Updated October 2026
Driving in Sicily has a reputation, but for most visitors it is easier than expected. Motorways are free or cheap, the countryside roads are quiet, and a rental car is by far the best way to combine Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse and the south coast. These tips will help you avoid fines and stress.
Is it safe to drive in Sicily?
Yes. Outside the big cities traffic is light and roads are in reasonable condition. Local drivers are assertive — expect close overtaking, short indicators and double-parked cars in towns — but rarely aggressive. Drive calmly, keep a safe distance and avoid rush hour in Catania and Palermo.
ZTL zones: the most common fine
Most historic centres — Catania, Syracuse’s Ortigia, Taormina, Palermo, Noto — are limited-traffic zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato). Cameras photograph every car that enters, and the rental company passes the fine on to you months later. Watch for the round white sign with a red border and the word “ZTL”, park outside and walk in. If your hotel is inside a ZTL, ask it to register your number plate.
Motorways and tolls
- The A18 Catania–Messina (via Taormina) and the Messina–Palermo A20 are toll motorways; pay at the booth with cash or card.
- The Catania–Palermo A19 and the Catania–Syracuse motorway are toll-free.
- Speed limits: 130 km/h on motorways, 110 km/h on main roads, 90 km/h outside towns and 50 km/h in town, unless signs say otherwise.
Parking: what the line colours mean
- Blue lines: paid parking — pay at the machine or with a parking app and leave the ticket on the dashboard.
- White lines: usually free, sometimes with a time limit shown on a sign.
- Yellow lines: reserved for residents, disabled drivers or loading — do not park here.
Renting a car at Catania Airport
Catania Fontanarossa has the largest choice of rental companies in Sicily. Compare the offers, check what is included and read the fuel and deposit rules before you book:
- Most companies ask for a credit card in the main driver’s name for the deposit.
- Choose a “full to full” fuel policy and take photos of the car at pick-up.
- Excess cover is worth it: scratches from narrow streets are common.
- Drivers with a non-EU licence usually need an International Driving Permit.
Compare car rental at Catania Airport
DiscoverCars compares local and international rental companies at Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA). Most bookings come with free cancellation.
Compare Car Hire in CataniaCar hire search by DiscoverCars. Prices and rental conditions are shown on their website.
Mountain roads and Mount Etna
The roads up Etna are good but winding; in winter the upper sections can need snow chains or winter tyres. Private cars can drive to Rifugio Sapienza (south) and Piano Provenzana (north) — higher up you continue by cable car, 4x4 bus or with a guide. See our page on car rental in Catania and driving to Etna.
Can you visit Sicily without a car?
Partly. Trains and AST or Interbus coaches link Catania with Taormina, Syracuse and Palermo, and most Etna tours include pick-up from your hotel. Without a car, base yourself in Catania or Taormina and join guided day trips. For the baroque towns, Agrigento and the wineries, a car saves a lot of time — see our 7-day Sicily road trip.
