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Travelling from Palermo to Bologna by train
Looking to travel from Palermo to Bologna by train? You've come to the right place!
On average, it takes around 14 hours 40 minutes to travel from Palermo to Bologna by train, the fastest services can get you there in as little as 11 hours 26 minutes though. You'll usually find 14 trains per day running along the 453 miles (728 km) route between these two destinations. Once you're onboard, you can sit back and relax, as you won’t need to make any changes on your way to Bologna. You'll probably be hopping onto a Trenitalia train to get to Bologna, as they are the main operators of services on this route.
Plan your trip ahead of time and book early if you want to snap up the cheapest fares. Tickets from Palermo to Bologna start from £61.04 when you book in advance, so use our Journey Planner to view the latest prices.
If you’re feeling ready to book, start looking for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information on the journey to Bologna by train, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times.
Palermo to Bologna by train
It takes an average of 14h 40m to travel from Palermo to Bologna by train, over a distance of around 453 miles (728 km). There are normally 14 trains per day travelling from Palermo to Bologna and tickets for this journey start from £61.04 when you book in advance.
| First train | 05:07 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 20:25 | |
| Departure station | Palermo | |
| Arrival station | Bologna | |
| Journey time | From 11h 26m | |
| Distance | 453 miles (728 km) | |
| Frequency | 14 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £61.04 | |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, Flixbus, Onebus, Autoservizi Salemi |
Trenitalia trains from Palermo to Bologna
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 Palermo to Bologna
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Notte (night trains) when travelling from Palermo to Bologna.
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 Palermo to Bologna.
- 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 Palermo to Bologna
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 Bologna 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 Bologna? 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 Bologna take?
The average journey time by train between Palermo and Bologna is 14 hours and 40 minutes, with around 14 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 Bologna by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Palermo to Bologna is 11 hours and 26 minutes.
How much does the train from Palermo to Bologna cost?
Train ticket prices from Palermo to Bologna can start from as little as £61.04 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 Bologna?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Palermo to Bologna without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Palermo to Bologna each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Palermo to Bologna leave?
The first train from Palermo to Bologna leaves at 05:07. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Palermo to Bologna leave?
The last train from Palermo to Bologna leaves at 20:25. 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 Bologna by train?
Trains travelling from Palermo to Bologna cover a distance of around 453 miles (728 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Bologna to Palermo.