Trains from Palermo to Catania Centrale
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Palermo to Catania by train
The train from Palermo to Catania takes three hours, winding its way through the Sicilian countryside. The first service departs at 07:31 and the last at 21:35, with an average of 9 trains per day. The route to Catania is served by Trenitalia’s Regionale trains, which are cheaper (but make more frequent stops) than their high-speed counterparts. Ticket prices for these trains are fixed, so there’s no immediate advantage of booking in advance other than peace of mind!
Catania is full of history and well worth a visit if you’re in Sicily. At the foot of Mount Etna, you’ll find some of the best seafood around the bustling weekday fish market, plus some stunning walking trails around the volcano. While it’s certainly possible to do a day trip from Palermo to Catania, we’d recommend staying far longer to get the most out of this fascinating port city.
Palermo to Catania Centrale by train
It takes an average of 4h 47m to travel from Palermo to Catania Centrale by train, over a distance of around 104 miles (168 km). There are normally 15 trains per day travelling from Palermo to Catania Centrale and tickets for this journey start from £18.25 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:35 | |
| Departure station | Palermo | |
| Arrival station | Catania Centrale | |
| Journey time | From 3h 28m | |
| Distance | 104 miles (168 km) | |
| Frequency | 15 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £18.25 | |
| Train and bus operators | Flixbus, Sais_Regional, Trenitalia |
Trenitalia trains from Palermo to Catania Centrale
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
Cheap train tickets from Palermo to Catania Centrale
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 Catania Centrale 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.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Palermo to Catania Centrale? 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 Catania Centrale take?
The average journey time by train between Palermo and Catania Centrale is 4 hours and 47 minutes, with around 15 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 Catania Centrale by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Palermo to Catania Centrale is 3 hours and 28 minutes.
How much does the train from Palermo to Catania Centrale cost?
Train ticket prices from Palermo to Catania Centrale can start from as little as £18.25 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.
Is there a direct train from Palermo to Catania Centrale?
No, there are no direct train services from Palermo to Catania Centrale. Travelling from Palermo to Catania Centrale by train will require a minimum of 1 change.
What time does the first train from Palermo to Catania Centrale leave?
The first train from Palermo to Catania Centrale leaves at 05:07. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Palermo to Catania Centrale leave?
The last train from Palermo to Catania Centrale leaves at 21:35. 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 Catania Centrale by train?
Trains travelling from Palermo to Catania Centrale cover a distance of around 104 miles (168 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Catania Centrale to Palermo.