- 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
$124
Average price
$135
Fastest journey
15 h 54 m
Average duration
18 h 12 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
729 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Bologna to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Bologna to Palermo will cost around $135 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $124.
It's difficult to get from Bologna to Palermo without transferring at least once.
InterCityNotte 770+
Intercity 723
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+
InterCityNotte 1959
InterCityNotte 770+
Intercity 723
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. 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 $30, and a train costs an average of $78.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$116 Average price | $109 Average price | $66 Average price Cheapest | $117 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 56m Average total duration 14h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 1m Average total duration 16h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Bologna to Palermo:
A bus is $43 (€43) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Bologna to Palermo costing on average $109 (€109).
A bus is $49 (€49) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Palermo costing on average $116 (€116).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 26m.
Bus takes on average 16h 31m.
Tickets start at around $116 (€116) compared to roughly $117 (€117) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $1 (€1). The journey takes 14h 26m versus 13h 10m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Direct services run with Intercity Notte.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Bologna to Palermo trains for today, Wednesday, July 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 9505+ Intercity 727 | 6:27 AM Bologna Centrale | 16h34 | 11:01 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
8105+ FRECCIAROSSA 9519+ Intercity 727 | 6:57 AM Bologna Centrale | 16h04 | 11:01 PM Palermo Centrale | 2 transfers | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9403 · FRECCIAROSSA 9519+ Intercity 727+ BUS FR403 | 8:02 AM Bologna Centrale | 14h59 | 11:01 PM Palermo Centrale | 3 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 30 | |||||
InterCityNotte 770+ Intercity 723 | 12:01 AM Bologna Centrale | 19h11 | 7:12 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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.
Trains from Bologna to Palermo run on average 6 times per day, taking around 14h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $78 (€78) but you can travel from only $23 (€23) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:39. The fastest train covers the 452 miles (729 km) distance in 13h 21m.
Distance 452 miles (729 km) |
Average train duration 14h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€78) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 13h 21m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:39 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 56 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.
Official public transport app
Palermo Centrale -> Quattro Canti, Palermo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Palermo by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Palermo, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Bologna to Palermo trains use the Bologna Centrale to Palermo Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Bologna and Palermo train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna San Ruffillo is 4 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna San Ruffillo has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, and Bike Parking.
Food and drink options are available at Bologna San Ruffillo.
Available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna San Ruffillo: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include San Ruffillo House, Hotel Il Guercino, Hotel Porta San Mamolo.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need