Florence car rental guide
Top 10 Car Rental Companies in Florence
The best car rental companies in Florence are Sixt, Europcar, Hertz. Prices start from €30/day for an economy car, the minimum age is 21, and airport pickup adds about 13%.
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Ranked comparison
Top 10 rental companies in Florence
Ranked by customer rating, price transparency and pickup convenience. Each opens a pre-filled search.
#1
Sixt
Editor's pickFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€32/day
all-in estimate
View Sixt deal
#2
Europcar
Local favouriteFull-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Europcar deal
#3
Hertz
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€33/day
all-in estimate
View Hertz deal
#4
Avis
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Avis deal
#5
Enterprise
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirportDowntown
From€31/day
all-in estimate
View Enterprise deal
#6
Budget
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€29/day
all-in estimate
View Budget deal
#7
Alamo
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€30/day
all-in estimate
View Alamo deal
#8
National
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €250Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€34/day
all-in estimate
View National deal
#9
Thrifty
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€28/day
base rate
View Thrifty deal
#10
Dollar
Full-to-fullUnlimited mileageDeposit from €300Min age 21Free cancellationAirport
From€28/day
base rate
View Dollar deal
Prices are indicative market estimates · Last checked 2026-07-05 · 2 public sources (DiscoverCars + market data)
Price guide
Prices by car type in Florence
| Car type | From / day | Example | Seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Economy | €30 | Fiat 500 | 4 |
| Compact | €36 | Fiat Tipo | 5 |
| SUV | €55 | Jeep Compass | 5 |
| Minivan (7-seat) | €72 | Volkswagen Touran | 7 |
| Luxury | €98 | Alfa Romeo Giulia | 5 |
Pickup locations
Where to pick up a car in Florence
Airport — Florence Airport — Amerigo Vespucci (FLR)
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall, a 2-minute walk from baggage claim. FLR is a small, easy airport.
Downtown — Florence City Centre / Santa Maria Novella Station
Pick-up points near Santa Maria Novella train station. Note: driving inside the ZTL zone without a permit results in automatic fines.
Fees
Fees at a glance
| Fee | Typical amount | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Airport surcharge | ~13% of base rate | Airport pickups at FLR |
| Young-driver fee (21–24) | €15–28/day | Drivers under 25 |
| Additional driver | €8–13/day | Per extra driver |
| One-way fee | €50–150 | Different drop-off within Italy |
| Cross-border fee | €80–250 | Driving to France, Switzerland, or other countries |
| GPS/nav device | €8–12/day | Optional; useful for Tuscany country roads |
Local intelligence
Things to know before renting in Florence
- Florence's historic centre is a ZTL (zona a traffico limitato) — cameras automatically fine non-authorised vehicles. Do NOT drive into the ZTL; park outside and walk or take a taxi.
- Italy drives on the right. Most Italian rentals are manual transmission — request automatic well in advance as supply is limited.
- The Autostrada (motorway) network is excellent but tolled — roughly €0.07–0.09/km. A Telepass transponder (offered by some rental companies) speeds up tolls.
- Minimum age is 21; young-driver surcharge under 25. International driving permits are recommended for visitors from outside the EU.
- Tuscany's countryside roads (Via Chiantigiana, Strade Bianche) are superb for self-drive tours of Chianti, Siena, and San Gimignano.
- Italian law requires the use of headlights at all times on motorways and out-of-town roads, even during the day.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about renting a car in Florence
What is the minimum age to rent a car in Florence?
You must be at least 21 with at least one year of licence. Drivers 21–24 pay a young-driver surcharge of €15–28/day.
What is the ZTL zone and how do I avoid a fine?
The ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) covers most of the historic centre. Cameras photograph number plates and issue automatic fines (€40–100). Never drive into the ZTL without a permit. Park at a garage outside (e.g. Parcheggio Fortezza or Parcheggio Beccaria) and use taxis or your feet.
Can I drive from Florence to Rome or Milan?
Yes — Rome is about 3 hours south on the A1 motorway; Milan is about 3 hours north. Most rental contracts allow travel within Italy. Confirm if your plan includes unlimited mileage.
How do Autostrada tolls work?
You take a ticket at the motorway entrance and pay at the exit based on distance. Credit cards are accepted at most toll booths. Florence–Rome costs approximately €15; Florence–Milan around €15.
What is the cheapest car type in Florence?
Economy cars (e.g. Fiat 500) start around €30/day — Florence is one of Italy's best-value rental markets.
Nearby trips
