Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Palermo
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Palermo
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Palermo
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Palermo
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.
Palermo, the vibrant capital of Sicily, is a city brimming with history, culture, and stunning landscapes. While public transportation is available, renting a car offers unparalleled freedom to explore at your own pace. From ancient ruins to picturesque beaches, a car allows you to discover the hidden gems of Palermo and its surroundings.
Explore Historical Sites: Driving allows easy access to historical sites like the Valley of the Temples in Agrigento, Segesta, and Monreale Cathedral, all within a comfortable driving distance from Palermo.
Discover Coastal Beauty: With a rental car, you can easily reach beautiful beaches such as Mondello, Cefalù, and San Vito Lo Capo, enjoying the crystal-clear waters and stunning Sicilian coastline.
Experience Sicilian Culture: A car enables you to visit local markets, vineyards, and traditional villages, immersing yourself in the authentic Sicilian lifestyle and cuisine.
Before renting a car in Palermo, be aware of the specific requirements and regulations. These include age restrictions, licensing, insurance, and fuel policies. Understanding these conditions ensures a smooth and hassle-free rental experience.
Area
158.9 square kilometres (61.3 square miles)
Population
Approximately 670,000 residents
Time Zone
Central European Time (CET) / Central European Summer Time (CEST)
Ideal for
Exploring Sicily and nearby attractions
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7:30 AM – 9:30 AM and 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsThe minimum age to rent a car in Palermo is typically 21, but some companies may require drivers to be 23 or 25. Younger drivers may incur additional fees.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver’s licence is required. EU citizens can use their national licence. Non-EU citizens may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with their national licence.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) for peace of mind. A security deposit is required, typically held on a credit card.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck if the rental includes unlimited mileage or if there are restrictions. Fuel policies vary; full-to-full is common, requiring you to return the car with a full tank.
5. Additional FeesExtra charges may apply for additional drivers, GPS navigation, child seats, or out-of-hours pickup/drop-off.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £35 / $44 / €42 per day
Electric:
from £20 / $25 / €24 per day
Classic:
from £10 / $13 / €12 per day
Executive:
from £30 / $38 / €36 per day
7 Seater:
from £40 / $50 / €48 per day
Automatic:
from £25 / $31 / €30 per day
SUV:
from £15 / $19 / €18 per day
Peak season (June to August): Demand is high, with prices increasing by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts
*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 car rental experience in Palermo, follow these simple steps. Booking in advance and understanding the rental terms are crucial for a smooth and enjoyable trip.
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 needs, considering the number of passengers and luggage.
3. Check Rental Terms - Carefully review the mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and better vehicle availability by booking early, especially during peak season.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and passport when collecting your rental.
Palermo, the capital of Sicily, offers a unique blend of history, culture, and stunning landscapes. Exploring the city and its surroundings is best done with a car, keeping in mind local traffic rules, parking regulations, and fuel access.
As the capital of Sicily, Palermo is a city that captivates with its rich history and vibrant culture. Renting a car provides the flexibility to explore beyond the city centre, discovering the beautiful Sicilian countryside and coastal areas. However, driving in Palermo requires some awareness due to narrow streets and traffic.
Top Attractions to Discover
Palermo Cathedral
A stunning architectural masterpiece blending various styles.
Teatro Massimo
One of the largest opera houses in Europe.
Ballarò Market
A bustling street market offering a taste of local life.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use garages for secure parking, especially in central areas.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits.
Park & Ride
Consider parking outside the city centre and using public transport.
Gas Stations in Palermo
Availability
Fuel stations are readily available, but be aware of opening hours.
Major Brands
Find major brands like Eni, IP, and Q8.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps to locate nearby stations.
Useful Tips for Visiting Palermo
Driving Etiquette
Be patient and aware of scooters and pedestrians.
Traffic
Allow extra time for traffic, especially during rush hours.
Contactless Payment
Use contactless payment where possible.
Road Conditions
Be mindful of uneven road surfaces in some areas.
Major Bus Stations
Palermo Bus Terminal
Located near the train station, serving regional and national routes.
Railway Stations
Palermo Centrale
The main railway station connecting Palermo with other major cities in Sicily and Italy.
Airports
Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO)
Also known as Palermo Airport, located about 35 kilometres (22 miles) from the city centre.
Renting a car in Palermo requires a few essential documents and meeting certain conditions to ensure a smooth and legal rental process.
A valid driver's licence is essential. Non-EU citizens might need an International Driving Permit (IDP).
Most companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with potential surcharges for younger drivers.
A credit card in the main driver's name is needed for the security deposit.
A passport or other form of identification may be required.
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 Palermo 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.
Palermo: Great city, easy with a car; saw friends!
Mia Rodriguez
Reviewed: 04.06.2025
Pretty relaxed, really.
Ethan Brown
Reviewed: 23.04.2025
Pretty chill, actually.
Chloe Garcia
Reviewed: 18.08.2025
Pretty decent, really.
Ava Wilson
Reviewed: 24.03.2025
Palermo was amazing! Exploring with the family was so easy, having a car made everything effortless. Highly recommend!
Sarah Miller
Reviewed: 31.03.2025
Palermo was hectic but fun! The catacombs were surprisingly underwhelming, though. Whizzing around in a car was a lifesaver for a weekend trip.
Oliver Peterson
Reviewed: 22.09.2024
Palermo was a whirlwind! So much to see, though the market was a bit overwhelming.
Benjamin Harris
Reviewed: 30.11.2024
Palermo was a delightful stop on our road trip. Having a car made exploring so much easier.
Amelia Jones
Reviewed: 16.04.2025
Palermo charmed me! Getting around by car was so convenient, exploring hidden gems was a breeze.
Isabelle Davis
Reviewed: 26.12.2024
Palermo exceeded expectations! Having a car made sightseeing so easy and enjoyable. Highly recommend!
Sophia Martinez
Reviewed: 08.09.2024
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Wonderful Palermo weekend! So much freedom exploring by car.
David Lee
Reviewed: 20.09.2024