- Must visit
Palazzo Abatellis - Regional Gallery of Sicily
Major Sicilian art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, known for Antonello da Messina's masterpieces and medieval to Renaissance works.
Cheapest price
$168
Average price
$186
Fastest journey
12 h 47 m
Average duration
14 h 49 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
653 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Florence 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 to Palermo will cost around $186 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $168.
It's difficult to get from Florence to Palermo without transferring at least once.
FRECCIAROSSA 9519+
Intercity 727
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959
FRECCIAROSSA 9435+
InterCityNotte 1959
FRECCIAROSSA 9555+
InterCityNotte 1955
FRECCIAROSSA 9519+
Intercity 727
FRECCIAROSSA 9555+
InterCityNotte 1955
FRECCIAROSSA 9435+
InterCityNotte 1959
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Florence 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 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $50, and a train costs an average of $92.
Distance: 405 miles (653 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Ferry | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$150 Average price | $110 Average price | $61 Average price Cheapest | $87 Average price | $113 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 28m Average total duration 12h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 47m Average total duration 19h 47m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 16h 18m Average total duration 15h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Florence to Palermo:
A ferry is $27 (€22) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Florence to Palermo costing on average $87 (€71).
A ferry is $50 (€40) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Florence to Palermo costing on average $110 (€89).
A ferry is $89 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Florence to Palermo costing on average $150 (€122).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 58m.
Bus takes on average 15h 48m.
Ferry takes on average 19h 47m.
Tickets start at around $150 (€122) compared to roughly $113 (€92) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-36.93 (€-29.95). The journey takes 12h 58m versus 12h 3m 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.
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 Florence to Palermo trains for today, Friday, June 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intercity 594+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 6:38 PM Florence Campo di Marte | 19h05 | 1:43 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9555+ InterCityNotte 1955 | 7:14 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 13h54 | 9:08 AM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9563+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 9:14 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 16h29 | 1:43 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9563+ InterCityNotte 1959+ Regionale 5359 | 9:14 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 16h22 | 1:36 PM Palermo Centrale | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, June 13 | |||||
FRECCIAROSSA 9519+ Intercity 727 | 10:14 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 12h47 | 11:01 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 to Palermo run on average 6 times per day, taking around 12h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $92 (€74) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 405 miles (653 km) distance in 12h 44m.
Distance 405 miles (653 km) |
Average train duration 12h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $92 (€74) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 12h 44m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
Major Sicilian art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, known for Antonello da Messina's masterpieces and medieval to Renaissance works.
Important archaeology museum with Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Egyptian collections, central for understanding Sicily's ancient history.
Well-preserved aristocratic house museum with original furnishings, frescoes and decorative arts, offering a vivid look at noble Palermo.
Palermo's famous seaside district with turquoise water, white sand and Liberty-style villas, highly popular with locals and visitors.
Lively historic market area known for street life, colorful stalls and an authentic atmosphere that draws many photographers.
Main pedestrian-friendly avenue cutting through the old center, lined with landmarks, shops and constant city energy.
Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, butter, ham, cheese, or other fillings. A Palermo street-food icon and one of the city's most famous snacks.
Soft bread rolls filled with chickpea fritters, often served with lemon. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Also called pani câ meusa, this sesame roll is filled with chopped veal spleen and lung, often topped with caciocavallo or ricotta.
Established fine-dining restaurant offering modern interpretations of Sicilian cuisine, polished service, and a more upscale atmosphere.
Well-known restaurant near the historic center serving refined Sicilian cuisine in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere, with strong local ingredients.
Popular central spot known for approachable Sicilian dishes, pasta, and a lively casual atmosphere close to Quattro Canti.
Moderate by Italian standards. Street food and local trattorias are good value, while central hotels and upscale dining cost more.
Service is often included or covered by a coperto. Tipping is not mandatory, but leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes or 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Palermo Centrale, Palermo -> Quattro Canti, Palermo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Florence 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.

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