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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.
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Take the train from Palermo to Bologna in 12 hours 48 minutes
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 16 hours 7 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 12 hours 48 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 17 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 and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Palermo to Bologna start from $34.03 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!
Palermo to Bologna by train
It takes an average of 16h 7m to travel from Palermo to Bologna by train, over a distance of around 453 miles (728 km). There are normally 17 trains per day traveling from Palermo to Bologna and tickets for this journey start from $34.03 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:07 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 9:35 pm | |
| Departure station | Palermo | |
| Arrival station | Bologna | |
| Journey time | From 12h 48m | |
| Distance | 453 miles (728 km) | |
| Frequency | 17 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $34.03 | |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, Flixbus, Treni Turistici Italiani |
What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Palermo to Bologna?
Want to know more about your journey from Palermo to Bologna? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Palermo to Bologna?
How far is the train ride from Palermo to Bologna?
Who operates the trains from Palermo to Bologna?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Palermo to Bologna?
What is the best way to travel to Bologna from Palermo?
What time does the first train run from Palermo to Bologna?
How late does the train from Palermo to Bologna run?
How many trains go from Palermo to Bologna per day?
When do tickets from Palermo to Bologna go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Palermo to Bologna?
Trenitalia trains from Palermo to Bologna
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
What Intercity Notte (night trains) classes are there from Palermo to Bologna?
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Notte (night trains) when traveling from Palermo to Bologna.
Seated car Basic Easy
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 Relax
In this 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 Superior
The Excelsior cabin Superior can host up to 2 people. Enjoy the perks of the Deluxe cabin Relax, 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
What are the onboard services on Intercity Notte (night trains)?
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Palermo to Bologna.
- 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 Relax.
- 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.
How do I find cheap train tickets from Palermo to Bologna?
The price of train tickets from Palermo to Bologna starts at $34.03 one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Booking on the day is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or class.
1. Book in advance
2. Be flexible with your travel times
3. Choose a slower or connecting train
4. Look out for special deals
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.