- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Bologna to Palermo
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08
Cheapest price on Sep 08
€45
Average ticket price on Sep 08
€56
Fastest journey on Sep 08
18 h 35 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
20 h 28 m
Buses on Sep 08
3
Distance
729 km
Cheap tickets
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 €56 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €45.
Fast buses
On Tue, Sep 08, we found 3 buses from Bologna to Palermo, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 08 the direct buses cover the 729 km distance in an average of 20 h 28 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 35 m .
On Tue, Sep 08 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 · FlixBus9:15 PM22h05Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)7:20 PMPalermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus)€451One-way1 transfer- FlixBus · FlixBus6:30 PM20h45Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)3:15 PMPalermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus)€481One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus4:25 PM18h35Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)11:00 AMPalermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus)€741One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus4:25 PM18h35Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)11:00 AMPalermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus)€741One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus · FlixBus6:30 PM20h45Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)3:15 PMPalermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus)€481One-way1 transfer
- FlixBus · FlixBus9:15 PM22h05Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)7:20 PMPalermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus)€451One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Bologna to Palermo
Omio 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 train, with an average ticket price of €53 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 35m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €53, while a flight costs an average of €247.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€101 Average price | €247 Average price | €53 Average price Cheapest | €117 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
19h 16m Average total duration 18h 46m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 35m Average total duration Fastest 2h 35m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 15h 35m Average total duration 15h 5m 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Bologna to Palermo is a train with an average price of €53.
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Palermo:
A train is €48 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Bologna to Palermo costing on average €101.
A train is €194 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Palermo costing on average €247.
The fastest way to travel from Bologna to Palermo is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 35m.
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 5m.
Bus takes on average 18h 46m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bologna and Palermo including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bologna to Palermo among Omio's users.
Take the bus. It's the cheapest way to make this trip, and the price gap is usually bigger than people expect.
Tickets start at around €101 compared to roughly €117 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €17. The journey takes 18h 46m 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.
Bologna to Palermo Bus Timetables
| 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 €75 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 18h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €69 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 20h45 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price €48 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:40PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 20h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €43 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:20PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 19h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price €49 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €50 |
Operator OneBus | Departure Time 08:05PM | Arrival Time 02:35PM | Duration 18h30 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price €317 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:15PM | Arrival Time 07:20PM | Duration 22h05 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €41 |
Live departures
Bologna to Palermo bus times
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Palermo buses for today, Monday, September 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 700 · S201 | 2:30 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 17h15 | 7:45 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 | 7:20 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 19h55 | 3:15 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
 | 8:05 PM Bologna | 18h30 | 2:35 PM Palermo | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 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 prices and tickets Bologna to Palermo by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Bologna to Palermo buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus, Salemi and more offer buses services from Bologna to Palermo.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Bologna to Palermo.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus or Salemi to find the best option for your trip from Bologna to Palermo.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Bologna to Palermo.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu, Trainline or Checkmybus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus or Salemi to find the best option for your trip from Bologna to Palermo.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Bologna to Palermo.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Bologna to Palermo
ItalyItaly
Buses from Bologna to Palermo run on average 3 times per day, taking around 18h 46m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at €22 but you can travel from only €16 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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €16
Distance 452 miles (729 km) |
Average bus duration 18h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price €22 |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 17h 15m |
First bus 12:59 AM |
Last bus 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €16
Bus providers: FlixBus, Salemi, OneBus from Bologna to PalermoYou can travel by bus between Bologna to Palermo with FlixBus, Salemi, OneBus for as low as €16. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average FlixBus Duration
17h 45m
Cheapest FlixBus Price
€22
FlixBus frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Salemi
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Salemi Duration
17h 15m
Cheapest Salemi Price
€75
Salemi frequency
1 a day
OneBus
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average OneBus Duration
18h 30m
Cheapest OneBus Price
€317
OneBus frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Palermo
Things to do in Palermo
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
- Recommended
Palazzo Mirto
Historic rooms and vivid majolica floors showcase aristocratic Palermo. Visit for decorative arts, period interiors and city history.
- Recommended
Steri Museum
Housed in the grand Steri Palace, this museum presents the Sicilian Inquisition’s story through cells, graffiti and historical documents.
- Must visit
Via Vittorio Emanuele
Palermo’s elegant main boulevard links major monuments, shops and theaters. Ideal for first walks and observing the city’s layered architecture.
- Must visit
Via Maqueda
This historic street cuts across the old center and hosts markets, churches and daily life. A lively route for exploring local Palermo.
- Recommended
Albergheria
A bustling old quarter famous for layered street life, churches and market culture. Best explored on foot for atmosphere and urban history.
Arancina
Crisp fried rice ball stuffed with ragù, peas and caciocavallo. A Sicilian street food icon widely loved in Palermo.
Pane con la Milza
Soft sesame-topped bun filled with spleen and lung, often with caciocavallo or ricotta. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Pasta con le Sarde
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins. Its sweet-savory flavor reflects Palermo's Arab-Norman culinary heritage.
I Pupi
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Sicilian tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting.
Osteria Ballarò
Historic seafood restaurant near the port, praised for fresh catch, raw dishes and classic Palermo fish recipes.
Nni Franco U Vastiddaru
Legendary no-frills street-food stop celebrated for pane con la milza and authentic local sandwiches loved by residents.
Euro (€)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Bus from Bologna to Palermo
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Bologna to Palermo can start from as little as €22 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Bologna to Palermo is €101 ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Bologna to Palermo is 17h 15m to travel the 452 miles (729 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Bologna to Palermo leaves at 12:59 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Bologna to Palermo leaves at 9:15 PM.
Yes, there are 1 direct buses a day from Bologna to Palermo with FlixBus, Itabus, BlaBlaCar. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from Bologna to Palermo, you can count on FlixBus, Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus, Salemi, BlaBlaCar for the best way to get you to Palermo. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Bologna and Palermo and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
When departing from Bologna , you have various bus station options to start your journey from including Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) . When arriving in Palermo , you can end your journey in bus stations like Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus), Palermo .Passengers board the bus most frequently from Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre), which is located around 0 miles (1 km) away from the city centre, and they get off the bus at Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus), located 1 away from the city centre.
A trip to Palermo from Bologna is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 17h 15m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Bologna to Palermo is July.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Bologna and Palermo including taking a train, bus, and flight.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from Bologna to Palermo for bus company FlixBus, Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from Bologna to Palermo:
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- Itabus
- Assistance
- Dedicated seating areas
- Accessible restrooms.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Palermo are:
- Palermo Cathedral, a stunning architectural blend of Norman, Moorish, and Baroque styles
- Teatro Massimo, Italy's largest opera house known for its grand performances and impressive acoustics
- Palazzo dei Normanni, a historic palace featuring the exquisite Palatine Chapel with its Byzantine mosaics
- Quattro Canti, a Baroque square at the intersection of Palermo's two main streets, known for its symmetrical fountains and statues
- Orto Botanico di Palermo, a lush botanical garden showcasing diverse plant species.
The best things to do in Palermo include:
- Capuchin Catacombs, an eerie yet fascinating underground cemetery with mummified remains
- Ballarò Market, a bustling street market offering a taste of local Sicilian produce and culture
- Explore the vibrant street art in the Vucciria district
- Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Sicilian dishes
- Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Foro Italico promenade.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from Bologna to Palermo depends on the bus companies:
- Autoservizi Salemi
- The cancellation policy can vary by ticket class, individual trips, or promotions, so it's best to check the terms during booking.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
- Itabus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 24 hours before departure for a partial refund. Changes allowed for a fee.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Itabus.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from Bologna to Palermo.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from Bologna to Palermo:
- Autoservizi Salemi
- Two pieces of luggage: one large suitcase for the hold and one smaller backpack for on-board.
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
- Itabus
- One carry-on bag up to 10kg and one checked bag up to 20kg.
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from Bologna to Palermo:
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
- Itabus
- 5€ per additional bag.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from Bologna to Palermo. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
- Itabus
- Small pets allowed in carriers
- larger pets must be leashed and muzzled.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from Bologna to Palermo with the following bus company: FlixBus, Itabus
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from Bologna to Palermo with the following bus company: FlixBus, Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from Bologna to Palermo with the following bus company: FlixBus, Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus.
Since both Bologna and Palermo are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Bologna to Palermo among Omio's users.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Palermo, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and vendors, as well as unofficial guides offering overpriced tours. It's advisable to use authorized services and stay vigilant in busy tourist spots.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Bologna to Palermo
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.
Departure bus stations in Bologna
Arrival bus stations in Palermo
Which Bologna station do buses to Palermo leave from?
Buses from Bologna to Palermo leave from Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre). The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Bologna city centre at Piazza XX Settembre, 6, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy.
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre)Piazza XX Settembre, 6, 40121 Bologna BO, Italy
City-centre transport
Getting to Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) from Bologna city centre
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
BusA, 97, 98 · 8m · €1 · every ~15 min
A · 10m · €1 · every ~6 min
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) bus station facilities and services
Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Cafeteria Autostazione (in the station), Trattoria del Rosso (0.5 km), Osteria Broccaindosso (0.7 km).
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre): Elevators, ramps.
Most popular bus connections from Bologna
More options for your journey from Bologna to Palermo
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Palermo and Bologna
Most popular bus connections to Palermo
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