Hi
We are flying into Palermo and then staying in the city for 5 nights before renting a car and exploring. I have read and know that driving into Palermo would be crazy, so are people renting the car back at the airport or a different location when leaving? We will be heading north before dropping off the car at Cantina and flying out of there. I know there are different options getting into the city and will also check with my Airbnb but does anyone have a favorite over train, bus or taxi apart from cost? Thanks all!
Posted by
Idaho, USA
9215 posts
Hi Nicola, I had planned to take the shared shuttle option from the airport into the city, but the sign showed it was temporarily closed, so I just opted for a taxi. Yes, it was expensive, but I felt like it was such a good way to begin Palermo with a positive experience! On the day that I left, I walked several blocks over to the train station to take it back to the airport. It reconfirmed my decision that the “first impression” was so positive.
Posted by
Denver, CO, USA
1704 posts
I just rented from the Avis location on the edge of downtown and drove straight out of the city. Didn’t want to waste time getting back out to the airport. I was just able to walk to Avis from my hotel (a few blocks)
Posted by
Paris
7725 posts
If you don't want to travel to the airport (which you can do by train or bus if a cab sounds too expensive), there are some car rental options at Notarbartolo station: leaving Palermo from there is not too painful.
Posted by
OP
252 posts
Thanks all. I think taking the cabin would be less stressful and more enjoyable. Start to the vacation. We’re gonna be picking up Palermo and dropping off at Catania so I will look at those options that you said about doing it on the edge of town or the train station
Posted by
new york
1082 posts
The Avis location that Arnold mentioned is a very convenient one.
I would definitely recommend dropping the car off at Catania airport before heading into the city by taxi. The airport is very close to Catania city and a taxi costs about 30 euro into the city. Do not miss a couple of days there..I love that city!!
Posted by
OP
252 posts
Good tips. We have three days in Catania so we can see the city as well as exploring areas and then drop off at the airport when we leave. 😊
Posted by
701 posts
Private Taxi from the airport is fixed rate; I think €44.
Driving in central Palermo isn't crazy but it can take some getting used to. Driving on the outskirts is not a big deal at all. Honestly, I would just pick it up at the location nearest my hotel. Alternatively take a bus out to the rental location of your choice. IMO the worst option is backtracking all the way to the airport (it's a long way) and dealing with a different kind of hassle picking a car up there.
Posted by
new york
1082 posts
Nicola, I was recommending dropping off your car before you enter the city of Catania. So as not to have to deal with parking and driving In the city.. I can see you'd need to keep it if you plan to take day trips by car from Catania, though... Maybe you could visit those places before your stay in Catania, so you could rid yourself of the need to have a car...
I think three days is a good amount of time to cover the main sights in the city of Catania...and experience some of the great restaurants in the city..
Posted by
701 posts
EKScrunchy has good advice. Having a car while in Catania is just gonna be a hassle. Finding parking in bigger cities is a time suck and stressor.
BTW, download the EasyPark app and connect it with a credit card before you go.