We're spending three nights in Volterra followed by three nights in Montepulciano before dropping car off in Orvieto. We're going to be driving the scenic routes and not using the super strade and even the auto strade for the most part and just curious as to best places to fuel up. Are there petrol stations generally near parking areas? Thanks. All responses are greatly appreciated.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23652 posts
Gas station stations in Tuscany are just like the US - everywhere. Find them on the edge of town, in downtown areas, along all major roads, etc. They are generally smaller that US stations and sometimes will be unmanned especially on the weekends. For those stations you will need a chip and pin credit card. Often the chip and signature US card will not work. We always try to plan it so that we did not need gas on a Sunday. Service stations are located for the convenience of the local population and not just for American tourists.
Posted by
NW Ohio
202 posts
The one thing that threw me was that unlike the pumps I encounter in the States, in Italy there was generally a kiosk where you select your pump and then indicate the amount of euros to charge. Usually not a problem unless you are trying to top off the tank. If there's a way to do an open ended transaction where you are charged for what you pump, I couldn't figure it out. Could just be me. I was running late and was a bit frazzled.
Posted by
Tresana, Highlands Ranch, CO, USA
23652 posts
That I don't remember. There are stations with attendants. We general have a diesel car so we like using an attendant and will pay the higher price. Diesel pump handles tend to be oily and smelly but I do carry a plastic glove should I have to pump it myself.
Posted by
Monterey County, CA (formerly Verbania Italy-Lago Maggiore)
1648 posts
Get gas during business hours. Which is not afternoon or on Sundays. Easier with an attendant than self service. Jeep receipts so you can show car rental you filled up somewhat close to dropoff location.
Posted by
OP
New York
320 posts
Thank you all for responses. Sounds like it won't be an issue even if we're not driving into town centers due to ZTL. Will also keep in mind best hours and days to fill up. Thanks again.
Posted by
Basel, Switzerland
8889 posts
David, ZTL's will be the least likely place to find fuel. No customers allowed. They will be on the edges of towns, where land is cheaper and there are more passing vehicles.
Posted by
Firenze, Italy
1756 posts
In reply to Phrank: if the station is manned, you first fuel up then pay. If the station is unmanned the kiosk requires you to pay in advance if paying with cash; if you are paying with a card (I usually do it with an Italian debit card) you are preauthorized up to eur 100, you set up how much you want on the pump (it may be a fixed amount or a full tank) and then you are charged what you got. A receipt if printed by the kiosk at the very end of the process.