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Trains from Madrid to Palermo

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    2. Train times
    3. Madrid to Palermo

    Traveling from Madrid to Palermo by train

    Looking to travel from Madrid to Palermo by train? You've come to the right place.

    You can expect the train journey from Madrid to Palermo to take 40 hours 5 minutes on average. 4 trains usually run every day from Madrid to Palermo.

    You'll need to make 4 changes along the way, as there are no direct trains.

    If you book in advance, tickets are usually cheaper.

    Start a search using our Journey Planner to see the latest times and prices.

    Madrid to Palermo by train

    First train

    6:15 am

    Last train

    1:30 pm

    Departure station

    Madrid

    Arrival station

    Palermo

    Journey time

    From 35h 19m

    Distance

    925 miles (1488 km)

    Frequency

    4 trains per day

    Changes

    4 changes

    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 40 hours and 5 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 35 hours and 19 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 40 hours and 5 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 35 hours and 19 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.

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

    The quickest journey time between Madrid and Palermo by train is 35 hours and 19 minutes.

    Are there direct trains from Madrid to Palermo?

    No there are no direct trains running from Madrid to Palermo, you’ll usually need to make around 4 changes during the journey.

    What are the train times from Madrid to Palermo?

    Check out the next trains departing from Madrid to Palermo for Tuesday Aug 18th 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
    DepartsArrivesDuration
    5:15 am4:34 pm35h 19m, 7 changes
    5:15 am6:10 pm36h 55m, 5 changes
    11:50 am8:13 am44h 23m, 4 changes
    12:30 pm8:13 am43h 43m, 5 changes

    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. 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.

    2. 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.

    3. 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.

    4. 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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