Car rental in Florence
Pointless in the historic centre, essential for Chianti and the Tuscan countryside. Here's how to think about it.
Restricted zones and the historic centre: what to know before driving in Florence
Florence's historic centre has a very extensive restricted traffic zone, active during the day too and monitored by cameras: fines for entering without a permit are common and steep. If your goal is to see Piazza della Signoria, skip the car: the centre is comfortably walkable or reachable by tram and bus. If your goal is exploring Chianti, Fiesole or the Tuscan countryside independently, renting makes sense — pick up the car at a car park outside the restricted zone and don't attempt to drive it into the historic centre.
When it makes sense
For Chianti, Fiesole, San Gimignano and the villages of the province — rural Tuscany is best explored by car, with your own schedule and free stops at wineries.
When it doesn't
For staying in Florence: the historic centre is compact, pedestrian, and strictly enforced. A car here is only a parking problem.
Space reserved for local operators.