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Each fare is the lowest adult economy ticket fare found by our customers on Trainline. Fares booked further in advance than the dates displayed may be cheaper. Prices are updated daily, subject to change and indicative of price last update. Limited availability. Discount cards and coach journeys excluded, prices exclusive of booking fee.

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How to travel from Milan Central Station to Palermo by train

Want to find out more about taking the train from Milan Central Station to Palermo? Look no further.

There are around 13 trains per day running between Milan Central Station and Palermo, which usually take 17 hours 26 minutes to complete the 552 miles (888 km) journey. It can take as little as 13 hours 26 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. As soon as you board the train, you'll be able to make yourself comfortable and enjoy the journey as there are direct services available. All or part of your journey will be on board a Trenitalia train, as they are the main operator of trains on this route.

You can save money on train tickets from Milan Central Station to Palermo if you book in advance, as tickets usually start from £55.22. Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to compare ticket prices and get the cheapest fares.

Want to book your train tickets now? Just start a search with us today. If you want to find out more about the journey, read on for timetables (including first and last train times), FAQs and tips on how to book cheap train tickets.

Trains to Palermo from Milan Central Station

It takes an average of 17h 26m to travel from Milan Central Station to Palermo by train, over a distance of around 552 miles (888 km). There are normally 13 trains per day travelling from Milan Central Station to Palermo and tickets for this journey start from £55.22 when you book in advance.

First train

05:20

Last train

22:18

Departure stationMilan Central Station
Arrival stationPalermo
Journey time

From 13h 26m

Distance

552 miles (888 km)

Frequency

13 trains per day

Changes

Direct trains available

Price

From £55.22

Train and bus operators

Autoservizi Salemi, Flixbus, Trenitalia

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Milan Central Station to Palermo?

Want to know more about your journey from Milan Central Station to Palermo? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.

How do I get from Milan Central Station to Palermo?

You can travel from Milan Central Station to Palermo by train in about 17 hours and 26 minutes. With around 13 trains running each day, taking the train is easy. Find out more in our Journey Planner.

How long is the train journey from Milan Central Station to Palermo?

On average, the train journey from Milan Central Station to Palermo takes around 17 hours and 26 minutes, with 13 trains per day. The duration may vary slightly depending on the specific train and any potential delays. Use our Journey Planner to check out more information.

How much is the train from Milan Central Station to Palermo?

Train tickets from Milan Central Station to Palermo start from as little as £55.22, depending on the time of booking, class of service and type of train. Booking in advance often results in cheaper prices.

What is the fastest train from Milan Central Station to Palermo?

The fastest trains from Milan Central Station to Palermo can cover the distance of 552 miles (888 km) in as little as 13 hours and 26 minutes.

What are the train times from Milan Central Station to Palermo?

Check out the next trains departing from Milan Central Station to Palermo for Tuesday 23rd December 2025. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
07:3022:0114h 31m, 1 change
08:1022:0113h 51m, 2 changes
08:3522:0113h 26m, 3 changes
13:3006:4717h 17m, 2 changes
16:1008:0615h 56m, 1 change
16:3508:0615h 31m, 2 changes
18:3511:3917h 4m, 1 change
19:1015:5520h 45m, direct
19:3516:2920h 54m, 3 changes
19:3518:1222h 37m, 1 change

Trenitalia trains from Milan Central Station to Palermo

You can travel from Milan Central Station to Palermo on Trenitalia 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.

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.

What Intercity Notte (night trains) classes are there from Milan Central Station to Palermo?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Notte (night trains) when travelling from Milan Central Station to Palermo.

What are the onboard services on Intercity Notte (night trains)?

Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan Central Station to Palermo.

LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
  • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity Notte trains free of charge.
  • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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.

WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

Unfortunately, free WiFi is not available on Intercity Notte trains.

ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel 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, or 30% off if they’re travelling in the Comfort couchette or Deluxe cabin Relax.
ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
  • 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.
PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
  • 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. 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).
WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

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.

InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

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.

How do I find cheap train tickets from Milan Central Station to Palermo?

If you’re planning a trip to Europe soon, our Trainline team of experts have put together some tips to help you find cheap tickets. Booking on the day in Europe is usually more expensive and costs can vary depending on the time of day, route or travel class.

1. Book in advance

The price of train tickets from Milan Central Station to Palermo starts at £55.22§ one-way for a Standard Class ticket if you book in advance. Most train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months ahead of time, so if you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find cheaper tickets.

2. Be flexible with your travel times

If you can, consider travelling outside of 'peak hours' (generally between 06:00 - 10:00 and 15:00 - 19:00 on weekdays) as many train companies increase their ticket prices during these commuter times.

3. Buy a rail pass

If you're visiting multiple locations on your trip, buying a rail pass can be cheaper than buying individual tickets. We're official retailers of Interrail Passes that are valid for travel within one country or multiple countries across Europe.

4. Choose a slower or connecting train

On some busier routes, you might have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have some extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare.

5. Look out for train ticket sales and discounts

Many train companies in Europe will often run sales on tickets throughout the year or offer discounts to senior/youth/group travellers, so keep an eye out!

6. Take a night train

Save on accommodation and use the night to travel by sleeper train to your next destination.

For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.

§Some train companies may not offer any Advance ticket types or cheaper deals for early bookings. On rare occasions, train companies may choose to release special offers closer to the date on last-minute or late-release tickets. This is dependent on the individual train operating company you travel with.

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