Nods on Catania Airport
Information about Catania Fontanarossa Airport (CTA)
Catania – Fontanarossa Airport (CTA), named after Vincenzo Bellini, is the main airport in Sicily and one of the busiest in Southern Italy. Thanks to its strategic position, it is the ideal starting point for those who want to explore Eastern Sicily: Catania, Mount Etna, Taormina, Syracuse, Ragusa and the whole Ionian coast.
For those arriving and needing to move independently, the airport is the perfect place for an immediate car rental, with dedicated services such as those offered by TDS Rent, which also allows car rental without a credit card and with cash payment.
Layout and services of Catania Airport
The airport has a modern terminal, equipped with numerous services designed for passengers:
- Separate and easily identifiable arrivals and departures areas
- Bars, restaurants and refreshment points
- Shops, newsstands and shopping areas
- Duty free (for international flights)
- ATM services, passenger assistance and information desk
- Official short- and long-term car parks
The area dedicated to car rental can be reached on foot by following the signs for the rent-a-car TDS Rent or via our private free shuttle, with counters of the main car rental companies, including TDS Rent.
Why choose car rental at Catania Airport
Renting a car directly upon arrival at Catania Airport offers numerous advantages:
- Maximum convenience: pick up your vehicle right after landing
- Total freedom to travel to hotels, towns and tourist destinations
- Possibility to reach areas not served by public transport
- Fast management of pick-up and drop-off, without additional transfers
With TDS Rent you can benefit from particularly advantageous conditions:
- Car rental without a credit card at Catania Airport
- Cash payment at the time of pick-up
- Full Kasko insurance to eliminate the excess
- No security deposit on specific rates
- Modern fleet: city cars, sedans, SUVs and family cars
- 24/7 assistance for pick-up, drop-off and emergencies
Where Catania Airport is located
Catania Fontanarossa Airport is located about 5 km from the centre of Catania and is well connected to the main road arteries of Eastern Sicily:
- A18 Catania – Messina
- A19 Catania – Palermo
- Western Catania Ring Road
- SS114 towards Syracuse
Thanks to its position, the airport is the ideal starting point for a road trip to discover Eastern Sicily.
Main destinations reachable by car from Catania Airport
With a rental car you can easily reach many of the most popular destinations in Sicily:
| Destination | Approximate distance | Average driving time |
|---|---|---|
| Catania city centre | about 5 km | 10 minutes |
| Etna (Rifugio Sapienza area) | about 35 km | 45 minutes |
| Taormina | about 55 km | 45–60 minutes |
| Syracuse / Ortigia | about 65 km | 50–60 minutes |
| Noto | about 85 km | 1 hour – 1 hour 10 minutes |
| Ragusa | about 97 km | about 1 hour 30 minutes |
Why TDS Rent is the ideal choice at Catania Airport
Choosing TDS Rent for your car rental at Catania Airport means relying on a partner that puts transparency, flexibility and convenience at the centre.
- Clear conditions, with no hidden costs
- Car rental without a credit card and without prepaid card
- Cash payment directly at pick-up
- Options without security deposit on specific rates
- Comprehensive insurance coverage (Full Kasko)
- Dedicated assistance for the entire rental period
If you are looking for a car rental at Catania Airport that is simple, fast and convenient, TDS Rent is the ideal solution to start your trip in Sicily in the best way.
Frequently Asked Questions – Cardless Rental at Catania Airport
Can I rent a car at Catania Airport without a credit card or prepaid card?
Yes. TDS Rent allows car rental at Catania Airport even without a credit card and without a prepaid card. Alternative solutions are available, such as paying in cash at the time of vehicle pick-up.
Can I pay for the rental in cash at pick-up?
Yes. It is possible to pay in cash at the time of pick-up at the TDS Rent counter at Catania Fontanarossa Airport. Cash payments are handled with complete security and transparency.
Is a security deposit required if I pay in cash?
No. TDS Rent offers options without a security deposit for certain rates and conditions. Information regarding the deposit is always indicated in the booking confirmation.
How can I reduce the excess to zero in case of damage?
You can add Full Kasko (Full Casco) insurance, which completely eliminates any excess and offers full damage coverage, ensuring maximum peace of mind during your trip.
What documents are required to rent without a card?
You will need a valid driving licence and an identity document (identity card or passport). No payment card is required for cash payment or no-deposit options.
Which vehicles can I rent with these conditions?
Most of the TDS Rent fleet — city cars, sedans, SUVs and family cars — is available also for rentals without a card and without a security deposit. Availability varies according to the period and the selected category.
Can I book online and choose to pay in cash?
Yes. On the tdsrent.it website you can make a booking and select the option to pay in cash at pick-up. The booking confirmation will clearly show the selected conditions.
Are there additional costs for those who choose cash payment or no deposit?
TDS Rent follows a fully transparent pricing policy. Any surcharges for optional services (for example Full Kasko, child seats, GPS) are always clearly indicated during the booking process.
Can I add a second driver without using a card?
Yes. You can register and add a second driver even with cardless formulas; you just need to provide the required documents for the second driver as well.
Does TDS Rent provide 24/7 assistance for rentals at Catania Airport?
Yes. TDS Rent offers 24/7 assistance for pick-up, drop-off, emergencies and roadside support, including for rentals without a card and without a deposit.
15 Things to See in Catania
Catania is a lively and scenic city, perfect to discover independently with a rental car. If you land at Catania Airport, by choosing TDS Rent you can easily move along the entire Ionian coast and reach the main attractions of Eastern Sicily.
Discover what to visit during your trip and choose the car that best suits your needs from our TDS Rent fleet.
1. Piazza Duomo and the Elephant Fountain
The heart of Catania, symbol of the city, ideal as a starting point to explore the centre. You can easily reach it with your TDS Rent vehicle after picking it up at the airport.
2. Cathedral of Saint Agatha
Located in Piazza Duomo, it is a splendid example of Sicilian Baroque and houses the tomb of Vincenzo Bellini.
3. Via Etnea
The main shopping street and the place for panoramic walks with views of Etna. Easily reachable from the city centre car parks.
4. Roman Theatre and Odeon
Fascinating archaeological remains in the heart of the ancient city, perfect for those who love history.
5. Monastery of the Benedictines
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most impressive monastic complexes in Europe. A guided tour is highly recommended.
6. Castello Ursino
A medieval fortress built by Frederick II, now a civic museum. Parking is available nearby.
7. Catania Fish Market
A unique market, perfect for immersing yourself in Catania’s gastronomic tradition.
8. Teatro Massimo Vincenzo Bellini
The city’s opera house, famous for its perfect acoustics and elegant architecture.
9. Villa Bellini
The most loved historic park by the people of Catania, a green oasis ideal for a break during your visit.
10. Porta Garibaldi
An impressive Baroque gate, scenic and rich in historical symbols.
11. Catania Seafront
From Ognina to Piazza Europa, a seaside walk among venues, bars and spectacular views.
12. La Playa of Catania
The city’s sandy beach, long and easy to reach by car.
13. Aci Castello
A seaside village just a few minutes from Catania, famous for its Norman castle on a lava rock. With your TDS Rent car it is a perfect destination for an afternoon trip.
14. Aci Trezza and the Faraglioni dei Ciclopi
A mythological setting and one of the most photographed places in Eastern Sicily. Great for boat trips.
15. Etna and Rifugio Sapienza
The highest active volcano in Europe. With a rental car you can easily reach Rifugio Sapienza, the starting point for the cable car and guided excursions.
15 Things to Eat in Catania
Catania is not only history and landscapes: it is also one of the capitals of Sicilian street food. If you arrive in the city with a rental car from TDS Rent, you can easily move between the historic centre, markets and coastal villages to taste all the typical specialities of Catania.
Here is a selection of the 15 things to eat in Catania during your stay in Sicily. Choose the car that best suits your needs from our TDS Rent fleet and start your food tour.
1. Catania Arancini
Arancini are the symbol of Sicilian street food. In Catania you will find them in many variations: with ragù, butter, Norma-style, pistachio and more. Perfect for a quick break between one visit and another.
2. Pasta alla Norma
Pasta alla Norma is Catania’s signature dish: pasta with tomato sauce, fried aubergines, salted ricotta cheese and basil. A tribute to the composer Vincenzo Bellini and an absolute must for anyone visiting the city.
3. Catanese Cartocciata
The cartocciata is a soft leavened dough typically filled (usually with ham, cheese, olives, wurstel) that you can find in all bars and bakeries. Ideal for a savoury breakfast or a mid-morning snack.
4. Cipollina
The Catania cipollina is a puff pastry savoury pie filled with tomato, mozzarella, ham and plenty of onion. One of the most loved rosticceria items by the locals, and a must-try.
5. Catanese Scacciata
Scacciata is a typical stuffed focaccia, filled with tuma cheese, anchovies, potatoes, cauliflower or broccoli. It is mostly eaten in winter, but many bakeries offer it all year round.
6. Crispelle
Crispelle are soft fritters typical of the area: rice fritters with honey or filled with ricotta or anchovies. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, they are an unmissable treat.
7. Grilled Horse Meat
In Catania, horse meat is a real institution: meatballs, slices and sausages cooked on the grill in the typical “putie” (butcher taverns), especially in the city centre and along Via del Plebiscito. A rustic and typical dinner.
8. Grilled Fish and Fried Seafood at the Fish Market
In the area of the Catania Fish Market you can taste very fresh fish, grilled or fried: calamari, prawns, swordfish, anchovies and mixed fried fish. A real taste experience in the heart of the historic centre.
9. Sicilian Cannolo
The Sicilian cannolo is one of the most famous desserts on the island: a crispy shell filled with sweet ricotta, often with chocolate chips or candied fruit. In Catania you can find it in historic pastry shops and artisan bars.
10. Sicilian Cassata
Cassata is the triumph of Sicilian Baroque pastry: sponge cake, ricotta, marzipan and icing. It is a rich dessert, perfect to end a traditional lunch or dinner.
11. Brioche col Tuppo and Granita
Granita with brioche col tuppo is the typical summer breakfast: pistachio, almond, lemon, mulberry or coffee flavours. To be enjoyed in the bars of the centre or along the seafront, perhaps after a coastal drive.
12. Minnuzze di Sant’Agata
Minnuzze di Sant’Agata are small marzipan and ricotta cakes dedicated to the patron saint of Catania. They are prepared all year round, but are the stars of the celebrations in February.
13. Iris and Fried Bombs
Iris and fried bombs are leavened sweets filled with cream, ricotta or chocolate, then fried and covered in sugar. A real “bomb” of flavour for those who love rich desserts.
14. Almond and Pistachio Sweets
Almond pastries, biscuits, nougat and specialities with Bronte pistachio are ever-present in Catania’s pastry shops. They are also ideal as gourmet souvenirs to take home.
15. Etna Wines and Local Products
Etna wines, both white and red, are among the excellences of the area. With a car you can easily reach wineries and farmhouses on Etna for tastings and typical local products.
