BFTBeau

We are planning to drive from Florence to a Villa near Chiusi. Would it be best to pick-up car at the airport and drop off the same as we leave the follwing week. We will already be in Florence in the preceding week, friends will be flying in on the day we plan to drive to the Villa.

gard

Hi

I rented a car in Florence last year. I was scheduled to pick up the car at the airport but as we were in town already and was staying close to the AVIS office we decided to change it. So we picked it up in town and handed it back at the airport. Check out my trip report with pictures from Florence http://gardkarlsen.com/florence_italy_travelogue.htm

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

bill_boy

I think it makes sense to pick up at the airport and drop-off at the same as you reurn to leave for your flight out of Florence.

BFTBeau

How is it to get out of the Florence Airport? Our plan is to pick up at the airport and drop off at the same. I am just wondering about traffic,etc.

bobthenavigator

The airport is simple but you will pay a premium to pick up there. Pick up at Borgo Ognassanti downtown with easy access going south---drop at the airport.

BFTBeau

How do I find Borgo Ognassanti?
Would that also be a good place to drop off car, if my plan is to stay over in Florence after the car is dropped off.

Sher

BFTBeau. If I can pick up a car on Borgo Ognassanti and get out of Florence, believe me anyone can!

Also, as Bob says, it is a premium to pick it up at an airport in Italy.

We returned the car elsewhere, so I don't know about driving to the Florence airport or into Florence.

Have a great trip.

bobthenavigator

Driving out is not the same as driving into Florence. Like I said, drop at the airport.

BFTBeau

After looking for rental cars that will accommodate four adults and luggage, I am now thinking that it might be best to take train from Florence to Chiusi, pick up rental car (smaller one) which we can use to get four of us to our villa,which is just 10 min from train station. This might take a couple of trips, but might be better than using larger and more expensive van. what do others think.

shellio

If you're renting a car in Florence just to get to the Chiusi area, definitely take the train and rent in Chiusi.

I assume you will use the car while staying at the villa. Otherwise, why not just get a taxi to take you there rather than shuttle back and forth?

And I also assume the car will be big enough for all the passengers and it is the luggage on arrival that requires the larger vehicle?

BFTBeau

Once at the villa, we will need a car to get around. Since the group will arrive in Florence, at first we planned to drive to Chiusi, which would require a larger car/van.
So I think you got the right idea.
We will need a car while staying at the villa.

bobthenavigator

Options may be limited in Chiusi for larger vehicles. I would get it in Florence and drive.

BFTBeau

My thinking is to rent a standard size car (big enough for 4 adults, without luggage to drive while staying at the villa. It seems to me we would only need a bigger vehicle when carrying the luggage.
If we can get our luggage to the villa, that is train to Chiusi from Florence, rent smaller car.Use the smaller car to transport people and luggage (even it takes more than one trip from Chiusi to villa (10 min drive)

zoecat

BFTBeau,

I like that plan. Enjoy your trip!