Driving and parking in Italy, especially in historic cities which are not designed for cars are stressful.
Italian city driving is fast, frantic and Italians park wherever there is a tiny space, often blocking others but if you are thinking of coming to Florence by car...I agree Tuscany has a gorgeous country with beautiful landscapes, amazing food and great wine. A road trip is an amazing way to visit Italy.
But before entering the city of Firenze (even the day before is better), doublecheck current rules, parking availability and have a clear idea of where to drive.
This will nìminimize the chances of having your arrival marred by mistakes and avoid any miss presence at your check-in appointment.
You can not drive, park or even reach your apartment to drop off your luggage if located within the ZTL ( Limited Traffic Zone) marked with signs indicated by a red or green light.
If you enter, when the light is red, even for 1 minute you will be fined. There are video cameras that take photos of all car license plate.
Entrance is allowed only to Residents, Hotel and Garage guests (not apartments or public/street parking)
The restriction is from 7,30am to 8 pm weekdays and in the summertime on Thursday-Friday and Saturday from 7,30am to 3 am. Sundays are accessible.
FREE PARKING DO NOT EXIST IN FLORENCE DOWNTOWN.
Here are the actual options and tips:
- Parking Lots from € 15
- Private Garages from € 25
- Street Parking (out of the walls) from € 24
- Free Parking (out of the walls) - only if there are no lines (blue paying, white residents, yellow handicap)
PARKING LOTS
The daily price is €15 or €20 but is not possible to book online. Can only check if there is availability.
You can then walk down the centre in about 15/20 minutes
Parterre
Leopolda - Porta a Prato
For the BEST rate (about 7,50€/day) you can park in the town of Scandicci VILLA COSTANZA - easy access from motorway A1 and get to Florence train station by tram
(30 minutes ride, ticket costs 1,50/person).
Then walk home or catch a taxi
STREET PARKING
Can be found along the Viale (avenues) surrounding the historical centre of Florence.
This usually means it’s about a 15-minute walk to arrive in the centre and it can often be difficult to find a space. Always look for the BLUE spaces (white are for residents only, yellow for handicapped parking).
Find a ticket machine, purchase your ticket and display it on your dashboard.
The cost can be up to 2€/hour.
PRIVATE GARAGES
There are many on the right side of the river. Few on the left side.
Check which one is the closest to your apartment and book online on PARCLICK.
If you need to collect keys at our office premises, or don't want to get lost in our tiny street I suggest this parking lot as easily reachable from the Motorway, A1 best Exit is FIRENZE SUD
GARAGE TINTORI located in Corso Tintori 35 red - Santa Croce area
Telephone number: +39 0552479749 - (good luck!)
Opening hours: from 6 am to 12 am.
On Gps, I suggest indicating Biblioteca Nazionale - Lungarno Della Zecca Vecchia as GPS never updates street works and drives you to Duomo. Crazy!
Upon arrival at the Garage, they will note the vehicle's number plate and forward it to the appropriate police headquarters.
Arrival at the garage must be made within 2 hours by the transition from the electronic door. To regularize Z.T.L. access the garage will require payment of the Municipal Ticket €1, beyond the normal charge for your stay. However, if you need the car during your stay, notify 30-40 minutes in advance, the cost to access ZTL will be only 1 euro each time.
For Acacia guests, they provide a Parking Valet service to reach your apartment in Florence. (Upon driver availability)
Remember to inform the garage you are a guest of Acacia to have the discounted price. (otherwise is more). Booking and payment: directly to the parking.