Europe > Italy > Palermo (PMO)
The Car or no Car advice for Palermo can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Palermo ; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Palermo ?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Palermo?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
Once in the city, Palermo works well on foot 🚶♀️, especially within the historic centre. Major sights such as the Palermo Cathedral, Norman Palace, Ballarò Market, and Teatro Massimo sit close together. In recent years, the city has also significantly expanded its tram network 🚊, improving east–west connections and making car-free movement easier than it once was.
🚄 Rail, trams, and ferries across Sicily
Palermo is steadily becoming more rail-friendly 🚄. The main line across the centre of Sicily towards Caltanissetta and Catania has seen major upgrades, including straightening and electrification, turning what was once a slow route into a scenic and increasingly practical cross-island journey 🌄. Coastal rail lines also connect Palermo with towns to the east and west, offering relaxed travel without driving.
From the port, ferries and hydrofoils 🚤 open up further options. Day trips or overnight journeys to the Aeolian Islands, including Stromboli, add a dramatic volcanic dimension to a Palermo-based stay — all without touching a steering wheel.
🚗 When renting a car becomes useful
Despite these improvements, a rental car still unlocks much of inland Sicily. Remote hill towns, archaeological sites, and rural landscapes are often slow or impossible to reach by public transport. Driving gives flexibility, especially if you want to explore beyond the coastal and rail corridors.
Many visitors choose a hybrid approach: enjoy Palermo car-free, then rent a car later for countryside exploration.
🚗 Conclusion: should you rent a car in Palermo?
For Palermo itself, no ❌ — trains, trams, walking, and ferries cover a surprising amount. However, if your plans include remote hill towns or deeper exploration of Sicily’s interior, renting a car adds freedom that public transport can’t always match.