Transparent car rental for Sicily with Excess Protection Included
Our flight was diverted to another Air port due to Mt Etna erupting this made us 5 hrs late for oure car collection. There was no problem the staff were very nice and helpful very happy 😊 Bob
Robert - Catania Airport, 1 week ago
We know that renting a car can be stressful. We are here to change that with a fresh, honest approach.
Which? Recommended Provider
We are the one and only Which? Recommended Car Hire Broker, an accolade we have earned every year since 2017. Fresh, Honest and Transparent!
Excess Protection Included
We don't hide costs. Excess Protection is included in every quote, so you are covered from the moment you book. No surprises at the desk.
UK-Based Support
Need help? Our UK-based team is here for you 24/7. If you have an issue at the rental desk, we will speak to the provider directly to sort it out.
We focus on quality, not quantity. At Catania Airport (CTA), we partner with hand-picked national and trusted local providers. Main customer service desks are located directly inside the terminal arrivals hall. Once you pick up your keys, vehicles are located a short walk away in the adjacent airport car park. For select off-site operators, a prompt and free shuttle bus service runs from designated terminal collection bays. Full collection logistics will be clearly displayed when you generate your quote.
We take a fresh, honest approach to car hire. Our booking process is simple: clear pricing, no hidden costs, and no small print to sweat over. We want you to relax and look forward to exploring the pristine coastlines, ancient ruins, and dramatic mountain scenery of Sicily.
Catania Airport is the premier starting point for discovering the rich Mediterranean heritage, unique natural wonders, and historic settlements of eastern Sicily. With a rental car, you can reach the vibrant city center of Catania and its famous Piazza del Duomo in just 15 to 20 minutes north via the local network. For a journey into spectacular coastal paradise, the breathtaking beaches and ancient Greek history of Syracuse are roughly 50 minutes south via the E45. If you seek deep cultural discovery and dramatic landscapes, the towering heights of Mount Etna or the historic streets of Taormina are a comfortable 1-hour drive away, all easily accessible via the local driving network.
The wider eastern region offers an incredible mix of traditional Italian character and raw natural beauty, from the bustling square cafés of the regional capital to the quiet, mountain-veiled roads and traditional farming communities of the interior. A rental car gives you the ultimate freedom to explore beyond the airport and discover hidden local culinary spots, historic baroque towns, and the quiet scenic roads that cut through the rolling hills. Find your own rhythm in the modern and historic heart of the island.
Embarking on an extended road trip is a fantastic way to embrace the spirit of adventure! Whether you are picking up a vehicle at Catania Airport and planning to take a ferry to explore neighboring regions, mainland Italy, or looking into options that allow traveling across borders into broader Europe, travel permissions depend entirely on the specific car category and provider regulations. Because rules vary by company, running a live quote on our website is the easiest way to see precise cross-border permissions and labels for your chosen vehicle.
At Zest Car Rental, we offer a wide range of vehicles at Catania Airport to suit every journey. Whether you need a compact car for efficient city driving and easy town parking, a spacious SUV for a comfortable family road trip across the rugged terrains, or a sturdy vehicle with a strong engine to comfortably handle the rolling rural climbs, we have the perfect fit for you. All provider-specific details can be found in your car rental terms and conditions.
Pick up your car at Catania Airport and drop it off at alternative locations like Palermo Airport or Comiso Airport. One-way rentals are a popular way to explore the diverse beauty of the landscape without needing to return to your starting point, giving you more freedom for your holiday layout.
Please note that each provider sets their own rules for one-way rentals, and some may apply a mandatory local fee. This is clearly shown during the booking process.
Can I rent a car in Catania if I am under 25?
Yes. While many providers require drivers to be at least 21 and apply a Young Driver Surcharge, there are options available for younger drivers with a full, valid licence. Minimum age requirements vary by provider.
Can I rent a car in Catania if I am over 70?
Yes. Senior drivers are widely welcomed. Most rentals have no additional fees for seniors, though we always recommend checking the specific terms for your chosen vehicle.
Sicily is a spectacular destination across all seasons. The Summer months (June to August) offer warm, beautiful weather ideal for exploring outdoor historical sites, beach hopping, and experiencing regional festivals. Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November) are also highly popular, featuring pleasant, mild temperatures that are absolutely perfect for driving tours, hiking, and exploring historic old towns without peak seasonal crowds. Winter brings crisp Mediterranean air and quiet roads to the island, though drivers should budget extra travel time for high-altitude interior routes during winter weather.
Sicily has a mix of tolled and toll-free motorways. Several major motorways, including sections of the A18 and A20, operate with tolls collected at motorway toll plazas, while other routes, such as the A19 between Catania and Palermo, are toll-free.
For journeys from Catania Airport, you may encounter tolls when travelling on parts of the A18 towards Messina or Syracuse. Local roads in and around Catania do not require toll payments, and there are no vignette requirements for driving in Sicily.
Drivers should follow motorway signage when entering tolled sections, as payment is made at designated toll plazas.
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