- Must visit
Museo Civico Castello Ursino
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Palermo Airport to Catania among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $11. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $11, and a ferry costs an average of $67.
Distance: 118 miles (190 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$27 Average price | $15 Average price Cheapest | $68 Average price | $47 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 17m Average total duration 4h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration Fastest 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration 5h 0m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 2h 39m 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 Catania:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo Airport to Catania costing on average $27 (€22).
A bus is $53 (€44) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Palermo Airport to Catania costing on average $68 (€56).
Other travel options to Catania take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 47m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 0m.
Tickets start at around $27 (€22) compared to roughly $47 (€39) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $21 (€17). The journey takes 4h 47m versus 2h 39m 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 Catania trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale 21740 · treno 5520 effettuato con bus PA326 · Regionale 5520 | 3:45 PM Punta Raisi station | 4h45 | 8:30 PM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 6482 · Regionale Veloce 5364 · Regionale 12995 | 5:40 PM Punta Raisi station | 6h22 | 12:02 AM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
| Saturday, July 18 | |||||
Regionale 5600 · treno 5506 effettuato con bus PA318 · Regionale 5506 | 5:45 AM Punta Raisi station | 4h45 | 10:30 AM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 21708 · treno 5508 effettuato con bus PA320 · Regionale 5508 | 7:50 AM Punta Raisi station | 4h42 | 12:32 PM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 21724 · treno 5510 effettuato con bus PA322 · Regionale 5510 | 11:45 AM Punta Raisi station | 4h45 | 4:30 PM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 21732 · treno 5512 effettuato con bus PA324 · Regionale 5512 | 1:45 PM Punta Raisi station | 4h45 | 6:30 PM Catania Centrale | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Palermo Airport to Catania run on average 7 times per day, taking around 4h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $11 (€9) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 10:20, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 118 miles (190 km) distance in 4h 2m.
Distance 118 miles (190 km) |
Average train duration 4h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 4h 2m |
First train 10:20 AM |
Last train 4:40 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Discover the best of Catania — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Catania trip today.
Civic museum inside Castello Ursino with medieval art, paintings, archaeology, and collections that trace Catania’s history from antiquity onward.
Museum in Bellini’s birthplace with manuscripts, portraits, period furnishings, and exhibits dedicated to the celebrated Catanian composer’s life.
University museum combining displays on Etna, volcanology, zoology, and science, ideal for understanding the natural setting around Catania.
Catania’s main square and Baroque showpiece, framed by the cathedral, Elephant Fountain, and historic palaces, making it the city’s essential starting point.
Elegant Baroque street lined with churches and palaces, often considered one of Sicily’s most beautiful urban ensembles for a short historic walk.
Lively historic fish market area behind Piazza Duomo, famous for its sensory atmosphere, street life, and authentic glimpse of everyday Catania.
Crisp fried rice ball filled with ragù, peas and cheese. A Sicilian street food staple, especially iconic in Catania bakeries and bars.
Pasta alla Norma combines pasta with fried eggplant, tomato sauce, salted ricotta and basil. It is Catania’s signature dish, named after Bellini’s opera.
Fresh horse meat, often grilled as polpette or steaks. It is a long-standing Catania specialty, especially around the city’s traditional meat stalls.
Historic pastry and café stop famous for granita, cannoli and Sicilian breakfast. A classic casual venue with strong local identity.
Refined Sicilian dining in central Catania, serving seasonal local ingredients and polished regional recipes in an elegant setting.
Historic seafood restaurant by the fish market, known for ultra-fresh catch and classic Catania dishes in a lively traditional setting.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are usually cheaper than Rome or Milan, while tourist areas and summer rates raise hotel and restaurant prices. Local buses stay low-cost.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% at restaurants for good service, round up taxi fares, and leave small change at cafes if served at table.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo Airport to Catania 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 Catania, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Palermo Airport to Catania trains use the Palermo Centrale to Catania Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Palermo Airport and Catania train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Catania, Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa (Capolinea Sais) is 3 km from Catania city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Catania, Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa (Capolinea Sais) has practical services for this route, including Accessibility.
Accessibility facilities are available at Catania, Aeroporto di Catania-Fontanarossa (Capolinea Sais).
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need