Why drive?

My husband and I drove into Florence a few years back and it was not too bad - but I think we just had dumb luck and found a parking area on the edge of town. I would NOT try to do this again. Pedestrian only areas have been expanded and you will face major fines if you are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Sometimes even the most vigilant adapted driver can take a wrong turn and not be able to get out of an area. A hefty fine blows the budget!

I'm with Bob - can you train to Florence then pick up your car when you leave Florence?

The train does not work for us.

O.k. - here are a couple helpful sites:

http://www.visitflorence.com/florence-maps/parking-lots-in-florence.html

http://www.slowtrav.com/italy/driving/parking_florence.htm

I think either of these should help to plan your adventure. good luck.

How about busing into Florence?

We drove into Florence a few years ago. Th only worse thing was our friends who had to drive in behind us. I would never do this again. SO if there a way to avoid it I would take that.

We drove into Florence from Siena several years ago and it was no problem. We followed directions to the Piazzale Michelangelo, parked there, and walked into town. The only glitch was that at the time, parking there was free, but there were guys walking around collecting a fee. This was a scam. Not sure if it's still free.

Also, I was in Florence a few weeks ago and did see parking garages in the Oltrarno area.