Tuscany Road Trip from Florence: Routes, ZTL Zones, and Tips

Tuscany without a car is only half the experience. The iconic cypress-lined avenues, vineyard-covered hillsides, and medieval villages are located exactly where trains and buses don’t go. In this guide: where to pick up a rental car in Florence, how to avoid ZTL fines, and the 5 most beautiful routes you can drive right from Florence Airport (FLR).

• Why You Need a Rental Car in Tuscany
• Where do you pick up your rental car?
• ZTL zones: the biggest pitfall in Florence
• The 5 most beautiful routes through Tuscany
• Toll roads, fuel, and parking in Italy
• Which car is the most practical to rent in Tuscany?
• Driving in Italy: 5 Rules You Really Need to Know
• How EasyTerra Makes Booking Your Rental Car at Florence Airport Easy
• Step-by-Step Guide: Book a Rental Car in Tuscany in 5 Steps
• Frequently Asked Questions

Why You Need a Rental Car in Tuscany

The charming villages of Tuscany (San Gimignano, Pienza, Montepulciano, Montalcino, Volterra) are either inaccessible or difficult to reach by public transportation. A rental car gives you the flexibility to drive through Chianti in the morning and have dinner in Florence in the evening. On average, you’ll save 60 to 90 minutes per trip compared to taking the train and/or bus.

Flexibility

When you travel by public transportation, you’re at the mercy of schedules and stops. A road trip through Tuscany is so much fun precisely because you get to pass through villages without bus stops—but where you really want to stop for a bit. With a rental car, you have complete flexibility: drive wherever you want, whenever you want, and stop exactly where you like!

Time Savings

Trains and buses are great for getting between larger cities, but if you want to visit smaller towns, it often takes a lot of time. For example, with a rental car, you can drive from Florence to the picturesque town of Pienza in 1.5 hours. By public transportation, it can easily take 4 hours because you have to transfer twice between train and bus. Also keep in mind that some bus routes don’t run on Sundays.

Cost Comparison

An average daily drive of 80–120 kilometers through the countryside costs €15–25 in fuel for a fuel-efficient car, making a rental car cost-effective even if there are just two of you. Furthermore, buses and trains stop at specific locations, but not always exactly where you want to go, which means you might still have to take a taxi. And taxis in Tuscany aren’t cheap.

Public transportation is perfect if you’re traveling from city to city (e.g., from Florence to Rome), but to discover the real Tuscany, renting a car is essential.

Compare rental cars at Florence Airport

Where do you pick up the rental car?

For a road trip through Tuscany, picking up your rental car at Florence Airport is by far the easiest option. The city locations near the train station are convenient if you’re arriving by train from Rome or Milan, but the ZTL in the city center makes pickup stressful for first-time visitors. Pisa Airport is a great alternative and often more affordable.

• Option A: At Florence Airport (Peretola / FLR), you’ll find counters for international car rental companies as well as local Italian brands. In no time at all, you’ll be on the A1, the highway that cuts through Tuscany from north to south. Queues are longest between 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. Tip: Schedule your rental car pickup for after 2:00 p.m. to avoid waiting in line for 20–40 minutes. Or choose a rental company just outside the airport grounds, where the lines are often shorter.

• Option B: Florence’s central train station (Firenze Santa Maria Novella) is convenient if you’re arriving by train from Rome or Milan, but be aware: virtually the entire city center is a ZTL zone. Rental companies will give you a map indicating the route you should take to avoid the ZTL. Don’t rely on Google Maps, and watch out for yellow lines marking bus routes.

• Option C: Pisa Airport (PSA) is located 80 kilometers west of Florence and close to the A11 and A12 highways. Rental cars here are often 10–20% cheaper. Tip: Rent a car at this airport if you plan to drive through western Tuscany and to Cinque Terre.

Comparison of Car Rental Pickup Locations in Tuscany

ZTL Zones: The Biggest Pitfall in Florence

ZTL stands for Zona a Traffico Limitato, zones where only residents and permit holders are allowed to drive. Driving through a ZTL zone in a rental car results in a fine of €80–335 per violation. That fine is often issued 3 to 6 months later through the rental company, with administrative fees (€35–55) added on top.

How to recognize a ZTL zone

A ZTL zone is indicated by a round white sign with a red circle and the text “zona traffico limitato.” The times when the restrictions apply are listed below that. The cameras that record vehicles are usually mounted right behind that sign! Sometimes an electronic sign indicates whether a ZTL zone is open or closed.

When do the restrictions apply?

The rules vary by city and, within larger cities, by zone. In Florence, car access is prohibited Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 7:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. From April through September, nighttime restrictions often apply from Thursday through Saturday as well. More and more Italian cities are restricting access 24 hours a day. The times are always indicated below the sign with the red border.

What if my hotel is located in a ZTL?

Don’t panic—any hotel can register your license plate for the duration of your stay. Be sure to ask about this when you book. Please note: the exemption often applies only to the route to and from the nearest ZTL camera, so you can’t just drive around freely.

5 Tips to Avoid Fines

Park Outside the ZTL Zone

It’s best to park your rental car outside the ZTL zone. In Florence, you can park on the east side in the underground garage near the Sant’Ambrogio market; on the south side, there are several parking lots around Porta Romana; and on the west side, the Porte Nuove garage gets good reviews. For more information, check out our comprehensive guide to parking in Europe.

Use navigation apps

The best navigation app for avoiding ZTL zones when driving your rental car is Waze. This app alerts you when you’re approaching a ZTL zone. In Google Maps, you need to select “Avoid tolls,” but this isn’t entirely reliable. Never rely 100% on navigation apps; always stay alert for signs indicating a ZTL zone.

Book a hotel outside the ring road

Even if your hotel within the ZTL has arranged an exemption for your rental car, you shouldn’t just drive around the old city center at random. And traffic around that center can be heavy and a bit chaotic. Want to enjoy Florence without the stress? Book a hotel outside the ring road, but it’s handy if it’s near a tram line.

Take the tram

Park your rental car at a P+R lot and take the tram to the city center. The Villa Constanza (Scandicci) parking lot is located right off the A1, and the exit is clearly marked with signs. The tram will take you to the heart of Florence in 22 minutes.

Read more

You can find more detailed information about the restrictions in our blog: everything you want to know about ZTL zones.

Up-to-date information on ZTL zones

Below, we provide information on the 8 most popular destinations in Tuscany: when the ZTL is in effect and where it’s best to park your rental car.

A very useful website is Accessibilità Centri Storici, which is organized by region in Italy. In addition to the cities mentioned above, you’ll find information about more than 40 other towns with ZTL zones in Tuscany, including Arezzo, Pistoia, Prato, Cortona, and Montalcino. It features not only maps showing the different zones, but also details on exactly when the restrictions apply, where you can park outside the ZTL, and where the cameras are located.

The 5 Most Beautiful Routes Through Tuscany

The roads through Tuscany are among the most beautiful driving routes in Italy: vineyards, cypress trees, medieval villages, and quiet winding roads. Here, we’ll share 5 routes you can easily include in your road trip through Tuscany: each with a starting and ending point, distance in kilometers, travel time, stops along the way, and an insider tip.

Route 1: Chianti Classico

The classic route through the hilly Chianti wine region, known for its vineyards, olive groves, and historic villages. Don’t take the fastest route; instead, opt for small country roads.

• Distance and travel time: ~90 km, 2 days

• Route: Florence → Greve in Chianti → Panzano → Radda → Gaiole → Siena.

• Highlights:

  • Montefioralle: just west of Greve and one of Italy’s borghi più belli (most beautiful villages).

  • Antinori: wine tasting, guided tour of the wine cellars, and a luxurious restaurant with a fantastic view; reservations required.

  • Radda in Chianti: a compact medieval village within ancient city walls; the best view is from Castello di Ama.

• Tip: Visit the 12th-century church Pieve di San Leolino south of Panzano—there are virtually no tourists there.

Route 2: Val d’Orcia

The cultural landscape of the Val d’Orcia, with its rolling hills and cypress-lined roads, has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

• Distance and travel time: 170 km, 2 days

• Route: Florence → Montepulciano → Pienza → San Quirico d’Orcia → Bagno Vignoni → Montalcino → Florence.

• Highlights:

  • Monticchiello: the most photographed cypress-lined lane (but there are more—just drive around a bit in your rental car).

  • Bagno Vignoni: The central “square” is filled with hot water from thermal springs; just outside the village, you can take a dip in it.

  • Montalcino: Book a wine tour featuring tastings of the famous Brunello wine and a delicious, traditional Tuscan lunch.

• Tip: the little chapel Cappella della Madonna di Vitaleta just outside San Quirico, beautifully lit at sunrise.

Route 3: San Gimignano + Volterra + Siena

The perfect day trip for travelers who only have one free day with their rental car.

• Distance and travel time: 130 km, 1 day

• Route: Florence → San Gimignano → Volterra → Siena → Florence.

• Highlights:

  • San Gimignano: a beautiful old town, best known for its skyline of medieval towers, including the Torre Grossa.

  • Volterra: Visit a workshop where beautiful works of art are crafted from translucent alabaster.

  • Siena: The entire medieval city center is a World Heritage Site, with the shell-shaped Piazza del Campo at its heart.

• Tip: Near the San Francesco, Santa Caterina, and La Stazione parking lots, there are escalators to quickly reach the elevated city center.

Route 4: Cinque Terre

Please note: You cannot drive your rental car between the Cinque Terre villages. Park in La Spezia or Levanto and take the train (day pass €22.00–35.00, depending on the season).

• Distance and travel time: over 150 km to La Spezia, day trip

• Route: Florence → La Spezia (parking) → train to the 5 villages → return.

• Highlights:

  • Vernazza, Riomaggiore, and Manarola: the three most beautiful villages

  • Corniglia: the quietest and highest village, not directly on the coast.

  • Monterosso: the largest village and very touristy; consider taking a boat back to La Spezia from here.

• Tip: Porto Venere (south of La Spezia) is just as beautiful, but attracts 70% fewer tourists.

Route 5: Lucca, Pisa, and the coast

The route from Florence to Livorno combines historic cities with the sea, a promenade, and a relaxed coastal atmosphere.

• Distance and travel time: 160 km, 1 day

• Route: Florence → Lucca → Pisa → Marina di Pisa → Florence

• Highlights:

  • Lucca: Florence’s tranquil counterpart, featuring city walls you can walk along.

  • Pisa: Visit the famous Leaning Tower and the Piazza dei Miracoli.

  • Beach: Marina di Pisa is a small, charming seaside town with a lively boardwalk.

  • Coastal road to Livorno: a short but scenic route, especially around sunset.

• Tip: San Rossore Nature Reserve between Pisa and the coast, with hiking trails through the forest and a lookout point for birdwatching.

Toll Roads, Fuel, and Parking in Italy

There are four toll roads (Autostrada) running through Tuscany, but you can easily avoid them for most destinations. At gas stations, you can usually choose between self-service or attended service. Be careful when parking in Tuscan cities: the color of the line determines whether you can park for free, have to pay, or will be towed.

Toll Roads & Telepass

Tuscany has four toll roads: the A1, the A11, the A12, and a short stretch of the A15 in the far northwest. You don’t need to use toll roads to reach the best destinations. If you do decide to drive on them during your Tuscany road trip, here’s how it works: take a ticket at the first toll gate and pay in cash or by credit card when you exit the highway.

Avoid the yellow Telepass lanes for electronic payment. While there are a few car rental companies where you can rent a Telepass, the costs are quite high and you’ll still pay the same toll rate. It’s only worth it if you’re in a hurry and driving a lot on the autostradas (which isn’t likely in Tuscany).

The toll rate ranges from €0.08 to €0.11 per kilometer. Average costs: Florence → La Spezia: €13.50; if you want to travel far beyond Tuscany, Florence → Rome: €20, Florence → Milan: €24.60. To calculate the toll rate, use the TollGuru calculator.

Fueling Up in Italy

At gas stations in Italy (Eni, Q8, IP, Esso), you can choose between self-service or having an attendant fill up your tank. Self-service (fai da te or self) is the cheapest option. With the other option (servito or serv), an attendant fills up your tank for you. You pay an extra 15 to 20 cents per liter for this service.

You can check current fuel prices in Italy online. Always keep your last gas receipt before returning your rental car.

Parking

Parking can sometimes be a challenge in Italy. Not only are the parking spaces on the narrow side, but you should also pay attention to the color of the lines.

A white line means free parking, but you’ll rarely find this option in city centers. Parking in blue spaces requires payment, usually at a nearby parking meter. You can pay in cash, with a credit card, or via the EasyPark app (iOS / Android).

Yellow spaces are reserved for permit holders. Never park there, because your rental car will be towed, and that can easily cost €85–150. Parking spaces with a pink line are often found near the entrances to stores or parking garages and are intended for pregnant women or parents traveling with a baby.

What’s the best car to rent in Tuscany?

If you’re traveling alone or as a couple, it’s best to choose a compact rental car (Fiat 500, VW T-Cross, Renault Clio). For families of four, including luggage, a compact SUV is a good choice (Peugeot 2008, Jeep Renegade, VW T-Roc). Avoid large SUVs, as the villages in Tuscany have very narrow streets and parking spaces.

An automatic transmission is a bit more expensive (20–35%) but is highly recommended in the hilly landscape of Chianti for those who aren’t used to shifting gears.

Driving in Italy: 5 Rules You Really Need to Know

Traffic rules in Italy are largely the same as in the rest of Europe. However, a few rules are different, and we’ve listed the top 5 for you.

• Headlights: Outside built-up areas, low beams or daytime running lights are required during the day; within built-up areas, low beams are required when visibility is poor. You must also use low beams in tunnels.

• Child seats: Required for children under 1.50 meters tall (same as in the Netherlands). Please note: For children under 4 years of age, a child seat is required that has a built-in alarm system to warn you if the child is accidentally left in the car.

• Blood alcohol limit: 0.5 per mille. For drivers under 21 years of age or who have held a driver’s license for less than three years, the limit is 0.0 per mille.

• Speed limits:

  • In built-up areas: 50 km/h (sometimes 30 km/h)

  • Outside built-up areas: 90 km/h

  • Superstrade (blue highway sign): 110 km/h

  • Autostrade (green highway sign): 130 km/h

• No passing: In Italy, cameras are used to monitor compliance with the no-passing rule at a solid white line.

How EasyTerra makes booking your rental car at Florence Airport easy

With a single search, EasyTerra compares all car rental companies with a counter at or near Florence Airport. You’ll always see the all-inclusive price, which includes insurance and any surcharges. You don’t have to click around on different websites, where it’s unclear whether the price is all-inclusive everywhere. Comparing prices is much easier with EasyTerra, thanks to various filter options: a low deposit, a favorable fuel policy, or the rental company’s reputation (based on real reviews for each location). Set the start and end dates of your road trip through Tuscany with a rental car, filter by what matters most to you, and click through to the best deal.

• Compareprices100% freeat
  . You’ll never pay more than you would directly through the rental company.

• All-inclusive rates for Florence Airport (FLR)
  Airport surcharges, insurance, and any youth surcharges are immediately visible.

• Reviews by pickup counter
  Our reviews aren’t general ratings of a brand, but of the specific counter at Florence Peretola Airport.

• Dutch-language customer service
  We’re here to help with any questions about ZTL, tolls, or damage claims.

Step-by-Step Guide: Book a Rental Car in Tuscany in 5 Steps

1. Choose dates + locations
   Select the start and end dates of your road trip through Tuscany. Choose Florence Airport (FLR) or Pisa Airport (PSA) as your pickup location.

2. Select filters
   Want a worry-free vacation with a rental car? Filter for “Worry-Free” cars, which include a low deposit, unlimited mileage, a reliable rental company, and excess coverage.

3. Compare prices
   At EasyTerra, car rental prices are always all-inclusive: there are no additional costs (unless you order extras like a child seat, which you’ll pay for on-site).

4. 
   Reviews Found the perfect rental car? Read the latest 5 reviews of that specific rental company.

5. 
   Reservations Read the terms and conditions and book the perfect rental car for a worry-free vacation in Tuscany, Italy! Keep in mind that with EasyTerra, you can always cancel free of charge up to 48 hours before pickup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a rental car in Tuscany?

Yes, to reach iconic villages like Pienza, San Gimignano, Montepulciano, and Radda in Chianti. These are either inaccessible or difficult to reach by public transportation. If you’re only visiting Florence and taking a day trip to Pisa, you can get by without one, but you’ll miss out on 80% of what makes Tuscany special.

Do I pick up my rental car at the Florence airport or in the city?

Picking up your rental car at Florence Airport (FLR, Peretola) is by far the easiest option. The counters for Avis, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt, Budget, Enterprise, Locauto, and Maggiore are located just a 2-minute walk from the exit. Picking up in the city center (Santa Maria Novella train station) is possible, but risky due to the ZTL zone around the station.

What is a ZTL zone, and how do I avoid a fine?

ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) is a car-free zone where only residents are allowed to drive. Cameras behind red circular signs read license plates, and fines range from €80 to €335 per violation. Park outside ZTL zones and walk into the city center, or park on the outskirts of a city and take the tram or bus.

How much does it cost to rent a car in Tuscany?

For a week in June 2026, you’ll pay an average of €320–440 all-inclusive for a compact car (Fiat 500X class) if you reserve it at Florence Airport. Pisa Airport is often 10–20% cheaper. Book your rental car for your road trip through Tuscany at least 4 weeks in advance; last-minute prices in July are 30–50% higher.

Which car is best for Tuscany?

A compact car or compact SUV (Fiat 500X, VW T-Cross, Peugeot 2008). Narrow streets in medieval villages and small parking spaces make large SUVs impractical. An automatic transmission is recommended in the hilly Chianti region if you’re not used to shifting gears.

Are there toll roads in Tuscany?

Yes, the A1 (Milan–Rome), A11 (Florence–Pisa), and A12 (coastal) are toll roads. You take a ticket at the first toll gate and pay when you exit the highway with cash or a credit card. Between Florence and Pisa, there’s a Superstrada, which is toll-free. Florence → La Spezia costs €13.50; Florence → Rome costs €20.00. The free provincial roads often offer more scenic views.

How does refueling work in Italy?

At most gas stations, there are two options: “fai da te” (self-service, cheapest) and “servito” (full service, 15–20 cents more per liter). Pay with a credit card or cash. Always keep your last gas receipt for when you return the rental car; this is useful if the “full tank” policy applies.

Where can I park in Florence, Siena, and San Gimignano?

Florence: P&R Villa Costanza (€2–5), along the A1, with a tram to the city center (€1.70) or the Parcheggio Parterre parking garage (€2.00/hour), on the north side of the ZTL. Siena: San Francesco or Santa Caterina parking lots, with an escalator to the Piazza. San Gimignano: Parcheggio Giubileo P1 (€1.50/hour, max. €6.00), south side of the city. Avoid yellow parking spaces.

Can I drive a rental car out of Italy?

Generally, yes, to neighboring countries (France, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia), but you must specify this when booking your rental car. The surcharge for crossing the border is €15–80 per trip. Please note that in Switzerland, Austria, and Slovenia, you’ll need a toll sticker, which you can purchase at the border. Be sure to read the terms and conditions in your rental agreement, as not all rental companies allow travel to all countries.

When are the roads in Tuscany busy?

The busiest times are Saturdays in July and August, as these are the check-in days for hotels and vacation rentals. The morning rush hour (7:30–9:30 a.m.) around Florence can be busy, especially on Mondays. On Sunday evenings, many residents of Rome drive home from their weekend in Tuscany, which can cause heavy traffic on the A1. The rural roads through Chianti and Val d’Orcia are relatively quiet even during peak season.

Sources:

• Accessibility of Historic Centers

• ANWB

• CinqueTerre.eu.com

• Discover Tuscany

• San Rossore Park

• Restricted Traffic Zone (ZTL) in the Historic Center of San Gimignano