Trains from Florence to Palermo
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Travel from Florence to Palermo by train in 11 hours 36 minutes
If you want to know more about the journey from Florence to Palermo by train, look no further!
The average journey time from Florence to Palermo by train is 14 hours 17 minutes, although on the fastest services it can take just 11 hours 36 minutes. Around 18 trains per day travel the 406 miles (653 km) between these two destinations. Direct trains are usually available every day on the route to Palermo. As the main train operator on this route, you'll probably be travelling on a Trenitalia service for all or at least part of your journey to Palermo.
Book train tickets from Florence to Palermo in advance instead of buying them on the day and they can start from £63.01. We'll always highlight the cheapest prices when you search in our Journey Planner.
Ready to book? Start your search for cheap train tickets with us today. Keep reading for more information, including our timetable where you can view first and last train times, as well as tips on how to find cheap train tickets.
Florence to Palermo by train
It takes an average of 14h 17m to travel from Florence to Palermo by train, over a distance of around 406 miles (653 km). There are normally 18 trains per day travelling from Florence to Palermo and tickets for this journey start from £63.01 when you book in advance.
| First train | 00:12 | |
|---|---|---|
| Last train | 21:48 | |
| Departure station | Florence | |
| Arrival station | Palermo | |
| Journey time | From 11h 36m | |
| Distance | 406 miles (653 km) | |
| Frequency | 18 trains per day | |
| Changes | Direct trains available | |
| Price | From £63.01 | |
| Train and bus operators | Trenitalia, Flixbus, Onebus, Autoservizi Salemi |
Trenitalia trains from Florence to Palermo
Trenitalia is the national railway company of Italy, with a fleet including high-speed trains (Frecciarossa, Frecciargento and Frecciabianca), Intercity and Intercity night trains and regional trains. Trenitalia offers discounts and special promotions on selected routes, two types of discounted tickets for young people under 30 and people over 60.
More information
Intercity Notte (night trains) classes from Florence to Palermo
Compare the different travel classes offered by Intercity Notte (night trains) when travelling from Florence to Palermo.
Seated coach
If you're travelling on a budget, buy a ticket for a basic seat - you'll find a spacious and comfy seat with a fold-down table, as well as a minibar service.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- USB sockets
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Clothes hanger
- Wakeup service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Comfort couchette
This couchette can host up to 4 people and offers plenty of amenities, including a toiletry kit, bedding, and breakfast served in the morning.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- USB sockets
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Clothes hanger
- Wakeup service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Deluxe cabin
In the Deluxe cabin, you'll enjoy a whole breakfast menu, a wake-up service and a comfier bed. Single, double or 3-berth compartments are available.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- USB sockets
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Clothes hanger
- Wakeup service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Excelsior cabin
The Excelsior cabin can host up to 2 people. Enjoy the perks of the Deluxe cabin, as well as a welcome drink and a private bathroom with washbasin, shower and mirror.
- Fold-down table
- Minibar
- Reading light
- Luggage storage
- Power sockets
- USB sockets
- Bedding
- Breakfast
- Bottle of water
- Toiletries
- More legroom
- Free magazines/newspapers
- Clothes hanger
- Wakeup service
- Private bathroom
- Welcome drink
- Mirror
Onboard services on Intercity Notte (night trains)
Discover more about the onboard services offered on trains from Florence to Palermo.
- You can take your bags on board Trenitalia's Intercity Notte trains free of charge.
- In most cases, there are no luggage size limits – you can even travel with musical instruments and sports equipment. You’ll just need to make sure that your luggage is compatible with the space available on board.
A minibar trolley service is available on all Intercity Notte trains – you can choose from a wide range of snacks and drinks. Vegan, gluten-free and lactose-free options are available too.
Unfortunately, free WiFi is not available on Intercity Notte trains.
- Children under 4 can travel for free if a seat is not assigned to them. If they do have a seat, they can get 50% off Base tickets (standard fare).
- Children aged 4-14 also get 50% off, or 30% off if they’re travelling in the Comfort couchette or Deluxe cabin.
- You can take your folding bike with you if it’s stored in one of the dedicated luggage spaces.
- If you have a traditional bike, you’ll need to disassemble it and place it in a bag that is not larger than 80 x 110 x 45cm.
- Small pets are allowed on board free of charge, if they’re placed in a carrier or cage of max dimensions of 70 x 30 x 50cm. You’ll need to buy a ticket for the whole compartment.
- Bigger dogs are allowed on board if they have a ticket – it’s usually 50% off the Base ticket (standard fare).
Intercity Notte trains have a coach with designated spaces for 2 passengers with a wheelchair and 2 companions. You’ll find a wheelchair symbol outside the coach.
Depending on the class you’ll be travelling in, you’ll get to enjoy additional perks, including a wake-up service, breakfast, bedding and more.
Cheap train tickets from Florence to Palermo
Book in advance
Most of the train companies across Europe release their tickets around three to six months in advance, many of which can be cheaper the earlier you book. If you know the dates you want to travel, you may be able to find some cheaper train tickets from Florence to Palermo by booking early.§
Be flexible with your travel times
Many of the train services in Europe are also popular commuter services, lots of train companies increase ticket prices during “peak hours” (generally between 06:00 – 10:00 and 15:00 – 19:00 on weekdays). If you can, consider travelling outside of peak hours to find lower priced tickets.
Choose a slower or connecting train
On some of the busier routes, you might also have the option to take a slower or connecting train. It may take a little longer than some high-speed or direct services, but if you have a little extra time on your hands, you might find a cheaper fare. Plus, you'll have more time to enjoy the view of the countryside!
Look out for special deals
Take a look at our handy guides to find out when train operators release their special deals and offers to see if you can find cheap European train tickets for your journey.
For specific information about how to get your hands on cheap tickets, check out our European train tickets hub.
Journey details
Want to know more about your journey from Florence to Palermo? We've compiled some of the most frequently asked questions by our customers to help you plan your journey.
How long does the train from Florence to Palermo take?
The average journey time by train between Florence and Palermo is 14 hours and 17 minutes, with around 18 trains per day. The journey time may be longer on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner on this page to search for a specific travel date.
What's the fastest journey time between Florence and Palermo by train?
The fastest journey time by train from Florence to Palermo is 11 hours and 36 minutes.
How much does the train from Florence to Palermo cost?
Train ticket prices from Florence to Palermo can start from as little as £63.01 when you book in advance. The cost of tickets can vary depending on the time of day, route and class you book and are usually more expensive if you book on the day.
Is there a direct train from Florence to Palermo?
Yes, it is possible to travel from Florence to Palermo without having to change trains. There is 1 direct train from Florence to Palermo each day. Though there may be fewer direct services available depending on your exact departure date.
What time does the first train from Florence to Palermo leave?
The first train from Florence to Palermo leaves at 00:12. Times and services may vary during weekends and holidays.
What time does the last train from Florence to Palermo leave?
The last train from Florence to Palermo leaves at 21:48. Trains that depart in the early morning hours or very late evening may be sleeper services, time and services may also vary during weekends and holidays.
What's the distance between Florence and Palermo by train?
Trains travelling from Florence to Palermo cover a distance of around 406 miles (653 km) during the journey.
Looking for more information?
If you’re looking for the return train journey, check out trains from Palermo to Florence.