Compare prices and check availability to find cheap car hire at Florence Airport for your trip. Save money by comparing suppliers and picking the right vehicle for your group.
Table of Contents
Why Hire a Car at Florence Airport
Florence Airport (FLR) sits in Peretola, a short drive from the historic centre. A rental car makes sense for families or groups planning day trips into Tuscany.
The airport has a single terminal and on-site rental desks. Compared with Pisa, Florence gives quicker access to central Florence and to the A1 motorway for longer drives.
Where to Find Car Hire at Florence Airport
Most major car rental desks are in the arrivals hall. You can walk to the nearby rental area to collect keys and inspect your vehicle.
Some low-cost companies operate off-site. These companies run car rental shuttle buses that take 8–15 minutes to reach an external car park. Allow extra time if you pick a shuttle supplier.
Picking Up Your Rental Car at Florence Airport
Show your driving licence, credit card and booking confirmation at the desk. Inspect the car with the staff and take photos of any existing marks.
Expect a pre-authorisation on your card for the deposit. Hold amounts vary by supplier and by vehicle class. Petrol policies vary. Check whether the car needs to be returned with a full tank.
Driving from Florence Airport to the City Centre
Follow signs for Firenze centro. The normal route uses Viale Guidoni and then the ring road into central Florence. Traffic can add time at peak hours.
Typical drive time is about 15–25 minutes depending on traffic. Allow extra time during weekday rush hours and during summer weekends.
Parking and ZTL Rules in Florence
Florence enforces restricted traffic zones, called Florence ZTLs, with camera monitoring. Cameras record licence plates and fines can be issued automatically.
Park outside the ZTL or use one of the guarded car parks near Santa Maria Novella. Many city car parks have a height limit of about 2.0–2.2 metres. Larger vans or tall minibuses may not fit.
Villa Costanza is a useful park-and-ride on the A1. It links to the tram line T1 and the tram takes about 20 minutes to Santa Maria Novella station. This avoids ZTL fines and reduces city-centre congestion.
Car Hire Cost by Vehicle Type
Typical daily price ranges for Florence Airport rentals. Rates vary by season and supplier.
| Car Type | Typical Daily Cost (Low Season) | Typical Daily Cost (High Season) |
|---|---|---|
| Economy / City | €25–€45 | €40–€80 |
| Compact / Small Family | €30–€55 | €50–€95 |
| Estate / 7 Seater | €50–€90 | €80–€150 |
| SUV / 8 Seater | €60–€110 | €100–€180 |
Smaller cars cost less and suit narrow Tuscan lanes. Larger vehicles add comfort for groups and luggage but raise daily rates and fuel use.
How to Get cheap car hire at Florence Airport
Book early and compare suppliers across several platforms on the same dates. Midweek pick-ups are often cheaper than weekend starts.
- Choose a small car for city use and short trips.
- Decline insurance add-ons if your card already provides cover.
- Check free cancellation options to rebook if prices fall.
Common Extra Charges
Extra fees can add substantially to the headline rate. Watch these items when you book.
| Extra | Typical Cost | Can It Be Avoided? |
|---|---|---|
| Young driver fee | €10–€30 per day | Sometimes, by booking senior driver or finding specialist providers |
| Additional driver | €5–€15 per day | Often avoidable by naming one driver only |
| Airport surcharge | €5–€25 per booking | Rarely avoidable for on-site pickups |
| Fuel administration fee | €40–€80 | Avoid by refuelling before return |
Read the booking terms and confirm what is included before you pay. Insurer charge-backs for tolls and fines often appear on the final bill.
Hidden Fees to Watch Out For
Rental companies may charge administrative fees for traffic fines and for damage reports. These can be billed weeks after the rental ends.
Check mileage limits and cross-border rules if you plan to visit neighbouring countries. Some contracts add daily fees for one-way or cross-border travel.
Final Tips Before Booking Your Car Hire
- Check the exact pickup location and whether a shuttle is required.
- Photograph the car on collection and on return to document any damage.
- Keep receipts for fuel and tolls to avoid disputes with the supplier.
- Plan routes that avoid the ZTL and identify a nearby legal car park in advance.
- If you need an automatic, book well ahead. Automatics cost more and sell out fast in peak season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do car hire desks operate inside Florence Airport terminal?
Yes. Most major suppliers have desks in the arrivals hall. Off-site firms may use a shuttle bus.
How long is the drive to Florence city centre?
Drive time is usually 15 to 25 minutes. Time depends on traffic and time of day.
Can I drive my hire car into the Florence ZTL?
Do not enter ZTL zones without a permit. Cameras record licence plates and fines are issued automatically.
Is it cheaper to pick up a car at the airport or in the city?
Airport pickups often include an airport surcharge. City locations sometimes offer lower rates but check shuttle costs and convenience.
What documentation do I need to hire a car at Florence Airport?
You need a valid driving licence, an identity document and the credit card used for the booking. Some suppliers accept debit cards on request.
Are automatic cars more expensive at Florence Airport?
Yes. Automatic cars are typically more costly. Book early to secure an automatic at a reasonable rate.
Can I return the car outside office hours?
Many companies allow after-hours returns. Confirm the drop-off procedure and any extra charges before collecting the car.
Are there height restrictions in Florence car parks?
Yes. Many central car parks limit height to around 2.0 to 2.2 metres. Check the vehicle height before entering.