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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 17 trains per day running between Milan Central Station and Palermo, which usually take 15 hours 43 minutes to complete the 552 miles (888 km) journey. It can take as little as 13 hours 20 minutes on the fastest services though, if you want to get there as quickly as possible. Although there aren't any direct services on this line, it's still easy to travel to Palermo from Milan Central Station, you'll just need to make 1 change along the way. 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 £67.85. 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.
Milan Central Station to Palermo by train
It takes an average of 15h 43m to travel from Milan Central Station to Palermo by train, over a distance of around 552 miles (888 km). There are normally 17 trains per day travelling from Milan Central Station to Palermo and tickets for this journey start from £67.85 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:20 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 22:18 | |
| Departure station | Milan Central Station | |
| Arrival station | Palermo | |
| Journey time | From 13h 20m | |
| Distance | 552 miles (888 km) | |
| Frequency | 17 trains per day | |
| Changes | 1 change | |
| Price | From £67.85 | |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, Flixbus, Autoservizi Salemi |
FAQs 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.
Is there a direct train from Milan Central Station to Palermo?
How far is Palermo from Milan Central Station by train?
Which trains run from Milan Central Station to Palermo?
Can I get from Milan Central Station to Palermo without flying?
What is the best way to get from Milan Central Station to Palermo?
When is the first train from Milan Central Station to Palermo?
When is the last train from Milan Central Station to Palermo?
How often do trains run from Milan Central Station to Palermo?
How far in advance can I book tickets from Milan Central Station to Palermo?
Looking for a return trip from Milan Central Station to Palermo?
Trenitalia trains from Milan Central Station to Palermo
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
Intercity Notte (night trains) classes 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.
Seated coach Basic Easy
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.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- USB sockets
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Clothes hanger
- Wakeup service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Comfort couchette
This couchette can host up to 4 people and offers plenty of amenities, including a toiletry kit, bedding, and breakfast served in the morning.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- USB sockets
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Clothes hanger
- Wakeup 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 comfier bed. Single, double or 3-berth compartments are available.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- USB sockets
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Clothes hanger
- Wakeup 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
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- USB sockets
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Clothes hanger
- Wakeup service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Onboard services on Intercity Notte (night trains)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Milan Central Station to Palermo.
- 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.
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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
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.
Cheap train tickets from Milan Central Station to Palermo
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 Milan Central Station to Palermo 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.