Renting a car in Florence: tips and information

Rent a car in Florence

Renting a car in Florence: tips and information

Published on 20 November 2025 Citie to Travel Comments Off

Renting a car in Florence during your city break is a good idea, because with a car you can easily drive to small towns in Tuscany, such as Pisa, Siena and Lucca, which I personally have done many times. In this blog I will give you tips and important information about renting a car in Florence, so you can decide if renting a car in Florence is a good idea for you too.

Why rent a car in Car Rental Florence?

Renting a car in Florence gives you the freedom to explore the area without restrictions. Florence itself is beautiful, but outside the city are many places that are difficult to reach without a car. With a rental car you can drive directly into the hills, where you will find old villages that often do not have a good train or bus connection. Moreover, you can decide how long you stay somewhere, so you are not dependent on fixed times. A car also makes it possible to visit several places in one day, such as wine regions, viewpoints and small market towns. In addition, you can stop along the way for photos, a short walk or lunch at a local restaurant. So renting a car in Florence opens the door to all of Tuscany.

From what age can you rent a car in Car rental in Florence?

Usually you can rent a car in Florence from the age of 21. However, some car rental companies charge an extra fee if you are under 25. That’s why it’s smart to check this in advance. That way you know exactly where you stand.

Is it expensive to rent a car in Car Rental Florence?

In general, the price is not too bad, especially if you book early. In addition, the price depends on the season, the type of car and the insurance you choose. Nevertheless, renting a car in Florence is often cheaper than many people think. This keeps it an attractive option for those who want to discover Tuscany.

What do you need to rent a car in Florence?

To rent a car in Florence, you need a valid driver’s license, a credit card and a passport. In addition, the name on the credit card must be the same as the driver. This will help you avoid problems when picking up the car.

Where is the best place to rent a car in Florence?

Florence has many rental companies, such as Avis, Hertz and several local providers. Renting a car online in Florence is quick and easy. Although there are several platforms, I personally always rent a car through Rentalcars, because you can easily compare prices there. As a result, you can immediately see which option is the most economical.

What should you pay attention to when you rent a car in Florence?

Always pay attention to insurance, deposit and fuel policies. Moreover, it is good to check if there is a mileage limit. Furthermore, you should pay attention in the center of Florence because you have many ZTL zones there. These zones are prohibited for visitors and the fines are high.

Which car should you rent in Florence?

Choose a compact car if you need to park close to town, as the center has many narrow streets and large parts are accessible only by permit. However, if you want to tour Tuscany, a slightly larger car is fine. For example, consider a small SUV or a mid-size car.

Are you allowed to drive in the city of Florence?

Yes, you are allowed to drive in Florence, but not everywhere. The historic center has a ZTL zone (Zona Traffico Limitato). These are enclosed traffic zones where only residents, cabs, buses and vehicles with special permission are allowed to drive. If you do drive here without a permit, you are automatically fined. Cameras are everywhere and the fines are high.

Outside this ZTL zone you are allowed to drive, and there are located:

1. Most parking garages

2. P+R sites

3. Major roads and access roads to off-center attractions

Where can you park in Florence?

Parking in Florence can be tricky. Still, there are good options. For example, you can park at garages on the outskirts of the city center. In addition, you can park your car at P+R lots, which are often cheaper, such as Villa Costanza.

Is car rental in Florence worth it?

If you take a city trip to Florence and stay mainly in the old town, then renting a car in Florence is not worth it. You can hardly drive or park anywhere in this area, as it is largely a car-free zone. However, if you would also like to take a road trip to small towns in Tuscany, such as Pisa, Siena and Lucca, then renting a car is well worth it. Personally, I have already taken several road trips in Tuscany and I can recommend it to everyone.

My tips for renting a car in Florence

Finally, I have some practical tips for renting a car in Florence.

1. Book early: Many tourists book their rental car in advance online, especially during high season. Booking too late can mean cars are no longer available or the price is much higher.

2. Take photos of the car when you pick it up AND return it.

3. Take out full protection insurance. By taking out full protection insurance, you lower your deductible in case of any damage. Especially in Italian cities, you can incur damages that are not your fault.

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Edward

Hi, I'm Edward, crazy about city trips and everything that makes these trips so special. On Cities To travel I share my best tips and recommendations for your next city trip!

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