I am planning on picking up a rental car on my way out of Florence heading to Montepulciano. I notice three Europecar offices in Florence and was wondering which one would be easiest driving out of to head south. I would like to try to avoid as much city traffic as possible.
Thank you.
The one by Piazza Ognissanti is within the ZTL and you will need to follow a specific path out of town or you might trigger the ticketing cameras. It also has limited hours like closed on Sundays.
The one by the airport has the easiest way out of town, backtracking a couple of miles northwest on the A-11, then get on the A-1 south and you are on your way. That location is open 7 days a week.
Yes, even though it sounds counterintuitive to go north to the airport (assuming you will be in the centre of Florence (Firenze) just before you leave) and then a little further north to get onto the Autostrada heading south, it actually works very well.
The airport is quite close to the centre, easily reachable, and the Autostrada swoops gently all around the city as it makes its way south. Is is absolutely trivial to get onto it from the airport, whereas it is a little complicated and risky of fines (especially as you will be getting used to the probably manual car) if you go from the centre.
The airport pickup has the disadvantage that airport surcharges and fees will make the rental more expensive for you. If you rent it upon landing it might still make sense since you will save the taxi fare. But if you are renting the car after being visiting inhe city center, then renting at the the airport is not in my opinion the best option for you. The best option to avoid city traffic is to rent from Europcar on 2 VIA FORLANINI. That office is half a mile from the airport, therefore it's virtually just as easy to get on the A11 freeway but you wouldn't be charged for airport fees. I always pick up my cars there every year.
The office is in underground garage across the street from the Coop supermarket. When you come ut the driveway with your rental car turn right on Via Forlanini. You will be turning left after 100 met on Viale Guidoni. Just follow the green signs to AUTOSTRADA or the airport. Go straight all the way following the same directions. After a large roundabout at Viale XII Agosto you will go straight to the freeway, the airport will be on your right. Continue straight to the FIRENZE NORD entrance where you will switch freeway from the A11 to the A1. Follow the directions to ROMA (A1 south). Once on the A1 stay on it all the way to the VALDICHIANA exit (after Arezzo). Then follow directions to Montepulciano.
