Car Hire In Lucca, Italy: Great Prices And A Clear, Practical Guide

Compare competitive deals and pick-up points near Lucca, then hit the road with straightforward advice on insurance, deposits, fuel policies and local driving rules.

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UK Traveller Essentials

Lucca Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers

Hiring a car in Lucca is ideal for exploring Tuscany beyond the city walls—think hill towns, vineyards and the coast—on your own schedule. For travellers from the United Kingdom, the main adjustments are driving on the right, understanding Italian ZTL restricted-traffic zones (especially around historic centres), and allowing for manual gearboxes being more common. Prices and availability typically improve with early booking, and it is worth checking what is included (collision cover, theft cover, excess, mileage and fuel policy) to avoid surprises at the desk. In Lucca itself, parking is easier at perimeter car parks outside the walls; many central streets are limited traffic, so choose a pick-up point that avoids entering the ZTL unless you are confident about permitted routes.

Pisa International Airport (PSA) – Main Gateway For Lucca

Most convenient airport for Lucca, with the broadest selection of rental companies and vehicle classes. Rental desks are located in/near the terminal, with vehicles collected from nearby car parks. Pros: longer opening hours and better availability. Cons: airport surcharges can apply and queues are possible at peak times.

Lucca Train Station Area (Stazione FS / Piazzale Ricasoli)

Popular for visitors arriving by rail from Pisa/Florence. Pros: walkable access, easy to start outside the tightest historic lanes. Cons: limited fleets and office hours may be shorter; plan your return timing carefully.

Outside The City Walls (Viali Di Circonvallazione / Perimeter Parking Zones)

Collecting near the ring roads can help you avoid ZTL penalties and reduces stress when loading luggage. Pros: quicker exit towards A11 and surrounding towns; easier parking. Cons: fewer desks than airports and availability can be seasonal.

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Start Your Trip Faster With Airport Collection Near Lucca

Most UK travellers collect at Pisa International Airport (PSA) for the widest choice of cars, longer opening hours and easy onward driving to Lucca. Expect clear signage to rental desks and straightforward access to main roads towards Lucca and the Tuscan coast.

Car Hire at Lucca: Trusted Reviews from Real Drivers

Browse genuine ratings and unbiased feedback from travellers who collected their rental cars in Lucca, and choose the right supplier for your journey.

Rating	Avg. Daily Rate	Pickup Method/Distance	Security deposit	Key Advantages
2.0 3369+ reviews	$93	1.6 mi from Lucca Downtown	$1,094 - $1,151	●Smooth pickup and return process ●Competitive pricing options ●Professional staff assistance
1.8 3,600+ reviews	$123	1.2 mi from Lucca Downtown	$582	●Friendly and helpful staff ●Professional service team ●Smooth rental process
1.5 1100+ reviews	$99	1.6 mi from Lucca Downtown	$1,049 - $1,111	●Friendly and professional staff ●Quick collection and return ●No hidden charges
1.4 41 reviews	$118	1.2 mi from Lucca Downtown	$930	●Quick pickup and return ●Helpful staff attitude ●Good value pricing
1.2 103 reviews	$97	1.6 mi from Lucca Downtown	$1,098 - $1,163	●Debit card payment accepted ●Car upgrades sometimes offered ●Long-standing rental company

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental

Last updated: Jun. 16 2026

Essential Rental Hub

Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.

An Englishman's Guide to Italian Petrol Stations

Navigate Italian petrol stations with ease using this comprehensive guide. Learn about the two pricing systems, the importance of choosing the right fuel, and essential phrases for a smooth refuelling experience.

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Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

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Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

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Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Pisa Airport dominates Lucca car rentals (45%), city centre locations (28%), train stations (18%). Airport accessibility and tourist arrival routes account for 78% of booking decisions."

Booking Patterns

"Economy vehicles dominate Lucca bookings (38%), SUVs growing 15% annually. Peak season (June-Aug) commands 35% price premium. Leisure renters average 6 days, 67% book 3+ weeks ahead."

Customer Pain Points

"42% of renters misunderstand CDW coverage, facing €1,200 average excess. Young driver surcharges (+€28/day) and ZTL fines (€80-150) cause 67% of all complaints."

Data Sources

QEEQ internal booking databse
Rentalcars.com Destination Guide
World Travel Guide - Italy Car Rental
ACEA European Automobile Manufacturers Association
Enterprise Holdings Annual Report
Italian Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport
European Consumer Centre Italy

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Lucca

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Lucca

LuccaMilan

From

$107.00

Popular Driving Routes & Day Trips From Lucca

Scenic Routes By Car:

Lucca to Pisa & the Arno Riverside

Classic city-to-city day route45–60 min each way (plus stops)

A straightforward drive linking two of Tuscany’s most visited cities. Park outside Pisa’s centre and walk in to the Piazza dei Miracoli, then detour to riverside viewpoints or nearby San Rossore for a calmer finish.

Lucca City Walls (Mura di Lucca), Pisa – Piazza dei Miracoli, Borgo Stretto (Pisa), Lungarni (Arno riverbanks), Parco di San Rossore

Lucca to Florence via Montecarlo & the Tuscan Hills

Countryside route to a major art city1 hr 15 min–1 hr 45 min each way (depending on traffic)

Take a slower, more scenic approach towards Florence by passing vineyard-dotted hills and historic hill towns. Ideal for pairing a morning countryside stop with an afternoon in Florence; consider parking at a tram-linked car park to avoid city-centre driving.

Montecarlo (Lucca), Vinci, Fiesole, Florence – Piazzale Michelangelo, Florence – Santa Maria del Fiore (Duomo area)

Lucca to Cinque Terre (Gateway via La Spezia)

Coastal day route with park-and-train finish1 hr 30 min–2 hr each way (plus local travel)

Drive to La Spezia or Levanto, park, then use the frequent regional trains to hop between the Cinque Terre villages. This keeps your day stress-free and avoids restricted roads and scarce village parking.

Lucca, La Spezia (parking hub), Riomaggiore, Vernazza, Monterosso al Mare

Popular Short Trips From Lucca:

Pisa Highlights (Half-Day Escape)

4–6 hours total

An easy, high-impact trip for first-timers: park outside the centre, walk to the Leaning Tower complex, then enjoy a coffee along the Arno before returning to Lucca.

Viareggio & the Versilia Coast

5–7 hours total

A classic seaside break with wide beaches and a lively promenade. Great for a relaxed lunch, a swim in summer, or a sunset stroll along the seafront.

Montecatini Terme & Collodi (Pinocchio Park)

6–8 hours total

Combine a spa-town atmosphere with family-friendly attractions. Ride the funicular to Montecatini Alto for views, then continue to Collodi for the Pinocchio-themed park and gardens.

San Gimignano (Medieval Towers Day Trip)

9–11 hours total

A longer but rewarding day for medieval architecture and countryside panoramas. Aim for an early start to secure parking, then explore the historic centre and nearby viewpoints.

Carrara Marble & Coastal Viewpoints

7–9 hours total

A distinctive Tuscan outing to marble landscapes and mountain-to-sea vistas. Consider booking a quarry tour in advance, then finish with a coastal stop on the return.

Car Rental Planning Tips For Lucca

Watch for ZTL restricted zones: Lucca and nearby historic centres often have ZTL (limited traffic) areas. Use car parks outside the walls/centres and avoid following sat-nav into old-town gates.

Plan parking before you arrive: For popular stops (Pisa, Florence, Cinque Terre gateways), choose a car park in advance and save it offline. City-centre parking is limited and can be expensive.

Allow extra time for hill and mountain roads: Routes towards Garfagnana, the Apuan Alps or hill towns are slower than the distance suggests. Add buffer time for bends, cyclists and viewpoint stops.

Fuel up outside tourist centres: Motorway and city-centre fuel can cost more. In smaller towns, look for self-service pumps (often cheaper) and keep a card handy for automated stations.

Choose the right car size: A compact car makes narrow lanes, tight car parks and village driving far easier. Only size up if you truly need boot space for luggage or child gear.

Check insurance and excess details carefully: Before pick-up, confirm what’s covered (glass/tyres/undercarriage) and the excess amount. Photograph the car thoroughly, including wheels and bumpers.

Use park-and-ride strategies for busy areas: For Cinque Terre, drive to La Spezia/Levanto and continue by train. For Florence, park outside the centre and take a tram/bus to avoid traffic and ZTL risk.

Driving in Lucca: Essential Italian Motoring Guide

A practical overview of language, currency, traffic rules, speed limits, drink-driving laws, fuel prices and car hire essentials for visiting the walled Tuscan city of Lucca

LANGUAGES

Italian

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+39

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$57 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

7 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

30-50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

90-130 km/h

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05% (0.00% for new and professional drivers)

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.26/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.55/L - $2.50/L

Car Hire in Lucca: UK Driver FAQs

ZTL zones, post-Brexit licences, motorway tolls, parking and speed cameras explained for travellers driving in Tuscany

Will I get fined for driving into Lucca's old town?

Almost certainly yes. The entire walled historic centre is a ZTL (Zona Traffico Limitato) – a camera-enforced restricted traffic zone covering virtually every gate. Only residents, registered guests of city-centre hotels and authorised vehicles may enter. Cameras log your number plate and fines of €80–100 are posted to the registered keeper, which in a hire case is the rental company – they pass it on plus a €30–50 admin charge. Park outside the walls at Piazzale Verdi, Park Carducci or one of the other modern car parks and walk, cycle or take the shuttle bus in.

Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive in Italy after Brexit?

Yes. Since 1 January 2021 UK licence holders are treated as non-EU drivers and must carry a 1949 Geneva-convention International Driving Permit alongside their photocard licence. Without it, police can issue an on-the-spot fine and hire firms may refuse to release the car. The booklet costs just £5.50 from the AA or RAC, is valid for one year and must be obtained before you leave the UK – Italian motoring clubs cannot issue one. The newer 1968 card-style IDP is not accepted for UK licences in Italy.

How do I pay Italian motorway tolls, and is the Telepass worth it?

Italy's autostradas are mostly tolled. On entry press the green button for a ticket from a yellow BIGLIETTO lane; on exit pay cash or card at the blue lanes or use the yellow CARTE lane. For a single-week Tuscany trip, renting a Telepass device (€5–10 per day plus per-trip fees) rarely pays for itself – Lucca sits on the A11/A12, where a few euros will cover most legs. Keep your ticket safe; losing it means paying the maximum barrier-to-barrier fee. Avoid marked VIACARD or TELEPASS lanes unless you have the device.

Where is the best place to park when visiting Lucca?

Use one of the four modern car parks just outside the walls: Parcheggio Trenta, Parcheggio Bottini, Parcheggio Carducci or the bus-station car park at Piazzale Verdi. Expect around €1.50–2 per hour and €15–18 for 24 hours, with free shuttle buses or a 10-minute walk into the centre. Blue-line on-street parking inside the walls is reserved for residents with permits. The ZTL cameras cannot tell residents' cars from yours, so never assume a quiet street is safe – every gate is camera-controlled and the fines follow you home via the hire company.

What speed limits and cameras should I know about in Tuscany?

Urban 50 km/h, rural single carriageway 90 km/h, dual carriageway 110 km/h and motorway 130 km/h – reduced to 110 km/h in rain. Tuscan secondary SS or SP roads often drop to 70 or 50 km/h with poorly maintained signs, so treat every limit as a trap. Italy operates extensive Tutor average-speed cameras on motorways, plus fixed and mobile speed and ZTL cameras in every town. Fines start at €42, are doubled on motorways, and hire firms add a 30–50% handling surcharge in sterling on top.

I'm 23 – how much extra will a hire car cost me in Italy?

Most major firms (Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt) levy a Young Driver Surcharge of roughly €20–30 per day for drivers aged 21–24, usually capped at €150 per rental. Under-21s are generally refused outright. The fee is payable locally and almost never included in pre-paid online rates – check the small print. A few Italian firms such as Sicily by Car or Maggiore charge less, and some US-style inclusive packages waive it altogether. The same surcharge normally applies to the main driver and any additional driver under 25.

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