We will be arriving at the Firenze SMN station and need to get to the Peretola Airport to pick-up a car from Autoeurope and then returning it 3 days later after visiting Montepulciano. Questions:
(1) Transport from Firence SMN station to Peretola Airport to p/u car.
(2) Transport from airport to Hotel Pendini, after dropping car, hotel located at Via degli Strozzi 2
Note: Dates are: Sat. Oct 31, 2015 for p/u - drop off is Tues, Nov 3 2015
Thanks
Taxi is probably the easiest method, as they charge a flat rate for the trip to the airport (about €28 as I recall but my can't recall for sure). Same answer for the trip from the airport to hotel (although the cost might be a bit higher for a trip to a specific hotel).
There's a Shuttle to the airport as well, but that will be slower of course.
If I were in your shoes I would change the pick up location from Europcar Airport to Europcar on Via Borgo Ognissanti. You can walk to it from the station, it's a 10 min walk. Call AutoEurope toll free number and make the change. You might even save money since picking up at the airport costs I think about €40 more a week.
Your return location should be either the airport, or (if you want to save a bit of taxi fare), at Europcar on Via Forlanini, which is located between the airport and downtown (I generally use that office), I wouldn't return it on Borgo Ognissanti as there is a high chance you will get lost and get a ticket in the ZTL. You won't however get a ticket on the way out from via Borgo Ognissanti (it's impossible) as the ZTL cameras are on the entry points not at the exit points. Returning at Borgo Ognissanti however would be good because you can also walk from there to via Strozzi. If you do return it at Borgo Ognissanti, make sure that Europcar enters your license plate in the City website so you don't get a ticket.
The best transportation options from/to the above locations is, in my opinion, a taxi. The fare from/to the airport to anywhere to the city center is €20 plus €1 per bag (there is a surcharge at night and Sunday).
From via Forlanini to the city center (via strozzi) is a little less than from the airport since it's half way along the way. There is also the bus, but not sure if you have bulky luggage. The bus "volainbus" from/to the airport is I think €6 pp. The regular city bus is €1.50. From via Forlanini to the city center you would take the no. 22.
Change your pick up to Borgo Ognissanti. Return at via Forlanini (or the airport, a bit farther out).
I'd pay the 28 Euro for a cab rather than risk hundreds of dollars in tickets by inadvertently straying into a bus lane or a ZTL camera when driving out from Florence. The rental agencies are ticket traps; yeah you can if careful miss the fines on the way out but it is very easy to get confused and end up with a costly ticket.
If we arrive at Firenze SMN station, am I safe to be able to p/u my car at the Borgo Ognissanti Autoeurope location by 12:15? You mentioned only a 10 minute walk.
It's a 10 minute walk. But Florence is where I grew up so I know my way. Give yourself a little extra to figure out your way and ask for directions. I don't know if you can make it by 12:15, you don't say when your train arrives. In any case that Europcar location stays open till 16:00 (4pm) on Saturday, so you have time. I picked up there last month on a Saturday afternoon ( around 1 or 2pm) and there was a long line of tourists (mostly American) picking up their car. It was a long wait and I regretted I didn't pick up at via Forlanini where I usually go. However you aren't going during peak season, there should be no lines when you go.
This location hours are 8:30 - 12:30 0n Saturdays, must be the new hours starting in Nov.
Dumb question; does anyone think I would get a lower price, significantly, that warrants waiting to book a known travel requirement? Autoeurope quoted $132; 3 day rental full exclusive coverage; 10-31-15 to 11-3-15. Just so I don't "over think" this, I can not believe the price difference would change that much by waiting. Just one piece of the puzzle to "put" to bed. To get this rate I need to confirm tonight.
any thoughts out there?
P/U Florence - drop off Florence both at the airport; quote includes airport charges...........
thanks
The Borgo Ognissanti location gives a 4pm closure for Saturday this month on the Europcar website.
Call to confirm that would be the same in October: +39055290438
I never pick up at FLR because airport charges make it more expensive. I paid about $200/week for a compact this summer, all inclusive with no deductible insurance. I doubt prices come down if you wait. In my experience with AutoEurope they don't. However you will save a bit by picking up at a location other than the airport.
If you are staying in Florence do not rent a car prior you go out of Florence. Parking and driving in the centre of Florence is a real hazzle and can be a real nightmare. Florence is small and you can easily go from one place to the other just walking or taking the D or C buses which run continuously. Attended car parks cost quite a lot, around 30 euros.
Cars are very interesting if you go in the countryside or on the motorway.
So just be guided accordingly.
