- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Palermo
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 07
Cheapest price on Oct 07
$240
Average ticket price on Oct 07
$280
Fastest journey on Oct 07
20 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Oct 07
22 h 26 m
Trains on Oct 07
3
Distance
1101 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Palermo will cost around $280 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $240.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Palermo without transferring at least once.
EuroCity 23+
InterCityNotte 19633:33 PM25h22Zurich HB4:55 PMPalermo Centrale$2401One-way1 transfer
FRECCIAROSSA 9663+InterCityNotte 95063+EuroCity 233:33 PM21h17Zurich HB12:50 PMPalermo Centrale$2811One-way2 transfers- FRECCIAROSSA 9647+InterCityNotte 1955+EuroCity 15112:33 PM20h40Zurich HB9:13 AMPalermo Centrale$3181One-way2 transfers
- FRECCIAROSSA 9647+InterCityNotte 1955+EuroCity 15112:33 PM20h40Zurich HB9:13 AMPalermo Centrale$3181One-way2 transfers
- FRECCIAROSSA 9663+InterCityNotte 95063+EuroCity 233:33 PM21h17Zurich HB12:50 PMPalermo Centrale$2811One-way2 transfers
- EuroCity 23+InterCityNotte 19633:33 PM25h22Zurich HB4:55 PMPalermo Centrale$2401One-way1 transfer
Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Palermo
Switzerland
Italy
Trains from Zurich to Palermo run on average 3 times per day, taking around 21h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $117 (€98) but you can travel from only $59 (€49) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 684 miles (1101 km) distance in 18h 5m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $59 (€49)
Distance 684 miles (1101 km) |
Average train duration 21h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $117 (€98) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 18h 5m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 9:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $59 (€49)
Live departures
Zurich to Palermo train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Palermo trains for today, Tuesday, October 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FRECCIAROSSA 9647+InterCityNotte 1955+EuroCity 151 | 12:33 PM Zurich HB | 20h40 | 9:13 AM Palermo Centrale | 2 transfers | |
| FRECCIAROSSA 9663+InterCityNotte 95063+EuroCity 23 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 21h17 | 12:50 PM Palermo Centrale | 2 transfers | |
| EuroCity 23+InterCityNotte 1963 | 3:33 PM Zurich HB | 25h22 | 4:55 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Intercity Notte from Zurich to Palermo trainsIntercity Notte trains will get you between Zurich and Palermo from $59 (€49). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Intercity Notte
About
Intercity Notte is an Italian train service operated by Trenitalia. It runs overnight services between major cities in Italy, making it a great option for travelers looking to save time and money. The Intercity Notte offers two types of trains: the Frecciarossa Notte and the Frecciargento Notte. The Frecciarossa Notte is the fastest train, with speeds of up to 300 km/h, while the Frecciargento Notte is slightly slower but still offers a comfortable journey. Both trains offer a range of onboard facilities, including comfortable seating, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Trenitalia offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, Comfort, and Business. Standard tickets are the most affordable, while Comfort and Business tickets offer additional benefits such as priority boarding and access to the lounge. The most popular routes for Intercity Notte are Rome to Milan, Rome to Venice, and Milan to Venice. These routes offer travelers the chance to explore some of Italy's most iconic cities in a convenient and comfortable way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercity Notte Duration
18h 5m
Cheapest Intercity Notte Price
$117 (€98)
Intercity Notte frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
1 handbag and 1 suitcase included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats and at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full dining service and bar
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for disabled passengers
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Palermo
Things to do in Palermo
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
- Recommended
Palazzo Mirto
Historic rooms and vivid majolica floors showcase aristocratic Palermo. Visit for decorative arts, period interiors and city history.
- Recommended
Steri Museum
Housed in the grand Steri Palace, this museum presents the Sicilian Inquisition’s story through cells, graffiti and historical documents.
- Must visit
Via Vittorio Emanuele
Palermo’s elegant main boulevard links major monuments, shops and theaters. Ideal for first walks and observing the city’s layered architecture.
- Must visit
Via Maqueda
This historic street cuts across the old center and hosts markets, churches and daily life. A lively route for exploring local Palermo.
- Recommended
Albergheria
A bustling old quarter famous for layered street life, churches and market culture. Best explored on foot for atmosphere and urban history.
Arancina
Crisp fried rice ball stuffed with ragù, peas and caciocavallo. A Sicilian street food icon widely loved in Palermo.
Pane con la Milza
Soft sesame-topped bun filled with spleen and lung, often with caciocavallo or ricotta. A classic Palermo street food with deep local roots.
Pasta con le Sarde
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, pine nuts and raisins. Its sweet-savory flavor reflects Palermo's Arab-Norman culinary heritage.
I Pupi
Refined Michelin-starred restaurant known for creative Sicilian tasting menus in an elegant, intimate setting.
Osteria Ballarò
Historic seafood restaurant near the port, praised for fresh catch, raw dishes and classic Palermo fish recipes.
Nni Franco U Vastiddaru
Legendary no-frills street-food stop celebrated for pane con la milza and authentic local sandwiches loved by residents.
Euro (€)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
Palermo AMAT
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.40
- Day pass
- €5.50
To the city center
Palermo Centrale -> Quattro Canti, Palermo
- Distance
- 1.4 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Validate paper tickets when boarding; inspectors check on buses and trams.
- AMAT buses and trams generally support contactless bank card payment onboard, but carry a backup ticket in case the validator is unavailable.
FAQs: Trains from Zurich to Palermo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich 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.
Train ticket prices from Zurich to Palermo can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $117 (€98), while the average price is around $285 (€239).
The train from Zurich to Palermo takes 18h 5m and runs 3 per day.
The distance by train from Zurich to Palermo is 684 miles (1101 km).
The first train from Zurich to Palermo leaves at 12:03 AM.
The last train from Zurich to Palermo leaves at 9:10 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Zurich to Palermo.
There is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Palermo.
Yes, there is a night train from Zurich to Palermo.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Palermo is Zurich HB, which connects to Palermo Centrale.
The train journey from Zurich to Palermo showcases diverse and scenic landscapes, including the Swiss Alps, picturesque Italian countryside, and coastal views as you approach Sicily, offering a visually appealing experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Palermo.
Popular day trips by train from Palermo include Cefalù, Punta Raisi, Bagheria, Santa Flavia, Capo d'Orlando.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
Italy uses the euro (EUR) as its currency. Travelers generally find it convenient to use cards for most payments, especially in cities and larger establishments, but carrying some cash is advisable for small shops, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Palermo, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially pickpocketing in crowded areas like markets and public transport. Scams include overcharging by taxi drivers and vendors, as well as unofficial guides offering overpriced tours. It's advisable to use authorized services and stay vigilant in busy tourist spots.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Zurich to Palermo
Most Zurich to Palermo trains use the Zürich HB to Palermo Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Palermo train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Zurich
Arrival train stations in Palermo
Which Zurich station do trains to Palermo leave from?
Trains from Zurich to Palermo leave from Zürich HB. The station is 1 miles (2 km) from Zurich city centre at Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11
City-centre transport
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS, 9 · 3m · $4 · every ~3 min
S11, Sn11, S12, S15, S16, Sn1, Sn, S20, S23, S3, S5, Sn5, S6, Sn6, S7, Sn7, S9, Sn9, S · 3m · $1 · every ~43 min
Bus31, 33 · 5m · $2 · every ~16 min
N4, N5, N91 · 5m · $2
Tram11, 15, 4 · 8m · $2 · every ~19 min
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
More options for your journey from Zurich to Palermo
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Palermo and Zurich
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