- 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 on Oct 14
$138
Average ticket price on Oct 14
$175
Fastest journey on Oct 14
12 h 48 m
Average journey duration on Oct 14
16 h 12 m
Trains on Oct 14
7
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 $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
On Wed, Oct 14, we found 7 trains from Palermo to Bologna, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Oct 14 the direct trains cover the 729 km distance in an average of 16 h 12 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 48 m .
On Wed, Oct 14 the slowest trains will take 19 h 18 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 95070+
InterCityNotte 774
InterCityNotte 1930+
Intercity 590
InterCityNotte 95074+
Intercity 588
Intercity 95072+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
Intercity 95072+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
InterCityNotte 95074+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612
InterCityNotte 1930+
FRECCIAROSSA 9622
Intercity 95070+
InterCityNotte 774
InterCityNotte 1964Trains from Palermo to Bologna run on average 8 times per day, taking around 15h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 but you can travel from only $21 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 11h 14m.
Distance 452 miles (729 km) |
Average train duration 15h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 11h 14m |
First train 12:01 AM |
Last train 11:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 35 days |
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Bologna trains for today, Tuesday, October 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
InterCityNotte 95074+ FRECCIAROSSA 9612 | 6:48 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h05 | 9:53 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1930+ Intercity 588 | 8:25 PM Palermo Centrale | 18h22 | 2:47 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1930+ FRECCIAROSSA 9520 | 8:25 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h08 | 11:33 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, October 14 | |||||
Intercity 95072+ FRECCIAROSSA 9658 | 7:05 AM Palermo Centrale | 12h48 | 7:53 PM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
Intercity 95070+ InterCityNotte 774 | 10:15 AM Palermo Centrale | 18h22 | 4:37 AM Bologna Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1964 | 12:58 PM Palermo Centrale | 19h18 | 8:16 AM Bologna Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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, Aeroporto is 5 km from Bologna city centre. Public transport options include:
Bologna, Aeroporto has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Multiple options on site
Free wifi throughout the station. ATMs are located near the main entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Bologna, Aeroporto.
Available at Bologna, Aeroporto: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Bologna, Aeroporto: Fully accessible for disabled individuals.
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.
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