Is it worth getting a car in Tuscany?

If you like to play things by ear; to be able to and get out or stay in on a whim, you're going to need a car. In fact, you're going to miss out on so much of the experience of Tuscany and the romance of the area, if you don't have your own transport.



In 2026, renting a car in Tuscany is considered highly worth it if your goal is to explore the "Val d'Orcia" countryside, visit hilltop villages like Montepulciano, or reach remote wineries. While the train system efficiently connects Florence, Pisa, and Siena, it does not reach the iconic rolling hills and cypress-lined roads that define the region. A car offers the freedom to stop at "wait, pull over!" viewpoints that bus schedules don't allow. However, if your itinerary is strictly limited to major city centers, a car becomes a liability due to ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones), where driving a non-authorized vehicle can result in fines exceeding 100 EUR. The best strategy in 2026 is a "hybrid" trip: use trains for the cities and rent a small car for 3–4 days to get lost in the countryside, where a compact vehicle is better for narrow medieval lanes and limited parking.

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On average a rental car in Tuscany costs $294 per week ($42 per day).

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While renting a car isn't necessary or even advised if you're only visiting major tourists city (you can't even bring your rental car into the old town Florence, and having a car in Rome is a very bad idea not just because of traffic but also because many main attractions are only accessible by foot anyway), if you ...

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Having said this, if you are planning on visiting only the main towns in Tuscany, the most convenient way to move around is with the train: the main station in each town is generally in the center so there is no need to worry about parking before finding the major sights.

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You really need a whole week to see a good chunk of Tuscany. However, if you can stay longer, this itinerary can be extended to two weeks by adding on days in Lucca, Cinque Terre and Rome. Want to do a grand tour? Consider adding on to this 10-day Northern Italy itinerary.

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The average travel time on the two routes is similar, between 1h 15min and 2 hours of drive depending on traffic. Tuscany is full of unmissable destinations and you can create your own tour visiting some of the most beautiful places here.

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While it is easier to travel between big cities by train, sometimes renting a car is the best option. For example, if you want to explore smaller towns in Tuscany, or on the Amalfi Coast, or in Sicily, a car can be necessary. If you are traveling with a group, a car can be a more cost effective option as well.

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ANYONE with an inkling of common sense, a little pre-trip prep and a solid smartphone or GPS can easily handle driving in Italy. Here are the top Italian driving tips to hit the roads like a pro. Driving in Italy is safe, fun and a must if you really want to see the land.

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It's maze of one-way streets, strictly enforced pedestrian-only areas, narrow roads and lack of parking. Plus, everything you'll want to see is within walking distance, so driving in Florence ill-advised. Still, if you arrive to Florence in a rental car, you need to know how to get into the city and where to park.

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