Discover Sicily with the freedom of an all-in rental car from Palermo Airport
Palermo Airport, also known as Falcone Borsellino Airport, receives around 7 million travellers annually. With its two terminals, this airport offers fast and efficient service for visitors to sunny Sicily. A rental car gives you the freedom to explore this beautiful island at your own pace, from the coastlines to the mountainous interior.
How to drive from Palermo airport to Palermo
Palermo airport is just 35 kilometres from the centre of Palermo. The drive takes about 40 minutes via the A29 motorway. On the way, you'll drive along Sicily's breathtaking coastline and enjoy the views of the Mediterranean Sea before arriving in the bustling capital Palermo.
Continue to Catania and Trapani
From Palermo airport, you can easily drive to Catania, Sicily's second-largest city. Via the A19 motorway, the drive takes about 2 hours and passes through the beautiful Sicilian interior. Another option is a drive to Trapani, accessible via the A29. Within an hour and a half, you'll drive past several olive groves and coastal towns.
5 Highlights within driving distance of Palermo airport
- Monreale - Visit the famous cathedral with impressive mosaics.
- Cefalù - A charming coastal town with a beautiful cathedral and beaches.
- Erice - A medieval village atop a mountain with fantastic views.
- Segesta - An archaeological site with a well-preserved Greek temple.
- Valle dei Templi - One of the most impressive Greek ruins in Sicily.
Road network near Palermo
Sicily's roads are generally well maintained, especially the main roads such as the A29 and A19. Some inland roads can be narrow and winding, especially in the mountains. Be aware of tolls on some highways, and be prepared for crowds in the summer months.
Recommended car rental category from Palermo
For travelling around Sicily, an SUV or a car with a powerful engine is recommended, especially because of the mountainous landscape. A convertible is also a good choice if you plan to drive along the coast and enjoy the sunny weather. When exploring both the cities and inland, an SUV offers enough comfort and space.
Best travel time to visit Sicily
The best time to visit Sicily is in spring and autumn, when temperatures are pleasant and tourist crowds are less.
Eating and drinking on Sicily
Sicily is known for its delicious dishes such as arancini, cannoli, and pasta alla Norma. Taste the local wines too, but remember that you should not drive after drinking alcohol. In addition, enjoy a refreshing granita on a hot day!
Useful words and phrases about car hire in Italian
- Traffic light - Semaforo
- Breakdown - Guasto
- Curve - Curva
- Car key - Chiave dell'auto
- Parking place - Parcheggio
- Which car is for me? - Quale auto fa per me?
- Here you have my driving license. - Ecco la mia patente di guida.
- Will there be petrol or diesel in my car? - Va benzina o diesel nella mia auto?
- Where is the nearest petrol station? - Dov'è la stazione di servizio più vicina?
- Where do I leave my car when my holiday is over? - Dove posso lasciare l'auto quando la mia vacanza è finita?