- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Major art museum with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci.
Cheapest price
$147
Average price
$158
Fastest journey
15 h 22 m
Average duration
17 h 35 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
731 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale will cost around $158 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $147.
It's difficult to get from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale without transferring at least 2 times.
BUS LP730+
Intercity 724+
InterCityNotte 774
BUS LP736+
Intercity 734+
8968
BUS LP736+
Intercity 734+
9994
BUS LP736+
Intercity 734+
8158
BUS LP964+
InterCityNotte 1962
Regionale Veloce 5362+
InterCityNotte 1956+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612
BUS LP736+
Intercity 734+
9994
BUS LP736+
Intercity 734+
8968
BUS LP736+
Intercity 734+
8158
Regionale 22178+
BUS LP964+
InterCityNotte 1962Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $40. 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 $40, and a flight costs an average of $36.
Distance: 454 miles (731 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$130 Average price | $79 Average price Cheapest | $136 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 31m Average total duration 14h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 14m Average total duration 16h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 14h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale costing on average $130 (€106).
A bus is $57 (€47) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale costing on average $136 (€111).
Other travel options to Bologna Centrale take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 1m.
Bus takes on average 16h 44m.
You'll arrive about 11m sooner (14h 1m by train vs 14h 12m by car). Tickets start at around $130 (€106) compared to roughly $74 (€61) 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.
Direct services run with Intercity Notte.
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 Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
InterCityNotte 1954+ FRECCIAROSSA 9612 | 6:47 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h06 | 9:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1954+ Intercity 588 | 6:47 PM Palermo Centrale | 20h00 | 2:47 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Regionale Veloce 5368+ InterCityNotte 36270+ FRECCIAROSSA 9520 | 8:13 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h20 | 11:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce 5368+ InterCityNotte 36270+ Intercity 588 | 8:13 PM Palermo Centrale | 18h34 | 2:47 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
BUS LP736+ Intercity 734+ 8968 | 4:11 AM Palermo Centrale | 17h32 | 9:43 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
BUS LP736+ Intercity 734+ 9994 | 4:11 AM Palermo Centrale | 16h57 | 9:08 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
BUS LP736+ Intercity 734+ 8158 | 4:11 AM Palermo Centrale | 17h52 | 10:03 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
BUS LP730+ Intercity 724+ InterCityNotte 774 | 7:16 AM Palermo Centrale | 21h50 | 5:06 AM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
BUS LP964+ InterCityNotte 1962 | 10:44 AM Palermo Centrale | 20h23 | 7:07 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 22178+ BUS LP964+ InterCityNotte 1962 | 10:55 AM Palermo Centrale | 20h12 | 7:07 AM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, 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.
Trains from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale run on average 6 times per day, taking around 14h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $80 (€66) but you can travel from only $36 (€30) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:02, the last at 19:25. The fastest train covers the 454 miles (731 km) distance in 12h 48m.
Distance 454 miles (731 km) |
Average train duration 14h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€66) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 12h 48m |
First train 5:02 AM |
Last train 7:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Bologna Centrale — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna Centrale trip today.
Major art museum with important Emilian paintings from the 13th to 18th centuries, including works by Giotto, Raffaello, and the Carracci.
Important archaeological museum with Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a historic central building.
Bologna’s leading modern and contemporary art museum, known for rotating exhibitions and the Morandi collection.
Bologna’s main square and social heart, surrounded by major historic buildings and a top starting point for exploring.
The city’s celebrated portico walk leading toward San Luca, especially popular for scenic walks and photos.
Beautiful square in front of the Santo Stefano complex, loved for its elegant and photogenic atmosphere.
Fresh egg tagliatelle served with Bologna’s classic slow-cooked meat ragù. It is one of the city’s signature dishes and a cornerstone of local Sunday cooking.
Small hand-folded pasta filled with pork, prosciutto, and Parmigiano Reggiano, traditionally served in rich capon or beef broth. It is especially linked to festive meals in Bologna.
Bolognese-style lasagna made with green spinach pasta sheets, ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano Reggiano. It is a classic celebratory baked pasta from the city.
Well-regarded traditional restaurant celebrated for seasonal ingredients, handmade pasta, and authentic regional dishes. Intimate setting with a strong reputation among food lovers.
Charming long-running restaurant set in a distinctive historic space, serving Bolognese and Italian classics with polished hospitality. Good for a relaxed but memorable dinner.
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese cooking such as tortellini, tagliatelle al ragù, and lasagne. Warm, traditional atmosphere and a longstanding local reputation.
Moderate for Italy: cafes and casual meals are reasonable, while central hotels and fine dining cost more.
Service is often included or modest. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving 5-10% for very good restaurant service is appreciated. Round up taxis slightly.
Official public transport app
Bologna Centrale, Bologna -> Piazza Maggiore, Bologna
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale 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 Centrale, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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