- Must visit
Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum
Palermo’s top museum displays Sicilian archaeology, including the famous Punic Stone and Selinunte finds, in a former convent complex.
Cheapest price
$11
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h 10 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Taormina to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Taormina to Palermo will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $11.
Of the 3 buses that leave Taormina for Palermo on Thu, Jul 30, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 30 the direct buses cover the 172 km distance in an average of 2 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 2 h .
On Thu, Jul 30 the slowest buses will take 2 h 30 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 Taormina to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 44m. 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 $11, and a ferry costs an average of $55.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $19 Average price | $58 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 3h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration 5h 12m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 54m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- 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 Taormina to Palermo:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Taormina to Palermo costing on average $19 (€19).
A bus is $41 (€41) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Taormina to Palermo costing on average $58 (€58).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 52m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 12m.
Tickets start at around $17 (€17) compared to roughly $40 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $23 (€23). The journey takes 3h 44m versus 2h 54m 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 12:00AM | Arrival Time 02:10AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator Trenitalia | Departure Time 07:01AM | Arrival Time 01:59PM | Duration 6h58 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $24 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 09:20AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $17 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 11:46AM | Arrival Time 03:55PM | Duration 4h09 | Departure days Mon, Fri | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 03:20PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $18 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 01:50PM | Arrival Time 04:00PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 2h10 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $16 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 05:10PM | Arrival Time 07:10PM | Duration 2h00 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $11 |
Operator BlaBlaCar | Departure Time 06:30PM | Arrival Time 09:00PM | Duration 2h30 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $11 |
The table below shows live departures for Taormina to Palermo buses for today, Wednesday, July 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:00 PM Taormina | 2h10 | 7:10 PM Palermo | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:10 PM Taormina | 2h00 | 7:10 PM Palermo | 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 Taormina to Palermo run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 44m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $11 (€11) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 01:58, 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 3h 44m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 (€11) |
Buses per day 2 |
Fastest bus 4h 9m |
First bus 1:58 AM |
Last bus 7:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
Palermo’s top museum displays Sicilian archaeology, including the famous Punic Stone and Selinunte finds, in a former convent complex.
Historic rooms and vivid majolica floors showcase aristocratic Palermo. Visit for decorative arts, period interiors and city history.
Housed in the grand Steri Palace, this museum presents the Sicilian Inquisition’s story through cells, graffiti and historical documents.
Palermo’s elegant main boulevard links major monuments, shops and theaters. Ideal for first walks and observing the city’s layered architecture.
This historic street cuts across the old center and hosts markets, churches and daily life. A lively route for exploring local Palermo.
A bustling old quarter famous for layered street life, churches and market culture. Best explored on foot for atmosphere and urban history.
Crisp fried rice ball stuffed with ragù, peas and caciocavallo. A Sicilian street food icon widely loved in Palermo.
Soft sesame-topped bun filled with spleen and lung, often with caciocavallo or ricotta. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins. Its sweet-savory flavor reflects Palermo's Arab-Norman culinary heritage.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Sicilian tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic seafood restaurant near the port, praised for fresh catch, raw dishes and classic Palermo fish recipes.
Legendary no-frills street-food stop celebrated for pane con la milza and authentic local sandwiches loved by residents.
Moderate for Italy. Street food and local meals are affordable, while hotels in peak season cost more. Public transport is cheap, keeping overall tourist costs reasonable.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Taormina 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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