Car rental in Pisa

A trip through Pisa and Tuscany with a rental car

Far beyond Italy's borders, the city of Pisa is mostly known for its famous Leaning Tower. However, this charming town in the heart of Tuscany also delights its visitors with numerous other historical sights and rich culture. Since almost half of the city's inhabitants are students, Pisa is characterized not only by its Mediterranean flair, but also by a lively atmosphere.

The best way to travel through this beautiful city in the west of Italy and its stunning surroundings, the popular holiday region of Tuscany, is to rent a car. This way, you can be independent during your holiday and enjoy total flexibility. With Driveboo, you can compare many different offers of rental car companies and opt for the best choice for your trip.

Where should I rent a car in Pisa?

Like most tourists, you will probably travel to Italy by plane. Therefore, the best solution for you is to rent a car directly at the airport. At Pisa International Airport (PSA), which is just 5 km from the city centre, the rental car terminal is located just under 500 metres from the passenger terminal. If you do not want to use the free shuttle bus (the bus stop is directly in front of the passenger terminal in the arrivals area) after your arrival, you can reach the car rental companies within a short five-minute walk. As a rule, the desks of the rental companies are open as follows:

• from October to March from 08.00 a.m. to 09.30 p.m.
• from April to September from 07.00 a.m. to 10.30 p.m.

Driving a rental car in and around Pisa - traffic rules that you should know

Unfortunately, most highways in Italy are subject to a toll. For a standard car, you can expect an average toll of 0.07 EUR per kilometer. You will either have to use a vending machine, where you have to pull out a ticket and pay when leaving the highway, or purchase a so-called VIA-card, which is rechargeable. Please note that credit card payment is not possible everywhere.

What insurance should I choose for my rental car in Pisa?

No matter where you travel, when booking a rental car, you should always opt for full insurance without non-waivable excess, and the liability insurance with the highest possible coverage.

The sights of Pisa that you can enjoy with your rental car

The increased tourism around the Leaning Tower of Pisa will benefit your experience in other parts of the city: only a few hundred metres from the tower, there are hardly any tourists discovering the winding streets and some amazing cafes. Since the tower is clearly the main attraction and attracts countless travellers, large parts of the city have retained their original, not-so-touristy charm. Hidden places known only to locals will especially inspire you with their great architecture and warm atmosphere. The following attractions should not be missed when you travel by car through Pisa:

• Orto botanico di Pisa
  To take a relaxing break during your visit to the city, you can drive to the botanical garden, just a few metres away from the Leaning Tower. The former world's oldest botanical garden had to give up this title after changing its location. But today you can still admire diverse plants as well as idyllic ponds and more. This oasis of nature in the middle of Pisa is a perfect resting place.
• Piazza delle Vettovaglie
  The square, with its characteristic sandstone pillars, is the heart of the student district of Pisa. During the day, young and old alike enjoy inexpensive coffee in a nice atmosphere and buy fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as other delicacies on the food market. After dark, the student population of the city meets around the Piazza delle Vettovaglie in the many pubs and night clubs. Here you can experience the lively atmosphere of Pisa up close.
• Torre pendente di Pisa
  Of course, in addition to the other exciting sights of Pisa, you should marvel at its Leaning Tower. Since its construction between 12th and 14th century, the tower has been tilting to one side, making it the most famous landmark in the city. The World Heritage Site of the Piazza Duomo around the Leaning Tower, also known as the Miracle Square, includes three other historic monuments: the gothic cemetery Camposanto Monumentale, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta, and the Baptistery.

• Borgo Stretto, an exclusive shopping street in the old town
• Church of Santa Maria della Spina on the Arno riverbank
• Ponte di Mezzo Bridge, connecting the north and the south of the city
• Piazza dei Cavalieri, with the Palazzo dell'Orologio and the palace of the Scuola Normale Superiore

By rental car through Pisa and Tuscany

Since a one-day stop in Pisa is usually not enough to see all the sights, it may be worth considering connecting the city trip with a round trip through Tuscany with a rental car.

How about a day trip to Livorno, a small town with a magical old town, and the magical Santuario di Montenero? Alternatively, take a trip to Piombino, whose archaeological park, the Baratti and Populonia Archeological Park, is an absolute highlight.

If you have more time, you can also enjoy a tour with your rental car in the direction of Florence and Rome, and from there you can head back up along the coast in the direction of Pisa.

Enjoy the drive with your rental car through the extraordinary hilly landscape with its cypresses and vineyards, make a detour to the sea, and enjoy the Italian hospitality.