- Must visit
Palazzo Abatellis - Regional Gallery of Sicily
Major art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, known for Sicilian medieval and Renaissance masterpieces including works by Antonello da Messina.
Cheapest price
$159
Average price
$182
Fastest journey
15 h 55 m
Average duration
18 h 6 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
653 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Florence to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Florence to Palermo will cost around $182 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $159.
It's difficult to get from Florence to Palermo without transferring at least 2 times.
Regionale Veloce 4107+
InterCityNotte 1955+
BUS L957A
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959+
BUS LP961
FRECCIAROSSA 9435+
InterCityNotte 1959+
BUS LP961
FRECCIAROSSA 9555+
InterCityNotte 1955+
BUS L957A
FRECCIAROSSA 9555+
InterCityNotte 1955+
BUS L957A
FRECCIAROSSA 9435+
InterCityNotte 1959+
BUS LP961
Intercity 594+
InterCityNotte 1959+
BUS LP961
Regionale Veloce 4107+
InterCityNotte 1955+
BUS L957AOmio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Florence to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the ferry with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 31m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a ferry costs an average of $49, and a train costs an average of $91.
Distance: 405 miles (653 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Ferry | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|---|
$148 Average price | $109 Average price | $60 Average price Cheapest | $86 Average price | $112 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 28m Average total duration 12h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration Fastest 1h 31m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 20h 47m Average total duration 19h 47m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 16h 18m Average total duration 15h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 3m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular ferry company | ![]() Most popular bus 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 Florence to Palermo:
A ferry is $26 (€22) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Florence to Palermo costing on average $86 (€71).
A ferry is $49 (€40) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Florence to Palermo costing on average $109 (€89).
A ferry is $88 (€72) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Florence to Palermo costing on average $148 (€122).
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 12h 58m.
Bus takes on average 15h 48m.
Ferry takes on average 19h 47m.
Tickets start at around $148 (€122) compared to roughly $112 (€92) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-36.53 (€-29.95). The journey takes 12h 58m versus 12h 3m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Florence to Palermo trains for today, Friday, June 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
FRECCIAROSSA 9519+ Intercity 727 | 10:14 AM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 12h47 | 11:01 PM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9325+ InterCityNotte 1955 | 6:59 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 14h14 | 9:13 AM Palermo Centrale | 1 transfer | |
FRECCIAROSSA 9437+ InterCityNotte 1959 | 9:48 PM Florence Santa Maria Novella | 15h03 | 12:51 PM Palermo 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 Florence to Palermo run on average 6 times per day, taking around 12h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $91 (€74) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 23:26. The fastest train covers the 405 miles (653 km) distance in 12h 44m.
Distance 405 miles (653 km) |
Average train duration 12h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $91 (€74) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 12h 44m |
First train 12:03 AM |
Last train 11:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 77 days |
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
Major art museum in a Gothic-Catalan palace, known for Sicilian medieval and Renaissance masterpieces including works by Antonello da Messina.
One of Sicily's most important archaeological museums, with Punic, Greek and Roman collections and notable sculpture fragments.
Historic noble residence preserved with original furnishings, offering a vivid look at aristocratic life in Palermo.
Energetic historic district centered on Palermo's most famous street market, full of everyday local life and vivid street scenes.
Striking central square framed by historic buildings and the famous fountain, a key stop in the old town.
One of Palermo's main historic streets, largely pedestrianized and lined with landmarks, shops and lively urban scenes.
Fried rice balls stuffed with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. Palermo is famous for its round arancine and strong street-food tradition.
A classic Palermo street sandwich made with veal spleen and lung, often topped with caciocavallo or ricotta. It is one of the city's most iconic local bites.
Chickpea fritters, usually served in a sesame bread roll. They are a beloved Palermo snack and a staple of the city's historic friggitorie.
Well-regarded restaurant near the historic center serving refined Sicilian cuisine with local ingredients in an elegant but relaxed atmosphere.
Popular central spot for approachable Sicilian cooking, including pasta and regional classics, with a casual and lively atmosphere.
Established seafood-focused trattoria appreciated for traditional Palermo and Sicilian dishes in a classic local dining room.
Moderate by Italian standards: street food is cheap, while central hotels and tourist restaurants cost more.
Service is often included or minimal. Rounding up or leaving EUR 1-2 at cafes is common; about 5-10% for very good restaurant service. Taxis are usually rounded up.
Official public transport app
Palermo Centrale, Palermo -> Quattro Canti, Palermo
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Florence 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 Florence to Palermo trains use the Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Palermo Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Florence and Palermo train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Firenze Santa Maria Novella is 1 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Firenze Santa Maria Novella 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: 12oz Coffee Joint, Casa Maioli, Don Nino, Fratelli Cuore, McDonald´s, Panella, Segafredo Zanetti, Spizzico, Venchi, & many more
Free WiFi (30 minutes limit). ATMs are located in the basement in the shopping center next to the Feltrinelli bookshop and between Celio and Mango shops.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 06:00 - 21:00. Information desks are located inside and outside the station.
Luggage storage is provided by KiPoint and located on the ground floor, on the side of Piazza Adua. Open daily from 06:00 to 23:00.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Firenze Santa Maria Novella: Elevators, escalators, step-free access. Mobility assistance is available with the Sala Blu, located next to Platform 1.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Luxor Florence, Joy Hotel Florence, Diplomat Hotel Florence.
Firenze Campo di Marte is 2 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Firenze Campo di Marte has practical services for this route, including Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, and Bike Rental.
Food options include: Moka Café
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 07:15 - 20:45.
Available at Firenze Campo di Marte: Taxis, WC.
Available at Firenze Campo di Marte: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Firenze Campo di Marte: The station is fully accessible, with step-free access throughout the station.
Nearby hotels include Florence Stadium B&B, Hotel Villa Liana, Hotel della Robbia.
Firenze Rifredi is 3 km from Florence city centre. Public transport options include:
Firenze Rifredi has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Trattoria Fratelli Briganti, Osteria di Poneta
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Firenze Rifredi. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Firenze Rifredi. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Firenze Rifredi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Firenze Rifredi: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Firenze Rifredi: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Raffaello, Hotel Corolle, Hotel Dalmazia.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need