How to travel from Genoa to Palermo, Italy

The distance between Genoa and Palermo is around 791km (491 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to take the train which takes around 16h 45m.

4 routes found

We've found 4 different ways to get from Genoa to Palermo by train, bus, ferry and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out PalermoGenoa if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
train
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train
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Train

Take the train to Roma Termini and then to Palermo Centrale.

  • Duration16h 45m
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    €120($120)
💰 Cheapest
2
bus
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bus
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Bus

Take the bus to Florence and then to Palermo Via Tommaso Fazello.

  • Duration18h 35m
  • Departs6 times a week
  • Typical cost
    €95($95)
3
ferry
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Ferry

Take a ferry to Palermo.

  • Duration21hrs
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    €160($160)
Operated by

Grandi Navi Veloci

4
car
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ferry
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Car and Ferry

Drive to Livorno then take a ferry to Palermo.

  • Duration21h 15m
  • Departs6 times a week
  • Typical cost
    €105($105)
Operated by

Multiple operators

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Genoa and Palermo

There are several options for getting from Genoa to Palermo by train, bus, ferry and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €95 ($95) and will take around 18h 35m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take the train and arrive in approximately 16h 45m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €120 ($120).

The distance between Genoa and Palermo is around 791km (491 miles).

It takes around 16h 45m to get from Genoa and Palermo by train.

The quickest way to get from Genoa to Palermo is to take the train which takes around 16h 45m and will set you back approx €120 ($120).

The cheapest way to travel between Genoa and Palermo is to take the bus which will typically cost around €95 ($95) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Genoa and Palermo. It typically takes around 16h 45m and departs once daily.

There are no direct train services that runs from Genoa to Palermo. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Roma Termini. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 16h 45m.

Trenitalia run train services between Genoa and Palermo. Trains depart once daily and will take around 16h 45m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from Genoa and Palermo. It typically takes around 18h 35m and departs 6 times a week.

There are no direct bus services that runs from Genoa to Palermo. However, you can instead can take several connecting buses with changeovers in Florence. These services run 6 times a week and will take a minimum of 18h 35m.

FlixBus and Autoservizi Salemi Srl run regular bus services between Genoa and Palermo. Buses run 6 times a week and take around 18h 35m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Ferry/Boat travel

Yes there is a ferry service that runs between Genoa and Palermo. The ferry typically takes around 21hrs and departs once daily.

Grandi Navi Veloci run the ferry services between Genoa and Palermo. Ferries run once daily and take around 21hrs on average but will vary depending on conditions and travel date.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Genoa to Palermo. We recommend that you take the train to Roma Termini and then to Palermo Centrale. instead which will take 16h 45m.

The closest major airport to Palermo is Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO) (PMO) which is approximately 23km (14 miles) from Palermo. Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS) (TPS) and Comiso Airport (CIY) (CIY) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

No, its not really possible or feasible to drive from Genoa to Palermo. We recommend that you take the train to Roma Termini and then to Palermo Centrale. instead which will take 16h 45m.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Genoa to Palermo is to take the train which takes, on average, 16h 45m and will usually cost around €120 ($120).

How do I get from Genoa to Palermo

Compare travel optionsbetween Genoa and Palermo

Transport options from Genoa to Palermo
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
16h 45m
€120($120)
once daily1,352km (840 miles)
Bus
18h 35m
€95($95)
6 times a week1,465km (910 miles)
Ferry
21hrs
€160($160)
once daily791km (491 miles)
Car and Ferry
21h 15m
€105($105)
6 times a week867km (539 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Genoa and Palermo

Bus companies

Train operators

Ferry operators

Airports near Palermo

The following major airports near Palermo offer regular flights to various popular destinations within Italy and internationally.

PMO
Falcone–Borsellino Airport (PMO)
International Airport
Distance
23km (14 miles) from Palermo
TPS
Trapani-Birgi Airport (TPS)
Domestic Airport
Distance
79km (49 miles) from Palermo
CIY
Comiso Airport (CIY)
Domestic Airport
Distance
166km (103 miles) from Palermo