Car Rental in Messina

Where to drive

• Taormina and Isola Bella: Drive south along the coast for about 50 km (≈45-minute drive) to the stunning clifftop town of Taormina, home to an ancient Greek theater and the picturesque Isola Bella nature reserve.
• Mount Etna: Embark on an unforgettable journey to Europe's most active volcano, Mount Etna. The drive to Rifugio Sapienza (southern base) is about 90 km (≈1.5-hour drive) offering dramatic landscapes.
• Milazzo and the Aeolian Islands: Head west for about 40 km (≈40-minute drive) to Milazzo, a charming port town. From here, you can take a ferry to the beautiful Aeolian Islands for a day trip or longer stay.
• Tindari Sanctuary and Marinello Lakes: Drive west along the Tyrrhenian coast for about 60 km (≈1-hour drive) to visit the impressive Tindari Sanctuary perched on a cliff overlooking the Marinello Lakes nature reserve.
• Savoca and Forza d'Agro (Godfather villages): Explore the charming hilltop villages of Savoca and Forza d'Agro, famous as filming locations for 'The Godfather'. These are about 30-40 km south of Messina (≈45-minute drive).

What documents you need

To rent a car in Italy, you generally need a valid driving license from your home country, held for at least one year (some companies require two). Non-EU citizens typically need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in addition to their national license. A valid passport or national ID card and a major credit card in the main driver's name are also required. The minimum age to rent is usually 21, though drivers under 25 may incur a young driver surcharge.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Messina vary significantly by car class and season. Economy cars might start from around 25-35 EUR per day in the low season, while SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 60 EUR to over 100 EUR daily. Expect prices to increase by 50-100% or more during the peak summer months.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Italy, driving is on the right side of the road. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on secondary roads, 110 km/h on main extra-urban roads, and 130 km/h on motorways. Alcohol limits are strict, with a legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit of 0.05%. Headlights are mandatory at all times on motorways and dual carriageways, and generally recommended during the day. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants. Children under 1.50m (approximately 4 feet 11 inches) must use an appropriate child restraint system.

Parking

In Messina, parking can be challenging, especially in the city center. Blue lines typically indicate paid parking zones (parcheggio a pagamento), often requiring payment at a 'Parcometro' machine or via a mobile app. White lines indicate free parking, but these spots are rare and fill up quickly. Yellow lines are reserved for residents or specific purposes and should be avoided by visitors. Consider using parking garages (parcheggio custodito) for secure and easier parking.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Messina and Sicily. Unleaded petrol (benzina senza piombo) and diesel (gasolio) are standard. LPG (GPL) and CNG (metano) are also available at some stations. Fuel prices are generally higher than in many other European countries, typically ranging around 1.80 EUR to 2.00 EUR per liter for unleaded petrol (as of 2026). Most stations accept credit cards, but it's wise to carry some cash, especially in more rural areas or for self-service pumps after hours.

Which car to choose

For driving in Messina and exploring its surroundings, a compact or economy car is often the most practical choice. Their smaller size makes navigating narrow city streets easier and parking less of a hassle. If you plan extensive drives into the mountainous regions or desire more comfort for longer trips, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would be suitable. Manual transmission is very common in Italy, so if you prefer automatic, book well in advance. For the winding roads, a car with good handling is beneficial.

Frequently asked questions