- Must visit
Palazzo Abatellis - Regional Gallery of Sicily
Major Sicilian art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, known for Antonello da Messina's masterpieces and medieval to Renaissance works.
Cheapest price
$94
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
17 h 15 m
Average duration
19 h 38 m
Buses per day
4
Distance
729 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Bologna to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Palermo will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $94.
Of the 4 buses that leave Bologna for Palermo on Wed, Jun 10, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 10 the direct buses cover the 729 km distance in an average of 19 h 38 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 17 h 15 m .
On Wed, Jun 10 the slowest buses will take 22 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus
700 · S201
700 · S201
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $37. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $37, and a train costs an average of $96.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$81 Average price Cheapest | $134 Average price | $142 Average price | $143 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 1m Average total duration 16h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 56m Average total duration 14h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Palermo:
A bus is $53 (€43) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Palermo costing on average $134 (€109).
A bus is $61 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Palermo costing on average $142 (€116).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 26m.
Bus takes on average 16h 31m.
Tickets start at around $81 (€66) compared to roughly $143 (€117) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $62 (€50). The journey takes 16h 31m versus 13h 10m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Direct services are operated by FlixBus, Itabus, BlaBlaCar.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $96 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $76 |
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Palermo buses for today, Tuesday, June 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 4:25 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 18h35 | 11:00 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 20h45 | 3:15 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:15 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 22h05 | 7:20 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from Bologna to Palermo run on average 3 times per day, taking around 16h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:59, the last at 21:15. The fastest bus covers the 452 miles (729 km) distance in 17h 15m.
Distance 452 miles (729 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€30) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 17h 15m |
First bus 12:59 AM |
Last bus 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
Major Sicilian art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, known for Antonello da Messina's masterpieces and medieval to Renaissance works.
Important archaeology museum with Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Egyptian collections, central for understanding Sicily's ancient history.
Well-preserved aristocratic house museum with original furnishings, frescoes and decorative arts, offering a vivid look at noble Palermo.
Palermo's famous seaside district with turquoise water, white sand and Liberty-style villas, highly popular with locals and visitors.
Lively historic market area known for street life, colorful stalls and an authentic atmosphere that draws many photographers.
Main pedestrian-friendly avenue cutting through the old center, lined with landmarks, shops and constant city energy.
Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, butter, ham, cheese, or other fillings. A Palermo street-food icon and one of the city's most famous snacks.
Soft bread rolls filled with chickpea fritters, often served with lemon. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Also called pani câ meusa, this sesame roll is filled with chopped veal spleen and lung, often topped with caciocavallo or ricotta.
Established fine-dining restaurant offering modern interpretations of Sicilian cuisine, polished service, and a more upscale atmosphere.
Well-known restaurant near the historic center serving refined Sicilian cuisine in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere, with strong local ingredients.
Popular central spot known for approachable Sicilian dishes, pasta, and a lively casual atmosphere close to Quattro Canti.
Moderate by Italian standards. Street food and local trattorias are good value, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service is often included or covered by a coperto. Tipping is not mandatory, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes or 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxis.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Palermo by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Palermo, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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