Car Rental at Palermo Airport

Airport travel guide

The largest city of Sicily, Palermo is also one of Italy’s most special destinations. Very few other cities in Europe can match its historical and architectural riches, some of which have been in their place for millennia. These are some of the most notable attractions in and around Palermo:

• Palazzo dei Normanni. Of the widely diverse civilizations and cultures that have ruled Palermo at some point in history, it was the Normans who left one of the most notable marks on the city. Their heritage is best exemplified by the 900-year-old Norman Palace. The impressive building is often called the oldest royal castle in Europe. One of the highlights of the palace complex is the beautiful Palatine Chapel.
• San Giovanni degli Eremiti. Of the many churches in Palermo and Sicily, St. John the Hermit’s is probably the most notable one. First built in the 6th century and rebuilt several times during the following centuries, it shows the clear influence of the island’s former Arab rulers and is also distinguished by its red spires.
• Zisa. Located slightly away from the city center is Zisa, a 12th-century palace of the highly unique Moorish–Norman style that can only be found in this part of the world. Built under the guidance of the Norman king William I of Sicily, the palace’s name comes from the Arabic word ‘al-Azīz’ which means ‘dear’ or ‘splendid’. Nowadays, Zisa is part of the Arab-Norman Palermo and the Cathedral Churches of Cefalù and Monreale that’s collectively a UNESCO World Heritage site.
• Modern Art Gallery of Palermo. Situated in the beautiful Kalsa area, GAM is one of the most notable modern art facilities in Sicily. The museum, open since 1910 and located in an instantly recognizable 15th-century palazzo, boasts an interesting collection of works by various artists, many of whom originate from Palermo. The Modern Art Gallery is accessible to travelers with reduced mobility.
• Cefalù. One of the most visited villages in Italy, Cefalù is a popular day trip for a reason. About an hour’s drive east of Palermo (with most of the road taking you right along the coast), it is famous for its very impressive cathedral; the large, climbable cliff (known simply as the Rock) right behind it; and the ancient Temple of Diana. The trip from Palermo takes one hour.
• Madonie Regional Natural Park. Although located on the ‘wrong’, eastern, side of the city of Palermo if seen from where the airport is, the almost two-hour drive to Madonie is very much worth it. Located just inland of the coast, not far from the aforementioned Cefalù, it is one of the most beautiful protected areas on Sicily, known for the stunning mountain landscapes, beech forests, and other unique flora and fauna characteristic of the island.

Top international routes

• Rome
• Milan
• Bergamo
• Pisa
• Lampedusa
• Turin
• Bologna
• Naples
• Verona
• Venice

Main airlines

Ryanair, Volotea, Mistral Air, easyJet, Alitalia, and Vueling

Terminals

The single Palermo Airport terminal, divided into four levels, serves both local and international flights.

Location

The airport is located about 35 km northwest of Palermo. Highway E90 and Via Cappuccini are the main roads connecting Palermo Airport to the city.

Most popular types of rental car

• Small cars - from $23 per day
• Medium cars - from $28 per day
• SUVs - from $19 per day
• Station wagons - from $28 per day
• Large cars - from $37 per day
• Vans - from $83 per day
• Premium cars - from $89 per day
• Convertibles - from $223 per day

Car rental desks

Most car rental offices are in the arrivals hall, right next to the baggage claim area. Find out which are the easiest to find and more in our list of the best rental companies in Palermo.

Services and facilities

You’ll find several bars, restaurants, and pizzerias, as well as shops and duty-free stores. There are also ATMs, a currency exchange, a lost and found office, a pharmacy, and two electronic device recharge booths. The airport is fully equipped for travelers with reduced mobility.

Nearest gas station

ERG gas station, located at Viale Finaita, 90045, can be reached in about five minutes and is open 24/7. There are many other gas stations nearby and on the way to Palermo.

Popular one-way rentals

• Catania (238 km / 148 miles)
• Trapani (84 km / 52 miles)
• Messina (253 km / 157 miles)
• Cefalù (98 km / 61 miles)
• Agrigento (157 km / 98 miles)
• Syracuse (289 km / 180 miles)