- Must visit
Pinacoteca Nazionale di Bologna
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
Cheapest price
$138
Average price
$181
Fastest journey
12 h 53 m
Average duration
17 h 12 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
729 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palermo 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 to Bologna will cost around $181 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
Of the 5 trains that leave Palermo for Bologna on Thu, Jul 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct trains cover the 729 km distance in an average of 17 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 53 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest trains will take 20 h 54 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.
InterCityNotte 1964
Intercity 588+
InterCityNotte 1958
Intercity 736+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
Intercity 534+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3916+
InterCityNotte 1954
FRECCIAROSSA 9622+
InterCityNotte 1958
Intercity 736+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
FRECCIAROSSA 9622+
InterCityNotte 1958
InterCityNotte 1964
Intercity 588+
InterCityNotte 1958
Intercity 534+
Regionale Veloce TTPER 3916+
InterCityNotte 1954Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Bologna among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $55, and a flight costs an average of $23.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$140 Average price | $151 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest | $142 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 2m Average total duration 14h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 17h 2m Average total duration 16h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 32m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Palermo to Bologna:
A bus is $39 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Bologna costing on average $140 (€115).
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo to Bologna costing on average $151 (€124).
Other travel options to Bologna take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 32m.
Bus takes on average 16h 32m.
Tickets start at around {cheapestPrice} compared to roughly {drivingPriceInCents} in fuel and tolls — a saving of about {savingsAmount}. The journey takes {durationInMinutes} versus {drivingDurationInMinutes} 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.
Direct services run with Intercity Notte.
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 to Bologna trains for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
InterCityNotte 1964 | 12:53 PM Palermo Centrale | 18h14 | 7:07 AM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
InterCityNotte 1954+ Intercity 534+ Regionale Veloce TTPER 3916 | 5:32 PM Palermo Centrale | 20h54 | 2:26 PM Bologna Centrale | 2 transfers | |
InterCityNotte 1954+ FRECCIAROSSA 9608 | 5:32 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h21 | 8:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1958+ Intercity 588 | 8:21 PM Palermo Centrale | 18h26 | 2:47 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1958+ FRECCIAROSSA 9622 | 8:21 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h32 | 11:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 736+ FRECCIAROSSA 9658 | 7:00 AM Palermo Centrale | 12h53 | 7:53 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
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 to Bologna run on average 6 times per day, taking around 14h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $74 (€61) but you can travel from only $23 (€19) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:01, the last at 23:44. The fastest train covers the 452 miles (729 km) distance in 12h 51m.
Distance 452 miles (729 km) |
Average train duration 14h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $74 (€61) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 12h 51m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 63 days |
Discover the best of Bologna — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Bologna trip today.
Leading city museum with major Italian paintings from the Middle Ages to modern times, essential for understanding Bologna's art history.
Archaeological museum with rich Egyptian, Etruscan, Greek, and Roman collections in a central historic palace.
Museum of Bologna's urban history using objects, rooms, and multimedia to trace the city from antiquity to today.
Bologna's main square, surrounded by landmark buildings and always lively, ideal for architecture, people-watching, and orientation.
Historic market quarter with narrow lanes, medieval character, and vibrant street life just behind Piazza Maggiore.
Long portico route climbing toward San Luca, UNESCO-listed and perfect for a memorable urban walk with changing views.
Handmade egg pasta ribbons traditionally served with slow-cooked ragù. A defining Bolognese dish protected by local culinary tradition.
Small ring-shaped stuffed pasta, usually filled with pork and Parmigiano Reggiano, served in rich capon or beef broth. A classic festive dish.
Green spinach pasta layered with ragù, béchamel, and Parmigiano. Bologna's traditional baked lasagna is richer and more refined than many versions abroad.
Elegant Michelin-starred restaurant serving refined Emilian cuisine in a polished, intimate space within central Bologna.
Traditional deli and wine bar famed for mortadella, cheeses, fresh pasta, and informal counter dining in the Quadrilatero market area.
Historic trattoria known for classic Bolognese pasta, cured meats, and traditional dining rooms with a warm, old-city atmosphere.
Moderate for Italy: stays and dining are cheaper than Rome or Milan, while transit is affordable and tourist-center prices stay manageable.
Tipping is optional. Service may be included. Round up or leave €1-2 at cafes, 5-10% in restaurants for great service, and round up taxi fares.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo 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.

Most Palermo to Bologna trains use the Palermo Centrale to Bologna Centrale station pair, with some services arriving at Bologna, Aeroporto. Use this guide to compare Palermo and Bologna train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Bologna Centrale is 1 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Centrale 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: Burger King, A Cafè, VyTA Boulangerie, Venchi, Scambio, Juice Bar, KFC, Dispensa Emilia, Lavazza, Mokà, & more
Free Wi-Fi. . ATMs are aTM is located in the main hall.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are customer service center is on the ground floor and open every day from 06:30 to 23:00.
Luggage storage is luggage facility, open daily from 07:00 to 22:00, is located in front of binario 7 Ovest (Track 7 West).
Available at Bologna Centrale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Centrale: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Centrale: Accessible facilities including barrier-free restrooms, elevators and ramps. Sala Blu mobility assistance available from 07:45 to 22:30 with advanced one-hour notice.
Nearby hotels include Starhotels Excelsior, Millenn Hotel Bologna, UNA Hotels.
Bologna Borgo Panigale is 4 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna Borgo Panigale has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ristorante Il Patio, Trattoria Bonora
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna Borgo Panigale. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna Borgo Panigale: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Flyon Hotel, Hotel Bologna Airport, Hotel Del Borgo.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need