Driving from Florence to Umbria

Why stay away from the airport? Check the prices there, no particular reason to avoid the airport. Now, to the other locations: Novoli - office park with easy (modern road) access to A11 and from there to everywhere else. Not far from the Firenze S.M. Novella station (10-15 blocks) but outside enough from the ZTL Gelosomino - it's an area in the outskirts of town, you will need taxi to get there. Borgognissanti - within the ZTL, they probably have some scheme to allow you out of the area without any fines, but you need to be double careful not to cross the ZTL border twice by mistake. I'd avoid it.

Hi there! We drove this route three times, and it's pretty easy. Don't expect amazing things from the Italian drivers....they need two hands to talk, so if they are on their cellphone (not allowed...but hey, this is Italy), that leaves minus one hands for the steering wheel!! If you have a GPS, make sure you set it to "easiest" and not "shortest" or "fastest". We had our set on "fastest" the first time, and it routed us through the center of Firenze, including the ZTL. Since we'd been living in Italy for a while, I noticed the ZTL cameras above the street before I completed the turn and made a Euro 100 mistake. Also, when you get on the autostrada (freeway) be aware that many Italians stop before they get on. The ramps are often short, so it can come as a bit of a surprise. Cars on the autostrada often don't move over when someone is coming on, so the oncoming cars must stop to find a gap. I agree with the comment about renting from the airport. Often better prices, easier access, and well signposted. cheers!

Hi Andre and David, Thank you both! Hm...very interesting info on the airportI will check this out, and thanks also for the tips on which stations are where, this is so helpful. I hadn't even heard of the ZTL, so...okay, got itno driving in there! I will poke around and see what looks best based on your feedback. Happy trails!
Barbara

Barbara, several years ago we took a taxi to the via Gelsomino location and picked up our car there. It was an easy shot out of town from there and you'd be going in the right direction.

Barbara
Keep in mind that Italian's have no concept of death!!!! Enjoy the ride, drive safely, and pull over when they come up your tail pipe. I have driven all over Italy and it is is no worse than drving in Los Angeles. Enjoy your trip!

Barbara, regarding the ZTLs (Zona Traffica Limitado), many of the large cities have them. The catch you with cameras. Here's a LINK to a current thread on the topic. Most of the historic area in Florence is in a group of ZTLs.

Thank you, both! It turns out that tjat office is not open on Sundays, so now we are thinking about the one in an office park (from a previous comment) that had been recommended. Good to know about the concept of immortality. No doubt we'll be the ones impeding traffic as we creep slowly along... :)

If you need a rental on Sunday, most likely the city offices will not be open. You may end up renting at the airport. Are you dealing directly with EuropCar? You can also check AutoEurope and Kemwel online for their rental car prices. They are auto brokers who contract your rental with companies such as EuropCar, Avis and Hertz. They will also meet, or beat, competitor's prices. Go to your local AAA office and obtain an International Driver's Permit. No test is required. Just 2 passport type photos (which they can take there for a charge) and $15. You are required, by law, to have this permit while driving in Italy. Purchase a Michelin, or similar, map at a Barnes & Noble and familiarize yourself with the roads and street signs. It would also be helpful to have a GPS for the car. Have a great trip and remember to stay in the right hand lane unless passing!

I can help but add a comment even though it might be too late. I actually rent all my cars at the airports. It is much simpler to get on the autostrada from airport locations. Driving in the city can be a harrowing experience. Driving in the country is simple, fun, safe, and a great way to see Italy. Enjoy.

Hi Larry, Denise, and R Gordon, Thanks you all. This ZTL is amazing. We should get more here in the states! Thanks all for the tips. Sundays ARE tricky, it looks like Novoli is open, but I will definitely consider the airport also. We are a little nervous about driving in the cities there, so something close to the autostradas out of town would be ideal! All the best,
Barbara