Car Rental in Palermo
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Cheapest Car Rental Rates
Palermo Airport Car Rental
Mini
Fiat 500
or similar
$10.20
/ per day
Palermo Airport Car Rental
Economy
Fiat Panda
or similar
$11.82
/ per day
Palermo Airport Car Rental
Mini Elite
Fiat 500
or similar
$12.91
/ per day
Palermo Airport Car Rental
Compact
Toyota Corolla STW
or similar
$15.22
/ per day
Most Popular Car Rental Deals
Palermo Airport Car Rental
Intermediate Crossover
Fiat 500X
or similar
$18.97
/ per day
Palermo Airport Car Rental
Full-size
Fiat Tipo STW
or similar
$20.26
/ per day
Palermo Airport Car Rental
Intermediate Elite Crossover
Volkswagen T-Roc
or similar
$23.14
/ per day
Downtown Car Rental
Compact Elite Crossover
Fiat 500X
or similar
$38.85
/ per day
The above prices are only approximate and were last updated at 08:26 on 2023-10-02. Prices may vary based on the booking dates, length of rental, and car class.
Why rent a car in Palermo?
Palermo is a great place for renting a car. Not only will it let you explore the rest of the island, a great city in its own right.
Taking a rental car to the mainland: Most hire companies at Palermo Airport allow their cars to be taken between Sicily and mainland Italy. Usually, travelers make this a one-way trip (that is, not returning to Siciliy or not returning to the mainland). There is an additional fee for this, though it is not large percentage-wise if hiring a car for a week or more.
One-Way Car Rentals in Palermo
The most popular one-way rental options for pick up in Palermo and drop off in another city include:
- From Palermo to Catania - 232 offers from $18.90 per day
- From Palermo to Milan - 120 offers from $21.82 per day
- From Palermo to Naples - 186 offers from $18.90 per day
- From Palermo to Verona - 56 offers from $21.82 per day
- From Palermo to Lamezia Terme - 179 offers from $18.90 per day
Top ways to enter Palermo
- Palermo Airport: Also known as Palermo-Falcone Borsellino, it handled 6.6 million travelers in 2018. The airport is especially active during the summer months when it has flights by more than 30 different airlines. The airport is located 31 km (19.2 mi) northwest of the city and can be reached in about 45 minutes.
- Trapani Airport: Also known by its full name Vincenzo Florio Airport Trapani–Birgi, this small airport handled 1.5 million travelers in 2018. The airport is served by five different airlines, offering domestic connections, as well as flights to and from countries like Germany, Malta, and the Czech Republic. Located 112 km (69.5 mi) southwest of Palermo, Trapani Airport takes 90 minutes to reach.
- Comiso Airport: Another small international airport, Comiso-Pio La Torre is served by four airlines (although two only have flights during the summer months). The airport offers flights to and from Belgium, Germany, and Malta. Located 238 km (148 mi) southwest of Palermo, Comiso Airport can be reached in about 3 hours and 20 minutes.
- Catania Airport: Sicily’s biggest airport, Catania-Fontanarossa handled almost ten million travelers in 2018. The airport has flights by more than 50 airlines, including low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Volotea, and Wizz Air. Located 215 km (133 mi) southeast of Palermo, Catania Airport can be reached in 2 hours and 40 minutes.
City facts
- Palermo has a subtropical Mediterranean climate with very hot summers and mild winters. The average high temperature is 30.5 °C (87 °F) in August, the hottest month, and 14.5 °C (58.1 °F) in February, the coldest. Palermo is, on average, one of the hottest cities in Europe. The precipitation is very low in June and July, but there’s an increase from October all the way to February. Despite its southern location, snowfall does occur in Palermo (about once a decade).
- Palermo is the capital and largest city of Sicily (which is not only one of Italy’s 20 regions, but also the largest island in the Mediterranean). The city has a population of about 675,000, with 525,000 more people living in the larger metropolitan region. The city is made up of eight districts that are further divided into quarters. An inhabitant of Palermo is called Palermitano or Panormito.
Top destinations and activities
- Palace of the Normans. The home of old Sicilian kings and the oldest royal residence in Europe, this palace is a monument of the unique Arab-Norman architecture that you can find in Sicily. Now a seat of the Sicilian Parliament, it can still be accessed as a tourism object.
- Capuchin Catacombs. Seeing the mummies of ex-residents of Palermo might understandably be considered scary, so you should definitely know what you’re getting into before visiting, but it does provide a fascinating insight into the city’s history.
- Gesu Church. Built of polychrome marble and older than many other churches in Palermo, Gesu is one of the most important baroque buildings in Sicily.
- Palermo Cathedral. Another very notable religious building, Palermo Cathedral took about 600 years to finish and is therefore unsurprisingly a mixture of various styles. Known for its towers, beautiful portico, and rich religious art, it is also the resting place of the Holy Roman Emperor Frederick II and his wife, Constance of Aragon.
Traffic and parking
- The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h.
- Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h. During the rain the limits are respectively lowered to 110 km/h on the main highways and 90 km/h on non-major highways. The general speed limit is lowered to 50 km/h during heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
- The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
- If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card and your driver's license with you at all times.
- The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Being over the allowed limit can result in hefty fines, suspension of your license, and even imprisonment.
- The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.
Toll roads
There are two toll roads on Sicily — the A18 between Catania and Messina and the A20 between Palermo and Messina. The A19 between Palermo and Catania is not tolled and neither are the A29 and highway between Catania and Siracusa.
The toll gates accept credit cards, cash, and Telepass. Most rental companies in Siciliy do not provide Telepass transponders with their cars. Keep in mind that you cannot use your own Telepass unless the license plate of the car is registered to it — contact Telepass to see if you can do this or not. In any case, you can always pay for the tolls in cash or with a credit card.
Ideas for day trips
- Bagheria. This small town is visited both for its magnificent villas and for the museum of painter Renato Guttuso.
- Trapani. Similar in atmosphere to Palermo, only smaller, Trapani is a great place to visit on a relaxing day trip. Nearby Lido di San Giuliano beaches are some of the most beautiful you’ll find in Sicily.
- Cefalù. About an hour’s drive east of Palermo, this village is famous for its beaches, seafood, and unique architecture.
- Madonie Regional Natural Park. One of the most notable protected nature areas on Sicily, Madonie is named after the mountain range at its heart and has six peaks between 1,500 m and 2,000 m (4,920 to 6,500 feet) that are easy enough to climb but offer great views of the island and the sea below. The austere landscape of the park is enriched by wildlife like the Balloni’s eagle and fallow deer, as well as steep hillside villages and castles like Castelbuono.
Most popular cars
The most popular rental cars in Italy are the Fiat Panda, the Ford Fiesta, and the Fiat 500. The most popular rental car type is an economy, followed by mini and compact.
Further destinations
For more about traveling around Sicily with a rental car, check out our complete guide.
- Catania. Dramatic Mount Etna and beautiful baroque architecture are just two of the many reasons to visit Palermo’s great rival on the eastern coast of Sicily.
- Syracuse. Not far from Catania, Syracuse is perhaps the best place on the island to learn about Sicily’s Greek heritage.
- Malta. Picturesque, hospitable, and full of ancient stories, Malta is a great destination that’s only a short flight away from Palermo. You can pick up a new rental car after arriving on the island.
Car Rental Prices in Palermo
- Convertibles - from $69 per day
- Station wagons - from $15 per day
- Large cars - from $25 per day
- Medium cars - from $13 per day
- Vans - from $81 per day
- Premium cars - from $101 per day
- Small cars - from $10 per day
- SUVs - from $19 per day
Money-saving tips
There are many things you can do to get a good rental deal in Palermo:
- Compare rates of different rental car providers
- Book your rental car well in advance
- Plan your route before you go
- Know your fuel and mileage requirements
- Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Palermo is the cheapest in March when renting a car is about 70% cheaper than the yearly average.
- Check out our list of the best rental companies in Palermo.
Top 14 Cities near Palermo
-
Trapani Car Rentals from $13.51 per day60.5 km / 37.6 miles away
-
Cefalu Car Rentals from $46.75 per day82.7 km / 51.4 miles away
-
Agrigento Car Rentals from $28.15 per day105.7 km / 65.7 miles away
-
144.3 km / 89.7 miles away
-
Pantelleria Car Rentals from $15.34 per day180.7 km / 112.3 miles away
-
Comiso Car Rentals from $39.47 per day187.4 km / 116.4 miles away
-
Catania Car Rentals from $11.60 per day190.6 km / 118.4 miles away
-
Taormina Car Rentals from $40.47 per day195.3 km / 121.4 miles away
-
201.4 km / 125.1 miles away
-
Augusta Car Rentals from $46.75 per day214.6 km / 133.3 miles away
-
Messina Car Rentals from $27.05 per day215.1 km / 133.7 miles away
-
Pozzallo Car Rentals from $59.50 per day223.4 km / 138.8 miles away
-
Avola Car Rentals from $38.28 per day228.8 km / 142.2 miles away
-
Noto Car Rentals from $38.28 per day4451.3 km / 2765.9 miles away
Top 8 Locations near Palermo
-
Palermo Airport Car Rentals from $10.20 per day
-
Palermo Mondello Car Rentals from $243.17 per day18.1 km / 11.2 miles away
-
Trapani Airport Car Rentals from $13.51 per day60.5 km / 37.6 miles away
-
Pantelleria Airport Car Rentals from $15.34 per day180.7 km / 112.3 miles away
-
Comiso Airport Car Rentals from $39.47 per day187.4 km / 116.4 miles away
-
Catania Fontanarossa Airport Car Rentals from $11.60 per day190.6 km / 118.4 miles away
-
Catania Port Car Rentals from $34.26 per day191.1 km / 118.7 miles away
-
Pozzallo Port Car Rentals from $59.50 per day223.4 km / 138.8 miles away
Map of Car Rental Locations
What is the cheapest month to rent a car in Palermo?
Car rental prices in Palermo vary by time of year. This graph shows the average prices per month to help you find the best time of year to rent.
Average rental costs per day in Palermo
The cheapest month to rent a car in Palermo is February (when prices average $9.58 per day). This is 67% cheaper than the yearly average and 81% cheaper than renting in July (when prices average $50.21).
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
This information can help you identify the low season. But these are only average numbers. How much your car rental will cost will depend on the type of vehicle you rent, how long you’ll rent it for, and how far ahead you book. Simply enter your dates in the form at the top of the page to see the exact prices.
What’s the usual rental length in Palermo?
How long travelers keep their rental cars for varies from month to month: in July, the average renter keeps their car for 8 days, and in February, they keep their car for 6 days.
Average number of rental days in Palermo
What's the most popular month to rent a car in Palermo?
Based on the number of searches by our customers, the most popular month for renting a car in Palermo is August, and the least popular is January.
Monthly searches in Palermo by pick-up date relative to the average
Car Rental Information
| Car rental locations | 8 |
| Airport locations | 1 |
| Popular suppliers | Italy Car Rent, Easycarhire, Felirent, Sicily By Car, Viaggiare |
| Popular car categories | Small cars, Medium cars, SUVs, Large cars |
| Lowest price | $10 per day |
| Cheapest supplier | Record-go |
Most Popular Car Models of Rental Suppliers
| Rental Supplier | Model | Doors | Luggage | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drivalia | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Sicily By Car | Opel Karl | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| Felirent | Fiat Panda | 4 | 2 | Small cars |
| RentalPlus | Fiat Panda | 5 | 1 | Medium cars |
| Italy Car Rent | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Viaggiare | Fiat Panda | 4 | 1 | Small cars |
| Viaggiare | Fiat 500 | 3 | 1 | Small cars |
| Goldcar | Fiat Panda | 3 | 2 | Small cars |
| Sicily By Car | Peugeot 208 | 5 | 2 | Small cars |
| Italy Car Rent | Fiat Panda | 5 | 1 | Small cars |
Our Customers' Reviews
Because we want to make sure each review listed here is left by a real customer, we don’t have an option to post a review here. Instead, we ask each and every customer to leave a review after they return their rental car. This way, you know that all reviews are authentic, verified, and trustworthy.
KB
France
Fiat Panda
September 14, 2023
Good wind for amazing kitesurf sessions
DT
Czech Republic
Peugeot 3008
July 31, 2023
San Vito Lo Capo is a great place to spend holiday with a rented car. I just recommed to pick up a location closer to a city center because of possible wild fires!
RM
Ireland
Jeep Renegade
July 24, 2023
Family holiday. Makes many kilometres around sicily on very variable roads conditions.
GM
United Kingdom
Fiat 500X
July 24, 2023
Beach holiday
JR
Czech Republic
Volkswagen T-Cross
July 16, 2023
Car VW Golf was perfect location of the office was far from the centre. Taxi from central station was Věry expensive 30 eur.
SS
Italy
Lancia Ypsilon
July 12, 2023
It Was a good trip travvelling by car around Sicily. People are kindness and friendly. Car was ok.
I recommand people to get it. There are no problems at all.
LV
United States of America (USA)
Volkswagen Golf
July 12, 2023
Activities and food.
MC
Netherlands
Smart ForTwo
July 11, 2023
We went to Marsala, cute little town on the west coast. From there you can go to the saline (salt flats) and enjoy the sunset. Closest beautiful beach at Marsala is Mazara del Vallo (20 minutes drive).
I highly recommend renting a boat at Marsala and go to the island Favignana. Or rent a boat at Castellammare del Golfo. In the north you’ll find beautifull (free) beaches like Scopello, San Vito lo Capo and Riserva dello Zingaro.
GM
France
Fiat 500
June 29, 2023
Sicilia is a such beautiful place to go.
But I don’t recommend you Palermo…
People drive very badly here and the city feels like a « ghetto ».
Otherwise, I recommand Cefalu and Castellamarre del Golfo !
EB
Hungary
Fiat Panda
June 19, 2023
From our accommodation in the Palermo area, we could quickly and easily approach the sights, Erice, Trapani, Cefalu, Palermo, and Cordoba - we could not have reached so many places without a car, I wholeheartedly recommend each city. Easypark Application was a great help, very easy to use.
LW
United Kingdom
Fiat 500
June 15, 2023
Loved Mondello Beach!
JH
United Kingdom
Smart ForFour
June 5, 2023
We had a great time and travelled the whole way around the island. The only downside was the bad weather which no one can control. The Sicilian people were very friendly and helpful.
TT
Croatia
Fiat 500
May 31, 2023
Sicily is very beautiful, the culture is amazing, Fantastic food 😋 I will come back again!
Unfortunately we saw lots of garbage all over around.. so sad to see that!
DA
Macedonia
Fiat 500
May 27, 2023
Just PERFECT
Car Rental Statistics
Highest rated company
Alamo
9.5 / 10
Lowest rated company
GreenMotion
7.3 / 10
Total number of reviews
224
Total rental companies
43
Average daily price
$18.92
Lowest daily price
$10.20
Total cars available
817
Top 43 Suppliers in Palermo in 2023
Alamo
2 locations
$27 - $368
Locauto
2 locations
$30 - $449
Felirent
1 location
$75 - $147
Hertz
4 locations
$41 - $103
Maggiore
3 locations
$34 - $95
Record-go
1 location
$10 - $32
Car Motion Italy
2 locations
Thrifty
2 locations
$52 - $74
RentalPlus
1 location
$19 - $123
GaldieriRent
1 location
$17 - $20
Enterprise
3 locations
$40 - $368
Key'n Go
1 location
$43 - $56
Eurorentcar
1 location
$18 - $90
Drivalia
3 locations
$23 - $83
Automania
3 locations
$243
Brid
1 location
$19
Centauro
1 location
$23 - $34
Dollar
2 locations
$27 - $70
SIXT
1 location
$62 - $193
Ecovia
2 locations
$55 - $151
Optimo Rent
1 location
Budget
1 location
$47 - $105
National
2 locations
$29 - $368
Europcar
2 locations
$48 - $137
Clarent
1 location
$61 - $79
Rental4leisure
1 location
OS Rental
1 location
Sicily By Car
3 locations
$96 - $193
Italy Car Rent
1 location
$20 - $111
Autovia
2 locations
$58 - $188
Noleggiare
1 location
$43 - $296
NUCarrentals
1 location
$24 - $30
Carwiz
1 location
$12 - $19
Firefly
1 location
Easycarhire
1 location
$15
Goldcar
1 location
$24 - $38
Viaggiare
1 location
$13 - $185
Keddy
2 locations
Avis
2 locations
$48 - $105
Target Rent
1 location
$43 - $46
Interrent
1 location
ACARENT
1 location
GreenMotion
2 locations
$16 - $1147
Why book with us?
Special offers
As a market leader (see SimilarWeb), we get special offers like contactless pick-ups, great prices, and free upgrades.
Award-winning
World's Leading Car Rental Booking Website in the World Travel Tech Awards (3 years in a row).
Highly-rated
A combined rating of 4.5 with 90k total reviews on platforms like Trustpilot, Google, and Review Center.
4M users
Have already booked on one of the fastest-growing car rental booking websites.
Awards
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2022
World Travel Tech Awards - World's Best Car Rental Booking App 2022
Magellan Awards Gold Winner 2022
Travel & Hospitality Awards 2021
FT 1000: Europes Fastest Growing Companies - Top 300 Companies 2021
FT 1000: Europe's Fastest Growing Companies - Top 100 Companies 2020
Uzakrota Travel Awards - World’s Leading Car Rental Website 2022
Inc. 5000 Europe - Top 500 Companies 2019
Highly recommended by our customers
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