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Parking in blue zones in Catania

Want to park in the Municipality of Catania? Discover rates, hours, exemptions and how to pay.

How the blue stripe parking works in Catania

The blue parking lines in Catania identify regulated paid parking areas, active in specific zones of the city and during certain days and hours. These are public spaces designated for vehicle parking, where it is mandatory to pay an hourly fee to park legally.

The objective of regulated parking is to manage urban traffic, encourage vehicle turnover in high-traffic areas, and improve accessibility to central, commercial, and service areas.

The management of blue line parking is entrusted to AMTS – Azienda Metropolitana Trasporti e Sosta, the company owned by the Municipality of Catania that handles the regulation of blue parking spaces, installation and maintenance of parking meters, issuance of permits and possible subscriptions, and the definition of payment methods.

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How to pay for blue parking zones in Catania

In Catania, it is possible to pay for parking on blue lines using several official methods, all valid and subject to the same hourly rate, but different in terms of convenience and usage.

The choice of method does not affect the cost of parking, but only the ease of management and the ability to check or modify the parking duration.

AMTS Parking Meters

The AMTS parking meters are installed in the main regulated parking areas of the city and represent the traditional payment method. They allow payment both with coins and with electronic or contactless cards, where the device is enabled.

Important aspects to remember:

  • The ticket must be mandatorily displayed on the dashboard in a clearly visible manner.
  • Any minimum payment fraction (for example 15 or 30 minutes) is indicated on the parking meter or on the signage.
  • The ticket is valid only in the tariff zone where it is purchased and cannot be used in other areas of the city.

App and digital services

In some areas of Catania, digital parking payment services are available through payment apps affiliated with AMTS.

These systems allow you to pay for parking directly from your smartphone, start, extend or end your parking session remotely, and avoid using paper tickets (enforcement is carried out through electronic license plate verification).

Telepass App

In Catania, it is also possible to pay for blue parking spaces through the Telepass app, using the service dedicated to urban parking.

The main advantages for drivers and motorcyclists:

  • No paper ticket to display.
  • Payment only for the actual parking time.
  • Ability to manage everything remotely, without returning to the vehicle.
  • Automatic control via license plate, reducing the risk of fines.
  • Service also available for motorcycles and scooters, after associating the correct license plate.

How much do the blue parking stripes cost in Catania

The blue parking zone rates in Catania vary according to the area, day, and time when you park. Before leaving your car, it's always advisable to check the vertical signage at the location, as it may indicate local variations from the general regulations. Below you'll find the official and established rates for parking in the blue zones in the Municipality of Catania.

Standard hourly rates

The basic rates for parking on blue lines in Catania are as follows:

  • 0.87 € for 1 hour of parking: the standard hourly rate in the main regulated areas of the city.
  • 0.40 € for parking quotas of minutes and hourly fractions: applied when parking is less than an hour or paid in smaller fractions (for example multiples of 15 or 30 minutes), according to signage or parking meter.
  • 0.40 € is the minimum parking fee: even for very short stays, this is the minimum amount charged.
  • 2.90 € for extended half-day parking: discounted rate designed for those who leave their car for a medium-long period within the day, without having to pay the full hourly rate for all hours.

Minimum rates and short-term parking

In the historic center of Catania, the "Movida Park" service is active, which offers a dedicated evening rate:

  • €1.00 per hour for night parking, valid during the time slots and in the areas indicated by signs (typically during evening/night hours on weekends or in areas with a high concentration of venues and activities).

This rate is designed to encourage vehicle turnover in areas with high evening attendance, while maintaining an affordable cost.

Monthly subscriptions

For those who regularly use paid parking, Catania offers long-term options:

  • €18.56 for monthly subscriptions: this solution is suitable for those who frequently park in the same regulated areas, offering savings compared to continuous hourly payment.

Subscriptions are subject to the rules established by AMTS – Azienda Metropolitana Trasporti e Sosta and municipal regulations.

Keep in mind, however, that there may be local or temporary variations, for example during major events, holidays, or extraordinary activities. The local vertical signage remains the official reference for schedules, rates, and maximum allowed duration.

Blue parking zone hours in Catania

The blue parking zone hours in Catania can vary depending on the area, type of parking space, and time of year. Generally, paid parking is active especially in central areas, commercial zones, and high-traffic locations, while in more residential neighborhoods the regulations may be more flexible.

It's essential to remember that the vertical signage present on each street always represents the definitive reference for hours, days of validity, and any limitations.

Typical payment hours

In general, parking on blue lines in Catania follows these rules:

  • Weekdays (Monday to Friday): parking is normally paid during daytime hours, starting in the morning and continuing until late afternoon or evening, depending on the area.
  • Saturday: in many areas parking remains paid on Saturdays, especially in the city center, commercial zones and areas with high vehicle turnover.
  • Differences between city areas: Historic center and commercial zones: more extended and continuous hours, often including evening hours. Residential neighborhoods: more limited payment periods, generally concentrated during daytime hours. High-demand areas (seafront, tourist zones, nightlife districts): possible evening or night extension of paid parking.

In all cases, the actual schedule is always indicated on the vertical sign located next to the parking spaces.

Parking on holidays

  • When parking is generally free: in most areas of Catania, parking on blue lines is free on Sundays and public holidays, unless otherwise indicated.
  • Possible exceptions: in some particular areas parking may remain paid even on holidays, especially in the historic center, tourist areas, and areas affected by events, demonstrations, or high attendance.
  • Temporary ordinances and seasonality: the Municipality may introduce temporary ordinances that modify parking hours or days of validity, for example: during city events; during periods of higher tourist influx; during road works or traffic modifications; during the summer seasons, particularly along the seafront.

Even in these cases, changes are always indicated through temporary signage or additional on-site information.

Blue parking spaces free in Catania: who is entitled to exemptions

In the Municipality of Catania, parking on blue-lined spaces is generally paid for most users, but there are some total exemptions and specific concessions for protected categories or for vehicles engaged in public utility services.

Exemptions and any reductions are regulated by municipal regulations and operationally managed by AMTS. In all cases, it is necessary to possess a valid permit or authorization, to be displayed or registered according to the established procedures.

Total exemptions

The following categories are entitled to free parking in blue-striped zones, without the obligation to pay the hourly rate:

  • Vehicles serving people with disabilities (CUDE): vehicles displaying the European Unified Disability Badge can park for free in blue parking spaces. The badge must be valid and clearly visible on the windshield, unless digital registration systems are provided.
  • Emergency and rescue vehicles: ambulances, emergency response vehicles, and medical emergency vehicles are exempt from payment while performing their service.
  • Law enforcement and Civil Protection: vehicles belonging to Police, Carabinieri, Financial Police, Municipal Police, and Civil Protection can park for free when engaged in institutional or operational activities.
  • Authorized institutional vehicles: this category includes vehicles of public entities or institutional subjects equipped with specific municipal authorization, valid only for service activities.

Partial exemptions or concessions

In addition to total exemptions, in Catania there may be limited concessions, which do not automatically grant free parking in all areas or at all times.

  • Residents In some zones, there may be sector permits or concessions for residents, valid only: in specific areas, for certain parking spaces, or during defined time slots.
  • Authorized professional categories Discounted parking is generally limited to the duration of the intervention and subject to possession of a specific permit. Those who may benefit include: Healthcare workers making home visits. Authorized technicians and maintenance workers. Professionals performing essential activities in the area.
  • Public services and essential activities: vehicles used for local public services or public utility activities may benefit from preferential arrangements, only in authorized areas and times.

Blue parking zones in Catania: are there benefits for electric and hybrid cars?

Unlike other major Italian cities, the Municipality of Catania does not provide general free parking on blue lines for low-emission vehicles. Current regulations do not automatically distinguish between traditional, electric, or hybrid vehicles.

However, sustainable mobility policies may be updated over time. For this reason, it is always advisable to check for new resolutions from the Municipality of Catania or AMTS communications, especially regarding Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL), traffic restrictions, or environmental trials.

Frequently asked questions about blue parking zones in Catania

In general, parking on blue lines is free on Sundays and public holidays, except in tourist areas, during events, or when temporary ordinances are in effect. It is always advisable to check the vertical signage.

Yes. If you use an affiliated digital app or the Telepass app, you don't need to display the paper ticket, because verification is done by checking the license plate.

No. Currently there are no automatic exemptions or concessions for electric or hybrid cars. Parking is paid for like all other vehicles.

The minimum parking fee is 0.40 €, which covers hourly fractions or very short stays, as indicated by the AMTS parking meters.

Yes. AMTS offers monthly subscriptions, currently with an indicative cost of 18.56 €, valid according to the conditions and zones established by municipal regulations.

Roads subject to paid parking are always indicated by blue lines on the asphalt and vertical signs showing hours and rates.
In case of doubt, the signage present on site is the authoritative reference.

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Pay for blue parking lines with the Telepass App

Thanks to the Blue Lines service, you can manage your vehicle parking directly from the app.