Renting a car in Florence offers travellers the freedom to explore the city and its surroundings at their own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit key attractions such as the stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, the historic Ponte Vecchio, and the picturesque Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, all located within the Historic Centre of Florence. This flexibility is especially beneficial for families, allowing you to manage luggage effortlessly and adjust your travel plans as needed. Additionally, you can venture into charming neighbourhoods like San Giovanni and the Duomo, where cultural experiences await. Whether you are seeking history, art, or simply a pleasant family outing, having a car provides convenient access to these popular destinations. You can enjoy the rich culture of Florence without the constraints of public transport schedules, making it an ideal choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Tuscany.
Most popular car hires in Florence
Midsize: The Midsize option is perfect for accommodating up to 5 travellers along with up to 3 large suitcases. This makes it an excellent choice for couples and families looking to explore Florence at their own pace. With ample space for both passengers and luggage, you can easily manage your belongings while enjoying the freedom to travel flexibly throughout the region.
Compact: Compact cars are well-suited for 5 travellers and can hold up to 3 medium suitcases, making them an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or small families. Their smaller size allows for easier navigation through the charming streets of Florence while still providing comfortable seating and storage. This option balances convenience and efficiency, allowing you to experience Tuscany without hassle.
Economy: The Economy car option accommodates up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This is a fantastic choice for solo travellers, couples, or families seeking a budget-friendly yet practical vehicle. Its compact design makes it easy to manoeuvre in urban environments while ensuring that you have enough room for your essentials during your journey around Florence and its beautiful surroundings.
Top rated car suppliers in Florence
Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo boasts 2 rental locations in the Florence area, making it a convenient choice for travellers. Known for its excellent service, Alamo's most booked vehicles include Compact and Economy cars, ideal for navigating the city's charming streets and surrounding Tuscan countryside.
Budget: With 2 rental locations in Florence, Budget provides a hassle-free car hire experience. This supplier is popular for offering Midsize SUVs and Economy vehicles, catering to a variety of traveller needs, whether you're planning a family trip or a solo adventure around the beautiful Tuscan landscape.
Leasys: Leasys also features 2 rental locations within Florence, ensuring easy access for visitors. Most customers opt for Economy and Midsize SUVs from Leasys, which are perfect for both city driving and longer excursions into the stunning Tuscan region.
Where to stay in Florence
Historic Centre of Florence: This vibrant neighbourhood is perfect for culture and family experiences. Explore local markets, theatres, and the iconic Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, which is a cultural hub. The stunning Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore and the historic Ponte Vecchio bridge are also nearby, making it an ideal spot for sightseeing. With an array of restaurants and wineries, the Historic Centre offers a delightful taste of Florence’s culinary scene.
Duomo: Renowned for its cultural and city-themed attractions, Duomo is a bustling neighbourhood filled with shopping areas and public markets. Key highlights include the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella and the magnificent Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, both closely situated. The Ponte Vecchio adds to the neighbourhood's charm, while numerous restaurants and wineries provide excellent dining options, making it a great base for your explorations.
San Giovanni: Another culturally rich area, San Giovanni is known for its shopping and public markets. With landmarks like the Piazza di Santa Maria Novella, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, and the historic Ponte Vecchio within walking distance, this neighbourhood is ideal for sightseeing. San Giovanni also boasts a variety of wineries, allowing travellers to indulge in the local flavours while enjoying a family-friendly atmosphere.
10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Florence
Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by specifying vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for added space, a convertible for the summer months, or an economical car for cost-effectiveness, utilise the filters on Expedia to discover the ideal option for your journey.
Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly based on demand, so it’s advisable to secure your car well ahead of your trip. By booking early, you’re more likely to obtain lower rates and better availability, particularly during peak seasons.
Consider a smaller car for savings: Compact cars are typically less expensive to rent and easier to manoeuvre in crowded areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
Age guidelines: Drivers under 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—might not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over 70. Always verify the age requirements prior to booking.
Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements stipulate a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most favourable option. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel choices, which are acceptable as well, but ensure you return the car empty in this instance.
Save on city and airport pickups: You will often incur a surcharge for collecting your rental car from airports, but the added convenience might make it worthwhile.
Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you steer clear of unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unexpected occur during your trip. It’s straightforward to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
Consider unlimited mileage: If you’re planning extensive road trips, search for rentals that come with unlimited mileage to avoid incurring extra charges.
Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver’s licence is essential for renting a car.
Best time to rent a car in and around Florence
The best time to rent a car in and around Florence is January, when prices are moderately low and demand is at its lowest. February also offers average prices with low demand, making it a good follow-up option. March through May generally sees average pricing and steady demand, while June and July become moderately high in price with high demand. August remains busy as well, presenting a peak period for rentals.
