Renting a car in Florence

"tips on renting/driving a car from Florence." Some things to know about renting a car in Florence here: http://www.ricksteves.com/graffiti/helpline/index.cfm?fuseaction=readtopic&topicID=28422&page=2, the discussion thread and also the links imbedded in it.

Kiki, in addition to the information about ZTL tickets provided by Kent, note that each driver will require the compulsory International Driver's Permit for driving in Italy. This must be used in conjunction with your normal D.L. Drivers can be fined ON THE SPOT for failure to produce an IDP if requested. No one here has yet been fined AFAIK, however it's better to have the permit on hand in case it's required. Happy travels!

To be honest with you., I have done both car and train and the train was more relaxing. Florence is very crowded to drive in toward the town center, and as usual, 2 or 3 lanes become 4 or 5 lanes. I have used a train from Arezzo, where I was based in a hotel, and then took day trip to Florence with no problem, also went to Cortona, Assisi, Lucca, and Pisa with no problem. It is convenient to use a car for the places that trains don't go, but all the trains usually stop in or near the center of town. You might want to try this. Have a good trip, Jerry Post Note: When I did rent a car, it was originally rented in Frankfurt and driven to Italy. Sorry I could not help your question in Florence about a car rental.

We are in the middle of a very good deal from the Europcar on Borgo Onissanti. Rented it for 12 days for $750 to take to France (where we are now). On return you go through the ZTL on the lungarno, but as soon as you drop off the car they clear the plate with the police. Shouldn't be an issue - http://www.florence-on-line.com/travel-tips/car-rental/europcar-online-car-rental.html BTW - this is the car we got, diesel too: CROMA 1.9 MJ DYNAMIC

We took a taxi to the Europcar office on Via Gelsomino (outskirts of Florence.) It is a straight, easy shot out of Florence.

I agree with Kathy above. Florence traffic is crazy. Stay out of the city with a car. We arrived in Florence around 6pm and hired a taxi to guide us to our hotel in the core. Crazy. I must have done something wrong with our car during our time there as I got 3 charges on my credit card for 40 euros each for traffic violations. Never did get any tickets in the mail, just the charges on the card and some paperwork following that from the Italian police indicating traffic violations. All in Italian of course.

OH YEAH! Parking in Florence is tricky and can get very expensive, if you don't know where to park. Not to mention restricted driving zones are a pain in the @#$. The B&B we stayed in had an agreement with a parking garage, but I asked and it was no guarantee they would have parking. The garage wasn't close to the B&B either. The city is easy to maneuver on foot, Hop-on Hop-off and taxi. If you can avoid driving in Florence; do it. Try to plan it so you have to drive only where public transport doesn't go from Florence to anywhere else in Tuscany.

Just a couple of questions. Do you intend on using the car on multiple days or just for a day trip? Also, is your hotel located inside or outside of the ZTL? If just for a day trip out of Florence, then I suggest that you taxi to the airport and rent from there. You will avoid any ZTL entanglements, and the Autostrada is located nearby. If you are staying outside the ZTL, still rent from outside the ZTL and avoid entering it. You absolutely don't need a car to see the historic city center anyway. If you are staying within the ZTL and need a car for multiple days, rent at one of the rental agencies near the train station and arrange parking with your hotel. Also, be certain that your car tags are registered with the local authorities. The rental agency might do this for you, but I would have your hotel take care of this and make certain that they do so (check up on this!). You will need a GPS with European maps, and I suggest that you purchase one yourself and learn how to use it before you leave for your trip. It will be indispensible.

I would stay a few days in Florence and then pick up a rental car at the airport to explore Tuscan towns that aren't easy day trips, like Siena or Lucca. Driving isn't difficult, but a GPS is essential to minimize getting lost (take one with European maps or rent one). Ask your hotels about ZTLs, and make sure they register your car if you'll need to enter one to reach the hotel. I rented from Autoeurope last year and was able to pick up and drop off in different cities without a drop-off fee. Their weekly rate was very good, too.