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 6.80 per adult, EUR 3.50 per child aged 4-12, under-4s free when accompanied (Trenitalia). Takes about 50-60 minutes to Palermo Centrale. Cheapest option for solo travellers.
Shuttle bus (Prestia e Comande): EUR 6.50 one way, EUR 11.00 return -- so the return ticket saves you EUR 2.00 if you are coming back the same way. Under-2s travel free. Takes about 50 minutes. Slightly more comfortable than the train with guaranteed luggage space, and you can pay on board by cash or card.
Taxi: a regulated fixed fare applies on the airport-to-city route instead of the meter. Confirm the amount at the rank before you get in -- see the note below. Door-to-door in 30-45 minutes.
Pre-booked transfer: EUR 40-65 for a sedan. Fixed price, driver waiting at arrivals.
Public fares are revised periodically, so check the operator for the current one before you travel.
By destination across Sicily
These are pre-booked transfer prices, fixed when you book. A taxi to anywhere beyond central Palermo falls outside the regulated airport fare and must be agreed with the driver first.
| Destination | Distance | Transfer (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Mondello beach | 25 km | Fixed, quoted at booking |
| Monreale | 30 km | Fixed, quoted at booking |
| Palermo centre | 35 km | Fixed, quoted at booking |
| Trapani | 75 km | Fixed, quoted at booking |
| Cefalu | 80 km | Fixed, quoted at booking |
| San Vito Lo Capo | 100 km | Fixed, quoted at booking |
| Agrigento | 130 km | Fixed, quoted at booking |
| Catania | 210 km | Fixed, quoted at booking |
Fixed-price private transfer
PMO Palermo City Center
From€69for 2 passengers
Other destinations
Cost comparison per person
Using the published public fares, to central Palermo:
For a solo traveller:
- Train: EUR 6.80
- Bus: EUR 6.50
- Transfer: EUR 40-65 (all to yourself)
For a couple:
- Train: EUR 13.60 total
- Bus: EUR 13.00 total
- Transfer: EUR 40-65 total (EUR 20-33 each)
For a family of four (two adults, two children aged 4-12):
- Train: EUR 20.60 total -- the child fare is what makes this the cheapest way to move a family
- Bus: EUR 26.00 total at full fare
- Transfer: EUR 40-65 total (EUR 10-16 each)
A taxi or transfer becomes more economical per person as the group size increases, and door-to-door with luggage is worth something the arithmetic does not capture. But note the train, not the bus, is the one with a real child discount.
Hidden costs and tips
- The train and bus drop you at Palermo Centrale station, not your hotel. A taxi from the station to your accommodation is metered and extra, so factor in another leg -- particularly if you are staying in the old town.
- There are no tolls on the A29 motorway between the airport and Palermo.
- The airport-to-city taxi route runs on a regulated fixed fare. If a driver wants to use a meter for a city centre journey, decline and find another taxi. Read the rate posted at the rank and confirm it before you get in -- we deliberately do not quote a figure here, because these rates are revised and a stale number would only mislead you.
- 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.