We are renting a car in Florence to tour Tuscany. We are arriving at the train station. Is it best to pick up the car at the airport or outskirts? Do we need an International Driving permit? If so, how do we get one?
Posted by
Pa and Italy
4152 posts
Anyone who plans on driving will need an international drivers permit. Can't help with where to pick up the car, sorry. Donna
Posted by
Missoula
109 posts
The airport is a great location for renting a car. It's often the cheapest place (supply and demand at work!), and it's really well signposted. Plus, it's outside the traffic of Florence. It should be really easy to connect from the train station to the airport too, although I have not done so myself. Cheers!
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32318 posts
Elizabeth, Here's "the usual" information regarding driving in Italy..... It's important to note that for driving in Italy, each driver must have the compulsory International Driver's Permit, which is used in conjunction with your home D.L. These are valid for one year, and easily obtained at any CAA/AAA office (two Passport-sized photos required, which in some cases are provided by the issuing office). Failure to produce an IDP if requested can result in fines on the spot! Have a look at This Website for more detailed information on driving in Italy. You may also want to search other Posts here regarding the Zona Traffico Limitato areas that are becoming increasingly prevalent in many towns in Italy (especially Florence!). EACH PASS through one of the automated Cameras will result in a €100+ ticket! In some locations, parking tickets or having "The Boot" applied will also be a concern. A GPS along with a good Map would also be a good idea. Be sure to also give some thought to the question of CDW. It's usually compulsory in Italy to accept the CDW offered by the rental firm. Some "premium" credit cards provide rental vehicle insurance, however this may not be valid in Italy. Check the Car Rental section in Europe Through The Back Door for further information. You may wish to download the car rental guide offered by Gemut. Picking up the car at the airport would be advisable. DO NOT drive in the city or you'll get a nasty surprise after returning home (have a look at "Italy the country that keeps on taking" in the Trip Reports section of the HelpLine). Also note that automated fuel pumps may ONLY accept "Chip & PIN" credit cards. Happy travels!
Posted by
OP
Vero Beach
2 posts
Thank you for all of the helpful information. I think we will get the car at the airport to avoid in of the "ticket" problems.