Car Rental in Florence, Italy: Costs, Requirements, Companies

Car rental in Florence, Italy starts at around €30 per day for a small economy car and rises to €150 or more per day for luxury models, with rentals available from international companies (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) and local Italian operators based at Florence Airport, Santa Maria Novella train station, and locations across the city center. Travelers need a valid driver’s license, an International Driving Permit (IDP), a passport, a credit card for the security deposit (typically €200 to €1,500), and a minimum age of 21 (with a young-driver surcharge applied to drivers under 25). Renting a car makes sense for travelers planning day trips to Tuscany, Chianti, Siena, San Gimignano, or the Italian coast, since Florence itself sits inside the ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) where unauthorized vehicles face fines of €80 to €200 per entry. Public transport, the city’s tram network, and walking handle in-city travel far better than a rental car ever could.

Why Rent a Car in Florence, Italy?

Renting a car in Florence opens up the Tuscan countryside and nearby cities that public transport reaches slowly. The historic center of Florence walks easily without a car, so most renters pick up the vehicle on the last day or before a day trip.

The top reasons to rent a car in Florence:

Reach Tuscan wine regions — Chianti, Montalcino, and Montepulciano sit 30 to 90 minutes away
Visit small hill towns — San Gimignano, Volterra, and Cortona lack frequent train links
Day-trip to Pisa, Siena, or Lucca — flexible schedule beats train timetables
Drive the Val d’Orcia — UNESCO landscape ranks among the most scenic in Italy
Save time across multi-stop trips — one car beats 4 train tickets per person
Reach rural agriturismo stays — many farm stays sit far from public transport

Drivers planning to stay only inside Florence skip the rental. The ZTL restrictions, parking fees, and walkability of the historic center make a car a liability for city-only visits.

Where Can You Rent a Car in Florence?

Drivers rent a car in Florence at four main location types. Each option matches a different trip profile.

Below are the four places to rent a car in Florence:

Florence Airport (FLR/Peretola) — Hertz, Avis, Enterprise, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, Locauto, Maggiore
Santa Maria Novella train station — most major brands within a 5-minute walk
City center offices — Borgo Ognissanti and Via Maso Finiguerra hold rental hubs
Online booking with hotel pickup — some hotels arrange car delivery for a fee

The airport handles 24/7 pickups and stays open for late flights. The Santa Maria Novella branches close evenings and Sundays. The city center offices avoid airport surcharges of €15 to €30 per rental.

What Documents Do You Need to Rent a Car in Florence?

To rent a car in Florence, drivers need four documents. The rules apply to all major rental companies operating in Italy.

The required documents:

Valid driver’s license — held for at least 1 year
International Driving Permit (IDP) — required for non-EU license holders
Passport or national ID card — for identity verification
Credit card in the driver’s name — debit cards rarely accepted for deposits

The minimum driver age is 21 for most rentals. Drivers under 25 pay a young driver surcharge of €15 to €30 per day. Some luxury car categories require drivers 25 or older. US, Canadian, Australian, UK, and Japanese drivers all need an IDP under Italian law. Rental staff increasingly ask for the IDP at the counter.

How Much Does It Cost to Rent a Car in Florence?

The cost to rent a car in Florence ranges from €30 per day for a small economy car to €200+ per day for a luxury SUV. The price depends on car class, season, rental length, and pickup location.

Rental car prices in Florence by class for 2026:

Car Class	Low Season (Nov-Mar)	Peak Season (Jun-Aug)	Example Models
Economy	€30-€45	€50-€80	Fiat 500, Citroen C1
Compact	€40-€55	€60-€95	Fiat Panda, VW Polo
Mid-size	€50-€70	€75-€120	Ford Focus, Opel Astra
SUV	€70-€100	€110-€180	Jeep Renegade, Nissan Qashqai
Luxury	€120-€200	€180-€350	BMW 3 Series, Mercedes C-Class
Convertible	€90-€150	€150-€280	Fiat 500 Cabrio, Mini Convertible

Weekly rentals lower the daily rate by 20 to 30%. Booking 30+ days ahead saves another 15 to 25%. Airport pickups add €15 to €30 in surcharges. The peak summer months (July and August) carry the highest premium.

What is the Process for Renting a Car in Florence, Italy?

Renting a car in Florence, Italy is a straightforward process, but it requires preparation to meet both legal and company-specific requirements.

The process to rent a car in Florence is mentioned below.

Comparing & Selecting Vehcile: The rental process typically begins with an online booking, where travelers can compare rates, vehicle types, and pickup locations around the Florence airport or city center.
Gather Required Documents: Travelers first need to present a valid driver’s license, and in many cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP) if their license is issued outside the EU. A credit card in the driver’s name is usually required to cover deposits and insurance holds. Most car rentals in Florence charge a minimum deposit of €500.
Making Payment & Signing Rental Contract: Upon arrival at the rental desk, the company verifies identification, processes payment, and explains insurance options such as Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection. It is highly recommended to purchase the rental plan that comes with full insurance polucy. Usually, this will cost you an extra €50 to €70 in total.
Inspecting Vehicle: The car rental staff allows you to inspect the selected vehicle for any wear marks or damages. I recommend making a video of the vehcile from outside and inside. After inspection of the car for any existing damages, the keys are handed over and the vehicle is ready for use. Returning the car involves refueling according to the chosen policy, a final inspection, and closing the rental contract.

How much is the security deposit for car rentals in Florence?

The security deposit for car rental in Florence is ranges between €500 to €1000. The security deposit is made from the credit card. Debit cards are not accepted.

What Insurance Do You Need for a Car Rental in Florence?

Italian car rentals come with mandatory basic insurance. Drivers add optional coverage based on risk tolerance.

The four insurance layers for a Florence car rental:

CDW (Collision Damage Waiver) — included by law, but with high deductible (€500-€1,500)
Theft Protection — included, covers stolen vehicle damages
Super CDW (Zero Excess) — optional, reduces deductible to zero (€10-€20/day)
Tire and Glass Protection — optional, covers tire and windshield damage

What car do people usually rent in Florence?

People usually rent small cars such as Fiat Panda, Citroen C3, Pugeot 208, etc in Florence as they are easier to drive on narrow roads in the city. It is easier to find parking for small cars in Florence.

How much does it cost to rent small car in Florence?

It costs between €30 to €60 per day to rent a small car in Florence.

How much does it cost to rent medium car in Florence?

It costs between €60 to €95 per day to rent a medium car in Florence.

How much does it cost to rent a luxury car in Florence?

It costs between €100 to €150 per day to rent a luxury car in Florence.

What Are the Best Car Rental Companies in Florence?

The best car rental companies in Florence split into international agencies and local providers. International brands hold larger fleets. Local providers offer better service and more competitive pricing for short rentals.

International Rental Companies in Florence

The five largest international rental companies in Florence:

Hertz — premium service, broad fleet, multiple locations
Avis — strong loyalty program, reliable customer service
Europcar — largest European fleet, frequent promotions
Enterprise — competitive insurance bundles, good airport service
Budget — entry-level pricing, basic fleet

Local and Regional Rental Companies in Florence

The top local rental companies in Florence:

Sixt — German-owned, premium European fleet, modern cars
Locauto — Italian provider, strong economy car selection
Maggiore — largest Italian-owned company, good Italian service
Tuscany by Car — boutique provider, personalized customer care

Comparison sites like Rentalcars.com, DiscoverCars, and AutoEurope show prices across all providers in one search. Book through the rental company’s own site after comparing for the best cancellation policies.

Do you need an International Driving Permit (IDP) for car hire in Florence?

Yes, most non-EU drivers are required to carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their home country license when renting a car in Florence or elsewhere in Italy. EU and UK license holders can usually rent without an IDP, but U.S., Canadian, and Australian travelers are strongly advised to have one.

What is the minimum age for car rental in Italy?

The minimum age to rent a car in Italy is typically 21 years old, though many companies charge a “young driver surcharge” for drivers under 25. Some rental categories, such as luxury cars or larger SUVs, may have a higher minimum age requirement of 25–30 years.

Which international car rental companies operate in Florence?

The international car rental companies that operate in Florence include Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, and Avis.

What are the best local rental car companies in Florence?

The best local rental car companies in Florence include, Neloggiare, Tuscany by Car, and SRC Rent Car Autonoleggio. Apart from these companies, there over 17 other car rental companies locally operating in Florence.

Which companies offer the cheapest car rates in Florence?

The companies that offer the cheapest car rental rates include, Neloggiare, Budget, Sixt, and Europcar.

What types of cars are available for rent in Florence?

In Florence, wide variety of cars are available for rent including Hatchback, Sedan, Mini SUV, SUV, Vans, Luxury Cars, Super Cars, and Electric/Hybrid Cars.

Is it worth renting an electric car in Florence?

Yes, it is worth renting an electric car in Florence especially if you are driving inside the city. The Florence City center has restricted zones called ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato). These areas can only be accessed by authorized residents or cars). Electric cars are allowed in the ZTL zones, however, a special ZTL permit is required.

What Is the ZTL and How Does It Affect Car Rentals?

The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is Florence’s Limited Traffic Zone covering the historic center. Cameras fine non-authorized vehicles €83 to €335 per entry. The ZTL operates Monday to Friday from 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM and Saturday until 4:00 PM (September to June).

The ZTL bans rental cars from entering the historic center during posted hours. Rental companies pass ZTL fines directly to the driver, with a €30 to €50 administration fee added on top. Hotels inside the ZTL register guest license plates with the city for free entry on arrival and departure days only.

Five steps to avoid ZTL fines with a rental car:

Park outside the ZTL — Villa Costanza (€10/day) or Porta al Prato
Register the hotel plate — email plate details 24 hours before arrival
Enter only after 8:00 PM — weekday ZTL ends at this time
Use a private ZTL garage — Garage Palazzo Vecchio, Garage Lungarno
Avoid Sunday driving in the historic center — the ZTL opens Sundays, but cobblestones still challenge cars

Where to Park a Rental Car in Florence?

Rental cars park outside the ZTL at park-and-ride lots, perimeter garages, or hotel garages. The historic center has no free parking for tourists.

Best parking options for rental cars in Florence:

Villa Costanza (Scandicci) — €10 per 24 hours, T1 tram connects to the center in 22 minutes
Fortezza Fiera — €20 daily, 12-minute walk to the Duomo
Santa Maria Novella station — €25 daily, central location
Garage Palazzo Vecchio — €23 daily, inside the ZTL with €2 entry fee
Porta al Prato — €20 daily, 15-minute walk to the center

Villa Costanza is the cheapest secure parking near Florence. The lot holds 530 spaces and connects directly to the A1 motorway. Tourist visitors with a rental car commonly park at Villa Costanza and tram into the city center for sightseeing.

How Much Does Fuel Cost in Florence?

Fuel in Florence costs €1.75 to €2.00 per liter for unleaded petrol in 2026. Diesel runs €1.65 to €1.85 per liter. Autostrada (highway) service stations price 10 to 15 cents higher than city stations. Rental cars come with a full tank and must return with a full tank to avoid a refueling surcharge of €30 to €60.

Italian gas stations split into two types: served and self-service. Served stations (with an attendant) cost 5 to 10 cents per liter more than self-service. Most stations close on Sundays and after 8:00 PM, though autostrada stations stay open 24/7. Diesel cars suit Tuscany day trips because of the cheaper fuel and better highway range.

What Are the Best Day Trips by Car from Florence?

The top day trips by car from Florence cover Tuscan wine country, hill towns, and the coastal cities. Each destination sits within 90 minutes of Florence by car.

The best day trips from Florence by car:

Chianti wine region — 45 minutes south, vineyards and tastings
Siena — 75 minutes south, Gothic city with the Palio
San Gimignano — 60 minutes southwest, medieval towers
Pisa — 60 minutes west, Leaning Tower and Campo dei Miracoli
Lucca — 75 minutes west, intact Renaissance walls
Val d’Orcia — 90 minutes south, UNESCO landscape
Cinque Terre — 2.5 hours northwest, requires train transfer at La Spezia
Bologna — 90 minutes north, food capital of Italy
Volterra — 90 minutes southwest, Etruscan history
Arezzo — 70 minutes east, antique markets and frescoes

The Chianti drive on the SR222 (Chiantigiana road) covers wine estates between Florence and Siena. Most agriturismi accept walk-in tastings between 11:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

Common Mistakes When Renting a Car in Florence

These six mistakes catch tourists off guard and cost real money.

Driving into the ZTL — automatic €83-€335 fine per camera plus rental admin fee
Skipping the International Driving Permit — Italian police fine and rental rejection
Declining Super CDW without credit card backup — €1,500 risk on minor scratches
Refueling at the wrong gas station — rental companies charge €30-€60 for fuel returns
Ignoring autostrada tolls — most car rentals lack automatic toll devices
Booking the cheapest economy car for highway drives — small cars handle Tuscan hills poorly

Pick up the car on the day before a planned drive, not on arrival day in Florence. The first night’s parking costs €20+ before any actual driving happens.

Car Rental Florence Comparison Table

The major rental companies in Florence trade price, location, and service differently. The table compares the top providers.

Company	Type	Daily Rate (Compact)	Florence Locations	Best For
Hertz	International	€55-€90	Airport, station, city	Premium service
Avis	International	€50-€85	Airport, station, city	Loyalty rewards
Europcar	International	€45-€80	Airport, station	Largest fleet
Enterprise	International	€50-€85	Airport, city	Insurance bundles
Budget	International	€40-€70	Airport, station	Entry-level pricing
Sixt	International	€50-€90	Airport, station	Premium European cars
Locauto	Local	€40-€75	Airport, station	Italian service
Maggiore	Local	€45-€80	Airport, station, city	Largest Italian fleet

Frequently Asked Questions About Renting a Car in Florence, Italy

Is it worth renting a car in Florence?

Renting a car in Florence is worth it for day trips to Tuscan wine regions, hill towns, and nearby cities like Siena and Pisa. The historic center walks easily without a car, so most travelers rent only for the touring days. Drivers staying inside Florence pay €20+ per day in parking with no daily benefit.

Can I drive in Florence as a tourist?

Yes, tourists drive in Florence with a valid license, passport, and International Driving Permit. The ZTL bans most rental cars from the historic center during posted hours. Drivers park outside the ZTL at Villa Costanza or other perimeter lots. Tourist drivers reach Florence from the Tuscan countryside, neighboring cities, and the A1 motorway without restriction.

How old do I have to be to rent a car in Florence?

The minimum age to rent a car in Florence is 21. Drivers between 21 and 24 pay a young driver surcharge of €15 to €30 per day. Some luxury and SUV categories require drivers 25 or older. The maximum age for most rentals is 75, with some companies requiring extra documentation for drivers over 70.

Do I need an International Driving Permit in Italy?

Yes, non-EU drivers need an International Driving Permit (IDP) to rent and drive in Italy. The IDP translates the home license into Italian and other European languages. US, Canadian, Australian, UK, and Japanese drivers all need the IDP under Italian law. The permit costs $20 from AAA in the US or £5.50 from the UK Post Office and takes 1 to 2 weeks to receive.

What is the cheapest car rental in Florence?

The cheapest car rental in Florence is an economy class car at €30 to €45 per day in low season. Booking 30+ days ahead, picking up from the city center (not the airport), and renting for a full week unlock the lowest rates. Local companies like Locauto and Tuscany by Car often beat international brands on short rentals.

Where do I pick up my rental car in Florence?

Drivers pick up rental cars in Florence at three main locations. Florence Airport (FLR/Peretola) offers 24/7 pickups from major rental desks. Santa Maria Novella station hosts most brands within a 5-minute walk. The city center offices on Borgo Ognissanti and Via Maso Finiguerra avoid airport surcharges. Choose the airport for late flights and the city center for daytime pickups.

Can I take a Florence rental car to other countries?

Most Florence rental cars travel freely across the EU (France, Germany, Austria, Slovenia). Cross-border travel requires written permission from the rental company and sometimes an extra fee of €10 to €30 per day. Travel to non-EU countries like Switzerland or Croatia needs special insurance riders. Confirm cross-border rules with the rental company before signing the contract.

What Is the ZTL and How Does It Affect Car Rentals?

Five steps to avoid ZTL fines with a rental car:

Park outside the ZTL — Villa Costanza (€10/day) or Porta al Prato
Register the hotel plate — email plate details 24 hours before arrival
Enter only after 8:00 PM — weekday ZTL ends at this time
Use a private ZTL garage — Garage Palazzo Vecchio, Garage Lungarno
Avoid Sunday driving in the historic center — the ZTL opens Sundays, but cobblestones still challenge cars

What are the driving rules and restricitions in Florence?

Driving in Florence requires attention and good knowledge of the driving zones. Florence has ZTL zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato) in its historic center, where only residents, taxis, and authorized vehicles may enter during controlled hours. For visitors renting a car, driving into these areas without a permit leads to automatic fines issued by cameras.

Car rentals are affected because tourists often mistakenly drive into ZTL zones when picking up or dropping off vehicles near the city center. To avoid problems, it’s recommended to either rent at Florence Airport or confirm with your rental company about hotel permits if staying within a ZTL.

Apart from the ZTL, travelers should avoid drving on lanes dedicated to local buses and Taxis. The sign board in the above image shows a track dedicated to local buses, Taxis, and NCC cars. Entering on this lane results in fines.

Where to Park a Rental Car in Florence?

Rental cars park outside the ZTL at park-and-ride lots, perimeter garages, or hotel garages. The historic center has no free parking for tourists.

Best parking options for rental cars in Florence:

Villa Costanza (Scandicci) — €10 per 24 hours, T1 tram connects to the center in 22 minutes
Fortezza Fiera — €20 daily, 12-minute walk to the Duomo
Santa Maria Novella station — €25 daily, central location
Garage Palazzo Vecchio — €23 daily, inside the ZTL with €2 entry fee
Porta al Prato — €20 daily, 15-minute walk to the center

How Much Does Fuel Cost in Florence?

What are the speed limits and parking rules in Florence and Tuscany?

In Florence and across Tuscany, standard speed limits apply: 50 km/h in cities, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on main roads, and 130 km/h on highways (autostrade). Speed cameras are widely used inside the Florence city center and suburbs.

Parking in Florence especially in the city center is a big challenge. Parking area througout Italy is makret by blue, white, and yellow line spaces. Blue-lined spaces are paid parking, white lines are usually free, and yellow lines are reserved for residents or special permits. In Florence, parking near the city center is limited, so travelers often leave rental cars in designated lots outside the ZTL and explore central areas on foot.

What Are the Best Day Trips by Car from Florence?

The top day trips by car from Florence cover Tuscan wine country, hill towns, and the coastal cities. Each destination sits within 90 minutes of Florence by car.

The best day trips from Florence by car:

Chianti wine region — 45 minutes south, vineyards and tastings
Siena — 75 minutes south, Gothic city with the Palio
San Gimignano — 60 minutes southwest, medieval towers
Pisa — 60 minutes west, Leaning Tower and Campo dei Miracoli
Lucca — 75 minutes west, intact Renaissance walls
Val d’Orcia — 90 minutes south, UNESCO landscape
Cinque Terre — 2.5 hours northwest, requires train transfer at La Spezia
Bologna — 90 minutes north, food capital of Italy
Volterra — 90 minutes southwest, Etruscan history
Arezzo — 70 minutes east, antique markets and frescoes

What are the Common Mistakes When Renting a Car in Florence?

These six mistakes catch tourists off guard and cost real money.

Driving into the ZTL — automatic €83-€335 fine per camera plus rental admin fee
Skipping the International Driving Permit — Italian police fine and rental rejection
Declining Super CDW without credit card backup — €1,500 risk on minor scratches
Refueling at the wrong gas station — rental companies charge €30-€60 for fuel returns
Ignoring autostrada tolls — most car rentals lack automatic toll devices
Booking the cheapest economy car for highway drives — small cars handle Tuscan hills poorly

Pick up the car on the day before a planned drive, not on arrival day in Florence. The first night’s parking costs €20+ before any actual driving happens.

What are alternatives to car rental in Florence?

The alternatives to car rental in Florence include, Bus, Tram, and Taxi. Public trasport in Florence is cheaper (€1.70 for 90 minutes).

When is public transport better than car rental in Florence?

Public transport in Florence is better than renting a car if you plan to stay within the city center, which is a ZTL (restricted traffic zone) with limited parking and strict fines. Buses, trams, and taxis provide easy movement across the city without the stress of driving.

For short stays focused on museums, shopping, and walking tours in Florence itself, public transport or walking is the most practical choice. Car rental only becomes advantageous if planning day trips or onward travel across Tuscany.