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Trains from Zürich to Palermo

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  3. Zürich to Palermo

Plan your journey from Zürich to Palermo

Considering a trip to Palermo and need more information on how to take the train from Zürich to Palermo? Start your search with us today!

Usually, the train from Zürich to Palermo takes around 20 hours 54 minutes. Every day, there are around 12 trains running on this popular route.

There will be 2 changes on your journey from Zürich to Palermo, as there are no direct trains.

Trains on this route are operated by Trenitalia.

From Zürich to Palermo, tickets start from just £185.14. Booking tickets in advance can be cheaper than buying on the day of travel.

Use our Journey Planner to pick the dates and times you want to travel, and we’ll give you all the options.

Trains to Palermo from Zürich

It takes an average of 20h 54m to travel from Zürich to Palermo by train, over a distance of around 684 miles (1101 km). There are normally 12 trains per day travelling from Zürich to Palermo and tickets for this journey start from £185.14 when you book in advance.

First train

06:05

Last train

23:05

Departure stationZürich
Arrival stationPalermo
Journey time

From 16h 53m

Distance

684 miles (1101 km)

Frequency

12 trains per day

Changes

2 changes

Price

From £185.14

Train and bus operators

Italo, Trenitalia

What do people frequently ask about the train journey from Zürich to Palermo?

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

How do you get to Palermo from Zürich?

To travel to Palermo from Zürich, you can take the train - on average, the journey takes around 20 hours and 54 minutes, though the fastest trains can take 16 hours and 53 minutes. Use our Journey Planner to get more information.

How long is the train ride from Zürich to Palermo?

Trains from Zürich to Palermo take an average of 20 hours and 54 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 16 hours and 53 minutes. You'll usually find 12 trains per day on this route, so use our Journey Planner to check specific dates as times may vary.

How much does it cost to get from Zürich to Palermo by train?

Train tickets from Zürich to Palermo can start from £185.14 when booked in advance, but they’re usually more expensive if bought on the day of travel. Prices may also vary depending on the time of day, route, and class you choose.

Can I get a high-speed train from Zürich to Palermo?

Yes, you can get a high-speed train from Zürich to Palermo in as little as 16 hours and 53 minutes on the fastest services. High-speed trains from Italo offer a range of classes and onboard services - take a look to see what suits you best!

What are the train times from Zürich to Palermo?

Check out the next trains departing from Zürich to Palermo for Tuesday 20th October 2026. For the full train timetable/schedule, or to search for a later time or date, click here.
DepartsArrivesDuration
09:3306:4821h 15m, 3 changes
11:3308:1320h 40m, 2 changes
12:0508:1320h 8m, 3 changes
14:3309:5919h 26m, 4 changes
14:3310:5520h 22m, 2 changes
15:0509:5918h 54m, 6 changes
15:0510:5519h 50m, 4 changes
16:3316:2923h 56m, 4 changes
18:3318:0423h 31m, 4 changes
19:0518:0422h 59m, 7 changes

Italo and Trenitalia trains from Zürich to Palermo

You can travel from Zürich to Palermo on Italo and 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.

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 three comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), 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).

More information

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

What Italo and Trenitalia Eurocity classes are there from Zürich to Palermo?

Compare the different travel classes offered by Italo and Trenitalia Eurocity when travelling from Zürich to Palermo.

Smart

Although Smart is Italo’s standard and cheapest class, you won’t miss out on the fantastic service! This class provides you with the following amenities:

  • CoffeeCoffeeVending machine
  • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
  • LeatherSeatLeatherSeatLeather seats
  • PlugPlugPower sockets at each seat
  • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
  • AdultPassengerAdultPassengerWelcome service
  • SingleSingleFast track
  • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
  • ReceiptReceiptFree magazines/newspapers
  • CompartmentCompartmentSalotto
  • TvTvPersonal screens
  • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat

    Prima

    In addition to all the perks of Italo Smart, Italo Prima also provides a little extra, such as a dedicated Fast Track service and a welcome service.

    • CoffeeCoffeeVending machine
    • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
    • LeatherSeatLeatherSeatLeather seats
    • PlugPlugPower sockets at each seat
    • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
    • AdultPassengerAdultPassengerWelcome service
    • SingleSingleFast track
    • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
    • ReceiptReceiptFree magazines/newspapers
    • CompartmentCompartmentSalotto
    • TvTvPersonal screens
    • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat

      Club Executive

      If you fancy travelling in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free entry to Italo Club Lounge.

      • CoffeeCoffeeVending machine
      • AtSeatServiceAtSeatServiceEntertainment portal
      • LeatherSeatLeatherSeatLeather seats
      • PlugPlugPower sockets at each seat
      • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
      • AdultPassengerAdultPassengerWelcome service
      • SingleSingleFast track
      • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom
      • ReceiptReceiptFree magazines/newspapers
      • CompartmentCompartmentSalotto
      • TvTvPersonal screens
      • RestaurantRestaurantCatering at your seat

        Second Class

        From spacious armchairs to at-seat power sockets and reading lights, you’ve got everything you need to enjoy your journey in EuroCity's Second Class.

        • SeatSeatSeat reservation
        • PlugPlugPower sockets
        • PlusPlusClothes hanger
        • ReadingReadingReading light
        • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
        • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
        • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
        • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

          First Class

          In addition to all the services available in Second Class, you’ll get to enjoy extra-wide and comfier seats, more legroom, and an at-seat catering service in EuroCity’s First Class:

          • SeatSeatSeat reservation
          • PlugPlugPower sockets
          • PlusPlusClothes hanger
          • ReadingReadingReading light
          • LuggageLuggageLuggage storage
          • WiFiWiFiFree WiFi
          • BarBarBar/restaurant carriage
          • LegRoomLegRoomMore legroom

            What are the onboard services on Italo and Trenitalia Eurocity?

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

            LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
            • You can take your bags on board Italo trains free of charge.
            • If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat. If you’re travelling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
            • In most cases, there are no luggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm.
            RestaurantRestaurantWhat food and drink is available?

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

            WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?
            • 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 sockets that are available at your seat.
            ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?
            • Children 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 travelling in Italo’s Smart Class.
            ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?
            • 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.
            PetPetCan I bring pets on board?
            • Pets under 10kg can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage.
            • Pets over 10kg will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
            WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

            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.

            InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

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

            LuggageLuggageWhat luggage limits are there?
            • You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Eurocity 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?
            • You’ll find a Bar-Bistrò on Eurocity trains that are travelling between Italy, Switzerland and Germany.
            • A minibar trolley service is also available – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks.
            WiFiWiFiWhat onboard entertainment is available?

            Free WiFi is available on Eurocity Giruno trains.

            ChildPassengerChildPassengerWhat facilities are there for travel with children?

            Children under 4 can travel for free if they're accompanied by an adult and don't occupy a seat.

            ModeOfTransportBikeModeOfTransportBikeCan I bring a bike on board?

            Not all Eurocity trains allow you to take your bike on board – you’ll need to check in advance if you can travel with your bike. If that’s the case, you’ll need to buy a ticket and book your bike space before departure at the ticket office.

            PetPetCan I bring pets on board?

            Guide and assistance dogs can travel for free and don't need a ticket.

            WheelchairWheelchairWhat special assistance is available?

            All of Trenitalia’s Eurocity trains offer dedicated spaces to passengers with disabilities.

            InfoInfoWhat else do I need to know?

            A quiet area (or Area Silenzio) is available on all Eurocity Giruno trains.

            How do I find cheap train tickets from Zürich 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 Zürich to Palermo starts at £185.14§ 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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