My friend and I are new to traveling in Italy and will be in Florence for five days. We thought it would be nice to rent a car for one day and explore the Tuscany region. We're very nervous about driving in Florence because everyone says not to. Is there a good place just outside the city to rent a car? And as US citizens with a state drivers license, do we need an International Driving Permit? I'm finding it difficult to determine a real answer or how one obtains a permit/how long it would take to do so. We leave in just 2 weeks.
Posted by
Colorado Springs
2980 posts
Yes, you'll need an IDP which can be gotten at any AAA office ... same day service for about $25 (including the photo).
Another rental option would be to take the train from Florence to Siena or maybe Chiusi and rent your car there for your day trip, thus completely avoiding the Florence metro area.
Posted by
New York, NY
1586 posts
Hi Erin,
You can find car rental locations in Lucca not too far from Florence to explore Tuscany region.
From Florence to Lucca take the train https://www.italiarail.com/pages/routes/florence-to-lucca
Hertz - Lucca - Via Alfredo Catalani 76
VIA ALFREDO CATALANI 76 · 0583 171 5143
Avis Noleggio auto Lucca
Viale S. Concordio, 404 · +39 0583 317283
Europcar
Viale Castruccio Castracani, 110 · +39 338 754 6333
Posted by
Huntsville, AL, USA
8319 posts
Hertz has an office on Sansovino, and they have a map and directions where you won't get close to any ZTL. You can go through Hertz.com or AutoEurope.com. It's about 2 miles from the train station, and we took a short cab ride over there.
Posted by
174 posts
We just rented out near the airport. Catch a taxi out there from the town center for about 10 euro. It's way far out from the town center so you don't have to worry about driving in the restricted zones. The lots are actually not at the terminals so just make sure you have the address of the lot if you need it. Drove out from there easily and we were off to Siena quickly via the highway.
As for the IDP, you're going to get varying answers. There are many on the board who say you should absolutely have it and those that say meh... I'm somewhere in the middle. Technically, you should have one. If you're pulled over, you'll run into officers who will care you have it and those that wont. So the question is, do you view 25 dollars as worth it to pay vs that low chance of being pulled over and being asked for your IDP/charged if you don't have it? If you're nervous, it might be better for your peace of mind.
In context, we drove in Tuscany July 2018 last year for 3 days. I had an IDP. My mom (the primary driver) did not. We lived. Neither my dad nor I had an IDP in France May 2018 last year. We also lived. No issues. However, my mom and I both will have an IDP in Austria this summer because we know it's way more enforced there. As you can see, my family is a bit wishy washy. I'd say that ends up being true for a lot of the board. Hence, why you can't find a clear answer.
To get yours, go to your local AAA office. They fill out the little card for you and it takes 20 minutes, tops. Easy peasy. They are good for a year.
Posted by
Twin Cities, Minnesota
2001 posts
Just a note about driving in Italy. It is VERY stressful and the drivers tend to view road rules as suggestions, not the law. Whoever is driving won't see much as they will have to concentrate on the road and other drivers. Also parking is difficult even in small towns and you don't want to drive into many of the larger cities at all. Getting the IDP is easy as others have said. It is mainly so the non English speaking policeman can see in their language you do have a license to drive. I have been stopped twice (neither time for a violation) and in neither case did they speak English and it really helped me get quickly back on the road. Have you explored small van tours of Tuscany from Florence? I would never recommend someone drive in Italy unless they were familiar with the culture, understood the signage and 'rules of the road' such as restricted areas in cities.
Posted by
11569 posts
Look for agencies located on Borgo Ognosanti in Florence. That location is so easy to get out to the autostrada, no issues.
Posted by
Italy
3812 posts
When you sign a rental contract you declare you will respect all traffic rules. It seems that the experts who say you don't need an IDP can't understand it. All rules including the law saying that as an US citizen you must have an IDP.
The guy in the rental office couldn't care less if you are making a false statement or not. Who will have to discuss with the cops and the insurance company in case of serious problems? Not him, he will just show the contract you signed.
Posted by
OP
2 posts
Thank you all for the great suggestions!
Posted by
824 posts
I fully understand and appreciate the freedom and flexibility a rental car can bring, but for just one day, is it necessary? There are a multitude of tour operators in Florence and you can probably find a small group tour that will take you to the places you want to see. And, you're leaving the navigating, driving, and parking to someone else so that you're free to indulge in what Tuscany is best known for. I recommend Walkabout Florence (the Chianti Wine and Food Safari was first rate) .
If the group tour (regardless of however small) isn't your thing, I would go the public transportation route as trains and buses can get you to the more popular sights.