Renting a Car at Florence Airport
Last updated: April 2026
Florence Airport Amerigo Vespucci (FLR) is a compact single-runway airport 5 km northwest of the city center. The rental car desks are on the ground floor of the terminal building, immediately visible from the arrivals exit. Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Maggiore (an Italian chain), and Sixt all have counters. FLR is ideal for Tuscan road trips — the Chianti wine roads begin 20 minutes south of the airport.
🎯 Quick Tip
Do NOT drive into Florence's city center — the entire historic zone is a ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) enforced by automatic cameras 24/7 in the central area and part-time on the approaches. Each camera pass generates a €100+ fine. Park at the Fortezza da Basso car park (north of center) and walk or take the tram.
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Airport Pickup Tips
FLR is tiny — from the arrivals gate to the rental desks is a 1-minute walk. Present your passport, EU license or IDP, and credit card. Florence's rental operators are familiar with confused tourists driving into ZTL zones — ask them to clearly mark the restricted area on the map and explain how to reach your hotel without triggering cameras. Pickup takes 10–15 minutes.
Tuscan roads are narrow and flanked by stone walls and cypress trees — check both sides of the car for scrapes and mirror damage. Italian rental companies charge aggressively for minor damage — photograph every existing blemish and have the agent initial a printed damage sheet. Pay special attention to the wheel rims; Tuscan town cobblestones chip alloy wheels.
For detailed guidance, see our pre-drive checklist.
Explore Florence by Car
Tuscany's rolling hills, cypress-lined roads, and medieval hilltop towns are the stuff of road trip dreams. From Florence, drive through the Chianti wine region, visit San Gimignano's towers, and explore the Val d'Orcia.
Top drive from Florence: Chiantigiana (SR222) through the heart of Chianti
Full Florence Car Hire Guide →
Getting from Florence Airport to the City
FLR is 5 km from Florence's center — 15 minutes via Viale Guidoni. Parking near the center is at Fortezza da Basso (€2/hour) or Garage Europa (€20/day). For Siena, take the Firenze-Siena superstrada (75 min, toll-free). For San Gimignano, exit the superstrada at Poggibonsi (60 min). For Pisa, take the Fi-Pi-Li expressway (70 min, toll-free). For the Chianti wine region (Greve, Radda), take the SR222 south (30 min).
Maggiore has a large depot on Via il Prato, 3 km from FLR and closer to the city center. They offer free shuttle from the airport and provide detailed ZTL maps with every rental. Rates match or beat the airport desks, and their Tuscan fleet includes diesel station wagons ideal for transporting wine purchases.
What to Know Before Driving from FLR
Italy drives on the right. Autostrada speed limit is 130 km/h (110 km/h in rain), strade extraurbane 90 km/h, and urban areas 50 km/h. The ZTL system applies to Florence, Siena, San Gimignano, and virtually every Tuscan hill town — cameras are ubiquitous. Autostrada tolls between Florence and Rome total approximately €20. Italian drivers tailgate aggressively on the left lane — move right promptly.
Before leaving FLR, program your hotel address and verify the route avoids the ZTL (your GPS should have a 'restricted zones' setting). If your accommodation is inside the ZTL, call them for specific driving instructions — hotels can temporarily register your plate for access. Also check that the car has a Telepass or Viacard for autostrada tolls.
Fuel Stations Near FLR
ENI and IP stations are on Viale Guidoni near FLR and the A1/A11 autostrada interchange. Fuel: unleaded approximately €1.85/L, diesel €1.75/L. The closest station to FLR is the ENI on Via del Termine, 500 meters from the rental return. Many Italian stations have 'self-service' (fai da te) and 'attended' (servito) pricing — self-service is always 10–15 cents cheaper per liter.
Local Driving Tip
Florence's ZTL cameras are active Monday–Saturday and will fine you €80+ per entry without a permit. Park at the Parcheggio Biliotti garage outside the ZTL and take the free shuttle — it's cheaper than a single fine.