- Must visit
Palazzo Abatellis - Regional Gallery of Sicily
Major art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, known for Sicilian medieval and Renaissance masterpieces including works by Antonello da Messina.
Cheapest price
$101
Average price
$140
Fastest journey
16 h
Average duration
16 h 45 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
653 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Florence to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Florence to Palermo will cost around $140 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $101.
Of the 3 buses that leave Florence for Palermo on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct buses cover the 653 km distance in an average of 16 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 17 h 15 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.
700 · S201
FlixBus
FlixBus
700 · S201
FlixBus
FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Florence to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $49, and a train costs an average of $91.
Distance: 405 miles (653 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$86 Average price | $109 Average price | $149 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $112 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
16h 18m Average total duration 15h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 28m Average total duration 12h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 47m Average total duration 19h 47m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 12h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 2.0 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Florence to Palermo:
A ferry is $26 (€22) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Florence to Palermo costing on average $86 (€71).
A ferry is $49 (€40) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Florence to Palermo costing on average $109 (€89).
A ferry is $89 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Florence to Palermo costing on average $149 (€122).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 58m.
Bus takes on average 15h 48m.
Ferry takes on average 19h 47m.
Tickets start at around $86 (€71) compared to roughly $112 (€92) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $26 (€21). The journey takes 15h 48m versus 12h 3m 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.
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 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 16h00 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $93 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 17h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:50PM | Arrival Time 07:50AM | Duration 13h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $70 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $90 |
The table below shows live departures for Florence to Palermo buses for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 10:00 PM Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Florence) | 17h15 | 3:15 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
700 · S201 | 3:45 PM Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Florence) | 16h00 | 7:45 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus | 6:00 PM Scandicci, Villa Costanza (Florence) | 17h00 | 11:00 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, flight, and ferry 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 Florence to Palermo run on average 4 times per day, taking around 15h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $23 (€19) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
There are 2 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 22:15. The fastest bus covers the 405 miles (653 km) distance in 16h 0m.
Distance 405 miles (653 km) |
Average bus duration 15h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $23 (€19) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 2 |
Fastest bus 16h 0m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 10:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
Major art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, known for Sicilian medieval and Renaissance masterpieces including works by Antonello da Messina.
One of Sicily's most important archaeological museums, with Punic, Greek and Roman collections and notable sculpture fragments.
Historic noble residence preserved with original furnishings, offering a vivid look at aristocratic life in Palermo.
Energetic historic district centered on Palermo's most famous street market, full of everyday local life and vivid street scenes.
Striking central square framed by historic buildings and the famous fountain, a key stop in the old town.
One of Palermo's main historic streets, largely pedestrianized and lined with landmarks, shops and lively urban scenes.
Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. Palermo is famous for its round arancine and strong street-food tradition.
A classic Palermo street sandwich made with veal spleen and lung, often topped with caciocavallo or ricotta. It is one of the city's most iconic local bites.
Chickpea fritters, usually served in a sesame bread roll. They are a beloved Palermo snack and a staple of the city's historic friggitorie.
Well-regarded restaurant near the historic center serving refined Sicilian cuisine with local ingredients in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Popular central spot for approachable Sicilian cooking, including pasta and regional classics, with a casual and lively atmosphere.
Established seafood-focused trattoria appreciated for traditional Palermo and Sicilian dishes in a classic local dining room.
Moderate by Italian standards: street food is cheap, while central hotels and tourist restaurants cost more.
Service is often included or minimal. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes is common; about 5-10% for very good restaurant service. Taxis are usually rounded up.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Florence 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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