- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
Cheapest price
€75
Average price
€139
Fastest journey
16 h 30 m
Average duration
18 h 39 m
Buses per day
4
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 €139 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €75.
Of the 4 buses that leave Palermo for Bologna on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct buses cover the 729 km distance in an average of 18 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 16 h 30 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest buses will take 20 h 25 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
S202 · S122
S202 · S122
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 €45. 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 €45, and a flight costs an average of €19.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
€82 Average price Cheapest | €124 Average price | €115 Average price | €117 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 €32 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Bologna costing on average €115.
A bus is €41 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo to Bologna costing on average €124.
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 32m.
Bus takes on average 16h 32m.
Tickets start at around €82 compared to roughly €117 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €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 06:20AM | Arrival Time 01:05AM | Duration 18h45 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price €317 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 06:00AM | Duration 20h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:25PM | Arrival Time 10:20AM | Duration 18h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €76 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 06:00PM | Arrival Time 10:30AM | Duration 16h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €86 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:10PM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 20h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price €75 |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Bologna buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. 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 · S122 | 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 | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
![]() | 6:20 AM Palermo | 18h45 | 1:05 AM Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 €45 but you can travel from only €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 €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.
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
Archaeological museum with rich Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a central historic palace.
Museum of Bologna's urban history using objects, rooms, and multimedia to trace the city from antiquity to today.
Bologna's main square, surrounded by landmark buildings and always lively, ideal for architecture, people-watching, and orientation.
Historic market quarter with narrow lanes, medieval character, and vibrant street life just behind Piazza Maggiore.
Long portico route climbing toward San Luca, UNESCO-listed and perfect for a memorable urban walk with changing views.
Handmade egg pasta ribbons traditionally served with slow-cooked ragù. A defining Bolognese dish protected by local culinary tradition.
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta, usually filled with pork and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in rich capon or beef broth. A classic festive dish.
Green spinach pasta layered with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano. Bologna's traditional baked lasagna is richer and more refined than many versions abroad.
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Emilian cuisine in a polished, intimate space within central Bologna.
Traditional deli and wine bar famed for mortadella, cheeses, fresh pasta, and informal counter dining in the Quadrilatero market area.
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese pasta, cured meats, and traditional dining rooms with a warm, old-city atmosphere.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are cheaper than Rome or Milan, while transit is affordable and tourist-center prices stay manageable.
Tipping is optional. Service may be included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% in restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Bologna Stazione Centrale -> 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.

Most Palermo to Bologna buses use the Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) to Bologna, Autostazione (Piazza XX Settembre) station pair. Use this guide to compare Palermo and Bologna 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