Palermo is the wild, layered, endlessly fascinating capital of Sicily — and renting a car here is your ticket to exploring one of the Mediterranean's most diverse islands. From Greek temples to Baroque towns, volcanic landscapes to pristine beaches, Sicily rewards drivers with discoveries around every bend.
Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) is located 35 km west of the city at Punta Raisi. The car rental area is in a dedicated building accessible from the arrivals hall. Operators include Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sicily By Car, and budget options like Goldcar and Firefly. Economy cars start from €15-€25/day — Sicily is one of Italy's cheapest regions for rentals. However, insurance excesses can be very high (€1,500-€2,500), and we strongly recommend full CDW coverage.
The airport is connected to the A29 motorway, making it easy to head west toward Trapani and Erice or east toward Palermo and beyond without navigating city streets.
Central Palermo is best experienced on foot. The driving culture is assertive even by Italian standards:
Park at the airport or in a supervised garage and use Palermo's improving bus and tram system for city exploration.
Sicily's real magic is in its diversity, and a car is the only way to experience it all. The classic circuit covers:
Allow at least 7-10 days for a full Sicilian circuit. Roads between major towns are good, but interior mountain roads can be narrow and winding.
Europe's most active volcano is accessible by car via the SP92 road from Catania's northern suburbs. You can drive to the Rifugio Sapienza at 1,900 meters, where cable cars and 4x4 buses continue to near the summit. The drive through lava fields and chestnut forests is otherworldly. Check eruption status before visiting — roads can close during volcanic activity.
Sicilian motorways charge tolls (€5-€10 for major routes). The A19 Palermo-Catania crosses the mountainous interior and is toll-free. Fuel costs €1.80-€2.00/liter. Speed cameras are common on motorways. Sicilian drivers can be aggressive but are generally skilled. Watch for livestock on rural roads in the interior. Summer temperatures regularly exceed 40°C — ensure your rental has functioning air conditioning.
You can pick up a rental car at these airports near Palermo:
Download our free PDF guide to driving in Italy — parking tips, toll info, and more.
| Zone | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Centro Storico (ZTL) | €1.50/hr | Large parts of the old city are ZTL restricted zones with camera enforcement. Blue-line parking exists outside the ZTL. |
| Via Roma / Politeama Area | €1.50-€2.00/hr | Blue-line metered parking in the commercial center. Often fully occupied. Pay at meters or via app. |
| Parcheggio Basile (Garage) | €10/day | Covered garage near the port. A safe option for overnight parking when visiting the city center on foot. |
Traffic note: Palermo driving is intense and unpredictable. Traffic lights and lane markings are widely disregarded. Double-parking is a way of life — it is not unusual to be triple-parked. Scooters are ubiquitous and follow no discernible rules. ZTL zones cover the historic center and are camera-enforced. One-way streets form a confusing web. However, once outside the city, Sicilian roads are generally quiet and scenic. The A29 to Trapani and A19 to Catania are modern motorways. Rent from the airport and avoid driving in central Palermo entirely if possible.
Compare car rental prices in Palermo → →Book your Palermo rental online at least 2 weeks ahead — airport desk walk-up prices are typically 30-50% higher.
Compare prices from top rental companies at PMO pickup locations.
A photogenic coastal town with a stunning Norman cathedral, a crescent beach beneath a dramatic rocky headland, and narrow medieval streets. One of Sicily's most charming small towns.
Perched on a hillside above Palermo, the Norman cathedral contains 6,340 square meters of gold-ground Byzantine mosaics — one of the greatest artistic achievements of medieval Europe.
A hauntingly isolated Greek temple from 420 BC stands alone on a hilltop surrounded by wild countryside. The nearby ancient theater offers panoramic views to the sea.
Rental companies in Italy charge $15-30/day for excess reduction at the desk. Standalone policies cover the same thing for a fraction of the cost — and you can buy before you go.
Reduce your excess to zero from $49/trip
Save up to 70% vs rental desk insurance
These policies reimburse you if the rental company charges your card for damage. They do not replace the rental company's basic insurance (CDW/TP) which is always included.
Book now and get free cancellation on most rentals.
Data and regulations verified against official sources. Last checked 2026-04-25.
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