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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental deals in Florence. Compare prices and book in one place. Choose car rental at Florence Airport (FLR) or the city center near Santa Maria Novella. Airport pick-up helps you avoid the ZTL limited traffic zone when driving out to Tuscany. Automatics are popular in summer so book early.
Choosing the right pickup location in Florence can significantly impact your experience.
| Location Type | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Amerigo Vespucci Airport (FLR) | • Avoids city traffic and ZTL zones • Better for immediate departures to Tuscany • Longer hours matching flight times • Easier navigation out of the city |
• Location surcharge (approximately 16%) • Off-site rental facility requiring shuttle • 5 km (3 miles) from city center |
| City Center (near Santa Maria Novella) | • No airport surcharge • Convenient if already in the city • Near train station |
• Located within ZTL zone • Navigation challenges • Risk of ZTL violations (approximately €100 fine) • Earlier closing times (6-7pm) |
On average, car rentals in Florence cost around €87 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €22 per day.
Compare FLR airport vs city pickup. Airport is easier for driving out but adds about 16% surcharge. If you are already in town, city pickup is often cheaper. The T2 tram gets you to FLR fast if you still want the airport convenience.
Book early only for peak. In summer or if you need an automatic, reserve 2-3 months ahead because supply is tight and prices are higher. In shoulder or winter, watch rates and book when they dip.
Test weekly rates and date tweaks. A 7-day rental can cost about the same as 4-5 days. Shift pickup or drop-off by a day to hit cheaper price bands.
Go smaller. Compacts are cheaper, use less fuel, and fit better in Tuscan towns and garages. Manuals are usually cheaper than automatics.
Skip paid GPS. Use your phone for navigation to save roughly €10 per day.
Avoid ZTL costs. Plan routes to stay out of Florence’s ZTL or have your hotel register your plate. One violation is around €100.
Florence has one of Italy's strictest ZTL systems:
Active Hours: Mon-Fri 7:30am-8:00pm, Sat 7:30am-4:00pm
Summer Nighttime ZTL: Often active on Thursday-Saturday nights in summer; check the current schedule
Identification: White signs marked by a red circle at zone boundaries
Cameras: Automated enforcement charges fines per violation
| Parking Type | Details | Cost (Approximate) | Local Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Commercial Garages | Garage Santa Maria Novella, Garage Europa | Varies | Can register your plate for ZTL access |
| Villa Costanza Park & Ride | Along A1, Tram T1 terminus | Low daily rate | 20-minute tram ride into Florence |
| Piazzale Michelangelo | Large area above the city | Varies | Outside ZTL but fills up early |
| Street Parking | Limited availability | Varies | Display ticket on dashboard |
| Airport Parking | Short-term and long-term options | Varies |
Speed limits:
How do I avoid driving in the ZTL zone? Study a map of the ZTL boundaries before you start driving. You can use parking garages on the edge of the restricted area or use park and ride facilities. If you are staying inside the ZTL, ask your hotel to register your car.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Florence? You will need a valid driver's license, a passport and a credit card in the driver's name. For most non-EU licenses, you will also need an International Driving Permit (especially if your license is not in Italian). Many rental companies will ask to see it.
Are automatic transmission cars available? Yes, but there are not many available. You should book one 2-3 months ahead of time, especially in summer. You can also expect to pay more for an automatic car than a manual one.
How do toll roads work around Florence? You need to pay tolls on the A1 and A11 motorways. You take a ticket when you enter and pay by cash or credit card at the exit. Make sure to avoid the yellow Telepass lanes.
What should I do if I accidentally enter a ZTL zone? You should continue driving normally and leave the zone by the quickest route. They use cameras to process fines later. Contact your rental company as they might be able to help you.
Is it better to pick up at the airport or in the city? If you're arriving by plane or plan to drive straight to other regions, it's more convenient to pick up your car at the airport. If you're already staying in Florence, compare the 16% airport surcharge to your transport costs to the airport to decide which is the better option.
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