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If you want to travel from Palermo to Bologna by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Palermo to Bologna by train to take around 14 hours 49 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 11 hours 26 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 14 trains per day running on this route, which spans 728 km. There's no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Bologna. 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 Bologna.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices – we'll show you how much you can save on train tickets from Palermo to Bologna if 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!
First train | 05:07 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 20:25 | |
Departure station | Palermo | |
Arrival station | Bologna | |
Journey time | From 11h 26m | |
Distance | 453 miles (728 km) | |
Frequency | 14 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, Flixbus, Onebus, Autoservizi Salemi |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 Palermo to Bologna by booking early.§
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.
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!
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.
The average journey time by train between Palermo and Bologna is 14 hours and 49 minutes, with around 14 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.
The fastest journey time by train from Palermo to Bologna is 11 hours and 26 minutes.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Palermo to Bologna without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Palermo to Bologna each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Palermo to Bologna leaves at 05:07. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Palermo to Bologna leaves at 20:25. 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.
Trains travelling from Palermo to Bologna cover a distance of around 453 miles (728 km) during the journey.
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Bologna to Palermo.