Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Catania
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Catania
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Catania
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Catania
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Catania, a vibrant city on Sicily's east coast, offers a blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. While public transport is available, renting a car provides the freedom to explore at your own pace.
Explore Mount Etna. A rental car allows easy access to Mount Etna, one of Europe’s most active volcanoes, and its surrounding national park. Public transport options are limited, making a car essential for this adventure.
Visit Coastal Towns. Discover picturesque coastal towns like Taormina and Syracuse, each offering unique attractions and breathtaking views. A car provides the flexibility to visit multiple towns in a day.
Discover Baroque Architecture. Catania itself is renowned for its Baroque architecture. With a car, you can easily navigate the city and explore its hidden gems, from Piazza del Duomo to the Ursino Castle.
Before booking a rental car in Catania, ensure you meet the minimum age requirements (usually 21+), possess a valid driver's license, and understand the rental agreement, including insurance coverage, deposit policies, and fuel options.
Area
182.6 square kilometres (70.5 square miles)
Population
Approximately 315,000 residents
Time Zone
CET (Central European Time) & CEST (Central European Summer Time)
Ideal for
Exploring Sicily's east coast
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies in Catania require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.
2. Driver’s License & DocumentationA valid driver’s license is required, and an International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended for non-EU citizens. Ensure you also have your passport or ID card.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is typically included in the rental price, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for extra protection. A security deposit will be held on your credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy; unlimited mileage is preferable for extensive travel. Fuel policies vary, but 'full to full' is generally the most economical.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential extra charges for additional drivers, GPS, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £8 / $10 / €9 per day
Executive:
from £26 / $33 / €31 per day
7 Seater:
from £29 / $37 / €35 per day
Automatic:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
SUV:
from £9 / $11 / €10 per day
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to high demand.
Low season (November to February): Often comes with discounts and lower rates.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To secure the best rental experience in Catania, follow these essential steps. From comparing prices to understanding the rental terms, careful planning ensures a smooth journey.
1. Compare Prices - Utilise online comparison sites to find the best deals from various rental agencies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your needs, whether it’s a compact car for city driving or a larger SUV for exploring the countryside.
3. Check Rental Terms - Thoroughly review the rental agreement, paying attention to mileage limits, insurance coverage, and cancellation policies.
4. Book in Advance - Booking early can help you secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability, especially during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s license, passport, and credit card to the rental counter to collect your vehicle.
Catania, located on the east coast of Sicily, is a vibrant city with a rich history and culture. Exploring Catania and its surroundings is best done with a car, given the limited public transportation options to remote areas.
As the second-largest city in Sicily, Catania offers a mix of ancient ruins, Baroque architecture, and natural beauty. While the city centre is easily navigable on foot, a car is essential for exploring the surrounding region, including Mount Etna and the picturesque coastal towns. Driving in Catania requires awareness of local traffic laws, parking regulations, and fuel station availability to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Piazza del Duomo
The heart of Catania, featuring the iconic Elephant Fountain and Catania Cathedral.
Mount Etna
One of Europe's most active volcanoes, offering breathtaking views and hiking opportunities.
Ursino Castle
A well-preserved medieval castle that now houses a museum.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Several parking garages are available throughout the city, offering secure parking options.
On-Street Parking
Metered on-street parking is available but can be challenging to find, especially in central areas.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located on the outskirts of the city to avoid traffic congestion in the centre.
Gas Stations in Catania
Major Brands
You can find major fuel chains like Eni, Shell, and Q8 located throughout Catania and along major roads.
Refueling Tips
Refuel before venturing into remote areas, as gas stations may be scarce. Keep an eye on fuel levels, especially when driving around Mount Etna.
Payment Options
Most gas stations accept credit cards and cash. Some stations may have automated pumps that require card payment.
Useful Tips for Visiting Catania
Watch for ZTL Zones
Be aware of Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL) in the city centre, where access is restricted to authorised vehicles.
Allow Extra Time
Traffic congestion can be heavy during peak hours, so allow extra time for travel, especially when driving in and out of the city.
Use Navigation Apps
Utilise navigation apps like Google Maps or Waze to find the best routes, avoid traffic, and locate parking.
Learn Basic Italian
Knowing basic Italian phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals and navigating unfamiliar areas.
Major Bus Stations
Catania Bus Terminal
Located near the Catania Central Train Station, this is the main hub for regional and national bus services.
Railway Stations
Catania Central Station
The main railway station in Catania, providing connections to other major cities in Sicily and mainland Italy.
Airports
Catania Airport (CTA)
Also known as Vincenzo Bellini Airport, it is the busiest airport in Sicily, serving numerous domestic and international destinations.
Renting a car in Catania requires a few essential documents and meeting specific criteria. Ensure you have everything prepared for a smooth rental experience.
A valid driver’s license is required. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national license.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old. Drivers under 25 may be subject to a young driver surcharge.
A credit or debit card in the main driver’s name is necessary for the security deposit. Some companies prefer credit cards.
A passport or national ID card is required for identification purposes.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Catania as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Catania was amazing! Exploring with our family was so easy, having a car made everything effortless. Highly recommend!
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 17.06.2025
Pretty good, overall
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 01.05.2025
Catania exceeded expectations; renting a car was a breeze, though the fish market was a bit overwhelming.
Ava Garcia
Reviewed: 24.11.2024
Pretty relaxed vibe
Liam Wilson
Reviewed: 12.07.2025
Busy but beautiful weekend in Catania; the crowds were intense.
Evelyn Reed
Reviewed: 15.12.2024
Okay, but kinda dusty.
Ethan Carter
Reviewed: 18.04.2025
Catania was a dream! Getting around with a car made everything so simple and enjoyable. Highly recommend.
Maria Rodriguez
Reviewed: 19.10.2024
Pretty laid-back, actually
Ben Davis
Reviewed: 18.08.2024
Meh. Fish market stunk.
Oliver Brown
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Catania was wonderful! Exploring with the family was so much easier having a car. Highly recommend!
Isabelle Garcia
Reviewed: 13.02.2025
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 26.04.2025