Returning Your Car Smoothly at Florence Airport
Returning a rental car can be stressful — especially in a busy city like Florence. Whether you’re ending your Tuscan adventure or catching an early flight home, knowing how to return a rental car at Florence Airport (Aeroporto di Firenze-Peretola, FLR) will save you time, stress, and money.
In this guide, you’ll find all the details: where the car rental return area is located, what to do before drop-off, after-hours procedures, and key tips to avoid extra fees.
🗺️ Step-by-Step: Returning a Rental Car at Florence Airport
Florence Airport’s car rental area is located outside the main terminal, about 500 meters away, in Via Palagio degli Spini. It’s easily reachable by shuttle bus, which runs every 15–20 minutes from the terminal building.
Here’s your step-by-step process 👇
| Step | Action | Details |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ | Follow the “Autonoleggi / Car Rental Return” signs | They’ll guide you toward Via Palagio degli Spini. |
| 2️⃣ | Refuel before drop-off | Use nearby petrol stations to avoid refueling charges. |
| 3️⃣ | Inspect the vehicle | Take photos of the car’s condition and odometer. |
| 4️⃣ | Return the keys and documents | Go to your rental company’s desk inside the car rental building. |
| 5️⃣ | Get confirmation | Always request a drop-off receipt or confirmation email. |
⛽ Nearest Gas Stations Before Returning Your Car
If you need to refuel before drop-off, here are the closest fuel stations to Florence Airport 🚘💨
| Station Name | Address | Distance from Airport | Open Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| ENI Service Station | Viale Luder, 65 | 2.5 km | 24/7 |
| Q8 Firenze Nord | Via Pratese, 120 | 3.1 km | 6:00–23:00 |
| Tamoil Peretola | Via Pistoiese, 152 | 3.7 km | 24/7 self-service |
💡 Tip: Always keep your fuel receipt as proof in case the rental company claims the car was not full.
🕒 Returning Your Car After Hours
If your flight is late or early, don’t worry — most rental companies at Florence Airport allow after-hours returns.
✅ Ready to Drive in Rome?
Unlock the best rental deals at Rome Airport in seconds. Fast, flexible, and trusted by millions. Don’t miss out!
Here’s how it works:
- Park your car in the designated drop-off area.
- Lock the vehicle and leave the keys in the drop-box near your rental desk.
- Take a few photos of the car’s condition and odometer reading for your records.
⚠️ Note: You remain responsible for the vehicle until the next business day when staff check it in.
🧾 Avoiding Extra Fees – Essential Tips
Nobody likes surprises on their credit card. Follow these quick tips to avoid hidden charges when returning your car at Florence Airport:
| Tip | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| ✅ Return on time | Late returns can incur an extra full-day charge. |
| ✅ Keep the car clean | Some suppliers charge cleaning fees. |
| ✅ Refuel completely | Rental fuel prices are higher than public stations. |
| ✅ Take photos | Proof of condition prevents disputes. |
| ✅ Check your final bill | Review charges before leaving the desk. |
🏢 Florence Airport Car Rental Companies
Here’s a list of the main car rental companies located near the airport’s car park area.
| Rental Company | Desk Location | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Hertz | Via Palagio degli Spini | 07:00–23:00 |
| Avis / Budget | Via Palagio degli Spini | 07:00–23:00 |
| Europcar | Via Palagio degli Spini | 07:00–23:30 |
| Sicily by Car | Via Palagio degli Spini | 07:00–22:00 |
| Enterprise / Alamo / National | Via Palagio degli Spini | 07:00–23:30 |
🚐 Free shuttle buses connect the rental village with the main airport terminal in about 5 minutes.
🌍 Alternative: Drop-Off in Another City
If your journey continues beyond Florence, many suppliers allow one-way rentals. For example:
| Route | Approx. Drop-Off Fee | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Florence → Rome | €80–€120 | 3 hours |
| Florence → Milan | €100–€150 | 3.5 hours |
| Florence → Venice | €90–€130 | 3 hours |
📞 Always confirm one-way rental conditions before booking to avoid unexpected costs.
💼 What to Do if You Return Late or Early
- Late returns: Inform your rental company ASAP — some offer a 1-hour grace period.
- Early returns: You won’t always get a refund for unused days, but notifying them is still a good idea.
- Flight delays: Keep proof (boarding pass or airline message) if your delay caused a late return.
🚗 Final Check-List Before Leaving Florence Airport
✅ Car refueled
✅ Interior cleaned and personal items removed
✅ Photos taken (interior + exterior + dashboard)
✅ Drop-off receipt received
✅ Shuttle back to the terminal taken
✨ Conclusion: Stress-Free Returns at Florence Airport
Returning a car at Florence Airport doesn’t have to be a headache. By following this simple guide — fueling up nearby, checking for damage, and getting written confirmation — you’ll complete your trip smoothly and avoid unnecessary fees.
So relax, take a last look at Tuscany’s rolling hills 🌻, and enjoy your final drive to Florence Airport — your journey ends as peacefully as it began.
