Car Hire Pisa — Beyond the Leaning Tower to Tuscan Hills
Pisa is known for one thing: the Leaning Tower. But beyond the Piazza dei Miracoli (tower, cathedral, baptistery), Pisa offers a charming old town, a prestigious university, and the gateway to western Tuscany. A rental car here transforms Pisa from a half-day stop into a base for exploring Lucca (30 minutes), the Cinque Terre (1.5 hours), and the Tuscan coast. The A11 and A12 motorways connect Pisa to Florence, Lucca, and the Ligurian coast.
The historic centre is walkable and has ZTL zones, so driving within Pisa is not recommended. But for regional travel — Lucca, Cinque Terre, Volterra — a rental car gives you freedom that public transport can’t match. Pick up at the airport or a location outside the centre, and use Pisa as your base.
Picking Up Your Rental Car in Pisa
City pickup locations are near Pisa Centrale station and in the city centre. Most offices open Monday through Saturday, 8 AM to 6 PM, with limited Sunday hours. Pisa Airport (PSA) is just 2 km from the centre and offers longer hours — consider airport pickup for convenience. Parking in central Pisa is limited. Use garages (€10-15/day) outside the ZTL zone.
Documentation: valid driving licence (International Driving Permit recommended for non-EU licences), passport or ID card, and credit card for deposit (€500-1,500). Italian rental companies inspect vehicles carefully. Photograph your car before driving off.
Where to Go with Your Rental Car in Pisa
Lucca (30 minutes) — East on the A11. Walled city with cycling paths on the walls. Stunning cathedral and medieval streets. A must-visit.
Cinque Terre (1.5 hours) — North on the A12 and A15. Five fishing villages on cliffs. Park in La Spezia and take the train between villages. Stunning coastal views.
Florence (1 hour) — East on the A11. Uffizi, Duomo, Ponte Vecchio. Do NOT drive into the centre — use parking outside.
Volterra (1 hour) — Southeast on the SS206 and SS68. Medieval hill town, alabaster workshops, Etruscan history. Less crowded than San Gimignano.
Tuscan Coast (45 minutes) — West on the SS1. Viareggio, Marina di Pisa, and beaches. Summer crowds arrive early.
Tips for Driving in Italy
Pisa connects to the A11 (east to Florence and Lucca) and A12 (north to Genoa, south to Livorno). Speed limits are 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on rural roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Tuscan back roads can be narrow and winding — drive carefully.
Italian motorways are toll roads. The A11 from Pisa to Florence costs about €7. Credit cards are accepted. Fuel is cheaper at supermarkets than on autostrade.
Pisa has ZTL zones in the historic centre. Do NOT drive into the centre. Cameras are automatic. Use public transport for city exploration.
Cinque Terre villages are car-free. Park in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train between villages. Driving into the villages is prohibited.
Use the search above to compare Pisa car hire prices. Whether you’re exploring Lucca or heading to the Cinque Terre, a rental car gives you freedom to discover Tuscany.