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No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars
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| Location Type | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Airports (Catania, Palermo, Trapani) | • Collect your car right after landing • All major rental companies available • Larger choice of vehicles |
• Extra airport fees (about 16-18%) • Longer waits when many flights arrive • Busier during tourist season |
| City Locations | • No airport fees • Convenient if you are already in a city • Several offices in large cities |
• Driving out of cities can be difficult • You must plan around ZTL zones • Fewer cars to choose from • Limited opening hours |
| Port/Train Stations | • Good for arrivals by ferry or train • Central locations • Good public transport links |
• Busy areas and difficult traffic • Smaller agency offices • Limited after-hours service |
On average, car rentals in Sicily cost around €83 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €8 per day.
Compare pickup locations: Price both airport and city offices. Airports in Catania, Palermo and Trapani add about 16-18% in surcharges. City pickups can be cheaper if their hours suit you.
Time your booking to the season: For July–August and Easter, book 2-3 months ahead. In shoulder or low season, keep comparing as you get closer since prices can dip.
Play with dates and durations: Test different pickup/return times, and check 7+ days. Weekly rates can beat 5-6 day totals.
Rent only when you need the car: Do city days car-free and hire for road-trip days. Palermo, Catania and Syracuse have ZTLs, and garages often cost €15-25 per day.
Pick a smaller, manual car: Economy manuals are cheaper, use less fuel and fit Sicily’s narrow streets. If you need an automatic, reserve early in peak season.
Watch extra fees: Additional driver ~€10/day, under-25 ~€20/day, one-way within Sicily ~€50-100. Compare one-driver vs two, and round-trip vs one-way.
| Type | Identification | Cost (Approximate) | Key Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street Parking | Blue lines | Hourly rates apply | Time limits may apply. Pay at meters or via apps. |
| Limited Time Parking | White lines with signs | Free using time disc | Set your arrival time on a "disco orario" time disc. |
| Free Parking | White lines without signs | Free | Extremely limited in city centers, more common in outskirts. |
| Parking Garages | Signed "P" | Rates vary | Several available in cities. Most secure option for overnight stays. |
Many hotels can register your plate for access. Arrange in advance
Drive on the right, overtake on the left
Rent a car to visit:
Taormina – parking garages at town entrance
Mount Etna – Rifugio Sapienza parking
Syracuse, Ortigia – ZTL zones, parking areas outside Ortigia
Agrigento – Valley of the Temples
Cefalù – A20, SS113
Noto, Modica, Ragusa
Is it difficult to drive in Sicilian cities?
You might find driving in city centers tricky because of the narrow streets, one-way systems and ZTL zones. Many visitors choose to park outside historic centers and then walk or use public transport in the cities.
How do I avoid ZTL fines in Sicily?
To avoid fines, you should research where the ZTLs are before your trip, use an up-to-date GPS that warns you about ZTLs and look for "ZTL" or "Area Pedonale" signs when you're driving. If your hotel is inside a ZTL, contact them beforehand so they can register your car for you.
Can I take my rental car on the ferry to mainland Italy?
Most rental companies let you take their cars to mainland Italy on the ferry, but you must tell them beforehand. They might charge you an extra fee and some types of cars might not be allowed.
What documents do I need to rent a car in Sicily?
You'll need a valid driver's license, an International Driving Permit (most non-EU licenses require one, but a UK photocard license is accepted on its own), a credit card in the driver's name and a passport or ID card.
Is it worth renting a car for my entire Sicily trip?
If you plan to visit both cities and country areas, you could rent a car just for the time you'll be exploring outside the cities. This way, you'll save money on parking fees and avoid the hassle of city driving.
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