Car rental Palermo airport

Search, compare and book your rental car

Pickup location
 Different return office?
   Driver age: 25-70
   I live in: United States
Search Now
Popular destinations: Rome, Milan, Catania, Olbia, Palermo, Cagliari, Naples, Bergamo
We compare rates from 800+ different supplier sites in more than 30,000 locations worldwide
Customers love us

Over 1 million customers trusted us to book the best car rental deal for them

Customers love us
Amend for free

Up to 48 hours before pickup

Amend for free
No extra fees

We don’t charge extra fees such as credit card or reservation fees

No extra fees

Cheap Car Rental Palermo airport

Cheap Car Rental Palermo airport

About Car Rental at Palermo Airport

Palermo, the capital city of the beautiful Italian Island of Sicily, is home to the fantastic Palermo airport. Also known as Falcone-Borsellino, it is one of the most popular and busy airports in southern Italy. This is arguably due to its fantastic location and highly rated customer care.

You can make your trip to Palermo as stress-free as possible by renting a car at the airport. This is highly recommended, as it means you are able to travel as and when you want with no restrictions or problems. With plenty of world-renowned and local businesses to choose from, you will have no trouble finding a rental car that will help you make the most of your time away. We recommend choosing an agency at the airport as the city centre is approximately 22 miles (35km) away, so this will save you time and money in the long run.

Downtown Car Rental in Palermo

If you decide you want to settle into your accommodation before you rent a car, don’t worry. There are plenty of car rental choices downtown. From local firms like Maggiore to bigger names like Enterprise Rent-A-Car, you are bound to find one that will provide you with a car to get you around the city and beyond. One advantage of choosing to rent a car in downtown Palermo instead of at the airport is that you don’t have to worry about coinciding your flight times with picking up and dropping off the car, so bare this in mind when choosing what you want to go for.

Driving in Palermo

Driving somewhere new can always be daunting, but most drivers enjoy exploring Palermo by road. As it is one of Sicily’s larger cities, roads are easy to navigate and traffic is manageable. However, please be aware that road signs are not always clear. It is recommended that you do some research before you travel so that you have a good idea of where it is you are heading.

A few things you should know before driving in Palermo are:

Car Rental Agencies in Palermo

There are plenty of car rental agencies to choose from both at Palermo airport and in the city. When choosing which one to go with, we recommend doing some research first. Many companies offer extra benefits such as additional drivers, added GPS, or even Collision Damage Waiver with no excess. Hint: find a rental agency that has a full-to-full fuel policy. This means that you are able to receive and deposit the car with a full tank of fuel, so you won’t get hit with any hidden fuel charges.

If you’re still unsure what agency to go with, we recommend Enterprise Rent-a-Car. This award-winning car rental company has a huge variety of vehicles to suit your needs, regardless of how many people you are travelling with. Not only that but they offer a free pick-up service at their downtown location which can be organised easily and efficiently.

Top Road Trips from Palermo

If you are looking to expand your horizons, Palermo is a fantastic base from which to explore further afield. Sicily is full of picturesque landscapes, beautiful beaches, and stunning buildings, so make sure to make the most of your time there.

For a short road trip, why not head to Mondello Beach? A popular destination with locals and tourists alike, you’ll fall in love with the warm, white sands and crystal-clear, turquoise sea.

Or, if you are more interested in the cultural side of Sicily, the Cathedral di Monreale is a beautiful example of Italian architecture that you won’t want to miss out on. Not only is it World Heritage-listed, but it is also one of the most revered buildings in Italy and Europe.

Frequently asked questions about car rental Palermo airport

What is the minimum cost for a rental car at Palermo airport?
At Palermo airport the minimum price for a rental car is €7,- per day, depending on the booking date.
Which car rental supplier is the most affordable at Palermo airport?
The most affordable car rental supplier at Palermo airport is InterRent, followed by Goldcar and Noleggiare.
What documents do I need to rent a car?
The documents you need to bring to Palermo airport are a valid passport, international driver’s license and your credit card.
What’s the best area to stay in Palermo?
Although Palermo is the most populated city in Sicily, it isn’t overly large. So, no matter where you stay you will be within travelling distance of most things. However, the city may not be big, but it is still full of character, and there are different areas of Palermo that would be better to stay in depending on what it is you are looking for.
What is the cheapest time to go to Palermo?
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly getaway, travelling to Palermo during term time will always be the cheaper option. Avoid the summer months, half-term weeks, and the weeks around Easter so as to avoid the busier tourist times. This will not only mean you will have less tourists to compete with, but air fare prices should be cheaper too.
What is the best time to go to Palermo?
Situated in the Mediterranean, Palermo is known for its beautiful, Sicilian weather. So, if you’re a sun worshipper the best time to go to Palermo has to be in the summer months. However, if you prefer a few degrees less, the spring and autumn seasons are more favourable. Not only is the weather a little cooler, the city is less busy too.
Can you get around Palermo without a car?
Palermo is a small city, so it is possible to get around without a car. However, to make the most of your visit we would recommend spending some time travelling a little further and exploring more of Sicily. If you do want to do this, you will find you have much more freedom if you rent a car. Not to mention the roadside views are out of this world.
Tips and experiences for Palermo airport

Our customers rated Palermo airport with an average of 8.5 based on 32 ratings, and these are the most recent tips, experiences and highlights.

20-10-2021

says:
Watch out for bait and switch in Italy. They may refuse American Express, or ask for an international drivers license. Once I had a contract but was told ty at the car could not be taken into Slovenia. For three times the price they would give me a car however.
30-06-2021

says:
Be sure that you carry your International and regular drivers license with you at all times. Spot checks by the polizi can be very stressful if they do not speak your language and you do not speak Italian. Make sure that you park in only authorized parking areas and do not drive in restricted areas for cars. Learn up front how to use the self-service gas pumps before you actually have to purchase gas when the station is closed.
29-06-2021

says:
Make sure you have all your documents available in your carry on and don't have to dig for them. Book your vehicle from home, (where you live) it's cheaper and you can take your time informing yourself. Make sure you've purchased your international licence. In Canada you can go to CAA. If you have a portable GPS you're taking make sure it's all updated for the area you visiting, Make sure you have access to it when you get to your vehicle. And finally, I know you've had a long trip and your probably tired, but SMILE, you've arrived safe and sound, besides it's a lot more pleasurable. One last thing don't get angry at anyone they're doing what they can with what they've got. Safe travels, Enjoy, Peace, ;-) Find a tour book for the country you're visiting, you'll be surprised what surrounds you.
22-06-2021

says:
Airport very efficent, Car Hire is a short walk from Terminal. Allow pleanty of time if returning via Palermo city as morning traffic is very heavy
15-05-2021

says:
Plan your route before setting off, driving in Italy is difficult enough even when you know where you are going. Find out where the horn is, you will need it. Always expect the unexpected on Italian roads. Parking in the region is quite ad hoc, don’t worry too much about where you leave the car for brief stops, the locals don’t. Autoroutes are easier to navigate on than the local road through towns and villages. We found that there is plenty to see without travelling too great a distance in this area, there is no need to embark on long journeys to find interesting places to visit.
19-04-2021

says:
You better have at least two cards with your name on them. I was "lucky" enough to spend more then thirty minutes at the desk only because my first card wasn't accepted by the Hertz system. Finally, I used another card, my company card with my name on it, just for 100 euros warranty. Otherwise, everything was great.
06-02-2021

says:
Prepare to pay for most things in cash, including fuel. Sicilian tourist spots usually have several well-marked public toilets for which you need to keep a few 50c coins handy. Do set the GPS to "easiest route" rather than "quickest route". Some secondary roads are only just driveable in patches. Be aware that the perfectly positioned car park in the centre of the village or town also doubles as the venue for market day. Best off the beaten track discoveries: Crete Burri, an artwork made of the remains of old Gibellina, ruined by an earthquake in 1969, and the archaeological site of Akrai a small distance from Palazzolo Acriede. Quiet, rural, very few tourists, and with an amphitheatre still used by the locals. Castelbuono about half an hour's drive into the mountains from Cefalu has a charming re-purposed castle, with its own Capella Palatina, and is now a modern art gallery.
01-02-2021

says:
Nice little airport. Good location. Renting a car was easy. People are helpful and friendly. Try a Cannolle. Visit Cefalù.
22-01-2021

says:
Palermo airport is a rather cosy airport, with at least two duty-free shops and a nice café.
12-01-2021

says:
We traveled around Sicily, Fantastic views, we advise you locate accommodations on Google map before going as some small streets were hard to find. Get a local phone number from the get-go. Don't be fooled by tourist propaganda some places e.g Enna was fantastic, the duomo was plain from the outside but very rich on the inside. Citys present difficult parking issues so country places (especially with a car) are by far the best choices.
28-12-2020

says:
The airport is really convenient and small so that you can have everything you need in a short way
09-10-2020

says:
Definitely take the drive out to sciacca along the coast! It is beautiful and very easy to do. The toy museum as well as the beaches were lovely here even in February. If you can stop by Sambuca di sicilia, the pastries are out of this world anywhere along corso umberto. Whilst there, definitely walk through the arab quarter. In palermo, there are many stores in the airport to get lovely, well-priced last minute gifts and the security is very quick.
03-09-2020

says:
Palermo is a lovely city with lovely food, and horrible traffic. Sicily is an absolute marvel, a paradise for all the senses. Drive around and go all over the island, there are so many beautiful places to see, and things to experience. People are friendly and hospitable. Go during "low" season, avoid the mess of June-July-August, if you can. If you have time, drive both along the coast, and on the interior of the island: it is like being on a different planet, with nothing but gorgeous nature and abandoned old farmers' homes for miles and miles...
13-08-2020

says:
It was a bit confusing to figure out where to go to return the car.
30-07-2020

says:
One of the easiest airports,very functional.
16-07-2020

says:
Always take a sat nav: roads in Sicily are very badly sign-posted. There are also a number of 'SP' roads that are often no more than cart tracks, and one doubts whether they are real roads. Also suggest that you download exact routes near the destination before leaving, in case a signal is not available. Sicily is a much larger island than you imagine, and given the amount of travel time and effort, it's worth concentrating on a small area. Palermo is the centre of medieval Norman culture, whereas Taormina, for example, has more Greek remains. If you're interested in history and culture, read John Julius Norwich's 2015 book about Sicily, which will put Sicily's modern problems into context.
17-06-2020

says:
Don’t book goldcar unless you know EXACTLY what the insurance situation is
09-06-2020

says:
Very polite and helpful staff. Desk was easy to find in airport main concourse. Three minute walk to car park - again easy to find. Only slight negative was that the staff at the registration desk did try to persuade me to purchase additional insurance on top of the level I had already taken out, warning that over 90% of cars are returned with some damage (often caused by vandalism). Thankfully I was in the 10% with no damage!!
24-05-2020

says:
X
24-03-2019

says:
Enjoy the whole island of Sicily!! It's easy to drive in Sicily and there is so much to see and do!
12-09-2018

says:
See as much from the historic city center as possible, including the botanic garden. If that is exhausted, check out the area around it like Monte Pellegrino.
22-04-2018

says:
Go for longer, there are so many things to visit! Have cash on you for paying the petrol!
19-04-2018

says:
We picked the car up from Palermo airport after we had been to Messina, Cefalu & Palermo on public transport. We used the car to drive to Marsala, a beautiful city in the 'wine country', then The Valley of the Temples' - well worth the visit - park in the lower car park then share a taxi to the top of the hill then walk the 2 kms downhill via the 4 amazing temples. Went onto Syracuse & stayed in the old settlement of Ortigia - fabulous. Onto Mt Etna - very easy with the car - a must-see of Sicily ; and onto the beautiful town of Taormina. It was trouble - free to return the car to Catania airport where the staff were lovely. A car is the easiest way to get around the southern part of Sicily & we are so glad we chose a hire car for this part of our three month holiday.
07-04-2018

says:
Use rent-a-car for a Palermo area. You can visit Catania/Siracusa/ Taormina with train/bus.
30-03-2018

says:
Lovely island stayed in Cefalu and enjoyed the beautiful local food
26-03-2018

says:
Great - see Etna and enjoy the scenery, weather, food, people
04-03-2018

says:
Drivers in Sicily are terrible!!! They are impatient and do not really obey road signs and markings at all - except (!!) pedestrian crossings. Plan your route well in advance and take note of the road names (eg SP114, SP70, A18, E90) which are well marked on lamp posts or sign posts all along the route; make sure of your exit points and where to proceed on what road after exiting a highway- it can be confusing. The SS and SP roads will give you a better look at the island but they are narrow and slower. If you want to get somewhere fast, use the "E" or "A" highways. Coastal roads are very scenic as are mountain roads and passes.
27-02-2018

says:
If you rent a car, take the most expencive insurance. Car rental companies are like small mafias: if you return your car (that has been rented with a cheap insurance) they find a flat tire or a scratch when you return it. (At least what I heard from the locals). Also the driving culture of the country is shitty. The roads are very narrow, so you would think that people would drive carefully and obey the traffic rules- But no! My dog could drive better than the locals! Allthough with a good insurance, you don't have to worry. If you have paid a lot, you could even be a little happy from wrecking the rental car. Sadly I returned the car in good shape :/
04-02-2018

says:
Stay on the Autostrada as much as possible. Also use the train, which is quite good.
16-07-2017

says:
Rodmos. Volt completa na Sicília, viagem maravilhooooosa
20-03-2017

says:
Hostel Mamma Mia, Mercato Vucciria, Restaurant A'cala in the harbour of Palermo.
28-02-2017

says:
Dont miss the top of rinascente store , downtown