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| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal desks – Major international brands (Avis/Budget, Europcar, Hertz, Sixt) | Counters in arrivals hall; long daily hours; larger fleets; predictable policies; strong English support | Prices often higher than local firms; queues can be long at peak times; deposits and insurance add-ons can be costly |
| Terminal desks – Local providers (Sicily By Car, other local firms) | Competitive rates; good fleet options; same convenient on-airport pickup | Hours vary by company; service and English proficiency can vary; policies and deposit requirements may differ |
Pick-up Process: 1. Go to the rental desks in the arrivals hall after baggage claim 2. Complete the paperwork and review the contract 3. The cars are in the nearby parking lot 4. It is a 3-5 minute walk from the terminal to the parking lot
On average, car rentals at Catania Airport cost around €86 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €8 per day.
Compare across brands, car classes and dates on our site. Try tweaking pick-up/return times and checking 6 vs 7+ days to unlock cheaper weekly rates.
Time it right for Sicily: for July–August and holiday weeks, book 2–3 months ahead. For shoulder months May–June or Sep–Oct, prices are usually lower. Off-season Nov–Mar can be the cheapest.
Pick a manual economy car if you can. Automatics are limited in Sicily and usually cost more. Smaller cars are cheaper and easier in narrow town streets.
Keep drivers to a minimum. Under-25s pay about €20/day and each extra driver about €10/day. One named driver can cut costs fast.
Watch route-related fees. One-way within Sicily is typically €50–100. Compare round-trip vs one-way to see which is cheaper for your plan.
Fuel smart at CTA: rentals are full-to-full. Use self-service near the airport to save and avoid refill charges. ENI on Via Fontanarossa and IP on Viale Kennedy are close; keep the receipt.
| Type | Location | Cost (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short-term | P1 - Multi-level parking garage | Hourly rates apply | Nearest to terminal |
| Long-term | P4 - Outdoor parking lot | Daily rates apply | Shuttle service to terminal |
| Rental Return | Designated area | Included in rental | Well-signposted in parking area |
Speed cameras on the A18 highway and approaching Catania
Drive on the right, overtake on the left
Rent a car so you can get to:
Catania
Mount Etna - Rifugio Sapienza
Taormina
Syracuse - Ortigia

What documents do I need to rent a car at Catania Airport?
You'll need a valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit (if your license is from outside the EU/EEA, like the U.S.), a credit card in your name and your passport or ID card. UK photocard licenses are accepted for short visits without an IDP.
How much time should I allow for the car rental process at the airport?
During the busy season, you should allow 30-60 minutes to complete the rental process. In the quiet season, it usually only takes 5-15 minutes.
Can I return my car outside office hours?
Most companies at Catania Airport let you return your car after hours using a key drop box. You should check how to do this when you pick up your car and follow the instructions they give you.
Is it possible to pick up at Catania Airport and return in Palermo?
Yes, most major rental companies let you do one-way rentals inside Sicily. They charge an extra fee for this, about €50-100 depending on the type of car.
What should I do if my flight is delayed and I arrive after the rental desk closes?
You should contact your rental company as soon as possible to let them know you'll be late. Most big companies can arrange for a late arrival if you tell them in advance, but their rules can be different.