is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Take the train from Milan to Palermo Centrale in 13 hours 15 minutes
If you want to travel from Milan to Palermo Centrale by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Milan to Palermo Centrale by train to take around 16 hours 22 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 13 hours 15 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 20 trains per day running on this route, which spans 888 km. There's no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Palermo Centrale. Trenitalia trains are the main operator of services on this route, so you're likely to travel with them for all or at least part of your journey to Palermo Centrale.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Milan to Palermo Centrale start from $61.27 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Milan to Palermo Centrale by train
It takes an average of 16h 22m to travel from Milan to Palermo Centrale by train, over a distance of around 552 miles (888 km). There are normally 20 trains per day traveling from Milan to Palermo Centrale and tickets for this journey start from $61.27 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:32 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 10:13 pm | |
| Departure station | Milan | |
| Arrival station | Palermo Centrale | |
| Journey time | From 13h 15m | |
| Distance | 552 miles (888 km) | |
| Frequency | 20 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $61.27 | |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, Flixbus, Onebus, Autoservizi Salemi |
Trenitalia trains from Milan to Palermo Centrale
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
Intercity Notte (night trains) classes from Milan to Palermo Centrale
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Notte (night trains) when traveling from Milan to Palermo Centrale.
Seated car
If you're traveling on a budget, buy a ticket for a basic seat – you'll find a spacious and comfortable seat with a fold-down table, as well as a minibar service.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- USB ports
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Beauty and grooming products
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Hanger
- Wake-up service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Comfort couchette
This couchette can host up to 4 people and offers plenty of amenities, including complimentary beauty and grooming products, bedding, and breakfast served in the morning.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- USB ports
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Beauty and grooming products
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Hanger
- Wake-up service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Deluxe cabin
In the Deluxe cabin, you'll enjoy a whole breakfast menu, a wake-up service and a more comfortable bed. Single, double or 3-berth compartments are available.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- USB ports
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Beauty and grooming products
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Hanger
- Wake-up service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Excelsior cabin
The Excelsior cabin can host up to 2 people. Enjoy the perks of the Deluxe cabin, as well as a welcome drink and a private bathroom with washbasin, shower and mirror.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- USB ports
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Beauty and grooming products
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Hanger
- Wake-up service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Onboard services on Intercity Notte (night trains)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan to Palermo Centrale.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity Notte trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
A minibar trolley service is available on all Intercity Notte trains – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
Unfortunately, free WiFi is not available on Intercity Notte trains.
- 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 (standard fare).
- Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off, or 30% off if they’re traveling in the Comfort couchette or Deluxe cabin.
- You can take your folding bike with you if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage spaces.
- If you have a traditional bike, you’ll need to disassemble it and place it in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
- Small pets are allowed on board free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches). You’ll need to buy a ticket for the whole compartment.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on board if they have a ticket – it’s usually 50% off the Base ticket (standard fare).
Intercity Notte trains have a car with designated spaces for 2 passengers with a wheelchair and 2 companions. You’ll find a wheelchair symbol outside the car.
Depending on the class you’ll be traveling in, you’ll get to enjoy additional perks, including a wake-up service, breakfast, bedding and more.
Cheap train tickets from Milan to Palermo Centrale
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Milan to Palermo Centrale by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
FAQs for Milan to Palermo Centrale
Want to know more about your journey from Milan to Palermo Centrale? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Milan to Palermo Centrale take?
The average journey time by train between Milan and Palermo Centrale is 16 hours and 22 minutes, with around 20 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Milan and Palermo Centrale by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Milan to Palermo Centrale is 13 hours and 15 minutes.
How much does the train from Milan to Palermo Centrale cost?
Train tickets from Milan to Palermo Centrale can start from as little as $61.27 when you book in advance and are usually more expensive when purchased on the day. Prices can also vary depending the time of day, route and class you book.
Is there a direct train from Milan to Palermo Centrale?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Milan to Palermo Centrale without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Milan to Palermo Centrale each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Milan to Palermo Centrale leave?
The first train from Milan to Palermo Centrale leaves at 05:32. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Milan to Palermo Centrale leave?
The last train from Milan to Palermo Centrale leaves at 22:13. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Milan and Palermo Centrale by train?
Trains travelling from Milan to Palermo Centrale cover a distance of around 552 miles (888 km) during the journey.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.