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Car Hire

Set just two and a half miles from the centre of the historic Sicilian city of Catania, Catania Fontanarossa Airport is the island’s second largest air gateway. Travellers headed here can quickly reach all the city’s main sites via car hire, including the Piazza del Duomo and the chic Via Etnea shopping area; both are only around 20 minutes from the airport with the help of a rental. However, bus and taxi services into the city centre are also regularly available.

Who to Book With
There are roughly a dozen rental firms operating at Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Globally recognised brands include Avis, Hertz, Budget, Europcar and Sixt, whilst local agencies include Maggiore, Holiday Car Rental, Giroa, Sicily by Car and Alfa Service. All rental firms operate in the small buildings situated opposite the old terminal building, just a few minutes’ walk from the Arrivals area.

Need to Know Essentials
The items listed below must be displayed to staff on vehicle pick up:

- An International Driving Permit
- A copy of your booking confirmation
- Your credit card used for the reservation

For more info read our FAQ's.

Driving
Driving in Sicily is somewhat more relaxed than other places in Italy. However, parking can be difficult with large vehicles in the island’s age-old cities, and Catania is no exception. Parking rules are generally fully enforced. Additionally, rural roadways heading in the direction of Enna are often steep and can exhibit dangerous conditions in the winter months. Be aware that Italian law requires foreign motorists to have an International Driving Permit, and that petrol prices can be quite high in the region. Tolls are not uncommon but are generally much cheaper than in mainland Italy.

See our Italy guide for more information on driving.

Transport

Transportation to and from Catania Fontanarossa Airport is exceptionally convenient via car hire, although buses offer an economical alternative, whilst taxis are available 24 hours.

Trains
Rail service is not available directly from Catania-Fontanarossa Airport. However, arriving travellers can make use of taxis, car hire or the airport public bus service to connect to central Catania for rail connections. Trains depart regularly for most of Sicily’s major destinations, including Palermo, Trapani and Messina. It’s a 10-minute walk from the train station to the city centre.

Taxis
There is a taxi stand situated just to the left of the airport’s Arrivals doors. Another is set directly in front of the old terminal building. Travel time into the city is about 15 to 20 minutes. Rates are higher between 22:00 and 07:00. There are additional supplements for large pieces of luggage and for service on Sunday and public holidays.

Taxi prices:
Catania Fontanarossa Airport to the city is around £20

Buses
Regular bus service into central Catania departs from the stop near the old terminal building from 05:00 to midnight daily. Buses generally depart every 20 minutes and local fares apply. The bus makes a stop at the Catania rail station. Alternatively, several companies offer out-of-town service to several locations including Enna, Siracusa, Nicosia and Messina. Contact the following bus firms for details: AST, Sais Autolinee, Interbus and Etna Transporti.

Facilities

Terminals
Catania Fontanarossa Airport passengers all arrive and depart from the new two-story terminal building; the Departures/check-in area is on the upper floor whilst Arrivals/baggage claim are located on the lower level. The old terminal is not currently in use for flight activities though is under renovation.

Parking
There are five car parks at Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Long-term parking is available at P2, P4 and P5 on the north side of the airport, whilst P1 and P3 are for short stays only. Customers can pay with coins using electronic kiosks. Hourly parking is available for £1.50 per hour, whilst daily rates starting at around £7.

Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi service is available in the passenger terminal.

Information Services
There is a tourism information desk on the Arrivals floor; opening hours run from 06:00 to 22:00 daily. Additionally, a flight information desk can be found in the Departure terminal and operates during the same hours.

Useful Numbers
Airport inquiries: +39 095 7239111
Night service taxi phone: +39 095 386794
AMT ‘AliBus’: 800 018696 (toll free)

Accessibility
Assistance for disabled passengers and those with special needs is available 24 hours a day. Special parking for disabled travellers can be found in all five car parks.

Restaurants and Bars
Passengers passing through Catania Fontanarossa Airport can choose from two food outlets: a full-service restaurant is open for lunch and dinner everyday in the public side of the Departures area, whilst a self-service café is located next door and operates from 11:30 to 15:00 and from 18:30 to 21:30. There is also a coffee bar open from 05:30 in the Departures area, as well as in the Arrivals hall; light snacks and baked goods are available.

VIP Lounges
The Alitalia Bellini VIP Lounge is set on the post-security side of the Departures level and is open daily between 05:30 and 21:30.

Money and ATMs
Basic banking services are available in the airport Monday through Friday from 08:20 to 13:30 and from 14:45 to 15:45. ATMs can be found in both the Arrivals and Departures areas and are accessible 24 hours.

Shopping
International customers can find a special ‘duty-paid’ shop in the Departures lounge. The store is open prior to flight departures and offers spirits, perfumes, tobacco and other retail goods. Meanwhile, a wide-array of snacks, gifts, souvenirs and travel necessities are on offer in the Departures Shopping Centre, which is open everyday from 06:00 to 20:00. There is also an adjacent newspaper stand with plenty of reading materials, cigarettes and other basic items.