After a visit to Cinque Terre, we are contemplating renting a car and doing a little scenic tour of our own by car. We thought of either renting the car in La Spezia or Pisa. The thought process is stopping either via train or car in Pisa long enough just to see the tower, then proceeding to parts unknown before ending up in Florence the following day. Should we train to Pisa then get the rental, or go ahead and pick it up in La Spezia? We thoroughly understand driving in the cities is an issue along with parking, so just wondering what is best. We thought we would drop the car off at the Florence airport and taxi from their to our train station hotel.
Posted by
Green Bay
21274 posts
I'd be inclined to pick it up in Pisa. There is luggage storage room at Pisa Centrale station. There are lot of car rental locations, with all the biggies a mile away at the airport. So you can go see the tower and such, return to Centrale, retrieve your bags and take the people-mover tram to the airport and pick up the car and head out for parts unknown.
Posted by
Boston
1814 posts
Getting to Pisa airport means a transfer, luggage storage, and going across Pisa and back. I think it's easier to pick it up in La Spezia and enjoy the drive along the coast. I've not found it too hard to park near the Piazza dei Miracoli although you'll probably have to walk several blocks.
Lucca would also make a good stop. It is not far from Pisa and it's a knock out.
Avis is walking distance from La Spezia Centrale station - however they are (unbelievably) closed on Sat. and Sun. Here's an article with a map of the rental offices: https://www.apathtolunch.com/2015/11/where-to-rent-car-from-cinque-terre-la.html
Posted by
San Francisco Bay Area (USA)
16206 posts
If you decide to drive to Pisa, the closest parking lot is below. Save it in your Navigator’s Favorites:
Parcheggio di Piazza dei Miracoli
8, Via Vecchia di Barbaricina, 2, 56122 Pisa PI, Italy
https://goo.gl/maps/D8AuJXfXhML2