Palermo Airport is around 30 km northwest of the city center and it takes around 40-50 minutes to cover the distance in average traffic conditions. You have 4 transportation options to get from Palermo Airport to the city center: you can take a taxi, a private transfer, a bus, or a train. Taking a Palermo Airport taxi or a private Palermo Airport transfer is the quickest and most convenient option, offering 24/7 door-to-door services.

If you’re looking for more budget-friendly alternatives, you can take the airport bus or the regional train. Both options have a similar ticket price and travel time and are a convenient, although slower, way to get from Palermo Airport to the city.

4 ways to get from Palermo Airport to the city

PRICE FOR
OPTION
PRICE
TIME
AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups Private Transfer
€51 40min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Taxi
€44 40min 24/7
Convenience
Book
Airport Bus
€13 45min 05:05–01:05
Convenience
Read more
Regional Train
€13.60 50min 05:18–00:25
Convenience
Read more
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How to get from Palermo Airport to the city center by taxi

A Palermo Airport taxi from Palermo Airport to the city center is one of the most convenient transportation options to reach your hotel or apartment directly in about 40 minutes. Official taxis offer 24/7 services and all you need to do is head to the taxi rank outside the terminal and wait for an available taxi.

How much is a taxi from Palermo Airport to city center?

Palermo Airport taxis offer fixed fares to specific destinations around the city:

    • Piazza Don Bosco – €39
    • Piazza Indipendenza (city center) – €44
    • Central Station – €50

These fares are the same throughout the day and any day of the week, including all fees. Also, note that these fares apply to sedan cars that accommodate up to 4 passengers; for larger vehicles, a higher fare applies.

That being said, the Palermo Airport to city center taxi cost is €44 for up to 4 passengers. However, since different fares apply for rides to different parts of the city, you can check with your driver before getting in the taxi if you’re unsure about the address you’re headed to.

Where do I get a taxi from?

The official Palermo Airport taxi rank can be found on the Ground Floor in front of the Arrivals exit. Once you exit the terminal, you should easily spot the line of white taxis with a yellow stripe on both sides and the typical “TAXI” sign on the roof. There are signs inside the Arrivals Hall guiding you to the rank and there is also an information desk outside Arrivals. If there are no taxis available, you can call a taxi service over the phone but note that there is a 20-minute wait.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Palermo Airport to the city is a great way to reach your hotel or apartment directly, without being dependent on timetables. Palermo Airport taxis provide 24/7 service, ensuring a smooth ride in a comfortable vehicle. Keep in mind that peak season in Palermo is usually during the summer months so you can expect long queues at the rank.

Useful Tips

If you're traveling during peak hours, you may end up waiting for a long time at the rank for an available taxi. It's recommended to pre-book a private transfer to secure a ride as soon as you land.
Sedan taxis in Palermo can take up to 4 people with 4 pieces of luggage.
When taking a taxi from Palermo Airport to city center the cost may vary; if you're unsure which fare applies to your route, you can check with the information desk outside Arrivals.
Most Palermo Airport taxis accept card payments but it's always a good idea to carry some cash in the local currency (€).
Tipping your taxi driver isn't required or expected in Palermo but it's well received if you wish to do so for great service.
You'll rarely find a fully accessible taxi at the airport rank so it's best to make arrangements in advance if you need one.

How to get from Palermo Airport to the city center by bus

A great budget-friendly option to get from Palermo Airport to the city center is by bus. There is only one bus that connects the airport to the city, operated by Prestia e Comandè and offers direct transfer options to various parts of the city. The bus stops at the Central Train Station in Palermo and the trip there takes around 50 minutes. It also makes 9 stops along the way, including Piazza Croce, Piazza Ruggiero Settimo, and Via Roma, which are close to many hotels, the port, and the historical city center.

How much is a bus ticket from Palermo Airport to the city?

The bus from Palermo Airport to the city center costs €6.50 for a single trip and €11 for a return trip. Children from 2 to 12 years old have a reduced fare of €4.50 for a single trip, while children up to 2 years old travel for free.

These prices are for tickets purchased on the bus. You can also purchase your tickets online or at the ticket office at the airport to secure a discount. Also, note that the fare is the same regardless of how far you travel into the city.

Cost
€6.50
Trip Duration
45 Min.
The bus departs from Palermo Airport every 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The airport bus is available from 05:05 to 01:05 all year long, including public holidays.

Where do I get the bus from?

All bus stops at Palermo Airport are located on the Ground Floor, on the right as you exit the Arrivals Hall. Look for the relevant signs guiding you there and for the Prestia e Comandè logo to make sure you’re at the right bus stop.

Convenience

Getting from Palermo Airport to the city center by bus is a fairly convenient and affordable travel option. Service is direct, meaning you don’t need to worry about tracking routes or changing buses. However, even if you find the nearest bus stop to your accommodation, you may still need to walk there after getting off the bus or take a taxi if you’re traveling with children or with heavy luggage. This increases both expenses and travel time so it’s best to take it into account and have a look at the bus route in advance.

Timetables

Prestia e Comandè bus information

Stops and timetable

Prestia e Comandè bus tickets

Online ticket purchase

Useful Tips

If you're traveling during peak season, it's best to pre-book your ticket online to secure a seat on the bus. Otherwise, you may need to wait for the next bus or one that has empty seats available.
There is a discount if you purchase your ticket online or via the free BeAppyBus app; a single adult ticket costs €5 and a return ticket costs €10.
Standard luggage is included in the ticket price and large luggage needs to be stored in the luggage compartment.
You can show an online ticket on your phone to board the bus, you don't need a hard copy.
If you purchase a bus ticket, it is valid for all buses scheduled on the same day.
The buses are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi and TV.

How to get from Palermo Airport to the city center by train

The train from Palermo Airport to the city center is another budget-friendly option to reach your accommodation. The train departs directly from the airport train station, Punta Raisi, and it takes about 50 minutes to reach Palermo Centrale.

Depending on where your hotel or apartment is located, you can disembark earlier to ensure minimum walking.  Keep in mind that some trains are express lines (‘Genio Express’ connections), meaning they only make a couple of stops along the way. This reduces travel time but you may need to disembark far from where you’re staying; make sure to check before boarding to avoid unnecessary walking or additional expenses for a taxi.

How much is a ticket for the train from Palermo Airport to the city center?

Single tickets for the train from Palermo Airport to the city center are €6.80 for adults and €3.50 for children between 4 and 12 years of age. Children under the age of 4 travel free of charge if accompanied by one paying adult.

You can purchase your ticket from the ticket vending machines at the airport train station or online via the Trenitalia website but the fare is the same. Also, only one ticket class is available for this service (2nd class). However, purchasing your ticket in advance secures a seat on the train, taking the stress off on the day of your arrival.

Cost
€6.80
Trip Duration
50 Min.
The airport train departs from Palermo Airport every 30 minutes.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The airport train runs daily and operates from 05:18 to 00:25.

Where do I get the train from?

The Punta Raisi train station is located at the basement of the Terminal. You will find signs inside the Arrivals Hall guiding you to the train station. If you have trouble finding it, you can always contact the Information Desk at Arrivals.

Convenience

The train is another convenient and cheaper option if you’re traveling on a tight budget and it’s ideal for solo travelers visiting Palermo. However, large crowds during peak season and walking from the train station to your accommodation can be challenging if you’re in a larger group with young children and multiple pieces of luggage. Also, unexpected delays are always a possibility and that’s not the best way to start your trip; a faster and more reliable option, like a taxi or a private transfer, may be a safer choice.

Timetables

Trenitalia website

Online ticket purchase

Palermo Airport - Palermo connection

Information on schedule, fares, and more

Useful Tips

Same as when traveling by bus, it's best to pre-book your train ticket to ensure you and your travel party will have a seat on board, especially if you're traveling during high season.
If you purchase an online ticket, you need to check in; you can do so from 00:00 on the date of travel until the scheduled departure time of your train.
Small dogs, cats, and other pets can travel free of charge, provided they are inside a pet carrier that does not exceed 70x30x50 cm in size.
Guide dogs for the blind and visually impaired can travel free of charge on all trains.
The train is equipped with a seat and accessible bathroom for travelers using a wheelchair. Also, all train stations are fully accessible.
Keep in mind that in some time slots, there is only one train per hour and that generally schedules can be subject to change.
For families and small groups of 2 to 6 people, there is a 50% discount on the full fare for children aged 12 to 18.
If you plan to travel by train again during your trip, it's worth having a look at all the offers on Trenitalia's to secure significant discounts.

How to get from Palermo Airport to city by private transfer

A private Palermo Airport transfer from Palermo Airport to the city is the best way to ensure a seamless travel experience and enjoy a hassle-free start to your trip. With Welcome Pickups, you can skip the queue at the taxi rank and enjoy personalized services and much more:

  • Meet and greets
  • Trained English-speaking drivers
  • Flight monitoring
  • Guaranteed fixed fares
  • 24/7 customer support

 

Pre-booking your private transfer takes only a couple of minutes and saves you valuable time but above all guarantees peace of mind. With your ride pre-paid online and your English-speaking driver waiting for you, ready to take you to your private vehicle, all that’s left to do is sit back and relax. If you wish, you can chat with your driver, who will be happy to provide recommendations about the city so you can make the most of your trip.

What's the cost of a private transfer from Palermo Airport to city?

One of the main benefits of pre-booking your private transfer from Palermo Airport to the city center is that you ensure a fixed fare. Once you enter your drop-off location, you will get a quote and you can complete your booking by paying securely online in advance.

A sedan transfer from Palermo Airport to the city will cost €51 during the day (06:00 – 22:00) and €65 during the night (22:00 – 06:00). If you’re in a larger group, you can book a minivan that accommodates up to 8 people for €73 during the day and €93 during the night.

The added benefit of pre-paying for your ride is that you don’t need to worry about surcharges, tolls, or traffic conditions. Everything is included in the price and you’re not expected to pay for anything else, even if you get stuck in traffic.

Cost
€51
Trip Duration
40 Min.
*Booking your private transfer in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.
Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

Private transfers are available 24/7 at Palermo International Airport (PMO).

Where do I get a transfer from?

After passport control and baggage claim, you can head straight to the Arrivals Hall, where your driver will be waiting holding a sign with your name on it. You will have received an email with their contact details and photo so it should be easy to spot them in the crowd. After a warm meet and greet your driver will offer to help you with your luggage and lead you to your private vehicle.

Convenience

Even though Palermo taxis are a convenient and sometimes cheaper option, a private transfer ensures a hassle-free and personalized travel experience. It’s the best option whether you’re a business traveler and want to ensure a timely pickup or you’re traveling with your family and want to ensure quick and effortless transportation to your accommodation. With everything taken care of in advance, you can relax and start enjoying your trip from the first moment.

Useful Tips

You will have plenty of time to meet your driver after landing but it's recommended to set the pickup time 20-30 minutes after your estimated arrival time in case there are long queues at passport control. Rest assured, however, that you won't be charged extra if your driver has to wait.
Your driver will monitor your arrival and adjust the pickup time if there is a flight delay.
You may receive updates about your transfer via email so try to find an internet connection after landing.
If you're traveling with young children and don't wish to carry your own baby/child seat, you can request one during the booking process.
You can contact your driver via WhatsApp or the Welcome Pickups traveler app for added peace of mind.

Palermo Airport private transfers

Powered by Welcome Pickups. Book a trained, English-speaking driver to pick you up for a fixed price with no hidden fees.
Book Sedan
Sedan

Sedan up to 3 passengers

€45Starting from 15 EUR / passenger

Mercedes-Benz E-class, Chrysler 300, Citroen C4
Book Minivan
Minivan

Minivan up to 8 passengers

€50Starting from 6.3 EUR / passenger

Mercedes-Benz Vito, Mercedes-Benz V-class, Renault Trafic
Book Minibus
Minibus

Minibus up to 12 passengers

€133Starting from 11.1 EUR / passenger

Mercedes-Benz Sprinter

Frequently asked questions

How do I get from Palermo Airport to city center?

When traveling from Palermo Airport to the city center you have four different transportation options: a taxi, a private transfer, a bus, or a train. A taxi, which costs €44, and a private transfer, which costs €51, are the most convenient options to reach your accommodation directly. The bus and the train are cheaper but slower options. The bus takes 45-50 minutes to reach the city center and costs €6.50, while the train takes 50 minutes and costs €6.80 per adult.

How far is downtown Palermo from the airport?

How much is the train from Palermo Airport to Palermo?

Is there a bus from Palermo Airport to Palermo Center?

Transfer Options in Palermo