- Recommended
Palazzo Corvaja
Historic medieval palace that houses civic exhibition spaces and is one of Taormina’s most important secular buildings.
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$17
Fastest journey
4 h 9 m
Average duration
4 h 9 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Palermo to Taormina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo to Taormina will cost around $17 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Of the 1 buses that leave Palermo for Taormina on Tue, May 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct buses cover the 172 km distance in an average of 4 h 9 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 9 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest buses will take 4 h 9 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Taormina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a ferry costs an average of $68.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$21 Average price Cheapest | $23 Average price | $71 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 3m Average total duration 5h 3m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular ferry 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 Taormina:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $23 (€19).
A bus is $50 (€40) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $71 (€57).
Other travel options to Taormina take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 1m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 3m.
Tickets start at around $21 (€17) compared to roughly $49 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $28 (€23). The journey takes 4h 1m versus 3h 13m 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 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 09:00AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 02:19PM | Duration 4h09 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:30PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 3h40 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $23 |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Taormina buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:10 AM Palermo | 4h09 | 2:19 PM Taormina | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Palermo to Taormina run on average 2 times per day, taking around 4h 1m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:21, the last at 19:26. The fastest bus covers the 106 miles (172 km) distance in 4h 9m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Buses per day 2 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 4h 9m |
First bus 4:21 AM |
Last bus 7:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Taormina — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Taormina trip today.
Historic medieval palace that houses civic exhibition spaces and is one of Taormina’s most important secular buildings.
A rare example of Sicilian Gothic architecture used for exhibitions and cultural events in a refined historic palace.
Small official museum section linked to the Greek Theatre complex, displaying finds connected with the site’s long history.
Taormina’s main pedestrian street, lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and viewpoints; the core promenade for first-time visitors.
The town’s most famous square, known for its postcard terrace views, checkerboard paving, and lively old-town atmosphere.
Iconic tiny island and nature reserve below Taormina, widely photographed for its turquoise water and narrow strip of beach access.
Classic Sicilian pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and basil. It is strongly associated with eastern Sicily and is a must-try in Taormina.
Stuffed and fried rice balls, often filled with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. They are one of Sicily’s most iconic street foods.
Sweet-and-sour eggplant dish with tomato, celery, olives, and capers. This traditional Sicilian antipasto is rich in local Mediterranean flavors.
Fine-dining restaurant at San Domenico Palace, offering elegant Sicilian cuisine with premium local ingredients and a luxurious setting.
Famous casual stop for granita, brioche, and Sicilian breakfast specialties. It is one of Taormina’s best-known culinary institutions.
Established Taormina restaurant known for grilled seafood, meat, and traditional Sicilian dishes in a polished but welcoming setting.
Taormina is pricier than many Sicilian towns, especially for hotels and dining in peak season. Cafes and casual meals are more manageable.
Service may be included via coperto or service charge. Extra tipping is modest: round up or leave 5-10% for very good restaurant service; small change for taxis and cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Taormina 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 Taormina, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need