Cost of getting from Palermo Airport to the city

Palermo Airport is about 35 km from the city centre. The distance makes this a moderately expensive transfer compared to airports closer to their cities. Here is what to budget.

By transport type to central Palermo

Train (Trinacria Express): EUR 6-7 per person. Takes about 50-60 minutes to Palermo Centrale. Cheapest option for solo travellers.

Shuttle bus (Prestia e Comande): EUR 7 per person. Takes about 50 minutes. Slightly more comfortable than the train with guaranteed luggage space.

Taxi (fixed rate): Approximately EUR 40-50 total. Door-to-door in 30-45 minutes. The fixed rate applies to central Palermo destinations.

Pre-booked transfer: EUR 40-65 for a sedan. Fixed price, driver waiting at arrivals.

By destination across Sicily

| Destination | Distance | Taxi/Transfer (approx.) | |-------------|----------|------------------------| | Palermo centre | 35 km | EUR 40-65 | | Mondello beach | 25 km | EUR 35-55 | | Monreale | 30 km | EUR 50-70 | | Cefalu | 80 km | EUR 80-120 | | Trapani | 75 km | EUR 80-110 | | San Vito Lo Capo | 100 km | EUR 100-140 | | Agrigento | 130 km | EUR 150-200 | | Catania | 210 km | EUR 250-350 |

For destinations beyond Palermo, the fixed taxi rate no longer applies. Prices will be metered or negotiated. Pre-booked transfers provide price certainty for these longer journeys.

Cost comparison per person

For a solo traveller to central Palermo:

• Train: EUR 6-7
• Bus: EUR 7
• Taxi: EUR 40-50 (all to yourself)
• Transfer: EUR 40-65 (all to yourself)

For a couple:

• Train: EUR 12-14 total
• Bus: EUR 14 total
• Taxi: EUR 40-50 total (EUR 20-25 each)
• Transfer: EUR 40-65 total (EUR 20-33 each)

For a family of four:

• Train: EUR 24-28 total (kids may get discounts)
• Bus: EUR 28 total
• Taxi: EUR 40-50 total (EUR 10-13 each)
• Transfer: EUR 40-65 total (EUR 10-16 each)

The taxi and transfer become more economical per person as the group size increases. For a family, they cost roughly the same per person as public transport.

Hidden costs and tips

• The train and bus drop you at Palermo Centrale station, not your hotel. Budget an additional EUR 8-15 for a taxi from the station to your accommodation, especially if it is in the old town.
• There are no tolls on the A29 motorway between the airport and Palermo.
• If a taxi driver wants to use a meter instead of the fixed rate for a city centre journey, decline and find another taxi.
• Tipping is not expected. Rounding up by a euro or two is a nice gesture.
• ATMs at the airport may charge withdrawal fees. Check your bank's international charges before relying on ATM cash.