Florence hotel/car drop-off

Financially, you are better off returning the car as you first arrive in Florence, then go the airport by taxi the morning of departure. That's what I do (I fly in/out of Florence every year) Each day of car rental is at least 60 euro and you won't use it at all, so it will stay parked at your hotel for those two days gaining dust. So for two days you will be spending at 1east 120 euro for nothing, even if I tell you the hotels close to the city center with free parking. The taxi fare from the city center to the airport is a flat fee of 20 euro (+1 euro per bag and another 4 euro if you leave before 7 am) and the Florence airport is so close to the city center that you can hear the airplanes warming up the engines from the Duomo (about 3 miles). If I were you I would look for a hotel in the city center. Arrive by car, drop off your bags and check in. Also communicate to the receptionist your car data, if you entered the ZTL. The hotel will go on the City of Florence website online and register your car so that you don't get fined for entering the ZTL. That will give you I think 3 hours to find a place to park your car. In your case, you will simply drive to the car rental location and return your car. If you stay at a hotel near the station, you may not even need to enter the ZTL and get pictured.

Thank you Roberto. We were thinking of doing a day trip the first day - hence keeping the car - but sounds like dropping it off that evening will be the plan. Lots of things to learn before October. Your advice is very much appreciated!