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Cheapest Car Hire Rates in Messina
Messina
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Messina
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Messina
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Messina
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.
Why Hire a Car in Messina?
Messina is a vibrant city with a rich history and stunning coastal views. While public transport is available, hiring a car offers the freedom to explore at your own pace, especially when venturing beyond the city centre.
Explore Coastal Roads: Messina is located near beautiful coastal roads, making a rental car ideal for scenic drives along the Ionian and Tyrrhenian coasts.
Visit Nearby Towns: With a car, you can easily visit charming nearby towns like Taormina and Cefalù, each offering unique cultural experiences.
Discover Hidden Gems: Hiring a car allows you to access remote beaches, historical sites, and natural reserves that are difficult to reach by public transport.
Rental Terms and Conditions in Messina
Before hiring a car in Messina, ensure you meet the age requirements, have a valid driving licence, and understand the rental agreement.
Area
213.7 square kilometres (82.5 square miles)
Population
Approximately 230,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Ideal for
Day trips and coastal drives
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 8 AM – 10 AM and 5 PM – 7 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, and some may charge extra for drivers under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driving licence is required. If your licence is not in Italian, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options are available. A security deposit is typically required and refunded upon return of the car.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyMileage policies vary, with some rentals offering unlimited mileage. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, one-way rentals, or optional extras like GPS or child seats.
Car Hire Prices in Messina – How Much Does It Cost?
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £17 / $21 / €20 per day
Classic:
from £9 / $11 / €10 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 £9.50 / $12 / €11 per day
Seasonal Trends
Peak season (June to August): Expect prices to increase by 20-30% due to higher demand.
Low season (November to February): Discounts are often available during the off-season.
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
How to Book a Car in Messina?
Follow these steps to book your rental car in Messina
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison websites to find the best deals from various rental companies.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your travel needs and the number of passengers.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review the rental agreement for mileage limits, insurance coverage, and other important details.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better availability by booking your car well in advance.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driving licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental car.
General Information About Messina
Messina is a historic port city located on the northeastern tip of Sicily. Hiring a car is a great way to explore the city and surrounding region.
Messina is a city with a rich history and stunning coastal views. Exploring Messina and its surroundings is best done with a rental car, especially if you plan to visit the nearby towns and beaches. Be aware of local traffic laws and parking regulations to ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Messina Cathedral
A historic cathedral with an astronomical clock.
Regional Museum of Messina
Home to an impressive collection of art and artifacts.
Sanctuary of Christ the King
A monumental church with panoramic views of the city.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Secure parking options are available in various locations throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Limited metered parking is available on some streets.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities located outside the city centre.
Gas Stations in Messina
Major Brands Available
Find gas stations from major brands like Eni, Shell, and Q8.
Easy to Locate
Gas stations are readily available throughout the city and on major roads.
Plan Ahead
It is advisable to locate gas stations in advance, especially if you plan to travel outside the city centre.
Useful Tips for Visiting Messina
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted in most establishments.
Watch for Scooters
Be aware of scooters and motorcycles, as they are common in Messina.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Expect traffic congestion during peak hours, especially in the city centre.
Learn Basic Italian Phrases
Knowing a few basic Italian phrases can be helpful when interacting with locals.
Key Transportation Hubs in Messina
Major Bus Stations
Messina Terminal
The main bus terminal connects Messina with other cities in Sicily.
Railway Stations
Messina Centrale
The main railway station, providing connections to major Italian cities.
Airports
Catania Airport (CTA)
The nearest international airport, located approximately 90 kilometres from Messina.
Reggio Calabria Airport (REG)
Located across the Strait of Messina in mainland Italy.
What Do You Need to Hire a Car in Messina?
Here’s what you’ll need to hire a car in Messina
A valid driving licence is required. If your licence is not in Italian, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be needed.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old.
A valid credit or debit card in the driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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Every piece of information on this page has gone through our Content Quality Assurance (CQA) process — a multi-step review that includes human editing, localisation accuracy checks, and expert travel validation.
Learn more about our Content Quality Standards
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 Customer Reviews
Our clients rate such place as Messina 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.
Fantastic family vacation in Messina! Having a car made exploring so much easier. Beautiful beaches and delicious food.
Amelia Garcia
Reviewed: 20.02.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 09.12.2024
Pretty relaxed, really.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 15.06.2025
Such a smooth road trip through Messina! Having a car made sightseeing effortless. Loved it.
Ava Davis
Reviewed: 01.03.2025
Pretty laid-back, really.
Olivia Wilson
Reviewed: 25.11.2024
Needed a quick weekend escape, so I spontaneously drove to Messina! Exploring with a car was a breeze. The Duomo was stunning, although the regional museum felt a bit underwhelming.
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 28.04.2025
Messina was perfect for a quick weekend getaway. Having a car made getting around so easy; highly recommend!
Benjamin Lee
Reviewed: 12.10.2024
Messina was a whirlwind business trip, but having a car made everything so easy! The city was beautiful, and I managed to squeeze in some sightseeing.
John Doe
Reviewed: 30.08.2024