- Must visit
Museo Regionale Interdisciplinare di Messina
The city’s main museum displays works by Caravaggio, Antonello followers and artefacts recovered after the 1908 earthquake.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Palermo to Messina
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 16 Oct
Cheapest price on 16 Oct
£15
Average ticket price on 16 Oct
£17
Fastest journey on 16 Oct
2 h 53 m
Average journey duration on 16 Oct
2 h 53 m
Trains on 16 Oct
28
Distance
192 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palermo to Messina is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Palermo to Messina will cost around £17 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £15.
Fast trains
On Fri 16 Oct, we found 28 trains from Palermo to Messina, including 18 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 192 km distance in an average of 2 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 53 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 54 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
Regionale 53526:223h03Palermo Centrale9:25Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes- Regionale 53526:223h03Palermo Centrale9:25Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
- Regionale 535814:303h14Palermo Centrale17:44Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
- Regionale Veloce 536820:183h04Palermo Centrale23:22Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
- Regionale Veloce 53505:072h56Palermo Centrale8:03Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
- Regionale Veloce 536418:362h53Palermo Centrale21:29Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
- Regionale Veloce 536016:352h53Palermo Centrale19:28Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
- Regionale Veloce 536418:362h53Palermo Centrale21:29Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
- Regionale Veloce 536016:352h53Palermo Centrale19:28Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
- Regionale Veloce 53548:222h54Palermo Centrale11:16Messina Centrale£151One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Palermo to Messina
ItalyItaly
Trains from Palermo to Messina run on average 20 times per day, taking around 3h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 but you can travel from only £6 by coach.
There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:21, the last at 22:17. The fastest train covers the 192 km distance in 2h 43m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Distance 192 km |
Average train duration 3h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 13 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 3:21 |
Last train 22:17 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 35 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £6
Live departures
Palermo to Messina train times
The table below shows live departures for Palermo to Messina trains for today, Thursday 15 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionale Veloce 5364 | 18:36 Palermo Centrale | 2h53 | 21:29 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5364 | 18:36 Palermo Centrale | 2h53 | 21:29 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5368 | 20:18 Palermo Centrale | 3h04 | 23:22 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5368 | 20:18 Palermo Centrale | 3h04 | 23:22 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Friday 16 October | |||||
| Regionale Veloce 5350 | 5:07 Palermo Centrale | 2h56 | 8:03 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5350 | 5:07 Palermo Centrale | 2h56 | 8:03 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5350 · Regionale 21685 | 5:07 Palermo Centrale | 3h06 | 8:13 Fiumara Gazzi | 1 change | |
| Regionale 5352 | 6:22 Palermo Centrale | 3h03 | 9:25 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale 5352 | 6:22 Palermo Centrale | 3h03 | 9:25 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
 Intercity 95072 | 7:05 Palermo Centrale | 2h55 | 10:00 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Intercity 95072 | 7:05 Palermo Centrale | 2h55 | 10:00 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5354 | 8:22 Palermo Centrale | 2h54 | 11:16 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5354 · Regionale 21687 | 8:22 Palermo Centrale | 4h14 | 12:36 Fiumara Gazzi | 1 change | |
| Regionale Veloce 5354 | 8:22 Palermo Centrale | 2h54 | 11:16 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale 12878 · Regionale 12892 · Regionale 21691 | 9:36 Palermo Centrale | 5h48 | 15:24 Fiumara Gazzi | 2 changes | |
| Regionale 12878 · Regionale 12892 | 9:36 Palermo Centrale | 4h09 | 13:45 Messina Centrale | 1 change | |
| Regionale 12878 · Regionale 12892 | 9:36 Palermo Centrale | 4h09 | 13:45 Messina Centrale | 1 change | |
| Intercity 95070+Regionale 21689 | 10:15 Palermo Centrale | 3h36 | 13:51 Fiumara Gazzi | 1 change | |
| Intercity 95070 | 10:15 Palermo Centrale | 2h55 | 13:10 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Intercity 95070 | 10:15 Palermo Centrale | 2h55 | 13:10 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Intercity 95070+Regionale 12973 · Regionale 21686 | 10:15 Palermo Centrale | 3h30 | 13:45 Fiumara Gazzi | 2 changes | |
| Regionale 12888 · Regionale 12900 | 11:57 Palermo Centrale | 3h57 | 15:54 Messina Centrale | 1 change | |
| Regionale 12888 · Regionale 12900 · Regionale 21693 | 11:57 Palermo Centrale | 4h44 | 16:41 Fiumara Gazzi | 2 changes | |
| Regionale 12888 · Regionale 12900 | 11:57 Palermo Centrale | 3h57 | 15:54 Messina Centrale | 1 change | |
| Regionale 5358 | 14:30 Palermo Centrale | 3h14 | 17:44 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale 5358 | 14:30 Palermo Centrale | 3h14 | 17:44 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5360 | 16:35 Palermo Centrale | 2h53 | 19:28 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
| Regionale Veloce 5360 | 16:35 Palermo Centrale | 2h53 | 19:28 Messina Centrale | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Regionale, Intercity, Intercity Notte from Palermo to Messina trainsRegionale, Intercity, Intercity Notte trains will get you between Palermo and Messina from £6. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Regionale
About
Regionale is the regional train service of national carrier Trenitalia connecting all of Italy. It is the most convinient way to travel to both big cities and the smallest villages all over the Italian country. The regional trains have different names depending on the region they serve, such as Treno Regionale Veloce (TRV) and Treno Regionale Lento (TRL). Treno Rock and Treno pop are the two new trains part of Trenitalia regionale fleet. Trenitalia Regionale offers a variety of ticket types, including single tickets (economy and standard), return tickets, and season tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and power sockets. The most popular routes for Regionale are between Rome and Milan, Naples and Florence, and Turin and Venice.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Regionale Duration
2h 43m
Cheapest Regionale Price
£15
Regionale frequency
22 a day
Luggage included
Free hand luggage allowance included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas between seats
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Bar service available on some trains with snacks and beverages
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most services
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for passengers with reduced mobility
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle
Quiet zone
Intercity
About
Trenitalia Intercity is a high-speed train service operated by the Italian national railway company, Trenitalia. It operates throughout the country, with services running from early morning to late evening. The Intercity trains come in two types: the Intercity Plus, which is the fastest and most comfortable, and the Intercity, which is slightly slower but still offers a comfortable journey. Onboard facilities include air conditioning, power sockets, Wi-Fi, and a bar service. There are several ticket types available, including Standard, Super Economy, and Business. The most popular routes for Trenitalia Intercity are from Rome to Milan, Naples to Florence, and Turin to Venice.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercity Duration
2h 50m
Cheapest Intercity Price
£9
Intercity frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage up to 30kg total
Luggage storage
Overhead racks and designated luggage areas at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
According to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with hot meals and snacks, trolley service in some trains. But do not count on the presence of a buffet car. So if having access to food and drink on the train is important to you, it’s best to bring your own refreshments onboard.
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price for most routes
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and accessible toilets available
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed free, larger dogs require paid ticket
Quiet zone
Intercity Notte
About
Intercity Notte is an Italian train service operated by Trenitalia. It runs overnight services between major cities in Italy, making it a great option for travelers looking to save time and money. The Intercity Notte offers two types of trains: the Frecciarossa Notte and the Frecciargento Notte. The Frecciarossa Notte is the fastest train, with speeds of up to 300 km/h, while the Frecciargento Notte is slightly slower but still offers a comfortable journey. Both trains offer a range of onboard facilities, including comfortable seating, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. Trenitalia offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, Comfort, and Business. Standard tickets are the most affordable, while Comfort and Business tickets offer additional benefits such as priority boarding and access to the lounge. The most popular routes for Intercity Notte are Rome to Milan, Rome to Venice, and Milan to Venice. These routes offer travelers the chance to explore some of Italy's most iconic cities in a convenient and comfortable way.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Intercity Notte Duration
16h 1m
Cheapest Intercity Notte Price
£80
Intercity Notte frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
1 handbag and 1 suitcase included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats and at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car with full dining service and bar
Seat reservation
Seat reservation included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces and assistance available for disabled passengers
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Larger dogs require paid ticket and muzzle. Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Messina
Things to do in Messina
Discover the best of Messina — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Messina trip today.
- Recommended
MUMA Museo del Mare
University museum with zoological and natural science collections, useful for visitors interested in academic heritage and research.
- Recommended
Monte di Pietà
Museum space dedicated to local visual culture and temporary exhibitions, offering a quieter stop beyond the headline sights.
- Must visit
Piazza Duomo
Messina’s main square, framed by the cathedral, clock tower and fountain, and a natural starting point for exploring the centre.
- Recommended
Passeggiata a Mare
Seafront promenade with open views across the Strait, ideal for walking, people-watching and seeing daily harbour activity.
- Recommended
Viale San Martino
Broad central avenue lined with shops and historic buildings, useful for an urban stroll between key monuments and stations.
Involtini di pesce spada
Swordfish rolls stuffed with breadcrumbs, cheese, herbs and often capers, then grilled. A Messina Strait classic reflecting the city’s long fishing tradition.
- Gluten-free
Stoccafisso alla messinese
Stockfish slowly stewed with tomatoes, potatoes, olives and capers. It is a festive Sicilian dish closely associated with Messina and north-eastern Sicily.
Pasta ’ncasciata
Baked pasta with ragù, peas, cheese and often aubergine. This Sicilian Sunday favourite is especially beloved in and around Messina.
Ristorante Kajiki
Refined restaurant serving Sicilian seafood and seasonal dishes in a polished setting, suited to a longer lunch or dinner.
Pasticceria Irrera 1910
Historic pastry and ice-cream venue known for granita, brioche and classic Sicilian sweets in an elegant central setting.
Trattoria Da Pippo
Traditional Messina spot popular for seafood dishes and local specialities, with a relaxed trattoria atmosphere near the centre.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Sicily. Hotels and dining are often cheaper than Rome or Milan, while ferries, trains and local buses stay fairly affordable for visitors.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for a simple meal or takeaway.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for fine dining.
- Coffee
- €1.20-2.50 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Service is often included or minimal. Round up in cafés and taxis, and leave 5-10% in restaurants for very good service, though it is not obligatory.
ATM MovUp
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.50
- Day pass
- €3.50
To the city centre
Messina Centrale -> Piazza Duomo, Messina
- Distance
- 1 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- ATM MovUp is the official ATM Messina app for journey planning, live vehicle information and ticket purchase.
- ATM states contactless bank card payment is available with Up&Go on board buses and trams.
Best day trips from Messina by train
The most popular day trips by train from Messina are Taormina, Catania, Milazzo, Giardini Naxos and Acireale. Find out what you can do in these day trip destinations and how to book your train from Messina on Omio.
Day trip from Messina to Taormina by train
Why visit Taormina for the day?
Taormina is known for its ancient Greek Theatre, graceful centre and sweeping views of the Ionian Sea and Mount Etna. The town mixes Sicilian history with a refined resort feel, where medieval lanes and nearby beaches sit close together.
How to get from Messina to Taormina by train?
There are 20 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 22:30. The fastest train covers the 44 km distance in 34m.
Day trip from Messina to Catania by train
Why visit Catania for the day?
Catania is a lively Sicilian city beneath Mount Etna, known for baroque buildings in dark lava stone and a vigorous street life. Its markets, piazzas and seafront give it a gritty, energetic character shaped by both volcano and sea.
How to get from Messina to Catania by train?
There are 48 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:09, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 87 km distance in 1h 17m.
Day trip from Messina to Milazzo by train
Why visit Milazzo for the day?
Milazzo is a coastal town in north-east Sicily, known for its harbour, long promenade and hilltop castle. It combines a working port with beaches, seafood-focused dining and a historic centre with views towards the Aeolian Islands.
How to get from Messina to Milazzo by train?
There are 25 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:30, the last at 23:07. The fastest train covers the 27 km distance in 15m.
Day trip from Messina to Giardini Naxos by train
Why visit Giardini Naxos for the day?
Giardini Naxos is a seaside town on Sicily’s east coast, known for its broad bay and ancient Greek origins. It has a relaxed holiday atmosphere, with beaches and a busy waterfront near Taormina.
How to get from Messina to Giardini Naxos by train?
There are 44 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:46, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 48 km distance in 34m.
Day trip from Messina to Acireale by train
Why visit Acireale for the day?
Acireale is a baroque town on Sicily’s Ionian coast, known for ornate churches and a celebrated Carnival. Set above a dark lava shoreline near Catania and Etna, it feels elegant yet distinctly local.
How to get from Messina to Acireale by train?
There are 33 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:28, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 74 km distance in 1h 2m.
FAQs: Palermo to Messina train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palermo to Messina by train. 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 train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Messina, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Palermo to Messina can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £16.
The train journey from Palermo to Messina covers a distance of 192 km and takes approximately 2h 43m. Trains run 20 per day.
The train distance from Palermo to Messina is 192 km.
The first train from Palermo to Messina leaves at 3:21.
The last train from Palermo to Messina departs at 22:17.
Trains from Palermo to Messina run approximately 20 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Palermo to Messina.
Yes, there is a direct train between Palermo and Messina. The service operates 13 times per day, provided by Regionale, Intercity.
Yes, there is a night train from Palermo to Messina.
The train station in Palermo that goes to Messina is Palermo Centrale, and it arrives at Messina Centrale.
Booking trains from Palermo to Messina in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Palermo to Messina offers scenic views of the Sicilian coastline, including glimpses of the Tyrrhenian Sea, rugged landscapes, and charming coastal towns, making it a picturesque experience.
Yes, you can take the train from Palermo to Messina.
More options for your journey from Palermo to Messina
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Messina and Palermo
Most popular train connections to Messina
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