Please sign in to post.

rental cars in Sicily! please help

Posted by on

I would like to pick my car up in Palermo but somehow it is much cheaper to pick it up at the airport than downtown city in palermo.
I do not need a car in Palermo for 2 days so i was thinking I would go to the airport after 2 days in Palermo to pick my car up.
Is the airport really far from the city?
also, does this look okay to book?
ive never rented a car .. so I don't know how this works..

Unlimited Kilometers.
C.D.W. Deductible: EUR 0.00.
Theft Insurance Deductible: EUR 0.00.
Theft Insurance Coverage: Included in all rates.
Liability insurance: Included in all rates.Liability ins. coverage: Maximum of approx. EUR 10,000,000.00 per accident.

Posted by
28477 posts

This web page has some information about ground transportation to the Palermo Airport, which is about 20 miles from the city but does have bus transportation available.

I don't know anything about European car-rental contracts.

Posted by
11613 posts

Make sure you get an International Driving Permit from your nearest AAA.

Posted by
2456 posts

In 2014 I had a fine experience renting from Sixt for pick-up and return at Palermo Airport. I got a very good non-refundable rate, and I was sure to include fuLl zero-deductible coverage. There are regular buses from near the railroad station in Palermo, to the airport, about 30 minute ride as I remember. I also remember that when returning the car to the airport from the east (Erice) there were no gas stations at all east of the airport, and I needed to overshoot about 10 km toward Palermo to find a station to fill up. That time, from Sixt I had a brand new car, a Fiat.

Posted by
16236 posts

Check also pricing with the following consolidators:
www.autoeurope.com
www.kemwel.com
They work with the major companies (Avis-Budget, Europcar, Hertz).
I always use them, and many people here do. I usually get full zero deductible insurance, which doesn't add a lot to the cost, but adds peace of mind.
See if their deals are better than what you got. I find it odd that the airport pick up is cheaper. Are the airport fees included in the quote you got?

Posted by
3309 posts

I'm basically echoing Roberto's reply. I've got a Europcar rental through Auto Europe in Cagliari, Sardinia. I've opted for the no deductible insurance option because it's an economical option when renting in Italy. I'm renting at the airport but I wanted to return the car to the city office. Surprisingly, there was a substantial additional charge for this. Don't forget to get an international driver permit. Substantial fines if you are asked for it by the police and you don't have one.

Posted by
15798 posts

Sounds odd that it's cheaper at the airport. It's a schlep, either by bus or train to get there. Check autoeurope.com. I rented through them and got the best rate with Hertz, city location.

Posted by
11613 posts

Just guessing, but it might be cheaper at an airport that has a high demand for car rental pickup (so they want more cars returned there).

Posted by
50 posts

Hello, all
I actually went to all those websites you mentioned..
and it is def cheaper at the airport and no extra cost.
i ended up getting it from kemwel.
thanks so much!

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.