How to travel from Messina to Palermo, Italy

The distance between Messina and Palermo is around 218km (135 miles) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 2h 25m.

3 routes found

We've found 3 different ways to get from Messina to Palermo by bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

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

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to Palermo Via Tommaso Fazello.

  • Duration2h 45m
  • Departsevery 3 hours
  • Typical cost
    €17($17)
Operated by

Sais Regional

+ 2 others
2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Palermo Centrale.

  • Duration2h 50m
  • Departsevery 4 hours
  • Typical cost
    €20($20)
🚀 Fastest
3
car
+

Drive

Drive to Palermo.

  • Duration2h 25m
  • Distance228km (141 miles)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Messina and Palermo

There are several options for getting from Messina to Palermo by bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around €17 ($17) and will take around 2h 45m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 2h 25m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately €35 ($35).

The distance between Messina and Palermo is around 218km (135 miles). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 193km (120 miles)

It takes around 2h 45m to get from Messina and Palermo by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 2h 25m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Messina to Palermo is to drive which takes around 2h 25m and will set you back approx €35 ($35).

The cheapest way to travel between Messina and Palermo, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around €17 ($17) for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Messina and Palermo. It typically takes around 2h 50m and departs every 4 hours.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between Messina and Palermo with no changeovers required. The train runs every 4 hours and takes 2h 50m.

Trenitalia run train services between Messina and Palermo. Trains depart every 4 hours and will take around 2h 50m, 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 Messina and Palermo. It typically takes around 2h 45m and departs every 3 hours.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between Messina and Palermo with no changeovers required. The bus runs every 3 hours and takes 2h 45m.

Sais Regional, Autoservizi Salemi Srl and FlixBus run regular bus services between Messina and Palermo. Buses run every 3 hours and take around 2h 45m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Messina to Palermo. We recommend that you take the bus to Palermo Via Tommaso Fazello. instead which will take 2h 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

Yes it is possible to drive from Messina and Palermo. The distance is around 228km (141 miles) by road and it will take around 2h 25m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Messina to Palermo is to take the bus which takes, on average, 2h 45m and will usually cost around €17 ($17).

How do I get from Messina to Palermo

Compare travel optionsbetween Messina and Palermo

Transport options from Messina to Palermo
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus
2h 45m
€17($17)
every 3 hours224km (139 miles)
Train
2h 50m
€20($20)
every 4 hours218km (135 miles)
Drive
2h 25m
€35($35)
on demand228km (141 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Messina and Palermo

Bus companies

Train 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