Entering and Parking in Florence: How to Avoid Stress

Finding a place to park in Florence can be one of the biggest challenges for visitors. The historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is largely closed to private traffic because of the ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato). On top of that, from July 2025 the new Green Shield rules introduce further restrictions for more polluting vehicles in all the residential area. That means drivers need to plan carefully where to leave their car.

It is also worth noting that parking in Florence is expensive, even in the most affordable options. Prices may be higher than what many visitors are used to in other cities, which makes it important to plan ahead and choose carefully. Another important detail: parking rules are strictly enforced in Florence. Local police frequently patrol central and semi-central areas to check for violations.

Most of Florence’s public car parks are managed by FiPark, the city’s official parking company. On their website you can find the full list of locations, updated maps, and even the number of available spaces in real time. This makes it easier to choose the most convenient option before you arrive.

Villa Costanza Park & Ride

For those arriving from the highway, Villa Costanza is the easiest and cheapest solution. Located directly on the A1 motorway, it makes it possible to park without entering city traffic. From there, the tram reaches the center in about 30 minutes. The car park is completely separated from the city road network, meaning that once a vehicle is left there it cannot be driven into Florence but must return to the highway. This option is therefore suitable only for those planning to move around the city on foot or by public transport — an ideal choice for long stays or day trips.

Rates: daily cost 7€

San Donato – Novoli

Located in a residential district of Florence, San Donato – Novoli is a covered car park connected to the historic center by the tram line. It offers an affordable solution for leaving a vehicle within the city limits but outside the restricted traffic zone (ZTL). The rates are higher than at the park & ride facilities, yet it remains a good compromise for parking closer to the center.

Rates: cost per hour 1€, daily cost €15.

Parking Along the Boulevards

Several car parks are located just outside the historic center, along the wide boulevards that circle the old city walls.

The Parterre underground car park in Piazza della Libertà is spacious, about 15 minutes on foot from the Duomo or a short ride by bus. Rates: cost per hour 2€, daily cost 20€. Monthly subscriptions are available.

Another option is the Piazza Beccaria car park, also underground and close to the eastern side of the center, within walking distance of Santa Croce. Rates: cost per hour 2€. Monthly subscriptions are available.

It should be noted that construction work for the new tram line is currently underway in these areas, and traffic slowdowns may occur.

Near Santa Maria Novella Station

For those who want to be right next to the heart of Florence, there are several car parks near the main train station. Among them:

Binario 16 (Piazzale Montelungo): one of the most popular options near Florence’s main train station is Binario 16, located at Piazzale Montelungo, just behind the station of Santa Maria Novella. It is an outdoor, 24-hour guarded parking lot that offers direct pedestrian access to the platforms and the city center. Rates: cost per hour 2€. It is convenient for walking into the historic center.

Fortezza da Basso – Firenze Fiera: Located next to the Fortezza da Basso exhibition center and only a short walk from Santa Maria Novella station, it is a large, covered car park. Rates: cost per hour 2€, daily cost 20€. Monthly subscriptions are available.

Oltrarno – Calza

On the southern side of the city, near the old gate of Porta Romana, there is the car park Oltrarno – Calza for those who wish to visit the Oltrarno district, Palazzo Pitti, or the Boboli Gardens. This facility avoids the need to cross the river into the busiest part of the center and is a good option for exploring one of Florence’s most authentic neighborhoods.

• Rates: cost per hour 3€.

Sant’Ambrogio

Located near the lively market of Sant’Ambrogio and a short walk from the train station, Duomo and Santa Croce, the underground car park Sant’Ambrogio is a good choice if your destination is the eastern part of the center.

Rates: cost per hour €2/3, depending on the time of day.

On-street Parking

On the streets, outside ZTL, blue-marked spaces are for paid parking and can be used by visitors. Yellow-marked spaces are usually reserved for police, emergency services, or other special vehicles, but under the new Italian Highway Code they can also be reserved for residents, according to the description.

White-marked spaces, which according to the new rules should indicate free and unrestricted parking, are still reserved for residents in Florence. This is because the city has not yet fully updated its road markings to match the national system.

Free Parking and Train Connections

In the metropolitan area west of Florence, the railway stations of Signa and Lastra a Signa offer convenient free parking facilities for commuters and visitors.

At Signa station, a large park-and-ride area with about 300 spaces allows drivers to leave their cars for free and continue by train toward Santa Maria Novella in less than 20 minutes.

Nearby, the station of Lastra a Signa is also equipped with a newly built free car park with around 60 spaces, including areas reserved for motorbikes and bicycles.

Both options are practical solutions for those arriving from the western suburbs or from the Florence–Pisa–Livorno road.

Other Free Parking Options

In the outskirts others park-and-ride facilities allow drivers to leave their cars and continue into the center by tram or bus.

Ponte a Greve (Scandicci border): A free car park in front of the Coop shopping center, recently expanded, with the Nenni–Torregalli tram stop (Line T1) just steps away. The tram reaches the center in about 15 minutes.
Villa Costanza surroundings: Around the tramway terminus there are free white-marked spaces along local roads, though they are often crowded with commuters. From here the tram takes about 30 minutes to reach the center.
Viale Europa (Florence South): A free park-and-ride area between Via del Pozzetto and Via Cimitero al Pino, currently undergoing expansion works for the future tram line. Another free area is located along Viale Europa near the Marco Polo Viaduct. From here, bus no. 23 reaches the center in about 30 minutes.
Firenze-Impruneta (via Cassia, A1 exit): Free parking near the highway toll gate, convenient for those arriving from the Florence–Siena road or the A1. Buses 37 and 39, or extra-urban coaches, take about 30 minutes to reach the city center.

Rules to Remember

ZTL: Access to the restricted traffic area is limited. Only authorized vehicles (residents, taxis, hotel guests with prior registration) can enter. Parking inside the ZTL is possible only in private garages, which communicate your license plate to avoid fines, otherwise fines applies automatically with cameras..
Green Shield: From July 2025, polluting vehicles face restrictions when accessing parts of the urban area. Fines applies automatically with cameras.

The Bottom Line

In many cases, monthly subscriptions are available, which can be useful for longer stays. Parking fees may change without prior notice, so it is always best to consult the operator’s official website — most facilities are managed by FiPark — for up-to-date information.

Above all, Florence is a city best enjoyed on foot: once the car is parked, there is no need to use it again.

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