Florence Airport offers a wide range of car rental services. The rental desks sit in a dedicated facility on Via del Palagio degli Spini, reached by the free "Rent a Car" shuttle bus from outside the Arrivals terminal. Below are the main companies serving the airport — tap View details on any of them for full contact information and tips.
Avis Car Rental
Global brand with a large fleet at FLR
Europcar Car Rental
Wide vehicle range, on-site at FLR
Hertz Car Rental
Premium service and well-maintained fleet
Enterprise Car Rental
Customer-focused, after-hours drop-off
Sixt Car Rental
Modern fleet, often premium cars
Budget Car Rental
Value rates, part of the Avis group
Maggiore Car Rental
Italian heritage brand
Locauto Car Rental
100% Italian, young fleet
Thrifty Car Rental
Budget-friendly, Hertz group
Dollar Car Rental
Value rates, Hertz group
Alamo Car Rental
Self-service style, Enterprise group
National Car Rental
Business-friendly, Enterprise group
Goldcar Car Rental
Low-cost specialist
InterRent Car Rental
Discount brand, Europcar group
Firefly Car Rental
Economy brand, Hertz group
Sicily by Car Car Rental
Italian brand, popular for one-ways
Noleggiare Car Rental
Italian value brand
Autovia Car Rental
Local low-cost option
Leasys Car Rental
Stellantis mobility brand
B-Rent Car Rental
Independent value brand
No car rental company matches your search. Show all.
Phone numbers and opening hours can change — please confirm with the supplier before travelling. All desks are reached via the free airport rental shuttle.
Driving in Florence
A comprehensive guide to navigating the city and beyond
Florence, the cradle of the Renaissance, is a city best explored on foot or by public transport. However, if you’re planning to venture into the Tuscan countryside or explore nearby towns, driving might be a necessity. While driving in Florence can be challenging — narrow streets, restricted traffic zones and a bustling centre — it can also be rewarding if you’re well prepared.
Is driving in Florence a good idea?
Driving in Florence is not recommended for first-time visitors or those unfamiliar with Italian driving habits. The city centre is compact, with narrow, winding streets, heavy pedestrian traffic and limited parking. Strict Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) are off-limits to unauthorised vehicles, and fines can be steep.
Driving can be a great option if:
- You’re planning to explore the Tuscan countryside, such as Chianti, Siena or San Gimignano.
- You’re staying outside the city centre and need a car for day trips.
- You’re comfortable driving in busy urban environments.
If your itinerary focuses solely on Florence, consider relying on public transport, taxis or walking to avoid the hassle of driving.
Understanding Florence’s ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones)
The Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL) is a restricted area in the historic centre designed to cut congestion and pollution. Only authorised vehicles may enter. Unauthorised vehicles caught inside face hefty fines, which are passed on to you through your rental company.
- ZTL hours: active 7:30 AM–8:00 PM on weekdays and 7:30 AM–4:00 PM on Saturdays. Generally inactive on Sundays and public holidays — but always check local signage.
- ZTL boundaries: cover much of the historic centre, including the Duomo, Piazza della Signoria and Ponte Vecchio. Look for signs with a red circle.
- Avoiding the ZTL: use GPS updated with ZTL data, or park outside the centre and walk or take public transport in.
Rules of the road
Driving in Florence follows Italian traffic laws, which may differ from those in your home country. Italy drives on the right-hand side.
Speed limits
General rules
- Seat belts: mandatory for all passengers.
- Child seats: required for children under 12 or shorter than 150 cm (4’11”).
- Alcohol limit: legal blood-alcohol limit is 0.05%. Penalties are severe.
Specific to Florence
- One-way streets: many streets are one-way — watch the signage.
- Pedestrian priority: pedestrians have right of way at crosswalks, even without a light.
- Horns: honking is prohibited in urban areas unless needed for safety.
Parking in Florence
Finding parking in the city centre can be a challenge. Here’s what to know.
Street parking
- White lines: free, but rare and often time-limited.
- Blue lines: paid — use a meter or an app like EasyPark.
- Yellow lines: residents/authorised only — do not park.
Parking garages
Several garages sit outside the ZTL, such as Piazza della Libertà and Fortezza da Basso. Rates typically range from €2 to €4 per hour.
Park & ride
Use park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts, such as Villa Costanza, and take public transport into the city.
Renting a car in Florence
Requirements
- Driver’s licence: a valid licence from your home country is enough for most visitors; an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU drivers.
- Age: most companies require drivers to be at least 21, with a surcharge under 25.
- Insurance: ensure your rental includes Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) and Theft Protection; consider extra cover for peace of mind.
Rental companies
Major brands such as Hertz, Avis and Europcar have offices at Florence Airport and in the city centre — see the full list of suppliers above. Book in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.
Exploring Tuscany: day trips from Florence
One of the best reasons to drive is to explore the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Highways & tolls
- Autostrada A1: connects Florence to Rome and Milan. Tolls are based on distance travelled.
- Fi-Pi-Li Highway: a toll-free route to Pisa and the coast.
Tips for driving in Florence
- Use GPS: a reliable system with updated maps is essential for Florence’s complex streets and for avoiding ZTLs.
- Stay calm: Italian drivers can be assertive in urban areas — stay focused and avoid confrontations.
- Fuel up: stations are often self-service — look for “Self-Service” or “Fai da Te”.
- Avoid rush hour: traffic peaks 7:30–9:30 AM and 5:00–7:00 PM.
Frequently asked questions
Can I drive into Florence's city centre?
No. The city centre is part of the ZTL, and unauthorised vehicles are prohibited during active hours.
What happens if I accidentally enter a ZTL?
If you enter a ZTL, you may receive a fine ranging from €80 to €350, depending on the violation.
Is it safe to drive in Florence?
Yes, but it requires caution and familiarity with local driving habits. Avoid driving in the city centre if possible.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP)?
While not mandatory for most visitors, an IDP is recommended for non-EU drivers.
Where can I park overnight in Florence?
Use secure parking garages outside the ZTL, such as Parcheggio Oltrarno or Parcheggio della Stazione.