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All your tickets and travel info, all in one place. Easy as that.
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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.
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Looking for a cheap price?
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We’ll find you the cheapest day to travel.
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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.
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Looking for a cheap price?
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About the train journey from Palermo to Zürich
Want to travel from Palermo to Zürich by train? Start your journey with us.
The train from Palermo to Zürich usually takes 20 hours 21 minutes on average to travel 1101 km, although the quickest services can take as little as 16 hours 33 minutes. You can expect to find 13 trains per day running on this popular route. As there aren't any direct services running between Palermo and Zürich, you'll need to make 2 changes on your way to Zürich. You can choose to travel with Frecciarossa, Frecciargento or Trenitalia to get to Zürich. As the main rail operators on this route, their trains offer modern comfortable seating and plenty of space for luggage as standard.
To help you get the best train deals, we'll highlight the cheapest train ticket prices from Palermo to Zürich in our Journey Planner. Just remember, the sooner you book your tickets, the more you'll save!
Keep reading for more information about the train journey to Zürich, including FAQs, timetables with first and last train times and tips on booking cheap train tickets. If you're ready to book, just start a search for tickets with us today.
Palermo to Zürich by train
| First train | 5:07 am | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 8:25 pm | |
| Departure station | Palermo | |
| Arrival station | Zürich | |
| Journey time | From 16h 33m | |
| Distance | 684 miles (1101 km) | |
| Frequency | 13 trains per day | |
| Changes | 2 changes | |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, Flixbus, Regiojet, SBB CFF FFS, Italo, Autoservizi Salemi, Itabus, Calanda Viaggi (Bus), Trenord |
Frecciarossa, Italo, Trenitalia and Frecciargento trains from Palermo to Zürich
Frecciarossa
Italo
Trenitalia
Frecciargento
Frecciarossa trains are Trenitalia's flagship high-speed trains capable of reaching speeds of up to 186 mph (300 km/h). The "red arrow" trains are distinguished by their comfort, their ultra-modern design and their reduced impact on the environment. All Frecciarossa trains are equipped with a food carriage, a free WiFi connection and four levels of service – Standard, Premium (with drinks and welcome snacks served on arrival, as well as a morning newspaper), Business (with drinks and snacks, morning newspaper and larger seats) and Executive (with Fast Track, access to FrecciaClub lounges in train selected stations, and gourmet meals served to your seat). From December 2021, you can also travel with Frecciarossa from Milan to Paris via Turin, Modane and Chambéry. The trains are operated by Trenitalia France and have 4 levels of service - Standard, Business, Executive and Meeting Room - and two types of carriages: Silence Area, for those who want to travel in total tranquillity, and Allegro Area, for those who want to chat with their fellow passengers.
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 four comfort classes, or "ambiances", as Italo like to call them – Smart (the cheapest price), Comfort (with wider seats and extra legroom), 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
Frecciargento "silver arrow" high-speed trains connect the main cities of the north-west, central and southern Italy at speeds of up to 155 mph (250 km/h). All Frecciargento trains are equipped with a food carriage, free WiFi, reclining seats and power sockets. There are two levels of service – First Class and Second Class. First Class travellers can enjoy reclining leather seats, welcome service with drink and a sweet or savoury snack, and a free morning newspaper.
More information
Frecciarossa, Italo, Frecciargento and Intercity classes from Palermo to Zürich
Compare the different travel classes offered by Frecciarossa, Italo, Frecciargento and Intercity when traveling from Palermo to Zürich.
Frecciarossa
Italo
Frecciargento
Intercity
Standard
With Frecciarossa Standard, you’ll enjoy high-quality services including eco-leather reclining seats, folding tables and free WiFi at a reasonable price.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Premium
Providing all the perks of First Class for the price of Second Class, Frecciarossa Premium offers more legroom and baggage space, as well as a welcome service supplying a complimentary sweet or salty snack and a drink. You can also order your meal via the EasyBistrò paid service available on board.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Business
If you’re travelling for work, Frecciarossa Business is the ideal option for you – it offers more legroom, glass dividers for more privacy, EasyBistrò meal service and a private 4-seat compartment called Salottino. A free snack box is also served to your seat.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
Executive
Frecciarossa Executive can accommodate up to 10 single armchairs and offers plenty of legroom, wider reclining leather seats, free entry to FRECCIALounge at the main train stations, an exclusive open bar and Michelin-starred menu by the renowned Italian TV chef Carlo Cracco.
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Free WiFi
- USB ports
- Dining car
- In-seat meal service
- Free magazine
- More legroom
- Welcome drink
- Snack box
- Quiet area
- Conference room
- Open Bar
- Lounge access
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:
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
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.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Club Executive
If you want to travel in style, upgrade to Italo Club Executive and enjoy dedicated catering service, personal screens, and free access to Italo Club Lounge.
- Vending machine
- Entertainment pass
- Leather seats
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Welcome service
- Fast track access
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Lounge car
- Personal screens
- In-seat meal service
Second Class
Frecciargento's Standard Class comes with plenty of amenities, including reclining seats, power sockets, a Bistrò bar, free WiFi and an entertainment portal.
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Entertainment pass
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Welcome service
First Class
In addition to all the perks available in Second Class, Frecciargento's First Class also offers a welcome service including a complimentary sweet or savory snack and a a bottle of water of 0.25L.
- Air conditioning
- Baggage storage
- Entertainment pass
- Adjustable seats/footrests
- Reading light
- Power outlets at each seat
- Free WiFi
- Dining car
- Welcome service
Second Class Easy
Travel in Second Class Easy and enjoy seats with folding tables, power outlets and a bar carriage in the middle of the train.
- Air conditioning
- Hanger
- Vending machine
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Fold-down table
- Power outlets at each seat
- Reading light
- More legroom
First Class Plus
In addition to all the amenities in Second Class Easy, you'll get to enjoy more spacious seats and legroom in First Class Plus.
- Air conditioning
- Hanger
- Vending machine
- Baggage storage
- Seat reservation
- Fold-down table
- Power outlets at each seat
- Reading light
- More legroom
Onboard services on Frecciarossa, Italo, Frecciargento and Intercity
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Palermo to Zürich.
Frecciarossa
Italo
Frecciargento
Intercity
- You can take your bags on board Frecciarossa trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
- You can also order your favourite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
- If you travel in Premium or Business Class, you’ll get a free snack and drink. If you travel in Executive Class, you’ll get a complimentary meal by the renowned TV chef Carlo Cracco.
- You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciarossa trains. Connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
- You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
- 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 (Frecciarossa’s standard fare).
- Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off.
- Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for kids under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciarossa trains provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
- Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- Small pets can travel on all Frecciarossa trains 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).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a half-price Standard ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- You can’t travel with bigger dogs in Executive and Premium Class, in quiet carriages and in restaurant cars.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.
- You can take your bags on board free of charge. If you have a small bag or backpack, you can place it under your seat.
- If you’re traveling with a larger bag, you can place it on the luggage racks above your seat.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. However, if you travel in Italo Smart, your bags must not be larger than 75 x 53 x 30cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
While there’s no bar or restaurant car on Italo trains, you can use the vending machines on board to get snacks and drinks during your journey.
- 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 outlets that are available at your seat.
- Kids 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 traveling in Italo’s Smart Class.
- 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 (31.4 x 43.3 x 15.7 inches).
- Pets under 10kg (22 lbs) can travel for free on all Italo trains provided they’re placed in a carrier or cage
- Pets over 10kg (22 lbs) will need a ticket to travel with you. They must also be kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
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.
Air-conditioning is available on all Italo trains, as well as power outlets at every seat.
- You can take your bags on board Frecciargento trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
- You can go to the FrecciaBistrò café-bar counter located in the middle part of the train to get snacks, main courses, and drinks.
- You can also order your favorite meal from the comfort of your seat – go to the entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and use the EasyBistrò service or ask a member of staff.
- If you travel in First Class, you’ll get a free bottle of water, coffee and a savoury or sweet snack.
- You’ll find free WiFi on all Frecciargento trains. Simply connect to their entertainment portal called Portale FRECCE and choose from a wide selection of movies, TV series, live news, eBooks, games, music, and podcasts.
- You can also use Portale FRECCE to get the latest updates on your journey, as well as book other services that will help you reach your destination.
- 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.
- Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15, plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re traveling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Frecciargento trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches).
- Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- Small pets can travel on all Frecciargento trains free of charge if they’re placed in a carrier or cage with max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60, which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on board. You can also charge your devices thanks to the power outlets you can find at your seat.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no baggage size limits. You’ll need to make sure that your baggage is compatible with the space available on board.
You can get snacks and drinks from the vending machines available in car 3. Gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
At the moment, Intercity trains do not offer an entertainment portal on board. However, you can make use of your internet data, as well as charge your devices thanks to the power outlets that are available at your seat.
- 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.
- Bimbi Gratis offer: You can also get free travel for children under 15 plus 40% off Base tickets for adults, if you’re travelling in a family group of 2 to 5 people (including at least one adult and one child).
- You can travel with your bike for free on all Intercity trains, provided it’s not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm (31.4 x 43.3 x 17.7 inches). Your bike must be disassembled or folded and stored in a bag in one of the dedicated luggage racks.
- If you can't fold your bike, some Intercity trains allow you to take your bike on board. However, you’ll need to book a space and buy a ticket. There are 6 bike spaces in car 3 and 2 e-bike chargers.
- Small pets can travel on all Intercity trains free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm (29.5 x 20.8 x 11.8 inches).
- Bigger dogs are allowed on all trains if they have a ticket, they’re kept on a leash and equipped with a muzzle.
- Guide and assistance dogs are allowed on all trains at no additional cost.
If you need to request special assistance, you can call the toll-free number 800 90 60 60 which can be reached from a landline in Italy, or the national number +3902323232, which can be reached from a landline or mobile, even from abroad (international calling charges may apply).
Air-conditioning is available on all Intercity trains.
Cheap train tickets from Palermo to Zürich
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 Zürich 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.
FAQs about the train journey from Palermo to Zürich
Want to know more about your journey from Palermo to Zürich? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
Are there direct trains from Palermo to Zürich?
What's the distance between Palermo and Zürich by train?
Who runs the trains from Palermo to Zürich?
Can you travel from Palermo to Zürich without taking a flight?
What is the best way to get to Zürich from Palermo?
What time is the first train from Palermo to Zürich?
What time is the last train from Palermo to Zürich?
How often do trains go from Palermo to Zürich?
Do you need to prebook train tickets from Palermo to Zürich?
Is there a return trip from Palermo to Zürich?
* Based on European average monthly visitors to Trainline’s app and website from 1.1.2023 to 10.31.2023 vs other independent retailers.