is Europe’s Nº 1 destination for train and bus tickets*
Official distributor
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
Search. Book. Travel.
Say hello to Your Account
All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
Got a question? Our support team are on hand 24/7.
Search. Book. Travel.
No more fumbling in your pockets
Digital tickets live neatly in our app, so you can just tap, scan and go.
All your tickets, all in the palm of your hand.
Search. Book. Travel.
Looking for a cheap price?
Look no further. Compare tickets easily with our price calendar.
We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
What customers say about Trainline
Read real reviews from real users
Take the train from Bologna to Palermo in 12 hours 35 minutes
If you want to travel from Bologna to Palermo by train, you've come to the right place.
You can expect the journey from Bologna to Palermo by train to take around 14 hours 58 minutes. If you want to get there as quickly as possible, it can take as little as 12 hours 35 minutes on the fastest services. You'll usually find around 11 trains per day running on this route, which spans 728 km. There's no need for any changes along the way, as there are direct trains available to Palermo. Trenitalia trains are the main operator of services on this route, so you're likely to travel with them for all or at least part of your journey to Palermo.
Use our Journey Planner at the top of the page to search for cheap ticket prices and we'll show you how much you can save. Tickets from Bologna to Palermo start from $102.75 when you book in advance.
If you want to know more about the journey, keep reading for train schedules, tips on finding cheap tickets and FAQs, including first and last train times. Want to go straight to booking? Start a search with us today!
Bologna to Palermo by train
It takes an average of 14h 58m to travel from Bologna to Palermo by train, over a distance of around 453 miles (728 km). There are normally 11 trains per day traveling from Bologna to Palermo and tickets for this journey start from $102.75 when you book in advance.
| First train | 5:41 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 11:05 pm | |
| Departure station | Bologna | |
| Arrival station | Palermo | |
| Journey time | From 12h 35m | |
| Distance | 453 miles (728 km) | |
| Frequency | 11 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From $102.75 | |
| Train and bus operators | Flixbus, Onebus, Trenitalia, Autoservizi Salemi |
FAQs about the train journey from Bologna to Palermo
Want to know more about your journey from Bologna to Palermo? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there any direct trains from Bologna to Palermo?
How far is the train ride from Bologna to Palermo?
Who operates the trains from Bologna to Palermo?
Can I take a flight-free trip from Bologna to Palermo?
What is the best way to travel to Palermo from Bologna?
What time does the first train run from Bologna to Palermo?
How late does the train from Bologna to Palermo run?
How many trains go from Bologna to Palermo per day?
When do tickets from Bologna to Palermo go on sale?
Planning a round trip from Bologna to Palermo?
Trenitalia trains from Bologna 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 Bologna to Palermo
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Notte (night trains) when traveling from Bologna to Palermo.
Seated car Basic Easy
If you're traveling on a budget, buy a ticket for a basic seat – you'll find a spacious and comfortable seat with a fold-down table, as well as a minibar service.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- USB ports
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Beauty and grooming products
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Hanger
- Wake-up service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Comfort couchette
This couchette can host up to 4 people and offers plenty of amenities, including complimentary beauty and grooming products, bedding, and breakfast served in the morning.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- USB ports
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Beauty and grooming products
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Hanger
- Wake-up 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 more comfortable bed. Single, double or 3-berth compartments are available.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- USB ports
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Beauty and grooming products
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Hanger
- Wake-up 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
- Baggage storage
- Power outlets
- USB ports
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Beauty and grooming products
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Hanger
- Wake-up service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Onboard services on Intercity Notte (night trains)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Bologna to Palermo.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity Notte trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your baggage 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.
- Kids 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 traveling 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 (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
- 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 (27.5 x 11.8 x 19.6 inches). 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 car with designated spaces for 2 passengers with a wheelchair and 2 companions. You’ll find a wheelchair symbol outside the car.
Depending on the class you’ll be traveling in, you’ll get to enjoy additional perks, including a wake-up service, breakfast, bedding and more.
Cheap train tickets from Bologna 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 Bologna 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.
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.