- 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
$52
Average price
$101
Fastest journey
17 h 16 m
Average duration
18 h 17 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
654 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo will cost around $101 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
Of the 4 trains that leave Florence Santa Maria Novella for Palermo on Tue, Aug 04, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 04 the direct trains cover the 654 km distance in an average of 18 h 17 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 17 h 16 m .
On Tue, Aug 04 the slowest trains will take 18 h 58 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 flight as it is the most popular option from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $50, and a train costs an average of $52.
Distance: 406 miles (654 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$135 Average price | $97 Average price | $77 Average price | $59 Average price Cheapest | $84 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 35m Average total duration 13h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 33m Average total duration Fastest 1h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 50m Average total duration 15h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 30m Average total duration 19h 30m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 24h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo:
A ferry is $17 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo costing on average $77.
A ferry is $38 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo costing on average $97.
A ferry is $76 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo costing on average $135.
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 5m.
Bus takes on average 15h 20m.
Ferry takes on average 19h 30m.
You'll arrive about 11h 4m sooner (13h 5m by train vs 24h 9m by car). Tickets start at around $135 compared to roughly $84 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+ InterCityNotte 1955 | 6:59 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 14h19 | 9:18 AM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 9:48 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 15h08 | 12:56 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
| Tuesday, August 4 | |||||
![]() | 4:45 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 17h16 | 10:01 PM Palermo | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
Trains from Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo run on average 6 times per day, taking around 13h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $52 but you can travel from only $21 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:35, the last at 23:40. The fastest train covers the 406 miles (654 km) distance in 13h 5m.
Distance 406 miles (654 km) |
Average train duration 13h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 13h 5m |
First train 3:35 AM |
Last train 11:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Wed |
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 Florence Santa Maria Novella 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 Florence Santa Maria Novella to Palermo trains use the Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Palermo Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Florence Santa Maria Novella and Palermo train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella is 1 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Firenze Santa Maria Novella 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: 12oz Coffee Joint, Casa Maioli, Don Nino, Fratelli Cuore, McDonald´s, Panella, Segafredo Zanetti, Spizzico, Venchi, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are located in the basement in the shopping center next to the Feltrinelli bookshop and between Celio and Mango shops.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are located inside and outside the station.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Adua. Open daily from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Mobility assistance is available with the Sala Blu, located next to Platform 1.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Luxor Florence, Joy Hotel Florence, Diplomat Hotel Florence.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need