- Must visit
Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum
Palermo’s top museum displays Sicilian archaeology, including the famous Punic Stone and Selinunte finds, in a former convent complex.
Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$172
Fastest journey
18 h 30 m
Average duration
19 h 32 m
Buses per day
5
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 $172 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $99.
Of the 5 buses that leave Bologna for Palermo on Sat, Jul 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jul 25 the direct buses cover the 729 km distance in an average of 19 h 32 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 30 m .
On Sat, Jul 25 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
FlixBus · FlixBus

FlixBus
FlixBus · 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 $30. 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 $30, and a train costs an average of $78.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$66 Average price Cheapest | $109 Average price | $116 Average price | $117 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 $43 (€43) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Palermo costing on average $109 (€109).
A bus is $49 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Palermo costing on average $116 (€116).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 26m.
Bus takes on average 16h 31m.
Tickets start at around $66 (€66) compared to roughly $117 (€117) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $50 (€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 BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:10PM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 15h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $75 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 14h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $82 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $98 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $99 |
Operator OneBus | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $317 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $88 |
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Palermo buses for today, Friday, July 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
701 · S201 | 2:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 17h15 | 7:45 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 4:25 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 18h50 | 11:15 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 4:25 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 18h35 | 11:00 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 6:40 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 20h35 | 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 |
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 $30 (€30) but you can travel from only $23 (€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 $30 (€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.
Palermo’s top museum displays Sicilian archaeology, including the famous Punic Stone and Selinunte finds, in a former convent complex.
Historic rooms and vivid majolica floors showcase aristocratic Palermo. Visit for decorative arts, period interiors and city history.
Housed in the grand Steri Palace, this museum presents the Sicilian Inquisition’s story through cells, graffiti and historical documents.
Palermo’s elegant main boulevard links major monuments, shops and theaters. Ideal for first walks and observing the city’s layered architecture.
This historic street cuts across the old center and hosts markets, churches and daily life. A lively route for exploring local Palermo.
A bustling old quarter famous for layered street life, churches and market culture. Best explored on foot for atmosphere and urban history.
Crisp fried rice ball stuffed with ragù, peas and caciocavallo. A Sicilian street food icon widely loved in Palermo.
Soft sesame-topped bun filled with spleen and lung, often with caciocavallo or ricotta. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins. Its sweet-savory flavor reflects Palermo's Arab-Norman culinary heritage.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Sicilian tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic seafood restaurant near the port, praised for fresh catch, raw dishes and classic Palermo fish recipes.
Legendary no-frills street-food stop celebrated for pane con la milza and authentic local sandwiches loved by residents.
Moderate for Italy. Street food and local meals are affordable, while hotels in peak season cost more. Public transport is cheap, keeping overall tourist costs reasonable.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
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.

Most Bologna to Palermo buses use the Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) to Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Palermo bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Cafeteria Autostazione (in the station), Trattoria del Rosso (0.5 km), Osteria Broccaindosso (0.7 km).
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre).
Available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Elevators, ramps.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need