- Must visit
Galleria Regionale della Sicilia - Palazzo Abatellis
Major Sicilian art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, best known for Antonello da Messina and medieval to Renaissance works.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Budapest to Palermo
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $113. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 52m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $113, and a flight costs an average of $36.
Distance: 708 miles (1141 km)
Compare flight with
Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$268 Average price | $172 Average price Cheapest | $420 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 52m Average total duration Fastest 2h 52m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 31h 50m Average total duration 31h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
 Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Budapest to Palermo is a bus with an average price of $172 (€141).
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Palermo:
A bus is $96 (€79) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Palermo costing on average $268 (€220).
The fastest way to travel from Budapest to Palermo is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 52m.
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Bus takes on average 31h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Budapest and Palermo including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Budapest to Palermo among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Budapest to Palermo by bus or flight
Compare 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Budapest to Palermo
Hungary
Italy
Take a train from Budapest to Palermo and enjoy the approximately 708 miles (1141 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 00:52, the last at 09:30.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $36 (€30)
Distance 708 miles (1141 km) |
First train 12:52 AM |
Last train 9:30 AM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $36 (€30)
Complete guide to Palermo
Things to do in Palermo
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
- Recommended
Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonino Salinas
One of Italy's oldest archaeological museums, with important Punic, Greek and Roman collections from Sicily and the Mediterranean.
- Recommended
Palazzo Mirto
Well-preserved aristocratic residence showing historic interiors, furnishings and decorative arts from Palermo's noble past.
- Must visit
Mercato di Ballaro
Historic street market area full of energy, local life and vivid scenes, popular with visitors and photographers.
- Must visit
Piazza Pretoria
Elegant square famed for its monumental fountain and surrounding historic buildings in the heart of the old city.
- Must visit
Via Maqueda
Major pedestrian-friendly street linking key historic sights, busy with architecture, shops and constant city life.
Arancine
Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. A Palermo street food icon with a famous local feminine name form.
Pane con la milza
A traditional sandwich filled with veal spleen and lung, often topped with ricotta or caciocavallo. One of Palermo’s most distinctive historic street foods.
Pasta con le sarde
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, raisins, pine nuts, and anchovies. It reflects the island’s Arab-Norman culinary heritage and sweet-savory style.
Buatta Cucina Popolana
Well-regarded restaurant serving polished Sicilian cooking with local ingredients, including pasta, seafood, and traditional Palermo flavors in an elegant casual space.
Pasticceria Cappello
Famous pastry shop and café celebrated for cannoli, cassata, and other Sicilian sweets. A strong choice for dessert and breakfast in Palermo.
Osteria Ballarò
Established restaurant near the historic center, appreciated for refined Sicilian dishes, seasonal produce, and a warm atmosphere blending tradition and creativity.
Euro
Generally cheaper than Rome or Milan. Street food and casual dining are affordable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- EUR 5-10 for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- EUR 20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- EUR 60+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- EUR 1.20-2.50 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or minimal. Tipping is not required, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes or 5-10% in restaurants for good service is appreciated. Round up taxi fares.
Palermo AMAT
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- EUR 1.40
- Day pass
- EUR 3.50
To the city center
Palermo Centrale, Palermo -> Quattro Canti, Palermo
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 12 min
- Single urban AMAT tickets must be validated when boarding; day passes are usually the cheapest option for multiple rides.
- On AMAT buses, buying onboard is limited, so purchase tickets in advance at kiosks, tobacconists, or official sales points.
FAQs: Trains from Budapest to Palermo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest 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.
The first train from Budapest to Palermo leaves at 12:52 AM.
The distance by train from Budapest to Palermo is 708 miles (1141 km).
The last train from Budapest to Palermo leaves at 9:30 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Budapest to Palermo.
The cheapest way to get from Budapest to Palermo is by flight, with a cost of around $36 (€30).
The train journey from Budapest to Palermo offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the picturesque landscapes of Hungary and Austria, the rolling hills of Tuscany in Italy, and the stunning coastal views in Sicily as you approach Palermo.
In Palermo, you can explore the Capuchin Catacombs, visit the bustling Ballarò Market, and admire vibrant street art in the Vucciria district. Take a cooking class to learn traditional Sicilian dishes or enjoy a stroll along the Foro Italico promenade. Don't miss the Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, Palazzo dei Normanni with the Palatine Chapel, Quattro Canti, and the lush Orto Botanico di Palermo.
Typically, spending 3 to 4 days in Palermo allows you to explore its main attractions, enjoy local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant culture.
No, you cannot take the train from Budapest to Palermo.
Since both Budapest and Palermo are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Palermo include Cefalù, Punta Raisi, Bagheria, Santa Flavia, Capo d'Orlando.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Budapest to Palermo among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Palermo, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and vendors, as well as unofficial guides offering overpriced tours. It's advisable to use authorized services and stay vigilant in busy tourist spots.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Budapest to Palermo
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Palermo and Budapest
Most popular train connections to Palermo
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