Car rental in Florence, Italy is one of the most convenient ways to explore the city and the surrounding Tuscan countryside. Travelers can expect rental prices to range from budget-friendly daily rates of €30-€50 for small cars to higher costs for SUVs and luxury vehicles, with seasonal demand influencing overall pricing. To rent a car in Florence, visitors generally need a valid driver’s license, a Passport or National ID, and a credit card. The most reliable car rental options in Florence include international providers such as Hertz, Avis, and Europcar, alongside reputable local agencies such as Tuscany by Car, Sixt, Neloggiare, and Locauto that offer competitive rates and personalized service. By understanding the car rental requirements, comparing costs, and choosing a trusted rental company, visitors can make car hire in Florence a smooth and stress-free part of their trip.
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.
What is the Cost of Renting a Car in Florence?
The average cost of renting a car in Florence, Italy typically starts at €30–€50 per day for economy cars, with weekly rentals averaging €210–€350 and monthly rentals ranging from €700–€1,200 depending on the provider and vehicle type.
Car rental prices vary widely based on several factors, including the season (high summer demand raises rates), the type of car (luxury SUVs cost more than compact cars), the duration of the rental, the pickup location (airport rentals are often pricier than city-center pickups), as well as optional insurance packages and added extras such as GPS or child seats.
In addition to rental fees, most car rental companies require a security deposit ranging from €200 to €1,000, which is held on the driver’s credit card and refunded after the vehicle is returned in good condition.
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 car do people usually rent in Florence?
People usually rent small cars in Florence as they are easier to drive on narrow roads in Florence city. Furthermore, 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 documents are required to rent a car in Florence?
To rent a car in Florence, travelers must provide the following documents.
- Valid Driver’s License
- Passport or National ID
- Credit Card
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.
Where to rent a car in Florence?
To rent a car in Florence, you should visit the car rental companies like Hertz, Sixt, Europcar, Neloggiare, Tuscany by Car, and Avis located near the Florence Airport and main Santa Maira Novella Train Station. Use Booking.com or Kayak.com for comparing car rental quotes if you do not want to visit each office individually.
The map below shows the location of major car rental companies near Florence Amerigo Vespucci Airport.
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 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.
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 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 is better than renting a car in Florence when staying primarily 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.
Is it cheaper to rent a car in Florence or Pisa/Rome airports?
Car rental costs are often slightly higher in Florence compared to larger airports like Pisa or Rome. Major hubs such as Rome Fiumicino and Pisa Airport usually offer lower daily rates and more vehicle options due to competition and fleet size.
What are the common mistakes when renting a car in Florence?
The most common mistakes include driving into ZTL zones in Florence’s historic center, which results in automatic fines, underestimating the cost of extras like insurance or GPS, and failing to check the car for existing damage before leaving the lot. Many travelers also overlook fuel policies (full-to-full vs. pre-purchase) and don’t budget for toll roads or parking fees, leading to unexpected expenses.
How can you save money on car rental in Florence?
To save money on car rental in Florence, follow the tips mentioned below.
- Book in Advance: Try to book your car months before your arrival in Italy. Avoid booking during the peak tourist season. Rather, book in winter to get the cheapest car rent quotes.
- Choose Economy Car: Pick a small car that is economical to pay less and save on extra fuel costs. Fiat Panda, Toyota Yaris, Citroen C3 are cheaper to rent in Italy.
- Rent from City Center: Car rentals offices at the airport charge higher as compared to city center offices. Take tram from Florence airport to city center. Afterwards, rent a car from the nearby offices at Santa Maria Novella Train Station.
- Avoid add-ons: Avoid unnecessary add-ons like GPS and Tow Assistance service to cut extra charges in your car rent.
What to check before signing a car rental contract?
Before signing a car rental contract, carefully check the rental agreement for hidden fees, insurance coverage details, and mileage limits. Inspect the car for scratches, dents, and tire condition, and make sure these are noted in the paperwork. Confirm the fuel policy, deposit amount, and rules about returning the car late. Taking photos or videos of the vehicle during pickup ensures protection against disputes when returning
Do you need extra insurance for car rentals in Italy?
By law, all car rentals in Italy include basic insurance such as third-party liability coverage (known as RCA). However, many travelers choose extra insurance for peace of mind, including Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection, or Super CDW to reduce or eliminate excess liability.
How do credit card insurances work with car rentals in Florence?
Many major credit cards, such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, provide rental car insurance coverage if the booking is made with that card. This coverage often acts as secondary insurance, reimbursing costs not covered by the rental company’s policy, though some premium cards offer primary coverage. Travelers should confirm details with their bank before car renting in Florence, as policies may exclude certain car types (luxury, vans) or EU countries.
Can I rent a car in Florence without a credit card?
No, you cannot rent a car in Florence without a credit card.
Is it better to rent a car at the Florence airport or train station?
It is better to rent a car from Florence Train Station rather than the airport. Renting a car from the Santa Maria Novella Train Station in Florence is cheaper than the airport.
Can you rent a car one-way from Florence to Rome/Milan?
Yes, you can rent a car one-way from Florence to Rome/Milan. However, this depends upon the policy of the car renting company and adds extra cost to your bill. The rented car must be parked at the designated parking mentioned by the car rental company.
Mosaab is a seasoned content writer and SEO expert with a passion for travel, culture, and global cuisine. Drawing from his experience as a courier in Florence, he offers unique insights into the city’s hidden gems and rich history.
