- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$124
Fastest journey
18 h 55 m
Average duration
20 h 3 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
729 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Palermo to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo to Bologna will cost around $124 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $99.
Of the 3 buses that leave Palermo for Bologna on Sun, Jun 21, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 729 km distance in an average of 20 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 18 h 55 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 20 h 50 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 · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 44m. 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 $55, and a flight costs an average of $23.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$101 Average price Cheapest | $151 Average price | $140 Average price | $143 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
17h 2m Average total duration 16h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 2m Average total duration 14h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 32m 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 Palermo to Bologna:
A bus is $39 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Bologna costing on average $140 (€115).
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo to Bologna costing on average $151 (€124).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 32m.
Bus takes on average 16h 32m.
Tickets start at around $101 (€82) compared to roughly $143 (€117) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $42 (€34). The journey takes 16h 32m versus 13h 32m 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 OneBus | Departure Time 04:20AM | Arrival Time 09:35PM | Duration 17h15 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $387 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $83 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $95 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $84 |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Bologna buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FlixBus | 3:25 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 18h55 | 10:20 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
S202 · 700 | 6:00 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 16h30 | 10:30 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:10 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 20h25 | 5:35 PM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:10 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 20h50 | 6:00 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Palermo to Bologna run on average 3 times per day, taking around 16h 32m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $55 (€45) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:01, the last at 23:29. The fastest bus covers the 452 miles (729 km) distance in 16h 30m.
Distance 452 miles (729 km) |
Average bus duration 16h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $55 (€45) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 16h 30m |
First bus 12:01 AM |
Last bus 11:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
The city’s main fine arts museum, known for important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael and the Carracci.
Bologna’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, with strong permanent collections and rotating exhibitions in a large converted industrial space.
A major archaeological museum with Etruscan, Egyptian, Greek and Roman collections, housed in a historic palace near Piazza Maggiore.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major civic and religious buildings, ideal for first-time visitors and people-watching.
The world-famous covered walkway leading toward the San Luca sanctuary, popular for scenic walks, photography and local tradition.
One of the city’s most elegant and photogenic squares, fronting the Santo Stefano complex and loved for its atmospheric character.
Fresh egg pasta ribbons served with Bologna’s traditional slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s most iconic dishes and differs from the tomato-heavy versions found abroad.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in rich capon or beef broth. This is a classic Bolognese comfort dish, especially tied to festive family meals.
Layered baked pasta with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano, often made with green spinach pasta sheets. It is a signature Emilia-Romagna Sunday dish.
Highly regarded neighborhood trattoria known for careful ingredient sourcing and excellent handmade pasta, with a cozy and authentic feel.
Well-known romantic restaurant serving refined Emilian and Bolognese cuisine in an intimate former pharmacy space with polished service.
Very popular traditional osteria known for classic Bolognese pasta dishes in a lively, casual setting close to the university area.
Moderate by Italian standards: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required; round up or leave EUR 1-5 for good service. Taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Bologna 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 Bologna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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