Transport in Palermo: Cars, Busses, Trains and Much More

How to Get Around Palermo: Guide to Public and Private Transport

Palermo is a vibrant and fascinating city offering a wide range of cultural, culinary, and natural experiences. To fully enjoy what the city and its surroundings have to offer, it’s essential to know how to get around. In this article, we will explore all the available transport options in Palermo, including airport transfers, car, bike, and scooter rentals, and how to rent boats or take ferries to explore the sea and nearby islands.

Arriving in Palermo: From the Airport to the City Center

Palermo’s main airport is Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO), located about 35 kilometers west of the city center. Here are the main options for getting to Palermo from the airport:

1. Taxi

At the airport exit, you’ll find a line of taxis ready to take you to the city. The ride to the center of Palermo takes about 30-40 minutes and costs around €35-45, depending on traffic and your exact destination. Taxis are a convenient and quick option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or prefer a direct transfer.

2. Shuttle Bus

A more affordable way to reach Palermo’s city center is the shuttle bus operated by Prestia e Comandè. The bus departs every 30 minutes from the airport and stops at various central locations, including Palermo’s Central Station and Teatro Politeama. Tickets cost around €6 per journey, and the ride lasts about 50 minutes.

3. Train

The Trinacria Express train service connects Palermo Airport with the Central Station. Although it’s not the fastest option (the journey takes about 70 minutes), it’s a good choice if you want to avoid traffic and head straight to the city center. Tickets cost around €6, and trains run every 30 minutes.

4. Car Rental

If you prefer the freedom to explore at your own pace, you can rent a car directly at the airport or in the Historic Center. Several international and local car rental agencies are available, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sicilcar. It’s recommended to book your car in advance to ensure availability and get better rates. Renting a car is particularly useful if you plan to explore nearby areas like Cefalù, Trapani, or the Madonie Mountains.

Getting Around Palermo: Local Transport and Rental Options

Once in Palermo, you’ll have several options to move around the city and its surroundings. Here are the main transport options:

1. Car Rental

As mentioned, renting a car is ideal if you plan to explore attractions outside the city, such as Mondello Beach, coastal resorts, or inland Sicilian towns. However, driving in central Palermo can be challenging due to heavy traffic and narrow streets. Many tourists prefer to rent a car only for day trips, avoiding city driving.

2. Scooter Rental

For those who prefer a more agile and practical option, scooter rental is a great choice. Scooters are perfect for navigating through city traffic and reaching distant areas without worrying about parking. Palermo has several scooter rental agencies, with prices ranging from €25 to €40 per day, depending on the model and rental duration. Scooters are also a great way to explore beaches and nature reserves around Palermo.

3. Bike and Electric Scooter Rentals

For eco-friendly travel and a slower pace of discovery, bike rental is an excellent option. Palermo has several bike lanes, especially along the coast, making bicycles a comfortable and enjoyable way to explore the city. Electric scooters are also available for rent via dedicated apps. These are particularly convenient for short trips within the city center, offering a quick and affordable way to get around.

4. Public Transport

Palermo has a network of buses operated by AMAT, covering most of the city and nearby areas. While buses are a cost-effective option (single tickets cost around €1.40), the service can be less reliable during peak hours due to traffic. Tickets are available at tobacconists, newsstands, or via the AMAT app.

We recommend checking the AMAT website for routes and schedules. Below are some particularly useful bus lines:

• Line 101: Connects the Central Station with major city points like Teatro Massimo, Teatro Politeama, and Renzo Barbera Stadium.
• Line 806: Runs from the city center to Mondello Beach.
• Line 124: Offers a direct connection between the Central Station and Piazza Don Sturzo, near Teatro Politeama.
• Line 812: Runs from Piazza Don Sturzo to the top of Monte Pellegrino, home of the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia.
• Line 389: Starts at Piazza Indipendenza and climbs up to Monreale.
• Line N4: A night service connecting Central Station to Partanna Mondello, with stops through the city center. Other night lines run between 11 PM and 5 AM.

Exploring the Sea: Boat Rentals and Ferries to the Islands

Palermo is surrounded by the sea and offers many opportunities to explore its crystal-clear waters, either by private boats or public maritime transport. Here are the main options:

1. Boat Rentals

If you wish to explore Palermo’s coast or nearby islands privately and at your own pace, you can rent a boat. Many companies offer motorboats, inflatable boats, and yachts, with or without a skipper. Renting a boat allows you to discover hidden coves, snorkel in pristine waters, and enjoy the sea in total freedom. Prices vary depending on the type of boat and rental duration, starting from around €100-150 per day for a small motorboat (fuel not included). You can find information at kiosks near beach resorts or Mondello Square.

2. Boat Excursions

If you prefer an organized experience or don’t feel comfortable renting a boat, many companies offer daily boat excursions. These trips, departing mainly from the port of Palermo or Mondello, will take you to explore places like Capo Gallo, Isola delle Femmine, and coastal nature reserves. Boat excursions often include snorkeling, onboard meals, and swimming stops, providing a full experience of relaxation and adventure.

3. Ferries and Hydrofoils to the Islands

If your goal is to visit the nearby islands, such as Ustica or the Aeolian Islands, hydrofoils and ferries are the fastest and most efficient means of transport. Hydrofoils to Ustica regularly depart from the port of Palermo, with a journey time of about 1 hour and 30 minutes. The main operator for this service is Liberty Lines.

To reach the Aegadian Islands (Favignana, Levanzo, Marettimo), you need to head to Trapani, where hydrofoils and ferries depart. To get to Trapani, you can take a Segesta Autolinee bus, which departs from Via Roma 369 (near the Central Post Office) and takes a couple of hours. The trip from Trapani to Favignana, for example, takes about 30 minutes by hydrofoil. Booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during high season.

Conclusion

Palermo offers a wide range of transport options that make it easy to get around the city and explore the wonders Sicily has to offer. Whether you want to discover the city by bike, explore the coast on a scooter, rent a boat for a sea adventure, or take a hydrofoil to reach breathtaking islands, you’ll always find the best solution for your needs.

Getting around Palermo is an integral part of the travel experience: it allows you to experience the city authentically, discover hidden corners, and fully enjoy the beauty of the sea that surrounds this fascinating Sicilian city.