When is the best time to visit How to get to Palermo?

The recommended time is March, April, May, September, October and November, when it is less crowded.

Is How to get to Palermo crowded?

How to get to Palermo is a not very crowded destination compared with the more touristy ones.

Where is How to get to Palermo?

How to get to Palermo is located in Palermo, Sicily, Italy.

How to get to Palermo: flights, trains, ferries and cars

How to get to Palermo

Palermo, the capital of Sicily, is a city that can be reached with surprising ease despite its island location. The international airport, maritime connections from the mainland, and the railway network make it accessible from all over Italy and Europe. Here are all the options for your journey.

By plane

Falcone Borsellino Airport (PMO), also known as Punta Raisi, lies about 35 km west of the city centre, along the coast. It is Sicily's main airport, connected to all major Italian cities and numerous European destinations. Ryanair, Wizz Air, EasyJet, Vueling, and flag carriers operate regular flights.

The most convenient connection is the Trinacria Express train, which reaches Palermo Centrale Station in about 45-50 minutes, with intermediate stops at Palazzo Reale/Orleans and Francia. The ticket costs about 7 euros. Services depart every 30 minutes during peak hours. Alternatively, Prestia e Comande buses reach the centre (Centrale Station and Teatro Politeama) in about 50 minutes (ticket 7 euros). Taxis charge a fixed rate of about 40-45 euros to the centre.

Local tip

The Trinacria Express is often delayed. If you have a ferry connection or an appointment, take the Prestia e Comande bus, which is more punctual and runs more frequently.

By train

Palermo Centrale sits in Piazza Giulio Cesare, in the heart of the city. Long-distance trains connect Palermo to Rome in about 11-12 hours (with InterCity Notte night trains, which include sleeping cabins and berths). The train crosses the Strait of Messina by ferry, a unique experience.

Regional trains connect Palermo to Messina (about 2 hours 45 minutes), Catania (about 3 hours via Messina or the inland line), Agrigento (about 2 hours), and Trapani (about 2 hours 30 minutes with a change at Alcamo). Trenitalia has improved internal connections with the new Pop trains.

Local tip

The night train from Rome is an experience to try at least once: departure in the evening, arrival in Palermo in the morning with the Strait crossing at dawn. Book the single sleeping cabin for maximum comfort.

By ferry

Maritime connections from the mainland depart from several ports. GNV and Grandi Navi Veloci connect Palermo to Genoa (about 20 hours), Naples (about 10-11 hours), and Civitavecchia (about 13 hours). Grimaldi Lines offers the Livorno-Palermo route. Tirrenia and GNV also connect to Cagliari.

The Port of Palermo sits in the city centre, steps from the Cala and the Kalsa quarter. Ships offer cabins, reclining seats, and outdoor decks. Bringing your car by ferry is a practical option if you want to explore Sicily independently.

Car ferry costs

Ferry prices with a car vary from 80 to 200 euros depending on the route, season, and company. Book well in advance in summer.

By car

From Messina (where you disembark if coming from the mainland via Villa San Giovanni), the A20 motorway follows the Tyrrhenian coast to Palermo in about 2 hours 30 minutes (230 km). The inland alternative is the A19 via Enna, useful if coming from Catania (about 2 hours 30 minutes, 210 km).

City parking

Palermo's historic centre has an extensive restricted traffic zone (ZTL). Park in the pay car parks at Piazza Giulio Cesare (near the station), Via Belgio (Mondello area, if staying outside the centre), or the multi-storey car parks on Via Emerico Amari (near the port). Rates run from 1 to 2 euros per hour.

By bus

SAIS Autolinee and Segesta/Interbus connect Palermo to Catania (about 2 hours 30 minutes, high frequency), Messina, Agrigento, and Trapani. FlixBus offers long-distance connections from the mainland, with changes at Messina or Villa San Giovanni.

Local transport

AMAT manages buses and trams in Palermo. A single ticket costs 1.40 euros and is valid for 90 minutes. Tram lines connect the station to Borgo Nuovo. The historic centre is best explored on foot: from the Cathedral to the Quattro Canti is 10 minutes, from Ballaro to the Vucciria about 20 minutes walking through the historic markets.

The bike-sharing service is expanding, with stations along the Foro Italico and the seafront.