Palermo Airport PMO Transfer & Departures

Flying from/to Palermo Airport

When arriving to Palermo Airport, it can be unclear how to reach your final destination, or more generally, to the city centre. We, at Omio, have mapped out good things to know, facilities available when flying to Palermo Airport and what to do when you get to the city.

Travel from Palermo to Palermo Airport

Magnificent Palermo boasts centuries of culture and some dazzling sights. One of the most unexpected is underground. On the Piazza Cappuccini, just west of the city centre, there's the entrance to the Catacombe dei Cappuccini, the catacombs of the Capuchin convent that's located on the square. Inside there are more than 8,000 mummies of residents of Palermo, preserved for posterity. It makes a contrast to Palermo's lively, coachtling streets. Getting to Palermo airport from the city centre is pretty simple. Falcone Borsellino Airport, as it's also known, has its own train station, with links from the center of Palermo twice an hour. The journey takes about 50 minutes. There's also a dedicated coach service which takes about 50 minutes to the airport from the city centre.

What's the best way to get to the airport from the city centre?

The quick, simple and cost-effective way to get from Palermo city centre to Palermo Airport is to use either the train or the coach. There's a train station, called Punta Raisi, underneath the airport. The train is called the Trinacria Express and there are services about twice an hour from Palermo Centrale, the central train station. The journey time from the city centre is about an hour. There's also a coach service, operated by the Prestia e Comande company, whose logo you'll see on the coach itself. This service also begins its journey at the central train station with departures at least once an hour. The journey takes about 50 minutes. Taxis are also available and can be found at taxi ranks, or booked in advance. These cost substantially more and make the journey in about 40 minutes.

How far is it from the city centre to the airport?

It's about 20 miles (32 kilometers) from Palermo city centre to Palermo airport. By road, the journey follows the E90 highway and there are signs to "Aeroporto Falcone Borsellino", which is the official name of Palermo Airport in Italian. The easiest way to make the journey is on public transportation. There are two trains an hour from Palermo Centrale, the central train station, to the airport, whose stop is called Punta Raisi. The journey takes about an hour. There's also an airport coach, which also begins its journey the central train station. This takes about 50 minutes. Both coach and train services cost about the same. Using a taxi is a possible alternative. There are taxi stands throughout the city centre and taxis can also be booked in advance. Note, however that taxis cost substantially more than public transportation. Taxis can make the journey to the airport in about 40 minutes.

What facilities are there at the airport?

Palermo Airport is also known as Falcone Borsellino Airport. It's a large modern airport handling millions of passengers each year and has all the facilities modern travellers expect. There's just one terminal building with restaurants, snack bars, cafes and bars all available. Free WiFi is available throughout the airport. There's a variety of shops and a duty free store. There's also a pharmacy, currency change facilities and automatic cash machines. Restrooms and first aid posts are fully signposted.

How accessible is the route for those with limited mobility?

The coach service to the airport is wheelchair accessible. Rail users may want to check with Trenitalia, the train operator, whether all services to the airport are accessible at all stations. The airport itself is fully accessible to those with limited mobility. There are lifts for those unable to use stairs and disabled restrooms. Additional help is available and passengers needing this are advised to contact the airport 48 hours before travelling.

How to travel to the airport like a local

Most locals in Palermo use the train to get to the airport since it is the simplest and easiest way to make this journey. Some locals find that using the dedicated coach service is useful since the airport service makes a number of stops throughout the city centre after the beginning of its route at Palermo's central train station. Taxis are generally avoided.​​​