Compare cheap car hire at Pisa Airport with practical details on rental desk locations, vehicle choices, driving routes and seasonal prices.
Pisa Airport (Aeroporto Internazionale di Pisa – Galileo Galilei) is one of the main airports serving Tuscany in central Italy. Located only about 3km from Pisa city centre, it is a popular arrival point for visitors travelling to Florence, the Tuscan countryside and the Ligurian coast.
Hiring a car directly at the airport makes it easy to explore Tuscany. Many of the region’s villages, vineyards and coastal towns are easiest to reach by road.
Direct Flights from Ireland
Pisa Airport has seasonal direct connections with Ireland.
- Dublin → Pisa (Ryanair)
The direct flight from Dublin typically takes about 2 hours 40 minutes.
Where the Car Hire Desks Are Located
The car hire desks at Pisa Airport are located inside the arrivals hall of the terminal building. After collecting luggage, travellers can complete the rental agreement at the counters in the public arrivals area.
Vehicles are collected from the Car Rental Parking Area located just outside the terminal. The car collection area is within walking distance of the arrivals exit.
Airport maps and passenger information can be found on the official Pisa Airport website.
Car Hire Companies at Pisa Airport
A wide range of international and Italian car hire companies operate at the airport.
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Locauto / Enterprise
Vehicles are normally parked in the dedicated car rental parking area directly outside the terminal.
Typical Rental Prices at Pisa Airport
| Season | Economy Car | Family / Compact | SUV / Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| January – March | €25 – €45 per day | €45 – €75 per day | €75 – €130 per day |
| April – June | €30 – €60 per day | €60 – €95 per day | €95 – €160 per day |
| July – August | €45 – €95 per day | €95 – €160 per day | €160 – €240 per day |
| September – October | €30 – €70 per day | €70 – €110 per day | €110 – €180 per day |
| November – December | €25 – €50 per day | €50 – €85 per day | €85 – €150 per day |
Choosing the Right Car for Tuscany
Compact Cars
Small hatchbacks are ideal for navigating narrow streets in historic towns and villages.
Family Touring Cars
Estate cars or mid-size vehicles are comfortable for longer journeys through the Tuscan countryside.
SUVs
SUVs provide additional comfort when travelling through rural areas or hill towns.
Group and Family Vehicles
Larger vehicles are often rented by families and groups travelling together.
- 7 Seater SUVs – suitable for families travelling with luggage
- 8 Seater vehicles – useful for larger family groups
- 9 Seater passenger vans – common for group holidays
- 12 Seater passenger vans – suitable for larger groups
Driving from Pisa Airport
The airport connects to the regional motorway network via the FI-PI-LI highway and the A12 motorway.
- Pisa city centre – about 10 minutes
- Florence – around 1 hour 15 minutes
- Lucca – roughly 30 minutes
- Livorno – about 25 minutes
These routes make Pisa Airport a convenient starting point for exploring Tuscany and the Ligurian coast.
Travellers exploring Italy sometimes compare nearby arrival points such as Florence, Bologna Airport or Venice Airport.
Driving in Tuscany
Roads in Tuscany are generally well maintained and signposted. However, many historic towns operate ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) where non-resident vehicles are restricted.
Drivers should check local parking areas before entering city centres.
Further visitor information can be found on the official Italy tourism website.
Places to Visit by Car from Pisa
Hiring a car at Pisa Airport allows visitors to explore the surrounding region.
- Florence – Renaissance city known for art and architecture
- Lucca – historic town surrounded by medieval walls
- San Gimignano – hill town famous for its towers
- Cinque Terre – scenic coastal villages along the Ligurian coast
Many visitors combine several of these destinations during a road trip across Tuscany.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the car hire desks at Pisa Airport?
The rental desks are located inside the arrivals hall of the airport terminal.
Which companies operate car hire at Pisa Airport?
Major suppliers include Hertz, Europcar, Avis, Budget, Sixt and Locauto.
How far is Pisa Airport from the city centre?
The airport is located about 3km from central Pisa.
Is driving in Tuscany easy for visitors?
Yes, although historic towns may have restricted traffic zones.
Do Italian motorways charge tolls?
Yes. Many major motorways in Italy operate as toll roads.
Do I need a credit card to hire a car at Pisa Airport?
Most rental companies require a credit card in the main driver’s name for the security deposit.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, although manual vehicles are still common in Italy.
Should I book Pisa Airport car hire in advance?
Booking ahead usually provides better prices and vehicle availability.
How long does it take to drive from Pisa to Florence?
The journey normally takes about 1 hour 15 minutes depending on traffic.
What motorway connects Pisa with Florence?
The FI-PI-LI highway provides the main road connection between Pisa and Florence.
