Where to park for free in Florence: Everything you need to know

Florence

Few cities in the world stir as much emotion as Florence, the capital of the Renaissance. Every corner feels like a museum: the silhouette of Brunelleschi’s Duomo , the reflections of the Ponte Vecchio over the Arno, and streets steeped in art and history. Yet what feels like a dream for the traveller can quickly become a challenge for the driver. Parking in Florence is far from easy , especially if you’re unfamiliar with the traffic rules or the famous Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL), which are restricted to residents.

That said, don’t let this put you off. If you’re touring Tuscany (or planning to do so), hiring a car remains the best way to explore the region at your own pace. Florence is less than an hour from Pisa , Siena , Lucca , or San Gimignano, and also close to the Tyrrhenian coast.

And to experience the city without stress, it’s simply a matter of knowing where to park for free or at low cost in Florence . In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know to leave your car worry-free and start enjoying your trip.

Free parking in Florence: Is it possible?

Yes, free parking in Florence is possible , although not within the historic centre. The monumental area is protected by ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones), which cover almost the entire old town—from the Duomo to the Ponte Vecchio and Piazza della Signoria . Entering these areas without authorisation results in an automatic fine captured by cameras, so the best option is to leave your car outside them.

In the more peripheral neighbourhoods, especially around tram stations or near motorway exits, there are areas where you can park for free. From there, you can easily reach the centre by public transport, avoiding traffic jams, stress, and fines.

Bear in mind that free spaces tend to fill up early, particularly during peak season, so it’s advisable to arrive in the morning if you want to secure a spot.

Free parking areas near Florence City Centre

Although there is no free parking right in the historic centre, there are nearby neighbourhoods where you can leave your car without paying and still reach the main tourist areas easily. Here are some of the best options:

1. Piazzale Michelangelo

This elevated spot south of the River Arno not only offers one of the best panoramic views of Florence, but also has free parking spaces . From here you can walk to the historic centre in about 20 minutes or take a bus.

2. Artemio Franchi Stadium Area (Campo di Marte)

Around the home ground of Fiorentina football club, you’ll find streets with free or low-cost parking. The area is well connected to the centre by buses and trains (Campo di Marte station). It’s ideal if your accommodation is outside the old town.

3. Via del Gignoro and Residential Areas to the East

In the surroundings of Via del Gignor o, in the Coverciano district, there are free spaces with no time restrictions. From here you can take a bus or even hire a bicycle to reach the centre.

4. Parcheggio Alberti

Although not completely free, this public car park offers very low rates and usually has spaces available. From here you can walk to the centre in about 25 minutes or use public transport.

Free car parks on the outskirts of Florence

If you prefer to leave your car completely outside the city, there are several excellent park-and-ride options. They are located close to tram lines that connect directly with the centre and are either free or very inexpensive.

1. Villa Costanza (Scandicci)

Located next to the A1 motorway, this is one of Florence’s best park-and-ride facilities . You can leave your car here and hop straight onto tram line T1, which takes you to the historic centre in about 20 minutes. Although not entirely free, the cost is very low.

2. Parcheggio Guidoni (Tram Line T2)

Situated to the north of the city, near the airport , this car park is free and linked to the centre via tram line T2 . It’s ideal if you’re arriving from Pisa or Bologna and prefer not to drive into the city centre.

3. Parcheggio Galluzzo

In the southern area, near the motorway towards Siena, you’ll find this free car park. It’s particularly convenient if you plan to explore the surroundings of Florence.

Cheap paid car parks: The alternative if you can’t find a free spot

If you don’t manage to park for free, there are still plenty of affordable paid options . Florence offers numerous underground and open-air car parks with economic prices, especially if you book in advance.

Prices usually range between €1.50 and €3 per hour, or €20–25 for a full day. If you’re staying several days, many car parks also offer weekly flat rates.

Parking with a hire car in Florence: What you need to know

If you’ve hired a car to explore Tuscany, Florence will likely be one of your key stops . However, the city’s traffic rules can be confusing for visitors.

That’s why it’s important to familiarise yourself with the ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones) and the areas where you can park safely . The best strategy is to leave your car in one of the park-and-ride facilities (such as Guidoni or Villa Costanza) and take the tram into the centre.

With DoYouItaly, you can easily compare offers from every available company and choose the car that best suits your itinerary. Most agencies also allow you to return the vehicle in a different city, giving you complete flexibility if you plan to continue on to Pisa, Rome, or Venice.

Enjoy Florence without worrying about parking

Parking in Florence may seem complicated, but with a little planning it’s perfectly possible to do so for free or at very low cost. Park-and-ride facilities and residential areas outside the centre are the best options to avoid fines and enjoy the city stress-free.

And if you’re travelling around Tuscany, hiring a car will make all the difference : from Florence to Pisa, Lucca, or Siena, without relying on timetables and enjoying every corner at your own pace. Compare prices, choose your ideal car, and discover Italy behind the wheel with DoYouItaly.