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.