Tuscany is arguably Italy's most loved region, famous for its rolling hills, medieval towns, Renaissance art, world-class wine, and stunning countryside dotted with cypress trees and ancient farmhouses. Hiring a car in Tuscany is one of the best decisions you can make for your visit, as it allows you to explore the picturesque villages, vineyards, and hidden corners that make this region so special. Whilst the main cities have good train connections, the true heart of Tuscany lies in the countryside and smaller towns that are difficult or impossible to reach without your own transport.
Most visitors to Tuscany begin their car hire journey at one of the region's airports. Florence Airport, also known as Peretola, is the most convenient for the central part of Tuscany and sits just a few kilometres from the city centre. The airport is relatively small, making car collection quick and straightforward. All major rental companies operate here including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Budget, and several Italian firms. Pisa International Airport is larger and handles more flights, particularly from budget airlines. Located about 80 kilometres west of Florence, it provides excellent access to the Tuscan coast, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the wider region. The car hire facilities at Pisa are more extensive than Florence, with a wider choice of vehicles and often more competitive prices.
Bologna Airport, whilst technically in Emilia-Romagna rather than Tuscany, is another option for northern Tuscany. It's well connected and sometimes offers cheaper car hire rates than the Tuscan airports. The drive from Bologna to Florence takes about 90 minutes, passing through beautiful Apennine mountain scenery. Some visitors also collect rental cars at Rome airports if they're combining Tuscany with time in the capital, though this means a longer initial drive into the region.
City centre car hire locations are available in Florence, Pisa, Siena, Lucca, and other major Tuscan towns. These can be useful if you're spending time exploring cities before heading into the countryside. However, driving in Florence city centre is not recommended due to the extensive limited traffic zones, narrow medieval streets, and extremely expensive parking. Many visitors choose to explore Florence on foot or using public transport, then collect their rental car when ready to venture into the Tuscan countryside.
Booking your Tuscany car hire in advance is crucial, especially during the peak season from May through October. Tuscany is incredibly popular with tourists from around the world, and rental cars can sell out weeks in advance during summer months. The region is particularly busy in September during grape harvest season and in spring when the weather is perfect and the countryside is at its most beautiful. Advance booking not only guarantees availability but typically saves considerable money compared to last-minute rates.
The type of vehicle you need for Tuscany depends on your plans and the time of year. For exploring main roads and visiting well-known towns, a standard compact or economy car is perfectly adequate. However, many of Tuscany's most charming locations, including remote agriturismi farmstays, hilltop villages, and country estates, are reached via unpaved gravel roads called strade bianche. These white roads wind through vineyards and olive groves but can be rough, dusty, and challenging for low-slung city cars. If you plan to stay at rural properties or explore off the beaten track, consider hiring a car with higher ground clearance.
Driving in Tuscany is generally a pleasure, with well-maintained main roads and spectacular scenery at every turn. The region's secondary roads, particularly the famous routes through Chianti and Val d'Orcia, offer some of Europe's most beautiful drives. However, these roads are often narrow and winding, with blind corners and steep gradients. Tuscan drivers know these roads well and may drive faster than feels comfortable to visitors, so take your time and use the many viewpoints to let faster traffic pass.
The limited traffic zone system in Tuscan cities requires careful attention. Florence has one of Italy's strictest ZTL systems, with cameras monitoring entry to the historic centre. Even driving through accidentally results in automatic fines sent to the rental company, who then charge your credit card along with administration fees. Siena, Lucca, Pisa, and most smaller historic towns also have restricted zones. If your hotel is within a ZTL, they should register your number plate for temporary access, but you must confirm this arrangement before driving in.
Parking in Tuscany varies enormously between locations. In cities like Florence and Siena, parking is expensive and scarce, with most convenient spaces reserved for residents. Look for designated tourist car parks on the edges of historic centres, which charge daily rates but provide secure parking and sometimes shuttle services into town. In smaller towns and villages, parking is usually easier, with free spaces often available just outside the medieval walls. At popular hilltop towns like San Gimignano and Montepulciano, arrive early in the day during summer as car parks fill quickly.
The Tuscan countryside presents different parking situations. At wineries and agriturismi, parking is generally provided and free. At popular viewpoints along scenic routes, you'll find informal parking areas, though these can be crowded during peak times. Always park safely and avoid blocking narrow roads, as delivery vehicles and farm equipment need to pass through even the smallest lanes.
Fuel stations are plentiful along main roads and in towns, but they become scarcer in rural areas. Many stations close during lunch hours, typically from 1pm to 3:30pm or 4pm, and on Sundays only self-service pumps operate. Self-service stations are common and accept both cards and cash, though having cash available is wise as some card readers can be temperamental. Fuel prices in Tuscany are similar to the rest of Italy, with motorway stations charging slightly more than town locations.
Navigation in Tuscany requires both technology and common sense. Sat nav systems and smartphone apps are helpful, but they sometimes direct you down impossibly narrow streets in medieval towns or along private roads through estates. The famous cypress-lined roads and scenic routes aren't always the most direct paths, so allow extra time for journeys. Getting slightly lost in Tuscany rarely matters, as you'll likely stumble upon beautiful views or charming villages that weren't on your original itinerary.
Insurance for Tuscan car hire should include collision damage waiver and theft protection as a minimum. The narrow streets in historic towns, tight parking spaces, and gravel roads all increase the risk of minor damage to your rental car. Excess reduction or super cover policies protect you from large bills if scratches or dents occur. Check whether your insurance covers damage from unpaved roads, as this is relevant for exploring rural Tuscany. Some credit cards provide car rental insurance, so verify your coverage before paying for additional protection.
The beauty of having a car in Tuscany is the freedom to explore beyond the tourist hotspots. Everyone visits Florence, Siena, and Pisa, but with a car you can discover tiny medieval villages like Pienza, Montalcino, and Cortona. You can drive through the Chianti wine region, stopping at family-owned wineries for tastings. You can explore Val d'Orcia with its perfect Renaissance landscapes, visit the thermal springs at Saturnia, or discover the quiet beaches and pine forests along the Tuscan coast near Castiglione della Pescaia.
Wine tourism is a major reason many visitors hire cars in Tuscany. The region produces some of Italy's finest wines including Brunello di Montalcino, Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, and Chianti Classico. Visiting wineries requires a car as they're scattered across the countryside, and many offer tours and tastings by appointment only. Remember that Italy has strict drink-driving laws with a blood alcohol limit of 0.5 grams per litre, lower for young or new drivers. If you're wine tasting, designate a driver or spit rather than swallow at tastings.
Journey times in Tuscany are often longer than distances suggest due to winding roads and the temptation to stop frequently for photos and exploration. Florence to Siena is only 70 kilometres but takes at least 90 minutes via the scenic Chianti route, longer if you stop at villages and wineries along the way. When planning your itinerary, be realistic about how much you can cover and build in time for spontaneous discoveries and leisurely lunches.
Seasonal considerations affect driving in Tuscany. Summer brings hot weather making air conditioning essential, whilst country roads can be dusty and dry. Autumn is grape harvest time with increased agricultural traffic on rural roads, but the countryside is stunning with golden colours and harvest festivals. Spring offers mild weather and blooming landscapes, though some mountain roads may still have winter restrictions. Winter is quiet with the lowest car hire rates, but some rural properties and restaurants close, and fog can affect visibility in valley areas.
The Tuscan coast, including beaches at Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi, and the islands of Elba and Giglio, is easily accessible by car. The coastal areas are less crowded than inland Tuscany and offer a different perspective on the region. Elba requires a ferry from Piombino, and taking a rental car on the ferry is usually permitted though you should check your rental agreement and inform the company.
Traffic in Tuscany is generally moderate except in major cities and on main routes during summer weekends. The autostrada motorways charge tolls and offer the fastest routes between major cities, whilst the more scenic secondary roads are free but slower. Local drivers are familiar with the roads and may seem impatient with slower tourist drivers, but they're generally courteous if you pull over to let them pass when safe to do so.
One-way rentals within Tuscany are possible and can make sense given the region's size. Collecting in Florence and dropping in Pisa or vice versa is common and often incurs minimal or no one-way fees. Dropping outside Tuscany, such as in Rome or Venice, typically costs more but can be worthwhile to avoid backtracking. Compare the one-way fees against the cost and time of returning to your original location.
Customer service from rental companies in Tuscany is generally good, with staff at Florence and Pisa airports accustomed to dealing with international tourists. English is widely spoken at major locations, though smaller town offices may have limited English. Local Italian companies sometimes offer better rates than international brands whilst providing comparable service. Reading recent reviews helps identify reliable companies and avoid those with poor reputations.
Returning your rental car is straightforward at the airports, with clearly marked return areas. When returning in Florence city centre, follow directions carefully to avoid entering the ZTL. Fill up with fuel before returning as required by your rental agreement, and allow enough time for the return process, especially if you have a flight to catch. Take photos of the car's condition and fuel level as evidence against any disputed charges.
Hiring a car transforms a Tuscany visit from seeing the famous sights to truly experiencing the region's soul. The freedom to wind through vineyards at sunset, discover family-run trattorias in tiny villages, explore thermal springs hidden in the countryside, and wake up at a hilltop farmhouse surrounded by olive groves makes all the difference. Tuscany reveals its greatest treasures to those willing to leave the main roads and explore at their own pace, and a rental car is the key that unlocks these experiences.