Birthplace of the Renaissance and capital of Tuscany, Florence has what it takes to be the cultural and gastronomic highlight of anyone’s trip to Italy. This charming city is also the ideal base for exploring the hilltop towns and rolling vineyards of the surrounding countryside.
Car hire in Florence is a great way to see more of the city and the wider region beyond. Take a day trip to stunning Siena or pay a visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa – they’re only a short drive away.
We have a number of pick-up points in convenient locations near the city centre, the main train station and at Florence Airport, so your adventure can begin as soon as you arrive.
Opening hours: Mo-Sa 0830-2330, Su 0930-2330
Address: Firenze Aeroporto - Via del Termine 11, , Amerigo Vespucci Airport
Phone: +39 055 307370
Opening hours: Mo-Fr 0830-1830, Sa 0830-1230, Su closed
Address: Via del Sansovino 53
Phone: 0039-0557-135172
Opening hours: Mo-Fr 0800-1800, Sa-Su 0800-1300
Address: Pick-Up: Via Borgo Ognissanti 137/R, , Return: Garage Europa, Via Borgo Ognissanti 96
Phone: 39-055-2398205
Opening hours: Mo-Fr 0830-1230 1430-1830, Sa 0900-1300, Su closed
Address: Via Ambrosoli 30
Phone: 39-055-0950022
Terracotta rooftops and cobbled walkways await you in Florence’s UNESCO protected centre. Just be aware that vehicles are restricted from entering the historic Centro Storico. We recommend parking outside the Zona a Traffico Limitato (Restricted Traffic Zone) to access Florence’s famous galleries and maze of winding streets.
There are several parking lots within easy walking distance from the centre and a full list with hourly rates can be found online. Some hotels within the restricted centre have their own parking facilities and rental cars are allowed into the area to drop off luggage and passengers. Whether you’re parking at your hotel or just dropping off, give the licence plate number to hotel staff to avoid paying a fine.
Tuscany, famed for its rustic food, ancient vineyards and medieval villages, is right on your doorstep and there are a host of beautiful, secluded parts of the province that are perfect for accessing by rental car.
The Raccordo Autostradale Siena-Firenze is a direct route from Florence to Siena through the rural splendour of the Tuscan countryside. Hiring a car gives you the flexibility to stop off at any of the idyllic hilltop towns along the way.
Autostradas (toll roads) link Florence with some of Italy’s biggest hitters. The A1 connects Florence to foodie haven Bologna, while the A11 is the link to Rome and has countless classical ruins to explore along the way.
The SGC Firenze – Pisa – Livorno is a toll-free route that will whisk you to Pisa for a perfect day trip in just over an hour.
An international driving licence is required to drive in Italy. The speed limit on autostradas is 130 km/h, while it’s 110km/h on divided highways, 90km/h on open roads and 50 km/h in built up areas.
With a wide range of travellers passing through our locations every day, we've got a wide range of vehicles on offer to suit your needs - from smart executive saloons to compact family hatchbacks. ***
***Specific cars may not be available when booking
As you would expect of the city that served as the cradle of the Renaissance, Florence is awash with iconic architecture, art and fascinating historical artefacts from this astonishing period in European history. Surrounded by the fertile hills of Tuscany, fresh local produce also means this is a foodie destination you’ll relish sinking your teeth into.
The Uffizi Gallery is considered the first modern museum and houses the world’s largest collection of Renaissance art. Its most famous work is undoubtedly Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. Take a moment to ponder the artistry on show in the depiction of the goddess arriving at the shore following her birth.
The world-renowned Galleria dell’Accademia provides another treasure trove of Renaissance art. It’s here that you can witness the perfection of Michelangelo’s Statue of David up close. Standing at over 4m tall, this masterpiece in gleaming white marble is more like a Goliath than a David.
Strolling through galleries and navigating the narrow streets of the Centro Storico can be hungry work. Luckily, Florence is packed with delicious fare to excite your taste buds.
Fresh fruit and vegetables grown in the bountiful terra of Tuscany can be bought at Mercato Centrale di San Lorenzo. Wandering through this bustling market gives you a snapshot into the life of Florentines. Sample fine local cheeses, cured meats and juicy olives. The gourmet food hall on the upper level is the ideal spot for lunch.
Take a step even closer to the source by driving out of the city and foraging for your own food. The area around Florence is teeming with truffles and you can try your hand at hunting for this culinary gold yourself.
Tour the beautiful woodland near San Miniato (a 45-minute drive from Florence) with a professional truffle hunter and unearth some of these rich, succulent goodies.
To experience a different pace of life away from the city, strike out for the Tuscan countryside.
Head down the autostrada to Siena and watch the stunning countryside of Chianti roll by. Verdant hills topped with terracotta towns bring to life the idyllic Tuscany you’ve glimpsed in guide books.
Siena’s main cathedral is worth a visit for the Biblioteco Piccolomini alone. This small library on the side of the main building has colourful frescoes adorning its walls, while glimmering illuminated manuscripts line the cabinets. Stop for a rich Italian coffee in the timeless Piazza Campo and watch the world go by.
On the way to or from Siena pause in the perfectly preserved medieval town of San Gimignano, another UNESCO protected site. Known as the “town of one hundred towers”. It’s not hard to spot why – the town’s ancient preserved tower houses stretch their way towards the sky.
If you’re feeling energetic, clamber up the 200 steps to the top of the City Hall tower. The climb is worth it – you’ll be rewarded with stunning views of the rustic townscape and the lush greenery beyond.
Whether you come for the food, the art or the history, Florence will leave an impression you will never forget. With a Hertz hire car, Florence doesn’t have to be your only adventure – venture further afield and see more of the bountiful treasures Tuscany has to offer.