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Discover the Ultimate One-Way Drive from Rome to Palermo

Plan your journey effortlessly with our comprehensive guide, perfect for every traveler.

Can I rent a car from Rome to Palermo?

Yes, you can rent a car for a one-way trip from Rome to Palermo. Many major companies offer this service, but there are specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.

Documents required for IT residents
Documents required for international visitors
  • Form of ID: A valid physical Italy national photo ID
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-3 year(s).

    Notes: If you are renting a Citroen DS7 CROSSBACK or similar, Nuova C5 X Hybrid or similar, Jeep Compass or similar, AUDI Q5 or similar, or Q5 S-Tronic or similar, please ensure that both your driving license and ID document are issued by the same country.

  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-82 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as EUR 24-25.66 per day or capped amounts like EUR 384.9 per month, depending on the rental terms.
  • Driving Licence: The main driver and any additional drivers must provide a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence should be held for at least 1-3 year(s). Accepted driving licence include:
    • Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP) (Please note that an IDP is only a translation. You must present your original driving licence with the original IDP at the counter.)
    • EU Driving Licence
    • Full driver's license issued in Italy

    Notes: If you are renting a Citroen DS7 CROSSBACK or similar, Nuova C5 X Hybrid or similar, Jeep Compass or similar, AUDI Q5 or similar, or Q5 S-Tronic or similar, please ensure that both your driving license and ID document are issued by the same country.

  • Form of ID: A valid passport
  • Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required. Accepted credit cards include UnionPay, Visa, Master, DinersClub, JCB, Discover, and AMEX. Supported card attributes include XpCard, DcCard, and UnCard.
  • Age requirements: Drivers must be aged between 18-82 years. Young drivers aged 18-25 may incur additional fees, such as EUR 24-25.66 per day or capped amounts like EUR 384.9 per month, depending on the rental terms.
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How much does renting a car from Rome to Palermo cost?

One-way rentals typically includes a drop-off fee, depending on the company and distance. Below are approximate rates for different vehicle types:

Cheapest Economy Rate

Starting from

US$ 47/day
Cheapest SUV Rate

Starting from

US$ 55/day
Vehicle Types
Vehicle TypesDaily Rate(One-way Fee Included)One-way FeeTotal(3-day Trip)Best For
SmallUS$ 91-US$ 282US$ 0-US$ 473US$ 141-US$ 402Solo travelers, couples
MediumUS$ 756-US$ 786US$ 329US$ 881-US$ 919Small families, light luggage
LargeUS$ 182-US$ 899US$ 0-US$ 443US$ 253-US$ 1,063Families, comfort seeker
SUVUS$ 114-US$ 437US$ 0-US$ 443US$ 165-US$ 455Large groups, long drivers
PremiumUS$ 800-US$ 2,333US$ 0-US$ 329US$ 927-US$ 2,891Families, comfort seeker
VanUS$ 343-US$ 1,877US$ 105-US$ 443US$ 571-US$ 2,322Large families, groups

What should I pay attention to for a one-way rental?

Key Consideration:
  • Understanding One-Way Fees: Be aware of potential surcharges for returning your vehicle to a different location than the pick-up point.
  • Cross-Border Restrictions: Check if your rental agreement permits crossing into other countries along the route.
  • Refueling Policies: Understand the car rental company's fuel policies to avoid additional charges.
  • Insurance Coverage: Confirm that your insurance provides adequate coverage for your entire planned route.
  • Drop-Off Timing: Verify the operating hours of the drop-off location to avoid late return penalties.
Smart Planning Tips:
  • Book in Advance: Secure your one-way rental as early as possible to get the best rates and availability.
  • Plan Your Stops: Familiarize yourself with potential rest areas and landmarks en route for a more enjoyable drive.
  • Compare Pricing Options: Utilize comparison tools to find the best deals suited to your travel needs.
  • Optimize Refueling: Research affordable fueling stations along your route to minimize costs.
  • Emergency Preparation: Keep a roadside assistance contact number handy for peace of mind during unexpected situations.
Insurance: A Critical Consideration

Rental car insurance is essential for peace of mind on your journey. Counter rates can be expensive, often adding $20-40 per day to your rental cost.

QEEQ Online Car Rental Insurance
  • Comprehensive coverage for your rental vehicle
  • Approximately 50% cheaper than counter rates
  • Easy online purchase before your trip
Learn More About QEEQ Insurance
Book Earlier for Better Rates

Car rental prices fluctuate based on demand and availability. Booking in advance typically secures better rates, especially during peak travel seasons.

QEEQ One-Dollar Freeze
  • Reserve your vehicle with just $1 upfront
  • Price Drop Protector automatically tracks price changes
  • Automatic rebooking when prices drop
Learn More About One-Dollar Freeze

Refueling, Parking and Tolls

Refueling
Parking
Refuel Policy Basic

Refueling before returning the car is normally cheaper than purchasing a full tank from the rental company.

Always confirm the fuel type required for the vehicle to avoid penalties.

Keep the last fuel receipt to provide proof of refueling.

Fuel Cost

The average fuel cost in Palermo is approximately €1.80 per liter for gasoline.

Fuel Efficiency Tips

Maintain a steady speed of around 90-100 km/h for optimal fuel efficiency.

Ensure tires are inflated to the recommended pressure levels.

Minimize the use of air conditioning when driving.

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Rome Parking

Parking in central Rome can be expensive; consider parking outside the city center and using public transport.

Look for blue-lined parking spaces, which indicate pay parking zones.

Avoid parking in areas marked with yellow lines as these are reserved for residents.

Palermo Parking

Palermo offers several parking lots near major attractions; prices vary between €1 and €2 per hour.

Street parking is available but can be limited during peak hours.

Consider using private garages for added security.

Recommended Parking Apps

Parkopedia

EasyPark

MyCicero

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Popular Self-Drive Routes

Main Routes Around Rome to Palermo:
Scenic Coastal Drive
Scenic 10-12 hours

A scenic route that hugs Italy’s western coast, offering spectacular ocean views and charming seaside towns.

Naples , Amalfi Coast , Messina
Historic Interior Route
Historic 9-11 hours

This route winds through Italy’s interior, passing through historic cities and picturesque countryside.

Monte Cassino , Potenza , Agrigento
Quickest Path via A1 and A19
Direct 9 hours

The fastest route from Rome to Palermo, primarily using the A1 and A19 highways.

Naples , Villa San Giovanni , Messina
Road Trip Planning Tips

Choose the Right Vehicle: Ensure your rental car suits your travel needs, such as a smaller car for city exploration or a spacious vehicle for long drives.

Budget Wisely: Set a budget including rental fees, fuel, tolls, and additional expenses.

Plan Your Route: Research and map out your route in advance to avoid unexpected delays or detours.

Gas Stations Awareness: Keep track of gas station locations and refill before entering long stretches without services.

Stay Insured: Consider rental car insurance to protect against unforeseen incidents.

Rest Regularly: Schedule breaks during your drive to stay alert and energized.

How to Choose Car Rental Companies

Selecting a car rental company for a one-way trip from Rome to Palermo requires consideration of fees, vehicle options, and availability.

CompanyOne-Way FeeFleet VarietyLocation CoverageKey Advantage
Europcar$$HighExcellent Wide network , Flexible pick-up options , Eco-friendly vehicle options
Avis$$HighExcellent Luxury cars available , Simple rental process , 24/7 customer support
Hertz$$MediumVery Good Corporate discounts , Airport kiosk locations , Online reservation options
Sixt$$$PremiumGood Affordable premium models , App-based rental management , Frequent promotions
QEEQ

Access to 110,000+ locations worldwide with 1,000+ suppliers for the best rates

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Global Coverage

200+ countries and regions

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Best Rates

Compare across providers

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24/7 Customer Services

Through phone, online chat & Whatsapp

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Exclusive Features

One-Dollar Freeze & Price Drop Protector

Explore QEEQ Car Rentals
Selection Criteria for One-Way Rentals:
Pricing Considerations
  • Base rental rate per day
  • One-way drop-off fees
  • Additional driver charges
  • Insurance costs
  • Fuel policy and potential charges
Vehicle Selection
  • Vehicle size for passengers and luggage
  • Fuel efficiency for long drives
  • Comfort features for highway driving
  • Navigation and entertainment systems
  • Vehicle condition and mileage
Company Reliability
  • Customer service reputation
  • Transparency in fees and policies
  • Roadside assistance coverage
  • Cancellation and modification policies
  • Reviews from other one-way renters

Rome and Palermo Car Rental Centers

Car rental offices in Rome:

Major car rental companies, such as Europcar, Avis, Hertz, and Sixt, are located at both downtown and airport centers in Rome.

Palermo rental car drop-off locations:

Drop-off locations are primarily based at Palermo International Airport and key city spots.

Shuttle services:

Frequent shuttles run between off-site rental centers and both city and airport terminals.

Operating hours:

Most rental centers operate daily from 8 am to 8 pm, with some offering 24/7 service.

Pro Tips for Rome Fiumicino Airport(FCO) Car Rentals

To avoid additional fees, ensure you adhere to the drop-off timing and location specified in your rental agreement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a one-way car rental?

A one-way car rental allows you to rent a car at one location and return it to another. This is especially useful for travelers who do not plan to return to their starting point, such as on a route between Rome and Palermo.

Are there additional fees for one-way rentals?

Yes, in many cases, rental companies charge a one-way fee to cover the cost of repositioning the vehicle. This fee may vary depending on the company and the locations involved, such as Rome and Palermo.

Do I need a specific license to drive in Sicily and mainland Italy?

If you are traveling in Italy, you generally need a valid driver’s license from your home country. However, many rental companies and Italian law require an International Driving Permit (IDP) along with your regular license. Confirm the policy with your chosen rental provider.

Can I take the rental car on a ferry between mainland Italy and Sicily?

Yes, most rental companies allow this, but it is advisable to confirm in advance to ensure insurance and rental terms cover ferry transport.

What is the minimum age requirement for renting a car for this route?

The minimum age for renting a car in Italy is generally 21 years. However, drivers under 25 may face an additional "young driver" surcharge. Always confirm the age restrictions with your rental provider.

Ready to Book Your Rome to Palermo Adventure?

Find the best rates and exclusive features with QEEQ

Other popular one-way rental routes