Why rent a car in Pisa?
Pisa is famous for the Leaning Tower and its historic center, but it is also an excellent starting point for exploring Tuscany. With a rental car, you can easily visit Florence, Lucca, Siena, and the scenic Tuscan countryside.
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the region beyond the city and discover vineyards, hill towns, and coastal areas at your own pace. You can also explore car rental in Florence or discover options across Italy.
Exploring Pisa and the surrounding area by car
Routes and highlights from Pisa
Pisa makes an excellent base for exploring the northern Tuscan coast and the hill towns of the Arno valley. Lucca, one of Italy’s most distinctive cities with its intact Renaissance city walls and tree-lined ramparts, is just 20 km northeast on a straightforward road. Florence is about 80 km east along the FI-PI-LI road. South of Pisa, the coastal Via Aurelia leads through Livorno and on to the resorts of the Etruscan Riviera, with the rocky coves of Castiglioncello reachable in under an hour. The inland route from Pisa toward Volterra, the well-preserved Etruscan and medieval hilltop town, covers about 50 km through gently rolling countryside. For the Cinque Terre, follow the coast road north via La Spezia, a drive of about 80 km from Pisa. For more destinations, see car rental in Italy.
Driving and parking in Pisa
Pisa Galileo Galilei Airport (IATA: PSA) is one of the most conveniently located airports in Tuscany, just 2 km from the city centre and within walking distance of the train station. Car rental desks are in the arrivals hall with vehicles collected in the adjacent rental area. Parking near the Piazza dei Miracoli, the square containing the Leaning Tower, is available in a large paid car park on the northern side of the complex. The city centre has a restricted traffic zone around the main monuments, so park on the perimeter and continue on foot. Roads in the surrounding area are well maintained and straightforward to navigate.
Best time to rent a car in Pisa
April to June and September to October are the best months for driving around Pisa. Temperatures are comfortable and the surrounding countryside is at its most attractive, with spring flowers in April and October light on the Tuscan hills. July and August are warm and the Leaning Tower area is very crowded, though a car lets you escape the centre quickly and reach quieter destinations along the coast or inland. The coastal road south to the Etruscan Riviera is particularly enjoyable in early summer before the beach season reaches its peak.
Car rental price in Pisa
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Pisa, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €197 |
| Mid-size car | from €268 |
| Large car / SUV | from €301 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
