- 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
$69
Average price
$118
Fastest journey
11 h 45 m
Average duration
15 h 1 m
Buses per day
5
Distance
427 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Rome to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rome to Palermo will cost around $118 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Of the 5 buses that leave Rome 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 427 km distance in an average of 15 h 1 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 45 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest buses will take 19 h 40 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
S201
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
S201
FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus · FlixBusOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Rome to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $61. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $61, and a flight costs an average of $27.
Distance: 265 miles (427 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$70 Average price | $155 Average price | $112 Average price | $69 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 22m Average total duration 11h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 16m Average total duration Fastest 4h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 32m Average total duration 11h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 11m Average total duration 14h 11m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 25h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg 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 Rome to Palermo:
A ferry is $0.62 (€0.51) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Rome to Palermo costing on average $70 (€57).
A ferry is $43 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rome to Palermo costing on average $112 (€91).
A ferry is $85 (€70) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rome to Palermo costing on average $155 (€126).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 2m.
Bus takes on average 11h 52m.
Ferry takes on average 14h 11m.
You'll arrive about 13h 21m sooner (11h 52m by bus vs 25h 13m by car) and save roughly $12 (€10) compared to fuel and tolls ($70 (€57) vs $82 (€67)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus, FlixBus, Salemi, BlaBlaCar, Autoservizi Salemi Srl.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 01:20AM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 13h55 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $62 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:50AM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $72 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 03:45PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 19h15 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $111 |
Operator Salemi | Departure Time 08:00PM | Arrival Time 07:45AM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $73 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 09:00PM | Arrival Time 11:00AM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 03:15PM | Duration 15h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $71 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 07:25PM | Duration 19h40 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $152 |
The table below shows live departures for Rome 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S201 | 8:00 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 11h45 | 7:45 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 9:00 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 14h00 | 11:00 AM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:30 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 15h45 | 3:15 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 11:45 PM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 19h40 | 7:25 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 1 transfer | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
FlixBus | 1:20 AM Roma, Autostazione Tiburtina | 13h55 | 3:15 PM Palermo, Via Tommaso Fazello (Terminal Bus) | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Rome to Palermo run on average 4 times per day, taking around 11h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $32 (€26) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by flight.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:45, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 265 miles (427 km) distance in 11h 45m.
Distance 265 miles (427 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $32 (€26) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 11h 45m |
First bus 12:45 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 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.
Anyone who wants to make the journey from Rome to the capital of Sicily can easily do so by long distance coach. During the week, there will be five to seven direct buses, while four to seven services leave on Saturdays and Sundays. Journey times vary between 11 hours 40 minutes and 12 hours 45 minutes.
SAIS Autolinee is the main operator on the Rome to Palermo route, offering a single direct bus every day of the week (usually around 9:00 p.m.). Bus tickets can also be booked with Flixbus and Bus Center, both of which also offer daily services to Palermo.
Most buses from Rome to Palermo will take between 11 hours 40 minutes and 12 hours 45 minutes to reach their destination. However, there are no changes along the way and many buses run overnight, arriving in Palermo at breakfast time, so they may be a convenient travel option.
Buses leave Rome for Palermo regularly. Every day, travelers can expect a choice of four to seven direct buses, with departures generally leaving in the mid to late evening.
Departure bus station: All buses from Rome to Palermo depart from Rome's Tiburtina Bus Station. The easiest way to reach Tiburtina from most parts of the city is via the Metro. Take Line B, and alight at Tiburtina, and the bus station should be easy to locate once at ground level. In some cases, local buses may be more convenient. Line 492 is particularly handy, stopping right outside the station doors.
Arrival bus station: Many buses from Rome will arrive at Palermo's Piazza Cairoli Bus Station, which can be found next to Palermo Centrale Train Station. From there, Palermo's historic center is a 15-minute walk to the north (follow the Corso dei Mille). The station also provides rail connections to other Sicilian destinations. Other services stop at the Via Filippo Turati, north of the city center and very conveniently located for those transferring to the cruise port. Finally, some buses arrive at Via Tommaso Fazello, which is also adjacent to Palermo Centrale Station, within 10-15 minutes' walk of the city center.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rome 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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