Car Rental in Florence

Where to drive

• Chianti Wine Region: Drive through picturesque vineyards and olive groves, stopping at local wineries for tastings. Siena and San Gimignano are roughly 1-1.5 hours away, offering stunning medieval architecture.
• Cinque Terre: While a bit further, a day trip to the colorful coastal villages of Cinque Terre is feasible. The drive is around 2-2.5 hours, and you'll park outside the villages, using local trains to navigate between them.
• Pisa and Lucca: Visit the iconic Leaning Tower of Pisa and the well-preserved city walls of Lucca, both within an hour's drive from Florence. Combine them for a delightful day exploring Tuscan landmarks.
• Val d'Orcia: This UNESCO World Heritage site, famous for its cypress-lined roads and postcard-perfect landscapes, is about 1.5-2 hours south of Florence. Explore towns like Pienza, Montepulciano, and Montalcino.
• Arezzo and Cortona: Discover the artistic treasures of Arezzo and the charming hilltop town of Cortona, both around an hour's drive east of Florence, offering a glimpse into authentic Tuscan life.

What documents you need

To rent a car in Italy, you typically need a valid driver's license from your home country, a passport, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) if your license is not issued in the Latin alphabet or does not conform to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some requiring a minimum of one year of driving experience. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Florence vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from around 20-30 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs or premium vehicles could range from 70 EUR to over 150 EUR daily. Summer months (June-August) and major holidays generally see prices increase by 50-100% due to high demand.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Italy, standard urban speed limits are 50 km/h, on main extra-urban roads it's 90 km/h, and on motorways (autostrade) it's generally 130 km/h (reduced to 110 km/h in rain). The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are mandatory at all times on motorways and main extra-urban roads. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 12 years or under 1.50 meters tall must use appropriate child safety seats.

Parking

Parking in Florence can be challenging. The city center is largely a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL), meaning access is restricted to authorized vehicles, usually enforced by cameras with significant fines. Public parking garages (e.g., Parcheggio di Santa Maria Novella, Parcheggio del Parterre) are available just outside the ZTL. On-street parking is often color-coded: white lines usually indicate free parking for residents, blue lines are paid parking (pay and display), and yellow lines are reserved or prohibited.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Italy, including self-service options. Most stations offer petrol (benzina) and diesel (gasolio). LPG (GPL) and electric charging stations are becoming more common. Fuel prices are generally higher than in some other European countries, but vary. Payment is typically by credit card or cash. Note that some smaller stations, especially in rural areas, may not accept cards or may have limited operating hours.

Which car to choose

For navigating Florence's narrow streets and venturing into Tuscan hill towns, a compact or economy car is often the most practical choice due to easier parking and maneuverability. If you plan extensive touring through the countryside or need more space for luggage, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be suitable. Manual transmission is more common in Italy, but automatics are available, though often at a higher price and are best booked in advance.

Frequently asked questions