are less well connected by public transport.

Suggested Driving Route

A commonly recommended route is Chianti → Val d’Orcia in one extended day or split across two days. This typically includes stops in Greve, Pienza, Montalcino, and Montepulciano, offering a mix of countryside driving and historic towns.

Practical Notes

• Destinations such as Siena, Lucca, and Pisa are well connected by train or bus, making a car optional

• Locations in Chianti and Val d’Orcia are less accessible by public transport, where a car or guided tour is often more practical

• Travel times can vary depending on traffic, season, and route conditions

 

Renting a car in Florence is most useful for reaching rural Tuscany and smaller hill towns. For major cities and well-connected destinations, public transport can be a convenient alternative.

The Bottom Line

Car rental in Florence is generally not necessary for travel within the city itself. However, it can be useful for exploring the surrounding Tuscany region.

Picking up a car at Florence Airport (FLR) allows easier access to major roads such as the A1 motorway while avoiding restricted traffic zones (ZTL) in the city centre.

Rental prices typically start from around €18/day in the off-season and increase during peak summer months. Automatic cars are less common and may cost more, so booking in advance is recommended.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is it worth renting a car in Florence?
A car is not required for visiting Florence, as most attractions are within walking distance and public transport is available. For destinations in Tuscany—such as Chianti, Val d’Orcia, and smaller hill towns—a car can provide greater flexibility, as public transport connections may be limited.

2. How much does it cost to rent a car in Florence?
Rental prices vary by season and vehicle type. Economy cars are generally the most affordable, while larger or premium vehicles cost more.

Booking in advance can help secure better rates, particularly during peak travel periods. Automatic vehicles usually cost more than manual ones.

3. Where is the best place to pick up a rental car in Florence?
Florence Airport (FLR) is often the most practical pickup location due to its proximity to major roads and easier access compared to city-centre locations. It is located approximately 6 km from the city centre and is connected by tram, making it accessible even for travellers staying in central Florence.

4. What is the ZTL and how do I avoid fines?
The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is a restricted traffic zone covering much of Florence’s historic centre. Access is controlled by cameras that record vehicle licence plates.
Fines may be issued for unauthorized entry, and multiple violations can occur within a short period.
To avoid penalties:

• Avoid driving into the city centre unless permitted

• Confirm with your accommodation if temporary access registration is available

• Consider parking outside the ZTL and using public transport or walking

5. Should I rent from Florence Airport or Pisa Airport?
Florence Airport (FLR) is the more convenient option for most travellers due to its proximity to the city.
Pisa Airport (PSA) may offer a wider selection of vehicles and sometimes lower prices, but it is approximately 80 km away. Renting from Pisa is most practical if your itinerary already includes arrival or departure there.

6. Can I drive a rental car from Florence to Rome?
Yes. Florence and Rome are connected by the A1 motorway, with a driving time of approximately 3 hours. Tolls apply on this route. Most rental providers allow travel between cities, though one-way rentals (returning the car in a different city) may incur additional fees.