- 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
$141
Average price
$182
Fastest journey
12 h 48 m
Average duration
14 h 27 m
Trains per day
10
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 $182 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $141.
Of the 10 trains that leave Palermo for Bologna on Mon, Jun 01, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 729 km distance in an average of 14 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 48 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 15 h 20 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 730+
InterCityNotte 774
Intercity 736+
8158
Intercity 736+
7994
Intercity 736+
9962
Intercity 736+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
Intercity 736+
7994
Intercity 736+
8158
InterCityNotte 1958+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
Regionale Veloce 5364+
InterCityNotte 37502+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612Omio 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 $56. 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 $56, and a flight costs an average of $24.
Distance: 452 miles (729 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$142 Average price | $154 Average price | $102 Average price Cheapest | $145 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 $40 (€32) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Bologna costing on average $142 (€115).
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo to Bologna costing on average $154 (€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, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intercity 730+ InterCityNotte 774 | 10:15 AM Palermo Centrale | 18h06 | 4:21 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1964 | 12:58 PM Palermo Centrale | 19h03 | 8:01 AM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
InterCityNotte 1954+ FRECCIAROSSA 9612 | 6:48 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h05 | 9:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1958+ FRECCIAROSSA 9520 | 9:10 PM Palermo Centrale | 14h23 | 11:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1958+ Intercity 588 | 9:10 PM Palermo Centrale | 17h37 | 2:47 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 736+ FRECCIAROSSA 9658 | 7:05 AM Palermo Centrale | 12h48 | 7:53 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 736+ 8158 | 7:05 AM Palermo Centrale | 14h58 | 10:03 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 736+ 7994 | 7:05 AM Palermo Centrale | 14h03 | 9:08 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 736+ 9962 | 7:05 AM Palermo Centrale | 15h58 | 11:03 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 $76 (€61) but you can travel from only $24 (€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 $76 (€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.
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 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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