- Must visit
Teatro Massimo
One of the largest opera houses in Europe, known for its grandeur and excellent acoustics.
Cheapest price
$127
Average price
$127
Fastest journey
12 h 52 m
Average duration
13 h 33 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
427 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rome to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Rome to Palermo will cost around $127 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $127.
Of the 2 trains that leave Rome for Palermo on Tue, May 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 19 the direct trains cover the 427 km distance in an average of 13 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 52 m .
On Tue, May 19 the slowest trains will take 14 h 13 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 1955
InterCityNotte 1959
InterCityNotte 1955
InterCityNotte 1959Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Rome to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 16m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $62, and a flight costs an average of $27.
Distance: 265 miles (427 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$113 Average price | $156 Average price | $71 Average price | $70 Average price Cheapest | $83 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 32m Average total duration 11h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 16m Average total duration Fastest 4h 16m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 22m Average total duration 11h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 11m Average total duration 14h 11m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 25h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.3 - 2.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.4 - 1.1kg 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 Rome to Palermo:
A ferry is $0.63 (€0.51) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Rome to Palermo costing on average $71 (€57).
A ferry is $43 (€35) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Rome to Palermo costing on average $113 (€91).
A ferry is $86 (€70) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Rome to Palermo costing on average $156 (€126).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 11h 2m.
Bus takes on average 11h 52m.
Ferry takes on average 14h 11m.
You'll arrive about 14h 11m sooner (11h 2m by train vs 25h 13m by car). Tickets start at around $113 (€91) compared to roughly $83 (€67) 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, Intercity.
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 Rome to Palermo trains for today, Monday, May 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
InterCityNotte 1955 | 8:16 PM Rome Termini | 12h52 | 9:08 AM Palermo Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
InterCityNotte 1959 | 11:25 PM Rome Termini | 14h18 | 1:43 PM Palermo Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Rome to Palermo run on average 7 times per day, taking around 11h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $58 (€47) but you can travel from only $27 (€22) by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:21, the last at 23:53. The fastest train covers the 265 miles (427 km) distance in 10h 58m.
Distance 265 miles (427 km) |
Average train duration 11h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $58 (€47) |
Trains per day 7 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 10h 58m |
First train 4:21 AM |
Last train 11:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
One of the largest opera houses in Europe, known for its grandeur and excellent acoustics.
A historic royal palace with richly decorated rooms and the Palatine Chapel.
A beautiful architectural mix from different periods, with royal tombs and a treasury.
A Baroque square at the intersection of Palermo's two major streets, adorned with statues representing the four seasons.
A vibrant market where locals shop for fresh produce, offering an authentic Palermo experience.
Once a busy daytime market, Vucciria is now known for its vibrant nightlife and street food.
Palermo’s iconic fried rice balls, often filled with ragù, butter and ham, or cheese. A classic street food and a point of local pride.
Chickpea fritters served hot, often in a sesame bun. One of Palermo’s most traditional and beloved street foods.
Soft potato croquettes, usually mixed with parsley and fried until crisp. Commonly eaten with panelle in Palermo street food shops.
Well-known restaurant near the historic center serving refined Sicilian cuisine with local ingredients in an elegant but welcoming atmosphere.
Popular modern Sicilian restaurant focused on traditional recipes, seasonal produce, and polished presentations in central Palermo.
Established family-run trattoria loved for hearty Palermitan cooking, generous portions, and a classic local dining atmosphere.
Prices are moderate compared to northern Italian cities. Accommodation is affordable, while dining can vary in cost.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory. Leave small change or round up the bill in restaurants and bars. It is not customary to tip taxi drivers, but rounding up the fare is common.
Official public transport app
Palermo Centrale -> Piazza Pretoria
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Rome to Palermo 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 Palermo, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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