Florence car rental prices are mid-range for Italy — not as cheap as southern cities, but competitive. A compact car starts around €20-32/day when booked ahead. The advantage: you’re in Tuscany, one of Europe’s best driving regions. Pick up at the airport and head straight for the hills.
Why Rent a Car in Florence?
Florence is Tuscany’s gateway. The motorway network connects you to Pisa (1 hour), Bologna (1.5 hours), and the coast. But the real draw is the secondary roads — the SR222 through Chianti, the winding routes to hill towns, the scenic drives through Val d’Orcia. If you want to see Tuscany beyond Florence, a car is the best way.
The rental market at Florence Airport is small but competitive. International brands (Hertz, Avis, Sixt, Europcar) and Italian companies (Maggiore, Locauto) all operate. City centre locations exist but parking is limited — most travellers pick up at the airport.
One-way rentals work well from Florence. Drop-offs in Rome (€80-150), Milan (€80-150), or Pisa (€30-60) are common. Always declare your destination when booking.
What to Expect When You Pick Up
Florence Airport (Peretola) is small — pickup typically takes 15-20 minutes. The rental desks are in the arrivals hall.
Documentation:
- Driving licence (IDP required for non-EU)
- Passport or EU ID
- Credit card for deposit (€800-2000)
- Age 21+ for compact, 25+ for premium
Insurance excess is high in Italy (€1000-2500). Document every scratch at pickup. Check wheels and glass separately. Take photos with your phone — timestamps help with disputes.
Fuel policy is full-to-full. There’s a petrol station at the airport. Fill up before returning.
Top Routes and Day Trips
Arezzo (1.5 hours): Medieval city with frescoes by Piero della Francesca. The SR70 south through the Casentino valley is scenic. Combine with Cortona for a full day.
Viareggio and the coast (1.5 hours): Beach resort with Art Nouveau architecture. The A11 west takes you there. Continue to Carrara (marble quarries) for a longer trip.
Saturnia (2 hours): Thermal hot springs in a natural setting. The drive south through Grosseto. Combine with Pitigliano (cliff-top town).
Cinque Terre (2.5 hours): Five fishing villages on the Ligurian coast. The A12 west then coastal roads. Park in La Spezia and take the train to the villages (cars are banned in most of them).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s included in rental price? Base rates include unlimited mileage, CDW with excess, and taxes. Fuel is full-to-full. Additional driver, GPS, and child seats are extra.
Can I return outside office hours? Florence Airport has limited hours (typically 7am-11pm). Check before booking if you have an early or late flight.
What about ZTL? Florence and most Tuscan towns have ZTL (limited traffic zones). Historic centres are often closed to traffic. Park outside and walk in.
Related: Car Hire Italy | Car Hire Florence Airport | Car Hire Siena | Car Hire Pisa | Car Hire Bologna