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Looking to travel from Bologna to Palermo by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 15 hours to travel from Bologna to Palermo by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 12 hours 23 minutes though. You'll usually find 19 trains per day running along the 453 miles (728 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Palermo. You'll probably be hopping onto a Trenitalia train to get to Palermo, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Bologna to Palermo start from £102.24 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Palermo by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
It takes an average of 15h 0m to travel from Bologna to Palermo by train, over a distance of around 453 miles (728 km). There are normally 19 trains per day travelling from Bologna to Palermo and tickets for this journey start from £102.24 when you book in advance.
First train | 01:51 | |
---|---|---|
Last train | 22:48 | |
Departure station | Bologna | |
Arrival station | Palermo | |
Journey time | From 12h 23m | |
Distance | 453 miles (728 km) | |
Frequency | 19 trains per day | |
Changes | Direct trains available | |
Price | From £102.24 | |
Train and bus operators | Flixbus, Onebus, Trenitalia, 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 travelling on a budget, buy a ticket for a basic seat - you'll find a spacious and comfy 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 a toiletry kit, bedding, and breakfast served in the morning.
In the Deluxe cabin, you'll enjoy a whole breakfast menu, a wake-up service and a comfier 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 coach with designated spaces for 2 passengers with a wheelchair and 2 companions. You’ll find a wheelchair symbol outside the coach.
Depending on the class you’ll be travelling 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 Bologna to Palermo 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 Bologna and Palermo is 15 hours and 0 minutes, with around 19 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 Bologna to Palermo is 12 hours and 23 minutes.
Train ticket prices from Bologna to Palermo can start from as little as £102.24 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Yes, it is possible to travel from Bologna to Palermo without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Bologna to Palermo each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
The first train from Bologna to Palermo leaves at 01:51. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
The last train from Bologna to Palermo leaves at 22:48. 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 Bologna to Palermo 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 Palermo to Bologna.