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How to get from Palermo Airport to the City Centre

Palermo is an urban melting pot characterized by diverse history and cultures. Sitting close to where Europe ends and Africa begins, Palermo lies on Sicily’s northwestern coast at the head of the Bay of Palermo. The city is enclosed with citrus groves, majestic mountains and fascinating architectural influences representing each step of the city’s history with Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Norman and ultimately Italian impact. Palermo also holds incredible gastronomy, wonderful street markets and stunning beaches, making it a go-to holiday destination for many.

PMO Palermo airport is located 28.4km away from Palermo city centre, and when landing at Falcone-Borsellino Airport you have 3 different transportation options to get to the city; you can either take a taxi or a private transfer, a bus or a train. Taking a taxi or private Palermo airport transfer is the quickest and most convenient travel option, as they offer 24/7 door-to-door services in the comfort of an air-conditioned vehicle. Your other cheaper option is to take the Prestia e Comandè bus, and finally, your last option is to take the Trinacria Express which serves the line between the Palermo airport and the main railway station in downtown Palermo.

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to Palermo at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2PASSENGERS
OPTION PRICE DURATION AVAILABILITY
Welcome Pickups €45 30min 24/7
Taxi €45 30min
Bus €12.60 45min 05:00–00:30
Train €11.80 60min 05:32–22:10

How to get from Palermo airport to the city centre by taxi

Choosing to take a taxi or private airport transfer is always the best travel option when arriving in a new city as taxis offer 24/7 door-to-door services, taking you and your travel partners to your Palermo hotel in only 30 minutes. Moreover, two main companies operate the official taxis at Palermo airport. Official taxis are predominantly white with a yellow stripe on both sides of the vehicles and carry a classic “TAXI” rooftop sign, the company’s logo and telephone number should also be printed on the side of the vehicle.

Taxi fare from Palermo airport to the city centre

Taxis in Palermo do not offer flat-rate fares, instead, they calculate their prices using a taximeter, so based on the time and distance travelled. Your taxi fare from PMO airport to Palermo city centre should cost around €35, depending on traffic conditions and the time of day.

As taxi fares vary on many different factors, it is highly recommended to pre-book your airport transfer online at a flat rate fare and avoid any hidden fees.

Cost

€35

Trip Duration

30 Min.

*Prices may vary unless booked in advance.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

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

Where do I get it from?

The official Palermo airport taxi rank can be found on the left side of the arrivals terminal.

Convenience

Taking a taxi from Palermo airport is definitely the best way to travel as they provide fast and comfortable transfer services from the airport to your accommodation in the city centre, even more so if you are travelling with children and, or with heavy luggage.
However, as airport taxi prices vary depending on multiple factors, it is highly recommended to book a private Palermo airport transfer in advance and avoid any hidden fees.

Editor’s Note

Please note that there are two set tariffs for Palermo taxis; the day tariff and the night and weekend tariff. This will largely affect your overall taxi fare. So, if you wish to travel at a fixed price, you can always book your private transfer from Palermo airport in advance.

Useful Tips

Sicilian taxi drivers are renowned for overcharging, either by adding extras on the meter or taking a longer than the necessary route. It is important to check this, either by asking for a receipt or by following your route on a mapping mobile application.
The two official airport taxi companies also operate a taxi sharing scheme with a fixed price per person for a minimum of four people. This service needs to be booked forty-eight hours in advance.
Palermo airport taxis accept payments by cash in Euros and bank card payments.

How to get from Palermo airport to the city centre by bus

Another way to get from Palermo airport to the city centre is by bus. The airport bus is operated by Prestia e Comandè and offers more affordable direct transfer options to downtown. Moreover, the buses are air-conditioned and have free Wi-Fi, TV and the facility to stow large baggage. The journey time from Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport to the central rail station in Palermo is around 50 minutes. One of the last stops is Piazza Ruggiero Settimo / Via Emerico Amari (Teatro Politeama Garibaldi), the journey time is 40 minutes. This stop is located close to the harbour and hotels in the north of Palermo’s city centre. The bus stop Via Roma is closest to the old town of Palermo, the journey time is 45 minutes.

How much is a bus ticket to Palermo's city centre?

A one-way ticket from Palermo airport to Palermo centre costs €6.30 and costs €11 for a return. You can purchase your tickets directly on the bus or at the ticket office at the airport.

Cost

€6.30

Trip Duration

45 Min.

There is an average waiting time of 30 minutes for the bus.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The airport bus is available daily from 05:00 to 00:30.

Where do I get it from?

You can find the Palermo city centre bus stop on the right side of the airport’s arrival terminal building.

Convenience

Taking the Prestia e Comandè airport bus to the city centre of Palermo is a comfortable and affordable travel option. The bus offers great amenities such as WiFi, air-conditioning as well as great luggage storage for a very good price. However, as you are using Sicilian public transportation, you will have to either get to your Palermo hotel on foot or you will need to catch a taxi when you reach the city centre; this can be quite tedious if you are travelling with children or with heavy luggage.

Editor’s Note

A one-way bus ticket for children aged 3 to 10 years old costs €4 and €8 for a return. Babies under the age of 3 years old travel for free.

Useful Tips

Please note that luggage is included in the price of the ticket, you will not need to pay extra.
If you buy your ticket online in advance, or on your phone via the free BeAppyBus application, the return fare is discounted to €10.
If you purchase a bus ticket, it is valid for all buses on the same day.

How to get from Palermo airport to the city centre by train

Your last travel option from Palermo International Airport to Palermo city centre is by train. The train is operated by Trinacaria Express and departs directly from the airport train station, Punta Raisi. The train towards the city centre is direct and it takes around 1 hour to reach the main railway station, Palermo Centrale. If you are staying in the northern part of Palermo’s city centre, it is advised to alight at Palermo Notarbartolo, the journey time is approximately 40 minutes.

How much is a train ticket from Palermo airport to the city centre?

A regular one-way train ticket from Palermo airport to Palermo city centre costs €5.90 and can be purchased from the ticket vending machines at the airport train station or online through the Trenitalia website.

Cost

€5.90

Trip Duration

1 hour

The train Trinacaria Express runs every 30 minutes to-and-from Palermo airport.

Convenience
Safety
Value for Money

The airport train is available daily and operates from 05:32 to 22:10.

Where do I get it from?

The Punta Raisi airport train station can easily be found underneath the airport. Signs indicating the train station are indicated around the airport.

Convenience

Taking the train is a great option for those travelling on a budget as the train is direct, inexpensive, and has great operating hours. However, if you are travelling with bulky luggage, taking the train can be difficult as not only is the train storage space limited, the station in Palermo is not as central as that of the bus; meaning that you will have to walk or take a taxi to your Palermo accommodation once you alight the train.

Editor’s Note

Please note that TrenItalia offers assistance to people with disabilities or reduced mobility; you can just ask a member of staff at the train station and they will happily assist you further.

Useful Tips

It is important to know that the train's timetable can be different on weekends and holidays.
The train travel time may vary according to the train you take and how many stops are made along the way.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Welcome Pickups

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in Palermo. Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

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  • 20 minute gap between transfers

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Frequently asked questions

How far is Palermo airport from city centre?

Palermo International Airport (PMO) is located only 28.4 km away from the city centre and it takes around 30 minutes to reach by car, 45 minutes to reach by bus and 1 hour to reach by train.

How to get from Palermo airport to city center?

When travelling from Palermo airport to the city centre you have 3 different transportation options; you can either take a taxi or private transfer, a bus or a train.

How much is a taxi from Palermo airport to the city centre?

Taxis in Palermo calculate their fares using a taximeter, so based on the time and distance travelled. Your taxi fare from PMO airport to Palermo’s city centre should cost around €35, depending on traffic conditions. Please note that prices vary depending on the time of day or if you are travelling on a weekend or holiday. If you wish to travel at a fixed rate price with no hidden costs, it is highly recommended to pre-book a private transfer in advance.

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