What to See & Do in Palermo, Sicily: The Best Sights & Activities cathedral Cattedrale di Palermo

Here’s how to get from the airport in Palermo, Sicily to the city center (and vice versa), with options at different price points. Note that the prices listed below are accurate as of July 2025 but may change.

Public Transport

Best budget-friendly option for travel between 5 AM to 11 PM and for those with limited luggage

Trenitalia is the best way to get from the airport to the city center via public transportation. In general, trains depart from the airport every 30 minutes from 5 AM to 11 PM. After 11 PM, the next and last train is around 12:30 AM. The ride to Palermo Centrale, the city’s main train station, takes about an hour and costs €6.80. From there it’s a 12-minute walk to the historic center, where most visitors stay. While the bus is another option, with stops on the way to Palermo Centrale, it costs about the same as the train, takes just as long, and is less punctual. Unless your hotel recommends taking the bus and tells you where to get off by your hotel, plan on taking the train as the best method of public transportation.

Private Shuttle

Easiest option, ideal for groups, extra luggage, and travel late at night

A private shuttle is the easiest, most convenient, and comfortable way to get from Palermo airport to the city center. It’s the best option for people traveling with more luggage than they can handle on public transportation, larger groups where it becomes more cost-effective, or anyone traveling late at night after the trains stop. You could take a taxi (for ~€50), but, as a solo female traveler, I avoid taxis for safety reasons, especially if I don’t speak the local language. Here are the top private transfer options.