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    Travel from Madrid to Palermo by train in 34 hours 39 minutes

    If you want to know more about the journey from Madrid to Palermo by train, look no further!

    The average journey time from Madrid to Palermo by train is 41 hours 47 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 34 hours 39 minutes. You'll usually find 4 trains per day traveling the 1488 km between these two destinations. You'll need to make 5 changes along the way as there are no direct services to Palermo. You're likely to be traveling with TGV, AVE or Frecciarossa to Palermo. As the main train operators on this route, all offer plenty of space for luggage and comfortable seating as standard.

    Book train tickets from Madrid to Palermo in advance instead of buying them on the day and you'll snap up the cheapest fares. You can check prices from Madrid to Palermo in our Journey Planner.

    Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our train schedule where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.

    Madrid to Palermo by train

    First train

    6:16 am

    Last train

    1:18 pm

    Departure station

    Madrid

    Arrival station

    Palermo

    Journey time

    From 34h 39m

    Distance

    925 miles (1488 km)

    Frequency

    4 trains per day

    Changes

    5 changes

    Train and bus operators

    ALSA, BlaBlaCar Bus, Renfe, SNCF, Trenitalia

    What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Madrid to Palermo?

    Want to know more about your journey from Madrid to Palermo? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

    How do you get to Palermo from Madrid?

    To travel to Palermo from Madrid, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 41 hours and 47 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 34 hours and 39 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information on routes and timetables.

    How long is the train ride from Madrid to Palermo?

    Trains from Madrid to Palermo take an average of 41 hours and 47 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 34 hours and 39 minutes. You'll usually find 4 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

    Can I get a high-speed train from Madrid to Palermo?

    Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Madrid to Palermo in as little as 34 hours and 39 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from AVE offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

    What is the quickest journey time between Madrid and Palermo by train?

    The quickest journey time between Madrid and Palermo by train is 34 hours and 39 minutes.

    What are the train times from Madrid to Palermo?

    Check out the next trains departing from Madrid to Palermo for Tuesday Sep 30th 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
    DepartsArrivesDuration
    5:16 am3:55 pm34h 39m, 6 changes
    6:27 am6:52 am48h 25m, 10 changes
    6:57 am11:00 pm40h 3m, 10 changes
    12:18 pm8:22 am44h 4m, 5 changes

    AVE, Renfe, Intercity and SNCF trains from Madrid to Palermo

    You can travel from Madrid to Palermo on AVE, Renfe, Intercity and SNCF trains. When you search for times and tickets, we might also show you some other options with multiple connections or operators if they’re available.

    AVE is Renfe's flagship high-speed service, with trains capable of reaching up to 193 mph (310 km/h). It’s one of the fastest trains in Europe and connects the main cities of Spain. Most AVE trains offer two comfort classes – Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class equivalent, with 1-1 configuration, ultra-wide seats, gourmet food and drink and lounge access). All AVE trains have air conditioning, power sockets, free WiFi and a buffet carriage serving a selection of food and drinks. There are three fares for AVE services: the cheapest but least flexible Básico fare, the Elige fare (slightly pricier but more flexible), and the Premium fare for seats in Confort Class.

    Renfe is the national train operator in Spain. It operates trains on the longest high-speed railway network in Europe, and the second-longest in the world. The country's major cities are linked up by the high-speed AVE and Avlo trains, while other long-distance routes are served by Altaria, Talgo, Alvia and Euromed trains. Renfe also operates cross-border services into neighbouring Portugal and France. Depending on which service you are travelling on, you'll usually find two classes on Renfe trains - Estándard (Standard Class) and Confort (First Class). Fare types range from the cheapest (but least flexible) Básico fare, to the more flexible Elige fares, to the Premium fare for seats in Confort carriages.

    PhotoChris0693, under licence CC3.0

    Trenitalia's Intercity trains run on standard lines outside the high-speed network, offering more than 90 trains a day that guarantee long and medium distance connections, ensuring wide coverage of the rail network. All Intercity trains are modern and comfortable with plenty of seats, retractable tables, power sockets, air conditioning, courtesy lights and plenty of luggage space. Intercity Night trains allow you to travel overnight in cabins with beds, berths or seating.

    PhotoCtruongngoc, under licence CC BY-SA 3.0

    SNCF is the national train operator of France. It operates all domestic trains and routes across France, as well as international services to Spain and Germany. There are three different types of domestic trains that operate under the SNCF banner – TGV (high-speed, full-service trains that connect the major cities in France), Intercités (usually a more frequent stopping service, but with all the amenities), and TER (regional train services with basic onboard facilities).

    What TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, AVE and Intercity classes are there from Madrid to Palermo?

    Compare the different travel classes offered by TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, AVE and Intercity when traveling from Madrid to Palermo.

    What are the onboard services on TGV INOUI, Frecciarossa, AVE and Intercity?

    Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Madrid to Palermo.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    On board TGV INOUI trains, you can take up to 2 pieces of luggage measuring no more than 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches), plus one hand luggage measuring no more than 40 x 30 x 15 cm (15.7 x 11.8 x 5.9 inches). If you are bringing an XL baggage (maximum 90 x 130 cm or 35.4 x 51.1 inches), it will replace one of the two 70 x 90 x 50 cm (27.5 x 35.4 x 19.6 inches) pieces of luggage authorised.

    All your luggage must be labelled before entering the train.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    All TGV INOUI trains are equipped with a café-bar car offering a range of food and drink to suit you at any time of day. The Bar is always situated in car 4 or 14 of the train. There's a range of local and responsibly sourced products on offer.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    TGV INOUI trains have free WiFi on board for you to use throughout your journey, allowing you to stay connected, reply to emails or even relax and enjoy what's offered on the TGV INOUI entertainment portal.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Children under 12 can get a half price ticket on TGV INOUI trains. Children under 4 travel free when they travel on your lap.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    If you've got a foldable bicycle, you can take it on the train as hand baggage, so long as it's no larger than 130 x 90 cm once folded. Or, if you can dismantle your bike, you can transport it in a cover or case no larger than 130 x 90 cm. You can still travel with a bike that cannot be folded or dismantled - you'll need to reserve a bike space on the train when you buy your ticket. Bike tickets cost €10 per bike, per journey.

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    Small pets are allowed on board TGV INOUI trains provided they weigh less than 10kg. They must travel in a carrier no larger than 45 x 30 x 25 cm. Tickets for small pets cost €7. Larger dogs can also travel on TGV INOUI services, provided they are wearing a muzzle and are kept on a leash. Tickets for larger dogs cost €20. Guide dogs and assistance dogs travel free of charge on all SNCF trains.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    For disabled passengers or those with reduced mobility, you can request assistance through 'Accès Plus'. With this service, a member of staff will meet you at the station and help you get to your seat on the train. To book assistance, contact Accès Plus after you book your tickets (and no later than 48 hours before your train is due to depart).

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
    • You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
    • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?
    • You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
    • You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
    • If you travel in Premium Class, you’ll get a total of 4 food / beverage products is offered on board, including: sweet or savoury snack, welcome drink, small water bottle, 1 wet wipe.
    • Travelers in Business Class receive a food box containing 7 fresh food & beverage products differentiated according to the time of day, plus Illy expresso coffee.
    • If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get unlimited drinks plus food from a rotating monthly menu where some meals were ideated by the renowned Michelin star chef Carlo Cracco.
    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
    • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called FRECCIAPlay and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
    • You can also use the FRECCIAPlay portal to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
    • Kids under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
    • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
    • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
    • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
    • Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
    • Dogs, cats and other small pets can travel for free in a carrier with maximum dimensions of 70x30x50 cm (maximum one per passenger).
    • Bigger dogs can travel for only 5 € from Sunday to Friday, and for as little as 1 € on Saturday.
    • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

    InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

    Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?

    With AVE, you can travel with up to 3 pieces of baggage that do not exceed 290cm (114.1 inches) and 25kg (55.1 pounds). In total, the maximum measurements of each piece of baggage are 85 x 55 x 35cm (33.4 x 21.6 x 13.7 inches). Musical instruments also count as hand baggage as long as they do not exceed the dimensions 30 x 120 x 38cm (11.8 x 47.2 x 14.9 inches) and are stored in a case.

    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    If you’d like to stretch your legs and grab a coffee during your journey, AVE trains have an onboard dining car. If you’d prefer to stay in your seat, AVE staff will pass through each car with a food and drink cart.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    On AVE trains, you can take advantage of PlayRenfe – their free WiFi and entertainment pass. Giving you access to exclusive content and fast connection speeds, PlayRenfe can be downloaded from the app store on your phone. Once you’re connected, you can access the PlayRenfe portal, where you’ll find exclusive live sport, news, films and TV series.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

    Children under 3 years old travel for free with AVE, as long as they do not occupy a seat and have their free child ticket. Children from 3 to 14 years old can take advantage of a 40% discount on ticket prices.

    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

    On all AVE trains, each passenger can take one bicycle or scooter on board, as long as it’s folded and carried inside a case. Also, the pedals must be removed and handlebars turned 90 degrees. Lastly, if the sum of the dimensions of the case is less than 180cm (70.8 inches), it's considered as hand luggage. However, if it’s bigger, it will be considered as special luggage (max dimensions 120 x 90 x 40 cm or 47.2 x 35.4 x 15.7 inches).

    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

    With AVE, you can travel with a pet as long as it weighs no more than 10 kg (22 pounds) and travels inside a cage or carrier that measures max 60 x 35 x 35 cm (23 x 13 x 13 inches). Your pet must have their own pet ticket, unless you’re traveling with a Premium ticket, in which case the pet ticket is free. Guide and assistance dogs travel for free.

    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    AVE offer a free assistance and care service for people with reduced mobility. To request the service, passengers should contact AVE directly.

    LuggageLuggageWhat baggage limits are there?
    • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity trains free of charge.
    • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
    RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

    You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.

    WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

    At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.

    ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
    • Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (standard fare).
    • Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
    • Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
    ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
    • You can travel with your bike for free on all Intercity trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches). Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
    • If you can't fold your bike, some Intercity trains allow you to take your bike on board. However, you’ll need to book a space and buy a ticket. There are 6 bike spaces in car 3 and 2 e-bike chargers.
    PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
    • Small pets can travel on all Intercity trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
    • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
    • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
    WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

    If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).

    InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

    Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.

    How do I find cheap train tickets from Madrid to Palermo?

    If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

    1. Book in advance

    The price of train tickets from Madrid to Palermo starts at § one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

    2. Be flexible with your travel times

    If you can, consider traveling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as lots of trains companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

    3. Buy a rail pass

    If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Eurail Passes that are valid for travel in one country or multiple countries across Europe.

    4. Choose a slower or connecting train

    On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

    5. Look out for train ticket sales and deals

    Many train companies in Europe will often run sales and offers on tickets throughout the year, so keep an eye out!

    For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

    §Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

    * Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.

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