- Must visit
Galleria Regionale della Sicilia - Palazzo Abatellis
Important Sicilian art museum in Palazzo Abatellis, with medieval and Renaissance works including Antonello da Messina’s celebrated portrait.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Bologna to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of £67 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 43m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.7kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of £67, while a train costs an average of £106.
Distance: 393 nautical miles (729 km)
Most popular Flight | Coach | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£67 Average Price Cheapest | £75 Average Price | £106 Average Price | £106 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 43m Average total duration Fastest 1h 43m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 16h 58m Average total duration 16h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 59m Average total duration 14h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 10m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Bologna to Palermo:
A flight is £7 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Bologna to Palermo costing on average £75.
A flight is £39 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Bologna to Palermo costing on average £106.
Other travel options to Palermo take longer:
Train takes on average 14h 29m.
Coach takes on average 16h 28m.
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Take a ferry from Bologna to Palermo and enjoy the approximately 393 nautical miles (729 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest ferry runs at 00:05, the last at 22:37. There are 3 sailings per week.
Distance 393 nautical miles (729 km) |
Ferries per day 1 |
Average weekly sailings 3 |
First ferry 0:05 |
Last ferry 22:37 |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
Important Sicilian art museum in Palazzo Abatellis, with medieval and Renaissance works including Antonello da Messina’s celebrated portrait.
Archaeological museum with Greek, Roman and Etruscan finds, coins and sculpture. A strong choice for understanding Sicily’s ancient past.
Modern and contemporary art museum in a restored monastery complex. Visit for Italian art, changing exhibitions and a central historic setting.
Monumental square at the junction of Palermo’s historic main streets. A classic meeting point with theatrical Baroque façades and constant street life.
Elegant square beside Teatro Massimo, popular for strolling and people-watching. A useful base for exploring central Palermo on foot.
Historic market district with layered architecture, lively lanes and everyday city life. Best for atmosphere, street scenes and local character.
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, peas and cheese. A Sicilian street-food classic, especially beloved in Palermo for its hearty, portable character.
Soft sesame-topped roll stuffed with spleen and lung, often with ricotta or caciocavallo. A distinctive Palermo sandwich with deep working-class roots.
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, raisins and pine nuts. It captures Palermo’s Arab-Norman culinary heritage through sweet-savoury flavours.
Traditional restaurant serving Sicilian seafood, pasta and Palermo classics in an elegant but relaxed historic-centre atmosphere.
Historic market stall famed for pane ca meusa and other Palermo street-food staples in a lively, no-frills setting.
Long-established informal spot known for arancine, panelle and other classic rosticceria specialities popular with locals.
Moderate for Italy: street food and buses are cheap, while central hotels and seafood restaurants cost more in peak season.
Service is often included or modest. Round up or leave €1-2 in cafés, 5-10% for very good restaurant service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Port of Palermo Termini Imerese -> Palermo Centrale
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Bologna to Palermo by ferry. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest ferry, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Palermo, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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