Has anyone driven from the Hertz counter in the city of Florence (by train station) to Casanova di Pescille (outside of San Gimignano)? Just wondering how easy/difficult that drive was. I googled it and it looks like getting to the Autostradale from Hertz might be a little tricky, but it seems OK once you get on. If you've driven to the Casa di Pescille, is there anything I should know or look out for? Did you pass any of those ZTL's? How helpful are the people at the Hertz counter with directions? Thanks!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
A large number of travelers (reporting in here) who have tried to do what you want to do, have gotten the big ZTL violation fines in the mail months later.
To read what some of those had to say, clink the link at the bottom of this post.
Travelers who aren't going where trains and buses go, and have to rent cars for that reason, and decide to do so in Florence--many of these travelers, for the last couple of years (since Florence started handing out one ZTL $150 fine per hour, 24/7/365)--they've been picking up their rental cars at the Florence airport--even when it means taking a cab from the Florence train station to the airport (not that far).
But we still gets posts here that go something like this: "Just go for it, you can do it, you just gotta stay on the little green line on the Florence ZTL map, just ask the Hertz employees, they'll steer you right, and you don't have to pay the fines anyway."
Whatever ... someone must know how to thread the needle and drive away from the train station without getting the $150 souvenir(s) in the mail months later (because the train station car rental places are still in business)--but apparently not American Helpliners, because what we hear is that kind of advice hasn't worked for a lot of American rental car drivers in Florence.
And so, possibly the cab ride to the airport may be one of the better investments (in peace of mind and possibly money) that you make on your trip (the airport is away from the ZTL's).
If you want the gory details about the Florence ZTL's,
click here
Posted by
OP
Washington, DC, USA
8 posts
Hi Kent - thanks for your post. I've read a lot of what you've written - all helpful! Just to be clear, if I pick up the car at the Florence airport, I will steer clear of ZTL's? Am I safe as long as I remain on the Autostradale? Thanks!
Posted by
US Pacific Northwest
10344 posts
Anna:
"Am I safe as long as I remain on the Autostradale?"
Yes.
Good to hear my obsession with saving Helpliners from the dreaded Florence ZTL's has been helpful to someone.
From the airport, go west or southwest to the A1/E35 and you will be well clear of the ZTL's.
Do not go southeast toward the historic center.
Posted by
point pleasant beach, nj, usa
646 posts
From experience - rent the car at the airport. It's pretty easy getting to the Autostrade. Make sure your car is equipped with a GPS - it is invaluable.
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
Please don't rent in the city center as there is a ZTL "Zona Traffico Limitato" (5 of them actually) where you will get a steep fine(s) for crossing into them. I take a taxi to the airport and rent from there. You will avoid the city center entirely and will be just that much closer to the Autostrada. HERTZ will turn you in to the police if you do pass into the ZTL and will charge YOU for doing so. Hertz is notorious for this!
Posted by
Dallas, TX, USA
1170 posts
PS--Buy a GPS (talking) with European maps and learn to use it and program it before you go. I traveled from Florence to San Gimignano and Siena and it was a piece of cake. There are so many roundabouts to contend with and unmarked roads. You will get lost if you try to use a map. And, if you do get lost or miss a turn, the GPS will set you straight!
Posted by
Little Rock
17 posts
The airport car rental at Florence is the best choice. Follow the signs out of the airport lot to A1 south to Rome. Stay out of Florence if at all possible. If you have to, there are parking areas near the central business district that you can walk to and from and avoid the ZTL tourist rip off fines. Easy money for them...