- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Major art museum with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael, and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$156
Average price
$167
Fastest journey
15 h 52 m
Average duration
17 h 43 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
717 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palermo Airport to Bologna is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo Airport to Bologna will cost around $167 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $156.
It's difficult to get from Palermo Airport to Bologna without transferring at least 2 times.
Regionale 21756+
InterCityNotte 1958+
Intercity 588
GENIO EXPRESS 21784+
Intercity 730+
InterCityNotte 774
GENIO EXPRESS 22016+
InterCityNotte 1954+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612
Regionale 21756+
InterCityNotte 1958+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
GENIO EXPRESS 22016+
InterCityNotte 1954+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612
Regionale 21756+
InterCityNotte 1958+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
GENIO EXPRESS 21784+
Intercity 730+
InterCityNotte 774
Regionale 21756+
InterCityNotte 1958+
Intercity 588Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Palermo Airport to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $43, and a train costs an average of $88.
Distance: 445 miles (717 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$143 Average price | $109 Average price | $92 Average price Cheapest | $81 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 31m Average total duration 20h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 8m Average total duration 14h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Palermo Airport to Bologna:
A bus is $17 (€13) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo Airport to Bologna costing on average $109 (€88).
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo Airport to Bologna costing on average $143 (€115).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 38m.
Train takes on average 20h 1m.
Tickets start at around $143 (€115) compared to roughly $81 (€65) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-61.89 (€-49.83). The journey takes 20h 1m versus 14h 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 Palermo Airport to Bologna trains for today, Monday, June 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:45 AM Palermo Airport | 19h36 | 2:21 AM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:01 AM Palermo Airport | 19h20 | 2:21 AM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 AM Palermo Airport | 19h36 | 3:21 AM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:45 PM Palermo Airport | 22h05 | 2:50 PM Bologna | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Palermo Airport to Bologna run on average 4 times per day, taking around 20h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $88 (€71) but you can travel from only $34 (€27) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 18:20. The fastest train covers the 445 miles (717 km) distance in 17h 13m.
Distance 445 miles (717 km) |
Average train duration 20h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $88 (€71) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 17h 13m |
First train 3:45 AM |
Last train 6:20 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
Major art museum with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raphael, and the Carracci.
Bologna’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, known for rotating exhibitions and the Morandi collection.
Important archaeological museum with Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a historic central building.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major historic buildings and lively throughout the day.
Famous covered walkway climbing toward San Luca, ideal for a scenic walk and one of Bologna’s defining urban features.
Historic central district of narrow lanes near Piazza Maggiore, valued for atmosphere, porticoes, and classic Bologna street life.
Fresh egg tagliatelle served with Bologna’s classic slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s signature dishes and more traditional than spaghetti bolognese.
Small ring-shaped pasta filled with meat and served in rich capon or beef broth. A deeply traditional Bolognese dish, especially associated with festive meals.
Layered pasta made with green spinach sheets, ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano. It is a classic Sunday and holiday dish in Bologna.
Well-known pasta shop and eatery specializing in fresh stuffed pasta, tagliatelle, and quick traditional lunches in a central informal space.
Elegant fine dining restaurant in a historic setting, known for refined Emilian cuisine and tasting menus with polished service.
Historic traditional trattoria known for handmade pasta, tortellini, and classic Bolognese dishes in a warm, old-school setting.
Moderate for Italy: food and coffee are reasonable, while central hotels cost more in peak season.
Service is usually included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for great service is appreciated; small change for taxis is enough.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo Airport to Bologna 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 Bologna, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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