- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Zurich to Palermo
Showing times and prices for 27 Aug
Cheapest price
£214
Average price
£249
Fastest journey
21 h 40 m
Average duration
1 d 1 h
Trains per day
5
Distance
1101 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Palermo is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Palermo will cost around £249 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £214.
Fast trains
To travel from Zurich to Palermo you need to make at least one change.
EuroCity 37+
InterCityNotte 196314:3326h22Zurich HB16:55Palermo Centrale£2141One-way1 change- EuroCity 23+
FRECCIAROSSA 9567+InterCityNotte 196315:3325h22Zurich HB16:55Palermo Centrale£2371One-way2 changes - EuroCity 19+FRECCIAROSSA 9551+InterCityNotte 195511:3321h40Zurich HB9:13Palermo Centrale£2611One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 31+
Intercity 594+InterCityNotte 19598:3328h18Zurich HB12:51Palermo Centrale£2631One-way2 changes - EuroCity 21+FRECCIAROSSA 9559+InterCityNotte 195913:3323h18Zurich HB12:51Palermo Centrale£2701One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 19+FRECCIAROSSA 9551+InterCityNotte 195511:3321h40Zurich HB9:13Palermo Centrale£2611One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 21+FRECCIAROSSA 9559+InterCityNotte 195913:3323h18Zurich HB12:51Palermo Centrale£2701One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 23+FRECCIAROSSA 9567+InterCityNotte 196315:3325h22Zurich HB16:55Palermo Centrale£2371One-way2 changes
- EuroCity 37+InterCityNotte 196314:3326h22Zurich HB16:55Palermo Centrale£2141One-way1 change
- EuroCity 31+Intercity 594+InterCityNotte 19598:3328h18Zurich HB12:51Palermo Centrale£2631One-way2 changes
Travel Information
Compare coach, train and flight for Zurich to Palermo
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Palermo among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £56. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 1.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £56, and a train costs an average of £103.
Distance: 1101 km
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Coach |
|---|---|---|
£191 Average Price | £124 Average Price | £96 Average Price Cheapest |
22h 50m Average total duration 22h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 25h 13m Average total duration 24h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.3 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 3.3 - 6.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Zurich to Palermo train times
The table below shows live departures for Zurich to Palermo trains for tomorrow, Thursday 27 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EuroCity 31+Intercity 594+InterCityNotte 1959 | 8:33 Zurich HB | 28h18 | 12:51 Palermo Centrale | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 19+FRECCIAROSSA 9551+InterCityNotte 1955 | 11:33 Zurich HB | 21h40 | 9:13 Palermo Centrale | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 21+FRECCIAROSSA 9559+InterCityNotte 1959 | 13:33 Zurich HB | 23h18 | 12:51 Palermo Centrale | 2 changes | |
| EuroCity 37+InterCityNotte 1963 | 14:33 Zurich HB | 26h22 | 16:55 Palermo Centrale | 1 change | |
| EuroCity 23+FRECCIAROSSA 9567+InterCityNotte 1963 | 15:33 Zurich HB | 25h22 | 16:55 Palermo Centrale | 2 changes |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Zurich to Palermo by coach, train or flight
Compare coach, train 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Zurich to Palermo
Switzerland
Italy
Trains from Zurich to Palermo run on average 3 times per day, taking around 22h 20m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £103 but you can travel from only £50 by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:03, the last at 21:10. The fastest train covers the 1101 km distance in 19h 35m.
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
Flight from £50
Distance 1101 km |
Average train duration 22h 20m |
Cheapest ticket price £103 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 19h 35m |
First train 0:03 |
Last train 21:10 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 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
Flight from £50
Train companies: Intercity Notte, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) from Zurich to Palermo trainsIntercity Notte, Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) trains will get you between Zurich and Palermo from £50. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
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
Intercity Notte frequency
3 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
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS)
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
27h 37m
Cheapest Price
£241
Swiss Federal Railways (SBB CFF FFS) frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Palermo
Things to do in Palermo
Discover the best of Palermo — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palermo trip today.
- Recommended
Museo Archeologico Regionale Antonino Salinas
Archaeological museum with Greek, Roman and Etruscan finds, coins and sculpture. A strong choice for understanding Sicily’s ancient past.
- Recommended
GAM - Galleria d'Arte Moderna
Modern and contemporary art museum in a restored monastery complex. Visit for Italian art, changing exhibitions and a central historic setting.
- Must visit
Quattro Canti
Monumental square at the junction of Palermo’s historic main streets. A classic meeting point with theatrical Baroque façades and constant street life.
- Recommended
Piazza Verdi
Elegant square beside Teatro Massimo, popular for strolling and people-watching. A useful base for exploring central Palermo on foot.
- Recommended
Mercato del Capo
Historic market district with layered architecture, lively lanes and everyday city life. Best for atmosphere, street scenes and local character.
Arancine
Fried rice balls filled with ragù, peas and cheese. A Sicilian street-food classic, especially beloved in Palermo for its hearty, portable character.
Pane ca meusa
Soft sesame-topped roll stuffed with spleen and lung, often with ricotta or caciocavallo. A distinctive Palermo sandwich with deep working-class roots.
Pasta con le sarde
Pasta with sardines, wild fennel, raisins and pine nuts. It captures Palermo’s Arab-Norman culinary heritage through sweet-savoury flavours.
Osteria Ballarò
Traditional restaurant serving Sicilian seafood, pasta and Palermo classics in an elegant but relaxed historic-centre atmosphere.
Nni Franco U Vastiddaru
Historic market stall famed for pane ca meusa and other Palermo street-food staples in a lively, no-frills setting.
Ke Palle
Long-established informal spot known for arancine, panelle and other classic rosticceria specialities popular with locals.
Euro (€)
Moderate for Italy: street food and buses are cheap, while central hotels and seafood restaurants cost more in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- €8-12 for street food or a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- €20-35 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- €60+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- €1.50-3 for espresso or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
PalerMobilità
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- €1.40
- Day pass
- €3.50
To the city centre
Palermo Centrale -> Piazza Politeama, Palermo
- Distance
- 2.4 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Buy and validate AMAT bus and tram tickets in the official PalerMobilità app before boarding; on-board bus tickets cost more than the standard fare.
- Contactless card acceptance on Palermo public transport was not confirmed from the official sources checked, so carry a valid ticket or use the official app.
FAQs: Zurich to Palermo train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Zurich to Palermo 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 Palermo, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Zurich to Palermo can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £103, while the average price tends to be around £191.
The train journey from Zurich to Palermo covers a distance of 1101 km and takes approximately 19h 35m. Trains run 3 per day.
The train distance from Zurich to Palermo is 1101 km.
The first train from Zurich to Palermo leaves at 0:03.
The last train from Zurich to Palermo departs at 21:10.
Trains from Zurich to Palermo run approximately 3 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Zurich to Palermo.
Unfortunately, there is no direct train service currently available from Zurich to Palermo.
To get from Zurich to Palermo, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
Yes, there is a night train from Zurich to Palermo.
The train station in Zurich that goes to Palermo is Zurich HB, and it arrives at Palermo Centrale.
The cheapest way to get from Zurich to Palermo is by flight, costing approximately £50.
Booking trains from Zurich to Palermo in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the Zurich to Palermo train journey is scenic, offering picturesque views of the Swiss Alps, charming Italian countryside, and coastal landscapes, making it an enjoyable experience for travellers.
A day trip from Zurich to Palermo is not feasible as the journey takes 19h 35m. Trains operate 3 times per day over a distance of 1101 km.
In Palermo, you can explore the Capuchin Catacombs, an eerie yet fascinating underground cemetery with mummified remains. Visit the bustling Ballarò Market to experience local Sicilian produce and culture. Discover vibrant street art in the Vucciria district and take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Sicilian dishes. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the picturesque Foro Italico promenade. Don't miss the stunning Palermo Cathedral, Teatro Massimo, and the historic Palazzo dei Normanni with its exquisite Palatine Chapel. Visit the Baroque square Quattro Canti and the lush Orto Botanico di Palermo.
To fully explore Palermo's key attractions, culture, and cuisine, spending 3 to 4 days would be ideal. This allows time to visit historical sites, enjoy local markets, and take a day trip to nearby areas.
Yes, you can take the train from Zurich to Palermo.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Zurich and Palermo
Most Zurich to Palermo trains use the Zürich HB to Palermo Centrale station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Palermo train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Zurich
Arrival train stations in Palermo
Which Zurich station do trains to Palermo leave from?
Trains from Zurich to Palermo leave from Zürich HB. The station is 2 km from Zurich city centre at Bahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland.
Zürich HBBahnhofplatz, 8001 Zürich, Switzerland+41 51 220 11 11
City-centre transport
Getting to Zürich HB from Zurich city centre
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainS, 9 · 3m · £3 · every ~3 min
S11, Sn11, S12, S15, S16, Sn1, Sn, S20, S23, S3, S5, Sn5, S6, Sn6, S7, Sn7, S9, Sn9, S · 3m · £0.90 · every ~43 min
Bus31, 33 · 5m · £2 · every ~16 min
N4, N5, N91 · 5m · £2
Tram11, 15, 4 · 8m · £2 · every ~19 min
Zürich HB train station facilities and services
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Zurich
More options for your journey from Zurich to Palermo
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Palermo and Zurich
Most popular train connections to Palermo
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