Arriving at Palermo's Falcone Borsellino airport makes western Sicily easily accessible. By collecting a Goldcar rental car on arrival, you can drive straight to the coast or into town without waiting for public transport. Having your own vehicle allows you to move between beaches, ruins and mountain towns in a single day, and makes transporting bags, shopping or beach gear much simpler than relying on buses.
Goldcar offers UK travelers a clear booking process and a wide range of competitively priced vehicles. The cars are recent, with modern equipment, and the PMO office offers fast pick-up services such as Key'n Go for certain bookings. You can add child seats, satellite navigation or Wi-Fi in advance, and opt for full coverage with no deductible for added peace of mind. A 24-hour helpline is available if you need assistance during your trip.
Why rent a car at Palermo airport?
You can visit the center of Palermo on foot, but the real treasures of the island lie beyond the old streets. Cefalù, Segesta, Monreale, Erice and San Vito Lo Capo are all easier to reach with a rental car. Families appreciate the space they have to load their luggage between hotels, while couples often use the car to reach secluded coves or mountain villages. For short-stay travellers, a car means you can do more a day without having to wait for buses.
The airport is directly connected to the A29dir freeway. The city can be reached in around 40 minutes, while Trapani, Castellammare del Golfo and the salt marshes near Marsala are all on the same road. This means you can avoid city traffic at the start of your vacation and head straight for the coast or countryside.
Types of vehicles and options available at Palermo airport
Goldcar's fleet in Palermo ranges from compact city cars for narrow streets and easy parking, to estate cars, SUVs and people carriers for families and groups. Convertibles are particularly popular in summer for journeys along the coast. Automatic cars are widely available, and hybrid cars can be booked on certain dates.
Additional options such as GPS, baby and child seats, portable Wi-Fi and extra drivers can be booked in advance. Mileage is generous for most bookings, allowing you to travel freely. Young drivers aged 21 and over can rent certain categories at an additional cost.
Where can you pick up your rental car at Palermo airport?
After baggage claim, follow the car rental signs to the rental area. At the Goldcar counter, you'll need your passport, driving license, booking voucher and a credit card in the name of the main driver. If you've chosen Key'n Go, you can collect the keys directly and drive to the parking lot.
The rental parking lot is just a few steps from the terminal. Before you leave, check the status sheet, the fuel level and familiarize yourself with the controls. To Palermo, follow the E90 signs to the city, or stay on the A29dir to Trapani and the west coast. To return the car, signs for "Car Rental Return" will take you back to the same place. Service stations are located on the access roads, which is useful if you intend to fill up.
Explore Palermo and the surrounding area by car
Monreale is less than half an hour's drive from the city. Its cathedral is famous for its golden mosaics and views over the hills. The nearby Mondello beach is popular for swimming and seafood restaurants.
Cefalù, about an hour to the east on the A20, combines a medieval town with sandy beaches and a stunning Norman cathedral. To the west of the airport, the Greek temple of Segesta is surrounded by rolling hills. Continuing on, you reach Erice, above Trapani, where cobbled streets and fresh air contrast with the coast below. The Marsala salt flats are another interesting stop, especially at sunset.
Nature lovers can drive to the Zingaro reserve from Scopello or San Vito Lo Capo, both within easy reach by car. Castellammare del Golfo is another easily accessible coastal town, with guarded parking lots near the marina. For mountain scenery, the Madonie Park offers winding roads and quiet inland villages.
Tips for driving and parking in Palermo
Palermo's historic center is covered by restricted traffic zones (ZTL) monitored by cameras. Park outside these zones and continue on foot to avoid fines. Blue lines indicate paying spaces, white lines are generally free and yellow spaces are reserved. Guarded parking lots are more expensive, but reliable for longer stays.
On Sicilian roads, the speed limit is 50 km/h in towns, 90 km/h on main single carriageways, 110 km/h on dual carriageways and 130 km/h on freeways, unless otherwise indicated on signs. Seat belts must be worn by all passengers, and children under 150 cm must be seated in an appropriate seat. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.5 g/l. Telephones may only be used hands-free. Scooters are a common sight in Palermo traffic, so drive carefully and avoid sudden lane changes.
Best time to visit Italy
Spring and early summer bring warm days, wild flowers and less traffic, making April to June a pleasant time to visit Italy. September and October are also excellent months, with warm seas, grape harvests and fewer crowds.
July and August are the hottest and busiest months. So book early, with early starts and breaks in the shade at midday. The Festa di Santa Rosalia, in July, is a highlight, but increases traffic in the center. Winter is mild, with Christmas markets, theater at the Massimo and lower car rental rates.
