I would like to ask if anyone in the forum has had the occasion to rent a car in Chiusi. We currently plan to take the train from Florence to Chiusi and rent the car there as it seems very close to our Agriturismo near Montepulciano. Chiusi seems like a very small place, and in addition, i have read some really bad reviews about some of the rental companies in the small Italian towns (Discover Cars being one of them--they have an F rating on the BBB site. Any insight would be so much appreciated; things to be on the lookout for, surprises, etc. Thanks to all!!
Posted by
Central Indiana
272 posts
We often use Auto Europe as a broker for Italy. For Chiusi, they offer rentals through Avis and Budget at the Chiusi train station. Either appears to be a decent option.
Posted by
Gettysburg PA
7233 posts
You’ll have more /better options if you pick up in Florence
It’s a nice drive from there to Montepulciano
But Chiusi is fine as long as you book with one of the major agencies
We always use AutoEurope.com
Be sure to check the hours-they close mid day for a few hours and close early on Sat, closed on Sunday
Posted by
Seattle
156 posts
Just got back from doing this exact plan and it worked out great.
Avis/Budget (same office, same company) is 2 flat blocks from Chiusi train station. The agents on pickup and drop off were very nice and helpful.
They don’t have a garage or lot, instead they keep the cars on the city streets. Ours was parked right across from the office. On returning they said to park in any open space, we found one on the same block.
The office is closed midday for several hours so plan accordingly. Also a lot of speed cameras on the roads between Chiusi and Montepulciano.
If you’re staying in central Florence consider taking a direct train from Florence Santa Maria Novella station to Chiusi - some trains from Florence only serve Florence Rifredi station which is probably not close to your accommodation. You can take a train from SMN to Rifredi but it adds to the hassle and risk of missing your connection.
Enjoy!
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16133 posts
Only Avis-Budget is available. The other companies have closed their shop in Chiusi.
I would rent in Florence and drive the 90 min to Montepulciano and not bother with Chiusi. But that is up to you.
If you select Chiusi make sure you pick up on a weekday (the close Sat PM and Sunday all day) and if you need an automatic, confirm they have one, because it's a small office.
Posted by
OP
36 posts
Thank you to everyone who replied. Very helpful...and reassuring. My first trip to Italy, and have put literally hours and hours into the planning, and this seemed to be a reasonable plan, given that i am trying to stay off the main highways, and just hit the backroads. I am hoping to somewhat replicate the "heart of Tuscany drive" found in the RS book. Again, Thank you all!