- Must visit
Pinacoteca di Brera
One of Italy’s leading art museums, known for masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna in the elegant Brera district.
Cheapest price
$145
Average price
$216
Fastest journey
13 h 55 m
Average duration
16 h 1 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
887 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palermo to Milan is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo to Milan will cost around $216 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $145.
Of the 8 trains that leave Palermo for Milan 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 887 km distance in an average of 16 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 13 h 55 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 17 h 21 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 798
InterCityNotte 1964+
FRECCIAROSSA 9504
Intercity 736+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
InterCityNotte 1958+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
Intercity 736+
FRECCIAROSSA 9658
InterCityNotte 1958+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520 · FRECCIAROSSA 9620
InterCityNotte 1958+
FRECCIAROSSA 9520
Regionale Veloce 5364+
InterCityNotte 37502+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612
InterCityNotte 1954+
FRECCIAROSSA 9612Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Milan among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $78, and a train costs an average of $89.
Distance: 551 miles (887 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$176 Average price | $134 Average price | $132 Average price | $89 Average price Cheapest | $132 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
15h 45m Average total duration 15h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 47m Average total duration 19h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 10m Average total duration 20h 10m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 25h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 Milan:
A ferry is $43 (€35) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Palermo to Milan costing on average $132 (€106).
A ferry is $45 (€36) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Palermo to Milan costing on average $134 (€108).
A ferry is $87 (€70) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Milan costing on average $176 (€142).
Other travel options to Milan take longer:
Train takes on average 15h 15m.
Bus takes on average 19h 17m.
Ferry takes on average 20h 10m.
You'll arrive about 9h 52m sooner (15h 15m by train vs 25h 7m by car). Tickets start at around $176 (€142) compared to roughly $132 (€106) 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 to Milan 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 798 | 10:15 AM Palermo Centrale | 20h40 | 6:55 AM Milan Porta Garibaldi | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1964+ FRECCIAROSSA 9508 | 12:58 PM Palermo Centrale | 20h52 | 9:50 AM Milan Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1964 | 12:58 PM Palermo Centrale | 22h02 | 11:00 AM Milan Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
InterCityNotte 1958+ Intercity 588 · Intercity 608 | 9:10 PM Palermo Centrale | 20h35 | 5:45 PM Milan Centrale | 2 transfers | |
InterCityNotte 1958+ FRECCIAROSSA 9520 | 9:10 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h40 | 12:50 PM Milan Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1958+ Intercity 590 | 9:10 PM Palermo Centrale | 22h15 | 7:25 PM Milan Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1958+ FRECCIAROSSA 9520 · FRECCIAROSSA 9620 | 9:10 PM Palermo Centrale | 15h14 | 12:24 PM Milan Centrale | 2 transfers | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
Intercity 736+ FRECCIAROSSA 9658 | 7:05 AM Palermo Centrale | 13h55 | 9:00 PM Milan Centrale | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, flight, 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 to Milan run on average 7 times per day, taking around 15h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $89 (€72) but you can travel from only $24 (€19) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 22:45. The fastest train covers the 551 miles (887 km) distance in 13h 58m.
Distance 551 miles (887 km) |
Average train duration 15h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 (€72) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 13h 58m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 10:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Milan — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Milan trip today.
One of Italy’s leading art museums, known for masterpieces by Raphael, Caravaggio, and Mantegna in the elegant Brera district.
A major museum of 20th-century Italian art facing Piazza del Duomo, with strong Futurist holdings and striking city views.
A contemporary museum focused on world cultures and major temporary exhibitions, popular for its modern architecture and changing shows.
Milan’s canal district, best known for waterside walks, photogenic bridges, and lively atmosphere day and night.
A charming historic neighborhood of narrow streets, galleries, boutiques, and classic Milan character, ideal for wandering.
Milan’s main square and the symbolic heart of the city, surrounded by major landmarks and constant urban energy.
Creamy saffron risotto, one of Milan's signature dishes, prized for its rich flavor and golden color.
Braised veal shank cooked slowly until tender, traditionally served with gremolata and often paired with risotto.
Breaded veal cutlet fried in butter, a classic Milanese specialty and one of the city's most famous dishes.
Celebrated fine dining restaurant offering creative haute cuisine with an elegant, Michelin-starred reputation.
Famous central bakery known for panzerotti, a beloved casual stop near the Duomo with constant local appeal.
Modern Milanese restaurant known for refined Lombard classics in a stylish contemporary setting.
Milan is pricier than most Italian cities, especially for hotels, central dining, and aperitivo areas.
Service is often included or covered by coperto. Tipping is not required, but rounding up or leaving EUR 1-5 for good service is appreciated. Taxis can be rounded up.
Official public transport app
Milan Centrale, Milan -> Duomo di Milano, Milan
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Milan 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 Milan, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need