- Recommended
Palazzo Corvaja
A medieval palace that often hosts civic exhibitions and cultural displays; notable for its Arab-Norman-Gothic architecture in central Taormina.
Cheapest price
$22
Average price
$24
Fastest journey
4 h
Average duration
4 h 18 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
172 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palermo to Taormina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo to Taormina will cost around $24 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $22.
It's difficult to get from Palermo to Taormina without transferring at least once.
Regionale Veloce 5364 · Regionale 12995
Regionale 12878 · Regionale 12892 · Regionale 12977
Regionale 5358 · Regionale 12987
Regionale 5358 · Regionale 12989
Regionale Veloce 5360 · Regionale 12991
Regionale Veloce 5360 · Regionale 12991
treno 5512 effettuato con bus PA324 · Regionale 5512 · Regionale 5372
Intercity 736+
Regionale 12967
Regionale 5358 · Regionale 12987
Intercity 730+
Regionale 12973Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Palermo to Taormina among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 59m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the ferry is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a ferry costs an average of $67.
Distance: 106 miles (172 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Ferry | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$23 Average price | $21 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price | $49 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 29m Average total duration Fastest 3h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 31m Average total duration 4h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 3m Average total duration 5h 3m Onboard + 1h 0m Additional time* | 3h 13m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular ferry company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Taormina:
A bus is $2 (€2) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $23 (€19).
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a ferry for this route with tickets for a ferry from Palermo to Taormina costing on average $70 (€57).
Other travel options to Taormina take longer:
Bus takes on average 4h 1m.
Ferry takes on average 5h 3m.
Tickets start at around $23 (€19) compared to roughly $49 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $26 (€21). The journey takes 3h 59m versus 3h 13m 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 Palermo to Taormina 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Regionale 5352 · Regionale 12967 | 6:17 AM Palermo Centrale | 5h02 | 11:19 AM Taormina-Giardini | 1 transfer | |
treno 5506 effettuato con bus PA318 · Regionale 5506 · Regionale 12970 | 7:02 AM Palermo Centrale | 4h43 | 11:45 AM Taormina-Giardini | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 5354 · Regionale 12969 | 8:22 AM Palermo Centrale | 4h47 | 1:09 PM Taormina-Giardini | 1 transfer | |
treno 5508 effettuato con bus PA320 · Regionale 5508 · Regionale 12978 | 9:02 AM Palermo Centrale | 4h48 | 1:50 PM Taormina-Giardini | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 12878 · Regionale 12892 · Regionale 12977 | 9:31 AM Palermo Centrale | 5h33 | 3:04 PM Taormina-Giardini | 2 transfers | |
Intercity 730+ Regionale 12973 | 10:10 AM Palermo Centrale | 4h33 | 2:43 PM Taormina-Giardini | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 12888 · Regionale 12900 · Regionale 12983 | 11:47 AM Palermo Centrale | 5h34 | 5:21 PM Taormina-Giardini | 2 transfers | |
treno 5510 effettuato con bus PA322 · Regionale 5510 · Regionale 5378 | 1:02 PM Palermo Centrale | 4h55 | 5:57 PM Taormina-Giardini | 2 transfers | |
Regionale 5358 · Regionale 12987 | 2:25 PM Palermo Centrale | 4h24 | 6:49 PM Taormina-Giardini | 1 transfer | |
Regionale 5358 · Regionale 12989 | 2:25 PM Palermo Centrale | 5h02 | 7:27 PM Taormina-Giardini | 1 transfer | |
treno 5512 effettuato con bus PA324 · Regionale 5512 · Regionale 5372 | 3:02 PM Palermo Centrale | 4h16 | 7:18 PM Taormina-Giardini | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce 5360 · Regionale 12991 | 4:28 PM Palermo Centrale | 4h00 | 8:28 PM Taormina-Giardini | 1 transfer | |
treno 5520 effettuato con bus PA326 · Regionale 5520 · Regionale 5392 | 5:02 PM Palermo Centrale | 5h08 | 10:10 PM Taormina-Giardini | 2 transfers | |
Regionale Veloce 5364 · Regionale 12995 | 6:33 PM Palermo Centrale | 4h39 | 11:12 PM Taormina-Giardini | 1 transfer | |
| Saturday, June 20 | |||||
Regionale 5350 · Regionale 5385 | 5:01 AM Palermo Centrale | 4h59 | 10:00 AM Taormina-Giardini | 1 transfer | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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 Taormina run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $22 (€18) but you can travel from only $13 (€11) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:21, the last at 19:26. The fastest train covers the 106 miles (172 km) distance in 3h 52m.
Distance 106 miles (172 km) |
Average train duration 3h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $22 (€18) |
Trains per day 11 |
Fastest train 3h 52m |
First train 4:21 AM |
Last train 7:26 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of Taormina — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Taormina trip today.
A medieval palace that often hosts civic exhibitions and cultural displays; notable for its Arab-Norman-Gothic architecture in central Taormina.
Historic house museum and artistic residence associated with major 20th-century writers and painters, offering a more intimate cultural visit.
The main archaeological museum in nearby Giardini Naxos, useful for understanding the Greek history of the Taormina area.
Taormina’s main pedestrian street, lined with historic buildings, boutiques, and balconies, and the heart of most first visits.
The town’s iconic panoramic square, famous for open views toward the sea and Etna and highly popular for photos at sunset.
The scenic shoreline facing Isola Bella, one of the most photographed and socially popular seaside areas around Taormina.
Sicily’s signature pasta with tomato sauce, fried eggplant, basil, and salted ricotta. It is strongly associated with eastern Sicily and commonly enjoyed in Taormina.
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, mozzarella, or butter and ham. They are a classic Sicilian street food found in bars and rosticcerie around Taormina.
A sweet-sour eggplant dish with tomato, celery, olives, and capers. This traditional Sicilian antipasto is widely served in Taormina.
Popular central osteria serving Sicilian dishes, fresh seafood, and local wines with a refined yet relaxed Taormina atmosphere.
Famous institution for granita, brioche, and Sicilian sweets. Ideal for breakfast or an afternoon stop rather than a full meal.
Well-known Taormina restaurant specializing in Sicilian seafood, grilled fish, and regional classics in an elegant but approachable setting.
Taormina is pricier than many Sicilian towns, especially for hotels and dining in peak season.
Service is often included or modest. Round up small bills, leave 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxis.
Official public transport app
Taormina-Giardini -> Porta Messina, Taormina
The train connection between Palermo and Taormina offers a convenient way to explore the stunning landscapes of Sicily. Travelers can choose from several providers, including Regionale, Intercity, and Frecciabianca. Each service provides comfortable seating and scenic views along the route, making your journey as enjoyable as your destination. Whether you're looking for a quick trip or a leisurely ride through picturesque towns, these trains cater to various travel preferences while connecting two of Sicily's most beautiful cities.
Traveling from Palermo to Taormina takes approximately 3 hours and 49 minutes. There are no direct connections available, with a total of 7 train services operating daily between the two cities. Passengers will need to make transfers during their journey.
The first daily train from Palermo departs at 05:22, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful coastal town of Taormina. The last journey of the day leaves at 17:33, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their day before returning in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Palermo and Taormina is €18. The average ticket price typically hovers around €19, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these beautiful Sicilian cities.
The Ancient Theatre of Taormina, dating back to the 3rd century BC, is a stunning example of Greek architecture that showcases the ingenuity of ancient civilizations. Its significance lies not only in its historical value but also as a cultural hub where performances still take place against the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Etna and the Ionian Sea. Unique features include its remarkable acoustics and intricate stonework, which have allowed it to host events for over two millennia.
Corso Umberto serves as Taormina's vibrant main street, steeped in history while bustling with life today. This thoroughfare is significant because it connects key landmarks such as Piazza IX Aprile and offers visitors an authentic taste of local culture through charming shops, cafes, and historic buildings lining both sides. What makes Corso Umberto truly unique are its picturesque views at every turn—each corner reveals stunning vistas that blend urban charm with natural beauty.
Isola Bella is often referred to as "the Pearl of the Ionian," thanks to its enchanting landscape characterized by lush vegetation and crystal-clear waters surrounding this small island off Taormina’s coast. The significance of Isola Bella extends beyond aesthetics; it's a protected nature reserve home to diverse flora and fauna that attract eco-tourists from around the globe. One standout feature is how you can walk across a narrow sandbar during low tide—a magical experience allowing you direct access between land and sea!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Taormina 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 Taormina, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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