- Must visit
Antonino Salinas Regional Archaeological Museum
Palermo’s top museum displays Sicilian archaeology, including the famous Punic Stone and Selinunte finds, in a former convent complex.
Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$127
Fastest journey
11 h 2 m
Average duration
11 h 56 m
Trains per day
6
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 $99.
Of the 6 trains that leave Rome for Palermo on Tue, Aug 18, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 18 the direct trains cover the 427 km distance in an average of 11 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 2 m .
On Tue, Aug 18 the slowest trains will take 12 h 59 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.
Intercity 723
Intercity 727
InterCityNotte 1959
InterCityNotte 1955
FRECCIAROSSA 9405+
Intercity 727
FRECCIAROSSA 9405+
Intercity 727
Intercity 727
Intercity 723
FRECCIAROSSA 8525+
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$112 Average price | $156 Average price | $70 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 $70 (€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 $112 (€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 $112 (€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, August 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Intercity 727 | 11:26 AM Rome Termini | 11h36 | 11:02 PM Palermo Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9405+ Intercity 727 | 12:00 PM Rome Termini | 11h02 | 11:02 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1955 | 8:14 PM Rome Termini | 12h59 | 9:13 AM Palermo Centrale | 0 transfersDirect | |
FRECCIAROSSA 8525+ InterCityNotte 1955 | 8:55 PM Rome Termini | 12h18 | 9:13 AM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
InterCityNotte 1959 | 11:52 PM Rome Termini | 12h59 | 12:51 PM Palermo Centrale | 0 transfersDirect |
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.
Palermo’s top museum displays Sicilian archaeology, including the famous Punic Stone and Selinunte finds, in a former convent complex.
Historic rooms and vivid majolica floors showcase aristocratic Palermo. Visit for decorative arts, period interiors and city history.
Housed in the grand Steri Palace, this museum presents the Sicilian Inquisition’s story through cells, graffiti and historical documents.
Palermo’s elegant main boulevard links major monuments, shops and theaters. Ideal for first walks and observing the city’s layered architecture.
This historic street cuts across the old center and hosts markets, churches and daily life. A lively route for exploring local Palermo.
A bustling old quarter famous for layered street life, churches and market culture. Best explored on foot for atmosphere and urban history.
Crisp fried rice ball stuffed with ragù, peas and caciocavallo. A Sicilian street food icon widely loved in Palermo.
Soft sesame-topped bun filled with spleen and lung, often with caciocavallo or ricotta. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins. Its sweet-savory flavor reflects Palermo's Arab-Norman culinary heritage.
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Sicilian tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic seafood restaurant near the port, praised for fresh catch, raw dishes and classic Palermo fish recipes.
Legendary no-frills street-food stop celebrated for pane con la milza and authentic local sandwiches loved by residents.
Moderate for Italy. Street food and local meals are affordable, while hotels in peak season cost more. Public transport is cheap, keeping overall tourist costs reasonable.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave 5-10% for great restaurant service. Taxis are usually rounded up. Small change is fine in cafes.
Official public transport app
Palermo Centrale -> Quattro Canti, Palermo
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.

Most Rome to Palermo trains use the Roma Termini to Palermo Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Rome and Palermo train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Roma Termini is 1 km from Rome city centre. Public transport options include:
Roma Termini has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Acafe, Moka Café, Roadhouse Grill, McDonald's, Gusto, Chef Express, Coop Minimarket, Mercato Centrale
Free WiFi in the station. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:30 - 22:00. Information desks are located near Platform 24.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on Platform 24. Open every day from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Roma Termini: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Roma Termini: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roma Termini: The Sala Blu, Trenitalia's office of assistance for disabled travelers, is located next to Platform 1.
Nearby hotels include Archi di Roma Guest House, Gemma di Roma, The Liberty Boutique Hotel.
Roma Tiburtina is 4 km from Rome city centre. Public transport options include:
Roma Tiburtina has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: Rock n’ Coffee Roma, Arabian Kebab, Ingredienti, McDonald’s, Numb's Bakery Café
Free, limited Wi-Fi available in the station for 15 minutes. ATMs are located on the ground floor level.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:35 - 20:20. Information desks are located inside the main terminal. .
Luggage storage is luggage lockers are located in the station lobby.
Available at Roma Tiburtina: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Roma Tiburtina: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roma Tiburtina: Accessible facilities include elevators and escalators.
Nearby hotels include B&B Rome Tiburtina, B&B Alba Domus Roma, Hotel delle Province.
Roma Ostiense is 2 km from Rome city centre. Public transport options include:
Roma Ostiense has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Ramen Bar Akira, Eataly Roma
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Roma Ostiense. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Roma Ostiense. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Roma Ostiense: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Roma Ostiense: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Roma Ostiense: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Abitart, Hotel San Anselmo, Hotel Villa San Pio.
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