My accommodations are a few blocks north of the Palermo Centrale train and bus station. Rick Steves Hotel Ambasciatori was sold out but I am only 1/2 block away. I do not speak Italian. I got to Palermo by bus from Siracusa and that bus stopped in the back of the Palermo station by the trains. Other buses seem to stop and go regularly out in front of the station at Piazza Guilo Cesare. Can anyone help me as I’m tired of train and bus ticket sellers giving me weird short answers. I have been lost twice, which was fun. But getting lost is not fun when I got to catch a plane! As a solo female traveler I would really appreciate your help for this last leg of my journey....to home. I’ve been here 5 weeks and getting good transportation information has been my only difficulty. Thanks so very much.
Posted by
Sapulpa, OK, USA
6475 posts
There's an airport bus that leaves from the train station. We took it the other way, from the airport into town. It was inexpensive and comfortable.
When we went we followed the directions in Rick's book, but here's a link. Hope it helps.
http://www.palermo-airport.com/transportation.html
Posted by
1022 posts
There are regular trains leaving from that station at least hourly. The automated ticket kiosks have English option, so you should be able to figure it out. I did not have any issues. I feel your pain in regards to travel in Sicily, but Palermo to the airport is the easy bit. If you haven’t already, the Rome2rio app is very handy to review schedules.
Posted by
Centennial, CO, US
2172 posts
That airport bus also stops on Via Roma, just down the street from the Ambasciatori. If you're just a half block away, it should be easier and less confusing than the train station. Ask for directions from your hotel.
I'd suggest checking it out ahead of time, so you're not dragging a suitcase and worried about missing a flight. I think it took 45 minutes to the airport in 2018, and that we purchased tickets on the bus.
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Coming from the airport, the bus stops in the piazza in front of the Palermo Centrale train station. I'd be very surprised if it didn't depart for the airport from the same spot, but hopefully someone who has taken it will confirm.
Posted by
California 🦋
5291 posts
Lori,
I took the Prestía e Comandè Bus
from the airport to Palermo.
The bus to the airport starts next to the train station on Via Tommaso Fasello: according to the map shown here.
To get to the map showing all the stops, scroll down to “Timetables”, then click on the red bar which reads, “Palermo - Aeroporto Falcone Borsellino”
The bus also stops on Via Roma, which may be closer to your hotel, as Charlene has mentioned above.
If you’re feeling too stressed about taking the bus, you may consider asking your hotel to arrange a private transfer for you.
My B&B host had offered to arrange for a private transfer and the cost was €40 (in 2018)
I hope this helps!
Edited to add...
Just wondering... Did you have any trouble finding the bus stop for the bus you took from Siracusa to Palermo?
Posted by
Brownsville, Texas
32 posts
We found the airport bus to central Palermo convenient, comfortable, inexpensive and efficient. Has anyone picked up a rental car at the airport? And were you happy with the rates and company you picked? We are planning to drive to the west coast of the Island and my research finds the train schedules a bit sketchy getting to Agrigento, mainly.
Thanks in advance!
Martie
Posted by
California 🦋
5291 posts
Martie,
It’s best if you start your own post & that way you’ll get the responses instead of the OP.
BTW, there are several trains traveling from Palermo to Agrigento.
I didn’t rent a car, but traveled via public transportation (more buses than trains), and may be able to help you with more information.
Enjoy your trip!