Car Rental Pisa Airport

Pisa Airport is located just 15 minutes drive from the center of the city. The SS1 will take you straight into the heart of things, crossing the peaceful River Arno.

The historic heart is surrounded by medieval walls and signs which mark the ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) area. This zone has restricted access to preserve the treasures within, and entering without permission can see you fined, but you can park up in one of the nearby parking lots and head in on foot. If your hotel is located within a ZTL be sure to call ahead to tell them you’re arriving by car, and they should be able to arrange a temporary permit.

Once you’re ready to head out of the city and discover the wider Tuscany region, join the SS12 heading towards Lucca. From here, take the A11 followed by the E76 which will take you into the romantic Renaissance city of Florence.

Alternatively, take the scenic drive south alongside Parco Naturale Migliarino San Rossore Massaciuccoli to Livorno, some 40 minutes from Pisa via the SS1. You’ll be able to smell the sea breeze as you draw closer to this pristine port city. Far removed from the atmosphere of its medieval neighbors, Livorno is one of the most modern cities in Tuscany. 

In Italy you’ll drive on the right-hand side of the road, as back home. Many major routes are toll-roads, all of which are clearly signposted, so it's a good idea to carry some currency with you. Speed limits vary, but are typically 130km/h (80mph) on the freeways known as 'autostrade', 90km/h (56mph) on rural roads, 110km/h (68mph) on non-major freeways and 50km/h (30mph) in towns, cities and villages, unless otherwise indicated - but always check the signs. 

Explore Renaissance piazzas and admire Romanesque buildings and Gothic churches in this typically Tuscan city.

Then, once you’ve soaked up the atmosphere, with a rental car from Pisa Airport you have the freedom to head out and see more of this truly spectacular Italian region.

Pisa’s architectural delights

The accidental slant of Pisa’s iconic leaning tower – caused by a layer of weak subsoil – has resulted in it becoming one of Italy’s most famous sights, up there with the Colosseum and the Vatican.

Walk into the Square of Miracles and watch as people bend their bodies in weird and wonderful positions in order to get the perfect photo alongside the tower. Make your way through the crowds to marvel at the structure up close.

You can even head inside and climb the 284 steep, narrow steps. Reach the top and you’ll be rewarded with uninterrupted views across the stunning Tuscan landscape.

The Square of Miracles isn’t only home to the tower, however. It also houses three structures considered central to religious life in the region – the Baptistery, the Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta and the Camposanta. All are truly magnificent. 

Stroll along the River Arno

The River Arno flows peacefully down through Florence before arriving in Pisa, and parking up and taking a walking tour is a great way to see it at its best.

Start in the square of Piazza Garibaldi and head west along the north bank of the river. You’ll soon come to the University of Pisa and the white marble and stone façade of Palazzo alla Giornata that dates back to the 17^th century.

Continue along the river until you come to the arched red-brick walls of the Medici Arsenal, a medieval shipyard. Just past this you’ll see the similarly red-bricked Guelph Tower of the Old Citadel. From here, cross the bridge called Ponte della Cittadella and head east. Peek through the trees and you’ll see the oldest church and former cathedral of Pisa, San Paolo a Ripa d’Arno.

Keep walking until you come to the bend in the river and you’ll arrive at Palazzo Blu, a restored 14^th century building complete with a dusty-blue façade. Continue on for a few minutes and cross Ponte Di Mezzo to arrive back in Garibaldi square, where you can treat yourself to a refreshing gelato or a reviving espresso in one of the street-side cafes. 

Delicious Italian cuisine

Despite the fact it’s several miles inland, Pisa’s roots extend to the coast, evident from the outstanding fish restaurants. Walk north of the tower and you’ll find Ristorante La Scaletta, which has been serving the freshest local seafood for more than 150 years.

San Miniato meanwhile is around 30 minutes by car, and this delightful little town is famous worldwide for its truffles. Before indulging, experience the excitement of hunting for them. During spring, you’ll be on the lookout for the Marzuolo truffle, while a hunt towards the end of the year will have you foraging for white truffles. 

Collect your rental car from Pisa Airport and discover everything this remarkable part of Europe has to offer.