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About the train journey from Palermo to Zürich

Want to travel from Palermo to Zürich by train? Start your journey with us.

The train from Palermo to Zürich usually takes 21 hours 27 minutes on average to travel 1101 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 17 hours 24 minutes. You can expect to find 14 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Palermo and Zürich, you'll need to make 2 changes on your way to Zürich. You can choose to travel with Frecciarossa, Frecciargento or Trenitalia to get to Zürich. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.

To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Palermo to Zürich in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!

Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Zürich, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.

Palermo to Zürich by train

First train

05:07

Last train

20:25

Departure station

Palermo

Arrival station

Zürich

Journey time

From 17h 24m

Distance

684 miles (1101 km)

Frequency

14 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Train and bus operators

Trenitalia, Flixbus, Regiojet, SBB CFF FFS, Italo, Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus, Calanda Viaggi (Bus), Trenord

Palermo to Zürich train times

Check out the next trains departing from Palermo to Zürich for mardi avr. 2 2024. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
05:22 22:55 17h 33m, 6 changes
05:22 23:50 18h 28m, 5 changes
06:05 06:28 24h 23m, 5 changes
06:05 06:55 24h 50m, 4 changes
07:27 06:28 23h 1m, 6 changes
07:27 06:55 23h 28m, 5 changes
09:15 09:27 24h 12m, 4 changes
09:15 10:27 25h 12m, 2 changes
15:32 12:27 20h 55m, 3 changes
17:48 14:55 21h 7m, 4 changes

Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Palermo to Zürich

You can travel from Palermo to Zürich on Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento 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.

Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.

Italo is a high-speed train operator that runs services between many of the major cities across Italy. All Italo trains are modern, air conditioned, and have free WiFi available for all travellers. There are four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), Prima (with a welcome selection of food and drink, fast track boarding and extra space), and Executive Club (with all Prima services, extra-wide seats, access to Italo Club lounges and personal entertainment screens at your seat).

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.

PhotoRob Dammers, under licence CC 2.0

Frecciargento "silver arrow" high-speed trains connect the main cities of the north-west, central and southern Italy at speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h). All Frecciargento trains are equipped with a food carriage, free WiFi, reclining seats and power sockets. There are two levels of service – First Class and Second Class. First Class travellers can enjoy reclining leather seats, welcome service with drink and a sweet or savoury snack, and a free morning newspaper.

Frecciarossa, Italo, Frecciargento and Intercity classes from Palermo to Zürich

Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Italo, Frecciargento and Intercity when traveling from Palermo to Zürich.

Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Frecciargento and Intercity

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

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • 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 favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in Premium or Business Class, you’ll get a free snack and drink. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get a complimentary meal by the renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • 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.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Frecciarossa trains 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).
  • Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a half-price Standard ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
  • You can’t travel with bigger dogs in Executive and Premium Class, in quiet carriages and in restaurant cars.
  • Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

InfoInfoOther

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

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board free of charge. If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat.
  • If you’re traveling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
  • In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.

WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • Italo trains offer free WiFi and a free entertainment portal called ItaloLive, where you can choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel with children
  • Kids aged 0-3 travel for free on Italo trains if they don’t occupy a seat. However, if an adult travels with more than one child aged 0-3, they will need to pay for a seat.
  • Children aged 2-14 get 50% off the Flex fare if they’re traveling in Italo’s Smart Class.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with a folding bike if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
  • You can travel with a traditional bike if it’s disassembled and placed in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 40cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
PetPetPets
  • Pets under 10kg (22 lbs) can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage
  • Pets over 10kg (22 lbs) will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

Priority seats for passengers with reduced mobility are available on Italo trains. They’re usually located next to an accessible toilet. All accessible toilets also have tactile and Braille signs.

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • You can take your bags on board Frecciargento 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.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink
  • 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 Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
  • If you travel in First Class, you’ll get a free bottle of water, coffee and a savoury or sweet snack.
WiFiWiFiEntertainment
  • You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciargento trains. Simply connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
  • You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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 (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 traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciargento 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.
PetPetPets
  • Small pets can travel on all Frecciargento trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage with 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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

InfoInfoOther

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

LuggageLuggageBaggage
  • 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.
RestaurantRestaurantFood and drink

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

WiFiWiFiEntertainment

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.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerTravel 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).
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeBikes
  • 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.
PetPetPets
  • 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.
WheelchairWheelchairSpecial Assistance

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).

InfoInfoOther

Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.

Cheap train tickets from Palermo to Zürich

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 Palermo to Zürich 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 Palermo to Zürich

Want to know more about your journey from Palermo to Zürich? 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 Palermo to Zürich take?

The average journey time by train between Palermo and Zürich is 21 hours and 27 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.

What's the fastest journey time between Palermo and Zürich by train?

The fastest journey time by train from Palermo to Zürich is 17 hours and 24 minutes.

Is there a direct train from Palermo to Zürich?

No, there are no direct train services from Palermo to Zürich. Travelling from Palermo to Zürich by train will require a minimum of 2 changes.

What time does the first train from Palermo to Zürich leave?

The first train from Palermo to Zürich leaves at 05:07. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.

What time does the last train from Palermo to Zürich leave?

The last train from Palermo to Zürich 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.

What's the distance between Palermo and Zürich by train?

Trains travelling from Palermo to Zürich cover a distance of around 684 miles (1101 km) during the journey.

Looking for more information?

If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Zürich to Palermo.


* 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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