Car Rental at Palermo Airport (Sicily, Italy)

Select a Vehicle Type for Rental in Palermo, Italy

• Economy Cars. Best for solo travelers or couples, fuel efficient and easy to park in narrow streets of Sicilian towns. They are ideal for city breaks, exploring Palermo historic centre and visiting nearby destinations such as Monreale, Mondello and Bagheria.
• Standard cars. Comfortable mid-range option with more space and comfort than economy cars. Ideal for small families or longer trips around Palermo and nearby destinations such as Cefalù, Segesta and Trapani.
• Convertibles. Ideal for couples and travelers who want to enjoy Sicily sunny weather and scenic coastal roads with the top down. They are perfect for city breaks in Palermo and scenic drives to nearby destinations such as Mondello, Monreale, Cefalù and Bagheria, as well as longer coastal trips around western Sicily.
• SUVs. Suitable for families and travelers planning to explore the countryside, mountain roads and coastal areas around Palermo including the Madonie mountains, Zingaro Nature Reserve, Scopello and the beaches of San Vito Lo Capo.
• Vans. Practical option for larger families, groups and travelers carrying extra luggage or equipment. They are ideal for group trips around Palermo and longer journeys across western and northern Sicily, including destinations such as Cefalù, Segesta, Trapani and Agrigento.

Driving Rules in Italy

• Carry your driving licence, passport/ID and insurance documents at all times. An International Driving Permit (IDP) may be required depending on your country of origin.
• Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
• Follow speed limits: typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h on motorways (autostrade), unless otherwise signposted. Lower speed limits may apply in adverse weather conditions.
• Maintain safe following distance, stay in your lane and use indicators when changing lanes, overtaking or turning.
• Obey all traffic signals and road signs; running red light or ignoring traffic regulations may result in substantial fines.
• At roundabouts, give way to vehicles already circulating within the roundabout unless road signs indicate otherwise.
• The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.5 g/l for most drivers. Lower limits apply to novice drivers (during their first three years of holding a licence) and certain professional drivers. Penalties for drink driving are severe.
• Traffic cameras are widely used throughout Italy to enforce speed limits, restricted traffic zones (ZTL), red-light violations and other traffic offences.
• Use a mobile phone only with hands-free system while driving. Using handheld device is prohibited.
• All passengers must wear seat belts at all times.
• Children under 150 cm in height must use an approved child restraint system suitable for their height and weight, in accordance with Italian regulations.
• Move aside immediately for emergency vehicles using flashing lights and sirens.
• Parking is permitted only in designated areas. Pay attention to coloured parking lines: blue indicates paid parking, white usually indicates free parking and yellow is reserved for authorised vehicles or disabled permit holders. Illegal parking may result in fines or towing.
• Aggressive driving, dangerous overtaking, improper use of emergency lanes and driving in restricted ZTL (Limited Traffic Zone) areas without authorisation are subject to significant penalties.

• Learn the traffic rules. Familiarize yourself with Italian driving regulations beforehand to avoid fines. Always keep your driver’s license and vehicle documents with you in case the traffic police request them.
• Inspect the car. Check the vehicle thoroughly inside and out when you pick it up. Take photos or videos and make sure any scratches or damage are recorded in the handover report.
• Watch out for ZTL zones. Parts of Palermo historic centre are restricted traffic zones monitored by cameras. Entering without permit can result in an automatic fine sent to your rental company, so park outside the zone and walk in.
• Be ready for local driving style. Traffic in Palermo can be busy and chaotic, with narrow one-way streets, double parking and frequent lane changes. Stay alert, drive defensively and avoid the city centre at peak hours if possible.
• Monitor fuel level. Keep track on your fuel level especially on rural roads in Sicily where gas stations can be scarce. If you’re driving through the Madonie mountains or the interior of the island it’s safer to start each day with a full tank.
• Plan for beach traffic. In summer, roads to Mondello, Cefalù and San Vito Lo Capo get very busy, especially on weekends. Leave early to avoid queues and find parking more easily.
• Choose the right insurance. Make sure your rental includes sufficient coverage especially for collision and theft. Full coverage is a good idea for narrow streets and busy parking areas.
• Pick the right vehicle. Consider the size and type of car for your itinerary. A compact car is easier to handle in the narrow streets of Sicilian towns, while a larger car suits long highway drives and mountain roads.