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Road Genius makes it easy to find great car rental offers at Pisa International Airport (PSA). Compare rates and book in one place. Simple. Pick up your rental car a 5-minute walk from the terminal or via the free shuttle, with all the major brands and extended hours. Get on the road quickly via the Fi-Pi-Li to Florence or the A12 to the coast and avoid ZTL areas in Pisa by using designated parking lots.
Airport vs. City Rentals
| Location | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| PSA Airport | • Larger vehicle selection • Extended hours • Immediate highway access • Often more competitive rates |
• Airport surcharge (around 16%) • Potential lines at peak times |
| Pisa City | • No airport surcharge • Convenient if already in city |
• Limited hours (often closed Sundays) • Navigating ZTL when exiting • Smaller fleet selection |
Getting Between the Airport and City
On average, car rentals at Pisa Airport cost around €80 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €12 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup: PSA adds about 16% airport surcharge, but airport rates can still be lower thanks to bigger fleets. Price both PSA and Pisa city and compare the total with all fees. Factor ZTL hassle if picking up in town.
Play with dates and trip length: Weekly rates often beat 5–6 single days. Shift pickup/return times to stay within 24-hour blocks to avoid an extra day. Shoulder or low season at PSA (Oct–Mar) is usually cheaper.
Pick the right car: Manuals are typically 30–50% cheaper than automatics. Smaller classes save on hire, fuel and parking in Tuscan towns. Need space? Estates often cost less than SUVs.
Skip paid add-ons: Use your phone for navigation instead of renting a GPS. Add only essential extra drivers. Reserve child seats in advance to lock lower rates.
Use local cost savers: Refill at the Q8 station at PSA before return to avoid refuel charges. Choose toll-free routes where it makes sense, like Fi-Pi-Li to Florence or SS12 to Lucca.
One-way can be worth it: Compare PSA pickup with drop-off in Florence or other cities. Weigh the one-way fee against savings in fuel, tolls and backtracking time.
| Feature | Airport Long-Term Parking | Rental Car |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Comparison | • Daily and weekly rates vary by parking lot and season | • Costs vary by season and car class; weekly rentals can be more economical than daily |
| Convenience | • No driving responsibility • Shuttle service to terminal |
• Ultimate flexibility • No reliance on public transportation schedules |
| Best For | • Short Pisa-only visits • Those uncomfortable driving in Italy |
• Multi-destination travel • Rural/coastal destinations • Families/groups |
ZTL Awareness: Pisa has extensive Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) in the historic center including the Leaning Tower area. From the airport, follow these guidelines:
Finding a Spot When Visiting Pisa from the Airport:
| Area | Location | Details | Key Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Via Pietrasantina Parking Lot | Northwest of city walls | • 10-minute walk to Tower • Hourly rates apply |
Best for Tower/cathedral visits |
| Pisa Central | Near train station | • Covered parking garage • Hourly rates apply |
Good for city center shopping/eating |
| Park SMS | Near Via Pietrasantina | Sometimes free or low-cost | Has shuttle bus to the center |
| Street Spaces | Outside ZTL | Blue lines indicate paid street spots; check local meters for rates and time limits | Time limits may apply |
Returning to the Airport:
Book a rental car so you can visit:
Florence - Fi-Pi-Li
Lucca - A11
Siena - RA3
Cinque Terre - La Spezia, Levanto
Tuscan coast - Viareggio, Forte dei Marmi
Wine regions - Chianti, Bolgheri, Montecarlo
How far is Pisa Airport from the Leaning Tower?
The drive is about 4–5 km (2.5-3 miles) and takes 10–15 minutes. Be aware that the area around the Tower is a ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone). You'll need to park at the Via Pietrasantina parking lot and walk 10 minutes from there.
Do I need to take a shuttle to reach the rental car center at PSA?
No, you don't have to. You can walk to the rental car center in about 5 minutes along a walkway from the terminal, or you can take the free shuttle bus that runs every 5-10 minutes.
What documents do I need to rent a car at Pisa Airport?
You'll need to bring a valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit (if your license is from outside the EU), your passport or EU ID card, a credit card in the main driver's name and your booking confirmation.
Can I return my rental car outside of office hours if I have an early morning flight?
Yes, the rental companies at PSA let you return cars after hours. You just need to park in the designated return area, fill out the return form and use the key drop box. It's a good idea to take photos of the car's condition and fuel level for your records.
Is it easy to drive from Pisa Airport to Florence?
Yes, it's straightforward. You can take the SGC Fi-Pi-Li expressway right from the airport to Florence, and there are no tolls. The drive takes about 1 hour, but be aware that traffic can be heavy during peak times.
What's the best way to avoid ZTL fines when driving from Pisa Airport to the city center?
The best thing you can do is follow signs to the main parking lots, like Via Pietrasantina or Pisa Central Parking. Don't trust your GPS if it tells you to drive into restricted areas. Never try to drive right up to the Leaning Tower or Piazza dei Miracoli.
Are automatic transmission cars available at Pisa Airport?
Yes, but rental companies have fewer automatic cars than manual ones, and they cost 30-50% more. Make sure you book well ahead of time, especially during the busy season, to be sure you can get one.
Can I pick up a car at Pisa Airport and drop it off at another location?
Yes, most rental companies let you do one-way rentals. Many people drop their cars off in places like Florence, Rome and Venice. The company might charge you a one-way fee based on the distance. Some companies even offer free one-way rentals between certain cities.
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