My husband and I, along with two friends, would like to rent a car to tour around Tuscany. We will be in Florence right before heading to Tuscany, and then will be flying out of Pisa. Any advice? Is it better to rent at the airport, or is renting at one of the town rental areas ok? Does anyone have thoughts about picking up in one location and dropping off at another? Having never rented a car in Europe, any insight would be most welcome! Thanks!
Posted by
Gettysburg, PA
1589 posts
I would rent in Florence ( leave town right away ), keep it for 2-3 days and return it to Florence. The train to Pisa is only 80 minutes.
Posted by
Chicago
2876 posts
Marjie, you'll find all kinds of useful information at websites like autoeurope.com, kemwel.com, or gemut.com. And you can book your rentals through any of them. Best to book before you leave. Off airport locations are usually OK, but are often open much shorter hours and can sometimes be hard to find. In Italy you'll need an International Driving Permit, which you can get at any AAA office for a $15. fee.
Posted by
Hanwell, NB, Canada
24 posts
I agree with Bob, Rent a car at the Florence Airport, as it is easy to get onto the highway headed south towards Sienna. A few miles from the airport is a toll booth, and after you put in your money, you had to take out the paper receipt, or the gate does not open,( I think you need to press a red button) remember this is all in Italian! Don't forget to get some Euros. A GPS is great, but make sure you have the European maps loaded in it. Return the car to Florence airport, there is a Bus shuttle from the airport to SMN and take the train to Pisa.
Have Fun!
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Florence airport definitely easy to rent from and you can get right out of town and on your way. I rented there through Budget (however I think it was called Avis over there) a little confusing but I eventually ended up with my car. Just keep checking rates as they change all the time. Also, they are not automatics unless you pay extra.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
I would pick up at the Florence airport and drop it at the Pisa airport. This is by far the easiest . A three day rental for a diesel wagon is around $376.80, you'll need this size for all of you and your luggage. Prices change daily for rentals, check a few times before you commit. I've had the best luck with Kemwel or Auto Europe . If you want to check on miles and tolls, viamichlin.com is a great source. You will need an international drivers license or risk a ticket. Have fun planning
P.S. Driving in Europe is no different than driving here.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Be aware that wagons may not be as large as you anticipate. Our family of 4 rented a wagon, and when we arrived we could not possibly fit our luggage into the wagon. We had to upgrade to a minivan on the spot.
Posted by
lexington, il
4105 posts
The Renualt Megane wagon, and the Alfa Romeo 159 wagon should be plenty big, we have rented both of them and had 6 bags plus. The only problem I could see, is if someone was over 6', they might not be comfortable in the back seat.
Posted by
Knoxville, TN, USA
7209 posts
Here are some good picture of the Renault Megane Wagon and luggage space: https://ideamerge.com/leasing/renault_megane_sw.html and the Alfa Romeo:
http://www.alfaaccessories.com/Alfa-159-Luggage-Compartment-Pouch-Net-Sportwagon?category_id=19
Posted by
OP
Missoula, MT
2 posts
Thank you all for these great suggestions! We appreciate it!