How to get from Catania to Palermo
So, bus, train, car or private transfer. Let’s find out how to get from Catania to Palermo.
First, there are several ways to get from Catania to Palermo. On average, Public transport in Sicily is quite efficient. However, if you travel with kids or if you carry heavy bags, it’s easier to book a private transfer or a shuttle service. Also, there are several connections from Catania Airport, or from the city centre, to Palermo.
As an alternative, you can rent a car or take a train. But, in our opinion, the easiest and most comfortable way to travel is with a private transfer.
Now, let’s see in the details the timetables, the prices, and the best way for you on how to get from Catania to Palermo.
How to get from Catania to Palermo by bus
From the Airport
Before arriving in Sicily, you should check all the connections from the airport, according to your flight schedule. Indeed, not all the public transports could be available at late night or early evening. So, are you wondering how to get from Catania to Palermo by bus? Or, if it’s comfortable. Well, let’s find it out together.
Unless you arrive from another region or city, Sais is the company operating in this route. But, you can also book one of the main online among the several opt
First of all, every day, there is a direct shuttle departing from Catania–Fontanarossa Airport to Palermo. Usually, buses depart hourly. But, schedules sometimes depend on the weekday. Finally, the journey takes approximately 2 h 30 minutes.
So, one of the best ways on how to get from Catania to Palermo is the shuttle service.
Also, when in Catania, the buses for the airport depart from the main bus station, in front of the Central train station. While, in Palermo, the shuttles depart from the square next to the train station. Finally, in Palermo, the shuttle also stops at Piazza Politeama.
Price
Normally, fares are about 6 euros, each way. Basically, this makes the bus the cheapest option on how to get from Catania to Palermo.
Timetables
Now, here you have the timetables. First, as you can see, you have several options on how to get from Catania to Palermo. First, from the early morning, you can take the bust at 4:40. Mainly, this is the best option if you fly with low-cost companies. Whereas, the last but at night departs at 20:10. So, if you plan to arrive later, you should consider another option.
| Working days – Mon/Fri | Saturday | Sundays and Holidays |
|---|---|---|
| 4:40 | 4:40 | 07:40 |
| 06:10 | 07:40 | 09:10 |
| 07:40 | 09:10 | 10:40 |
| 10:10 | 11:10 | 14:10 |
| 11:10 | 12:10 | 15:10 |
| 12:10 | 14:10 | 16:10 |
| 13:10 | 15:10 | 17:10 |
| 14:10 | 16:10 | 18:40 |
| 15:10 | 17:10 | 20:10 |
| 16:10 | 18:40 | – |
| 17:10 | 20:10 | – |
| 18:40 | – | – |
| 20:10 | – | – |
Finally, please note that the timetables may vary. So, we would suggest checking the bus company when looking for how to get from Catania to Palermo.
How to get from Catania to Palermo by Train
Whether you arrive at the airport or in the centre, one of the best ways on how to get from Catania to Palermo is the train. Indeed, you have several options, according to the weekdays. Daily, there are 6 trains that go from Catania to Palermo central station. Also, when you search for times and tickets, there might also be you some other options, with multiple connections.
Usually, the average journey is 4:51 minutes. Also, on weekdays, the first train departs at 05:00. While the last one is at 22:54. Finally, keep in mind that there might also be fewer services on weekends or on holidays. Consult the timetable below for all the information.
Price
Generally, the average journey price varies from 21 to 30 euros, depending on the train you choose.
Timetables
So, let’s see the timetables for the trains for how to get from Catania to Palermo. Also, note that those are for the direct connections. Indeed, there might also be other options, with exchanges.
| Departure time – How to get from Catania to Palermo |
|---|
| 05:00 |
| 07:23 |
| 09:23 |
| 10:15 |
| 13:29 |
| 15:23 |
| 17:28 |
By car
So, let’s see now how to get from Catania to Palermo by car. Above all, the road distance from Catania to Palermo 213 km. Generally, the quickest way on how to get from Catania to Palermo is to drive.
But, compared with public transport, this option could be also the most expensive. Indeed, driving from Catania to Palermo would cost on average between 30 and 45 euro.
Also, there are some old streets that may be hard to take for non-expert drivers. So, if you prefer to go from Catania to Palermo by car, we would suggest booking a private transfer instead of renting a car. Above all, our drivers are professional, and they perfectly know the streets. But, there’s more. Indeed, they will wait for you at the Catania Airport arrivals, and they will drive you at your favourite location on the island.
Finally, they can also help you with your luggage and suggest the best Sicily Tours, Shore Excursions or One-day Tours.
Hopefully, we helped you in understanding how to get from Catania to Palermo. But, please, do not hesitate to contact us if you have any question, issue, or special requests. We would be more than happy to hear from you!
