Car rental location near Florence train station?
 

Does anyone know which Auto Europe rental location is closest to the train station in Florence? Their website lists about 6 Florence city locations, and I am struggling to find which one is closest to the station.

And would anyone suggest a different rental agency? I've used Auto Europe before with no problems, but would love to hear others' suggestions and experiences.

Thanks!

I believe we are renting our car from Hertz at the airport.

Are you sure you want to pick up a car near the Florence train station? At least the main train station, Santa Maria Novella? That's right near the ZTL, the locals-only driving zone, for which so many people get tickets.

Will you be staying in Florence? Because you don't want a car there. There are many daytrips you can take by train or bus.

If you're picking up a car in Florence to drive out into the countryside, pick up the car elsewhere, like the airport or a smaller town.

I think Mimar's advice is pretty good. You can pick up a car near the station, but should you?

My recent experience suggeests thaat the less driving in Italian cities, the better. It isn't the traffic -- Boston is just as bad -- it is poor signage and route marking, including ZTL's. If you pick up at the airport, you will start out on a major highway, where the traffic is no worse than an interstate near Boston, NYC, Washington, Chicago, LA or Dallas.

Great advice! We'll be taking the train in from Assisi and
are renting a place near Greve in Chianti for the week. A car will be a must. Any suggestions on a good pick up location? Is there easy transportation from SMN to the airport? Or, a small town nearby with frequent trains into Florence? I only ask that last part because when we return the car we'll be staying one night in Florence before flying out from AV airport. The last time I rented a car in Florence was 2001--lots of changes since then!

Rent with Kemwel and pick up at the Borgo Ognassanti location near the river---easy access out of town.

For Greve the Florence airport would be your best choice. And it will have more cars and be open longer hours.

From Florence SMN station AV airport is a 15-minute taxi ride or 20 minutes on the bus (ATAF "Vola in Bus" Route 62), which leaves about every half-hour.

Alternatively, you could drive from Assisi -- since you're already paying for the car that day. But the nearest car rental nexus is the Perugia airport, San Egidio. Unfortunately this airport isn't so easily accessed from Assisi. Some Assisi hotels have airport shuttles. Or you could take a taxi.

There is a Hertz rental office within 2 blocks of the train station. We've rented there twice, but once got the ticket for mistakenly driving in the restricted zone (made a wrong turn, you can get to the main highway without driving in the restricted zone).

Thank you, fodorites. You've given me two great options. I really appreciate everyone's help.