- Recommended
Museo di Arte e Tradizioni Popolari di Palazzo Corvaja
Museum inside Palazzo Corvaja presenting Taormina’s art, traditions, and civic history in one of the town’s most important medieval buildings.
Cheapest price
$17
Average price
$22
Fastest journey
1 h 50 m
Average duration
3 h
Buses per day
2
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 $22 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $17.
Of the 2 buses that leave Palermo for Taormina on Tue, Aug 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct buses cover the 172 km distance in an average of 3 h but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 50 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest buses will take 4 h 10 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 train with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 52m. 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 train costs an average of $23, and a ferry costs an average of $68.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$30 Average price | $24 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price | $50 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 46m Average total duration 4h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration 5h 1m 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 train is $6 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $30 (€24).
A train is $49 (€39) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $72 (€58).
Other travel options to Taormina take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 16m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 1m.
Tickets start at around $30 (€24) compared to roughly $50 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 4h 16m 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, 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 Trenitalia | Departure Time 04:11AM | Arrival Time 11:35AM | Duration 7h24 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator Trenitalia | Departure Time 07:16AM | Arrival Time 12:44PM | Duration 5h28 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:10AM | Arrival Time 11:20AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $38 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:50AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 1h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 10:10AM | Arrival Time 02:19PM | Duration 4h09 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $19 |
Operator Trenitalia | Departure Time 10:44AM | Arrival Time 05:57PM | Duration 7h13 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:00PM | Arrival Time 03:50PM | Duration 2h50 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 02:00PM | Arrival Time 06:10PM | Duration 4h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Trenitalia | Departure Time 03:41PM | Arrival Time 10:30PM | Duration 6h49 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $29 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 10:00PM | Arrival Time 12:40AM | Duration 2h40 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Taormina buses for tomorrow, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:50 AM Palermo | 1h50 | 11:40 AM Taormina | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:00 PM Palermo | 4h10 | 6:10 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 3 times per day, taking around 4h 16m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $24 (€19) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by train.
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 5h 28m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average bus duration 4h 16m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€19) |
Buses per day 3 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 5h 28m |
First bus 4:21 AM |
Last bus 7:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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.
Museum inside Palazzo Corvaja presenting Taormina’s art, traditions, and civic history in one of the town’s most important medieval buildings.
Cultural exhibition venue hosting art and heritage shows in a historic palace. Worth checking for temporary exhibitions in the center of town.
Small archaeological display area linked to the ancient theatre and local excavations. Useful for visitors wanting context before touring the ruins.
Taormina’s main pedestrian street lined with historic buildings, shops, and views. Ideal for strolling and connecting the old town’s top sights.
Iconic terrace square with church facades and panoramic sea views. One of Taormina’s most photographed gathering places, especially at sunset.
Public garden created by Lady Florence Trevelyan, filled with exotic plants, follies, and viewpoints. A relaxing green escape near the center.
Pasta alla Norma is Sicilian pasta with tomato, fried eggplant, ricotta salata, and basil. It is a classic Catania-area dish loved across eastern Sicily.
Arancini are fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. They are a beloved Sicilian street food eaten from breakfast to aperitivo.
Caponata is a sweet-sour eggplant dish with tomato, celery, olives, and capers. It is a traditional Sicilian antipasto served at room temperature.
Refined Michelin-starred dining inside a grand hotel, known for creative Sicilian tasting menus, polished service, and panoramic terrace views.
Well-known traditional spot for Sicilian home-style cooking, pasta, and local wines in a warm, rustic atmosphere popular with returning visitors.
Legendary pastry bar famous for granita, brioche, cannoli, and almond specialties. A classic casual stop for breakfast or an afternoon sweet break.
Taormina is pricier than many Sicilian towns; hotels, dining, and parking rise in peak season, while local buses stay relatively cheap.
Service is often included or minimal. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service; round up taxi fares; small coins are fine at cafés.
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.

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