How to Get to Palermo Airport: All Transportation Options
Are you planning to fly to the magnificent Sicilian capital and wondering how to get to the city centre from Falcone e Borsellino airport? Located around 35 kilometres west of Palermo, this international airport is the main gateway to western Sicily. With scheduled buses, trains, taxis and private shuttles to choose from, there are several ways to make your transfer as smooth as possible. In this comprehensive guide, we detail all the options available for getting to Visit Palermo from the airport, with up-to-date fares, timetables and our practical advice for making the best choice to suit your needs.
See also the Palermo guide :
- Visit Palermo in 1 day: 23 things to do and see on foot
- Top 6 things to do in Palermo
- Top 10 culinary specialities in Palermo
- The 12 most beautiful beaches in Palermo
1. The bus from Palermo airport: the low-cost option
Buses are the cheapest way to get to the centre of Palermo from Falcone e Borsellino airport. Two main companies provide this service, offering similar services but with some notable differences.
The Prestia e Comandè bus
Prestia e Comandè operates regular services between the airport and Palermo city centre. Buses leave the airport approximately every 30 minutes, departing between 5am and 12.30am. The journey takes between 40 and 50 minutes, depending on traffic conditions, and serves a number of strategic stops in the centre of Palermo, including the Stazione Centrale (central station) and the Teatro Politeama.
The fare for a single ticket is around €6, while a return ticket generally costs €12. You can buy your tickets directly from the driver or online from the company’s website. Signage at the airport makes it easy to find the bus stop, located just outside the arrivals terminal.
Terravision shuttles
An interesting alternative with similar fares and a comparable frequency of departures. Tickets are valid all day, giving you a degree of flexibility for your organisation. The first bus leaves the airport at around 5.00am and the last at around 12.30am.
Download the audio-guided tour to discover Palermo on foot and on your own
Once you arrive in the centre of Palermo, let yourself be guided by our complete audioguide itinerary that will take you through 23 major places of interest in the Sicilian capital. From the sumptuous Palazzo dei Normanni to the majestic Palermo Cathedral, via the historic districts of Albergheria and La Kalsa, this 7.7 km itinerary will allow you to discover all the city’s treasures in around 3 hours, at your own pace and in complete autonomy.
2. The Trinacria Express train: speed and comfort
The Trinacria Express train is an excellent alternative to the bus for getting to the centre of Palermo. From Punta Raisi station, located directly beneath Falcone e Borsellino airport, regional trains leave every half-hour or so for Palermo’s Stazione Centrale.
The train service runs from 5.45am to around 10pm, with a train every 30 minutes at peak times. The journey to the central station takes between 45 and 55 minutes, depending on the number of intermediate stops. Tickets cost €5.90 for a single journey and €11 for a return journey, making it a very competitive option compared with the bus.
You can buy your tickets from the ticket machines in the station or directly online from the Trenitalia website. Access to the station from the airport terminal is well signposted and takes just a few minutes on foot. Once at the Stazione Centrale, you will be ideally placed to explore the historic centre and take advantage of theNavaway itinerary, which will guide you through Palermo’s most beautiful districts.
3. Taxis from Palermo airport: comfort and speed
For those who prefer comfort and speed, taxis are an interesting option, especially if you are travelling in a group or with bulky luggage. There are several official taxi companies in front of the arrivals terminal at Falcone e Borsellino airport.
Taxi drivers generally offer a fixed fare to the centre of Palermo, ranging from €35 to €45 depending on your exact destination in the city. It is strongly recommended that you confirm the fare with the driver before getting into the vehicle to avoid any unpleasant surprises. A supplement of around €0.30 per item of luggage may be added to the final fare.
Journey times vary between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Taxis are available 24 hours a day, which is particularly convenient for late arrivals or early departures. For even more peace of mind, you can book a taxi in advance online, ensuring that a vehicle will be waiting for you as soon as you arrive.
Once you’ve settled into your accommodation, don’t forget to take our audioguide tour of Palermo on foot, so you don’t miss any of the city’s most emblematic monuments.
4. The private shuttle: a personalised transfer
The private shuttle is an intermediate solution between a taxi and public transport, particularly suitable for families or groups of friends travelling together. You can book a private vehicle in advance, which will be waiting for you as you leave the terminal, with a driver holding a sign with your name on it.
Prices vary according to the type of vehicle and the number of passengers. You should expect to pay around €50 for two people in a standard vehicle, with a sliding scale of charges per person for larger numbers. A minibus for up to 8 people can cost between €80 and €100, which is still very competitive if you share the cost.
The main advantage of this option is the personalised service: the driver helps you with your luggage, follows your flight in real time to adjust to any delays, and drops you off directly at your accommodation. The journey generally takes between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on the location of your hotel in Palermo.
5. VTC services: Uber and alternatives
VTC (Véhicule de Tourisme avec Chauffeur) services and chauffeur-driven car booking apps are a modern and practical option for your transfer from Palermo airport. As soon as you arrive at Falcone e Borsellino airport, you can order a vehicle via your mobile app.
The average fare to the centre of Palermo is around €40, but this can vary depending on demand, the time of day and the category of vehicle chosen. The main advantage is transparency: the price is calculated in advance in the app, so you know exactly what you’re going to pay before you even get in the vehicle.
Journey times vary between 30 and 40 minutes, depending on traffic. The vehicles are generally recent, air-conditioned and spacious, offering all the comfort you need after a flight. The driver tracks your journey in real time via GPS, guaranteeing the fastest route to your destination.
6. Car hire: exploring Sicily in complete freedom
If you’re planning to explore not just Palermo but also the surrounding Sicily, car hire is a particularly good option. Several international and local agencies are present directly at Falcone e Borsellino airport, allowing you to collect your vehicle as soon as you arrive.
Prices generally start at around €25 per day for a small city car in low season, but can rise significantly during the Sicilian summer. We strongly recommend that you book your vehicle online before you leave, to get the best rates and guarantee availability of the model you want.
The journey from the airport to the centre of Palermo takes around 30 minutes on the E90 motorway. Be careful, however: getting around and parking in Palermo’s historic centre can be complicated by the restricted traffic zones (ZTL) and the lack of parking spaces. If you are staying in the centre, opt for accommodation with parking or find a public pay car park in advance.
Once you’ve parked your car, take our audio tour and discover the treasures of the historic centre on foot, from the bustling markets of Ballarò and Il Capo to the sumptuous Norman palaces.
7. The hotel shuttle: an often overlooked service
Many hotels in Palermo, particularly those in the mid-range and superior categories, offer their own airport shuttle service. This option is often overlooked by travellers, although it can be very practical and is sometimes even included in the price of your booking.
It is generally necessary to book this service in advance by contacting your hotel directly and providing details of your flight. Prices vary according to the standard of the hotel, generally ranging from €30 to €50 per journey. Some hotels even offer a free service for bookings of several nights.
A driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the terminal with a sign bearing the name of the hotel, and will take you directly to your accommodation, even giving you valuable advice on what to do during your stay. Journey time is approximately 30 to 40 minutes, depending on the hotel’s location in Palermo.
8. Practical information about Falcone e Borsellino airport
Falcone e Borsellino International Airport, also known as Punta Raisi Airport, is located around 35 kilometres west of Palermo, in the municipality of Cinisi. Inaugurated in 1960 and renamed in 1992 in honour of anti-mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, the airport is the main gateway to western Sicily.
The airport is open 24/7, handling scheduled and charter flights from all over Europe. The single terminal has all the services you need: bureaux de change, ATMs, duty-free shops, restaurants and cafés. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal.
For your luggage, lockers are available if you wish to explore Palermo before your return flight. Pharmacies and a medical service are also available should you need them. There are several car parks at the airport, with prices varying according to the length of time you park, from short-term parking to the more economical long-term car park.
9. Which means of transport do you choose according to your profile?
Choosing the ideal means of transport depends essentially on your priorities, your budget and your personal situation. Here are a few recommendations to help you make the best choice.
If you’re travelling on a tight budget and aren’t in a hurry, opt for the Prestia e Comandè bus or the Trinacria Express train. These two economical options will get you to the centre of Palermo for less than €6, with a reliable and regular service.
For families with children or travellers with bulky luggage, taxis or private shuttles are the best options. The comfort and door-to-door service more than justify the extra cost, especially if there are several of you sharing the expenses.
If you’re planning to explore Sicily beyond Palermo, car hire is the wisest choice, giving you total freedom to discover the island’s wonders at your own pace. You can easily reach Cefalù, Mondello or the magnificent archaeological sites in the surrounding area.
Finally, for a compromise between comfort and a reasonable price, VTC services are an excellent alternative to traditional taxis, with the advantage of price transparency and booking via a mobile application.
Whichever option you choose for your transfer, once you arrive in the centre of Palermo, we invite you to discover the city on our audio tour, which will reveal all the secrets of this fascinating Sicilian capital.
In conclusion, getting to the centre of Palermo from Falcone e Borsellino airport is easy thanks to the variety of transport options available. Whether you prefer economy with buses and trains, comfort with taxis and private shuttles, or autonomy with car hire, you’re bound to find a solution to suit your needs and budget. Once in the historic centre, let yourself be charmed by this unique city with its blend of Arab, Norman and Baroque influences, and take advantage of our itinerary to make sure you don’t miss out on any of Palermo’s treasures. Enjoy your trip to Sicily!
Frequently asked questions
What is the cheapest way to get from Palermo airport to the city centre?
The Trinacria Express train is the cheapest option, costing €5.90 one way, closely followed by the Prestia e Comandè bus at €6. These two means of transport offer excellent value for money for getting to the centre of Palermo.
How long does it take to get to the centre of Palermo from the airport?
Journey time varies between 30 and 55 minutes depending on the means of transport chosen. By taxi or private shuttle, allow 30 to 40 minutes. By bus, allow 40 to 50 minutes, and by train, between 45 and 55 minutes depending on the number of stops.
Do buses and trains operate at night?
The Prestia e Comandè buses run from 5am to 12.30am, covering most flight arrivals. The Trinacria Express train runs from 5.45am to around 10pm. For arrivals outside these times, taxis are available 24 hours a day.
Can I buy bus and train tickets online?
Yes, you can buy bus tickets on the Prestia e Comandè website and train tickets on the Trenitalia website. You can also buy tickets directly from the bus driver or from the ticket machines at the station.
Do I need to book a taxi in advance?
This is not compulsory, as taxis are always available outside the terminal. However, booking in advance guarantees you a fixed fare known in advance and avoids you having to wait, which is particularly useful in high season or for late arrivals.
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