How to Get from Palermo Airport (PMO) to Palermo City

Quick Answer

The best way to get from Palermo Airport to the city centre for most travelers is the Prestia e Comandè shuttle bus (40-60 minutes, €6.30/$6.90, every 30 minutes to Central Station and Politeama). It's reliable, has luggage space, and is easy to find. For door-to-door convenience: Official taxi with a fixed fare of €45-50 ($49-55) to the historic centre. For budget travelers: Local bus 101 (€1.40/$1.55, 60-90 minutes to various city locations). The train is an option but requires a free shuttle to the station first. For late night arrivals, taxis are your only reliable option.

Prestia e Comandè Airport Shuttle: The Best Overall Choice

The Prestia e Comandè shuttle bus is the dedicated airport service linking Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport with the city centre. It's operated by a private company and is specifically designed for airport transfers. For most visitors arriving at Sicily's main gateway airport, this is the most balanced option combining affordability, comfort, and frequency. The buses are modern, have dedicated luggage compartments, run regularly, and stop at the two most important locations: Politeama (theatre square in the city centre) and Palermo Central Station.

Transport Option	Travel Time	Approximate Cost	Best For	Key Notes
Prestia e Comandè Shuttle	40-60 minutes	€6.30 ($6.90) one-way	Most travelers, good value	Comfortable, luggage space, every 30 minutes
Official Taxi (Fixed Fare)	30-50 minutes	€45-50 ($49-55)	Door-to-door, families, groups	Fixed fare to historic centre, confirm first
Local Bus 101	60-90 minutes	€1.40 ($1.55)	Solo budget travelers, light luggage	Cheapest, many stops, buy ticket before
Train	45-70 minutes	€5.80 ($6.40)	Train enthusiasts, light luggage	Two-step process, free shuttle to station
Private Transfer	30-50 minutes	€55-75 ($60-82)	Families, groups, luxury travelers	Pre-booked, meet & greet, no hassle

Finding and Taking the Shuttle at Palermo Airport

Upon exiting the arrivals hall at Palermo Airport (PMO), follow signs for "Bus" or "Shuttle Bus". The Prestia e Comandè stop is directly outside the terminal, a 1-minute walk. Look for the blue and white buses with "Prestia e Comandè" displayed. Buses run from approximately 5:00 AM to midnight, every 30 minutes. The first bus is perfect for early arrivals, and the last one is crucial for daytime flights. I've taken it many times; the stop is easy to find.

Shuttle Schedule and Frequency

The Prestia e Comandè operates with reliable frequency throughout the day: Every 30 minutes from 5:00 AM to midnight. During peak hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 5:00-7:00 PM), buses can get crowded but still maintain the schedule. The last departure from the airport is at midnight, and the first bus from the city back to the airport starts at 4:30 AM from Palermo Central Station. During the summer tourist season (June-September), additional services are sometimes added.

Buying Shuttle Tickets

You can buy tickets: 1. Onboard the bus: From the driver using cash only (exact change appreciated, notes up to €20). 2. At the airport: From the Prestia e Comandè ticket office in the arrivals hall (cards/cash). A one-way ticket costs €6.30 (about $6.90). Return tickets are available for €11. The ticket is for the shuttle only. Keep your ticket until you exit.

Why I Recommend the Shuttle for First-Timers

Many travel forums overcomplicate Palermo transport. For a straightforward, stress-free transfer from Palermo Airport to downtown, the Prestia e Comandè shuttle is the answer. Taxis are fine but 7-8 times the price. Local buses are cheap but painfully slow with luggage. The shuttle is the sweet spot: tourist-friendly, direct, and predictable. I've seen tourists struggle with the 101 bus while I boarded the shuttle and was downtown in half the time.

Taxi from Palermo Airport to City Centre

Taking an official taxi from Palermo Airport is the most convenient door-to-door option. The ride takes 30-50 minutes, but Palermo traffic can be heavy – during rush hour (8-10 AM, 5-7:30 PM) it can take 60+ minutes. The key is knowing the fixed fare system to avoid scams. The official set fare to any destination in the historic centre (Centro Storico) is €45-50 (approximately $49-55). This covers up to 4 passengers with luggage.

How to Get a Safe Taxi at Palermo Airport

Exit the arrivals hall and walk to the official taxi rank directly outside. Only use the white taxis with the Palermo city logo. Avoid any individuals inside the terminal offering "taxi" services; these are unlicensed and will overcharge. Join the queue. When it's your turn, clearly state your destination and ask "È tariffa fissa per il centro?" (Is it the fixed fare to the centre?). The driver should confirm "Sì, quarantacinque euro" (Yes, forty-five euros). Only then get in.

Understanding the Fixed Fare & Extra Charges

The fixed fare (tariffa fissa) applies to destinations within the city's historic centre, including areas like Vucciria, Kalsa, and Politeama. It includes all supplements, luggage, and the ride. Legitimate extra charges: A €2-3 night surcharge (10 PM - 6 AM) and a small Sunday/holiday surcharge. The meter should not be running. If it is, you're not on the fixed fare. A common issue is drivers claiming your hotel is outside the fixed fare zone when it's not.

Late Night Taxi from Palermo Airport

For arrivals after midnight (when the shuttle stops), taxis are your only public option. The official taxi rank operates 24/7. Expect the fixed fare plus the night surcharge. Wait times are usually short, but after the last flight lands, a queue can form. I arrived at 1:30 AM once; the wait was 20 minutes, and the fare was €48 to my B&B near Quattro Canti. It felt safe and organized.

A Common Real-Life Mistake (The "Meter Scam")

You get in a taxi at the rank. The driver doesn't mention the fixed fare and starts the meter. You think it's normal. The route seems long. Upon arrival, the meter shows €65. The driver insists that's the correct price. You pay, frustrated. What happened? The driver took a longer route and used the meter instead of the fixed fare. How to avoid: Always, always confirm "tariffa fissa" before the ride starts. If the meter is on, ask to stop and get out.

Local Buses & Public Transport from Palermo Airport

Palermo has a public bus network operated by AMAT. From the airport, the main local bus is the AST bus 101, which goes to various city locations. It's the absolute cheapest option at €1.40 per ticket (about $1.55). However, I need to be honest: for most travelers arriving with suitcases, I do not recommend it. The buses are often crowded, have minimal luggage space, and the journey is painfully slow.

Taking the 101 Bus: The Reality

The bus stop is outside the airport terminal, a 5-minute walk from the arrivals area. Buses run from around 5:30 AM to 10:30 PM, with frequency of 30-60 minutes. The ride takes 60-90 minutes depending on traffic and stops. The crucial detail: You cannot buy a ticket from the driver. You must purchase a ticket from a tabaccheria (tobacco shop) with a big "T" sign, a newsstand, or the airport ticket machine before boarding. Stamp the ticket in the machine onboard.

Other Bus Options from the Airport

Bus 101: Airport → Via Tommaso Fazello → Via della Libertà → Politeama → Stazione Centrale.
Bus 102: Limited service, similar route.
Bus 103: Alternative route to different parts of the city.
The 101 is the most direct for tourists heading to the city centre.

Who Should Actually Take the Local Bus?

The 101 bus is suitable for: 1) Solo backpackers with one backpack. 2) Travelers on an extreme budget. 3) Those with unlimited time. 4) People arriving during daylight hours. It is not suitable for: Families with children, travelers with roller suitcases, elderly visitors, anyone arriving after dark, or people in a hurry. For the sake of €4.90, the Prestia e Comandè shuttle offers a vastly superior experience.

A Real-Life Scenario: The Struggling Bus Rider

You arrive tired, with a 20kg suitcase and a backpack. You find the 101 bus stop. After 40 minutes, a crowded bus arrives. You struggle to haul your suitcase up the high steps. There's no luggage area; you block the aisle. The bus makes 40+ stops. You anxiously watch for your stop, unsure when to get off. At Politeama, you wrestle your suitcase off the bus into the busy square. You saved €4.90 but wasted 90 minutes of stress and effort. Meanwhile, the shuttle rider arrived sooner, stored their luggage neatly, and stepped out refreshed.

Train from Palermo Airport to City Centre

Palermo has a train connection from the airport, but with an important catch. The train station is not at the terminal; it's about 1.5 km away. You need to take a free shuttle bus from the airport to the train station, then take the train into the city. This two-step process makes it less convenient than the Prestia e Comandè shuttle for most travelers.

How to Use the Train from Palermo Airport

Step 1: Take the free shuttle bus from outside the arrivals area to "Punta Raisi" train station. The shuttle runs every 15-20 minutes, 5:00 AM - 11:00 PM. Journey time: 5-10 minutes.
Step 2: At the train station, buy a ticket (€5.80) from the machine or ticket office.
Step 3: Take the train towards "Palermo Centrale" (central station). Trains run every 30-60 minutes, taking 45-60 minutes.
Travel time: Shuttle (10 min) + Train to Palermo Centrale (50 min) = 60+ minutes total.

Train Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages: Scenic coastal views, comfortable seats, avoids road traffic, cheaper than taxi.
Disadvantages: Two-step process (shuttle + train), limited operating hours (shuttle stops at 11:00 PM), not ideal with heavy luggage (stairs at stations), infrequent service (every 30-60 minutes).
I've used it when I had time and light luggage, but with suitcases, the shuttle is simpler.

Train Stops from Airport

From "Punta Raisi" station: Isola delle Femmine → Capaci → Carini → Tommaso Natale → Palazzo Reale-Orleans → Palermo Centrale (central station).
The train is particularly useful if your hotel is near Palermo Centrale station.

Private Transfer & Ride-Hailing Apps

Private Airport Transfer Services

Pre-booked private transfers offer a hassle-free door-to-door service. A driver meets you in arrivals with a name sign, helps with luggage, and drives you directly to your hotel. Prices range from €55-75 ($60-82) for a standard sedan. This is the best option for families with young children, groups of 3-4, those with lots of luggage, or travelers wanting absolute certainty. You can book online via platforms like Welcome Pickups, SunTransfer, or through your hotel.

Uber and Taxi Apps in Palermo

Uber does not operate in Palermo. Neither UberX nor Uber Black are available. Instead, you can use the official taxi stand or ask your hotel to arrange a taxi. Some hotels offer their own transfer services. The app 'Moovit' is useful for public transport planning but not for taxi booking. For a stress-free experience, the Prestia e Comandè shuttle or official taxis are your best bets.

When a Private Transfer Makes Financial Sense

While a private car seems expensive compared to a €45 taxi, consider: A taxi for 4 people with 4 suitcases might require a larger vehicle or two taxis. A pre-booked van transfer for €70 fits everyone comfortably. For a family of 4, that's €17.50 per person for a seamless, pre-paid experience. The internet says "just get a taxi," but after a long journey with kids, the value of a waiting driver is immense.

Detailed Bus & Train Route Stops from Palermo Airport

Understanding the exact stops helps with navigation, especially if your hotel is near one. Here are the detailed stops for the key airport transport routes.

Prestia e Comandè Shuttle: Complete Stop List

1. Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport - The starting point, stop is outside Arrivals.
2. Via della Libertà / Politeama - Main avenue in the city centre, near the Politeama Theatre and many hotels.
3. Palermo Centrale (Stazione Centrale) - Main railway station. Interchange for trains to other Sicilian cities and the metro.

Direction: The bus runs in both directions. From the city back to the airport, it makes the same stops in reverse order: Palermo Centrale → Politeama → Airport.

Local Bus 101: Key Stops to Know

The 101 bus follows a long, local route into the city. Key stops include:

1. Aeroporto Falcone-Borsellino (start) - Main airport terminal stop
2. Via Tommaso Fazello - Suburban area
3. Via della Libertà - Main city avenue, upscale shopping area
4. Politeama - Theatre square, city centre (60-90 minutes from airport)
5. Stazione Centrale - Central railway station
6. Corso dei Mille - Eastern part of the city centre
7. Via Roma - Final stop near the historic centre

Most travelers should get off at Politeama or Stazione Centrale for connections.

Train from Punta Raisi: Station Stops

From "Punta Raisi" station (after taking the free shuttle):

1. Punta Raisi - Airport station (not at terminal)
2. Isola delle Femmine - Coastal town
3. Capaci - Suburban town
4. Carini - Suburban town
5. Tommaso Natale - Northern suburb of Palermo
6. Palazzo Reale-Orleans - Near the Royal Palace and Cathedral
7. Palermo Centrale - Central railway station, main terminus

Palermo Airport to City Centre Route Map

The map below shows the primary routes from Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) to the city centre. The Prestia e Comandè shuttle takes the most direct route along the A29 motorway. The local 101 bus follows a more meandering path along the coast and through suburbs.

View the route on Google Maps: View route from Palermo Airport to City Centre on Google Maps

The distance from Palermo Airport to the city centre (Politeama) is approximately 35 km (22 miles). The travel time is highly dependent on traffic, which can be heavy, especially during rush hour and in summer.

Ticketing, Fares & Transport Passes

Money & ATMs at Palermo Airport

There are multiple ATMs in the arrivals hall (BancPost, UniCredit, etc.). Withdraw some Euros for taxi/bus. While cards are widely accepted in the city, having €50-100 in smaller bills (€5, €10, €20) is wise for taxis or small purchases. The Prestia e Comandè shuttle accepts cash only on board. Avoid currency exchange counters at the airport for large amounts; rates are poor.

AMAT Tickets and Passes

AMAT (Azienda Mobilità e Trasporti) operates public buses in Palermo. The standard ticket (€1.40) is valid for 90 minutes on buses. You must validate it on your first vehicle. Daily (€3.50) and weekly passes are available. For just airport transfer, a single ticket is sufficient for bus 101, but the shuttle is a separate ticket.

Traveler Experience: Arriving at Palermo Airport

Palermo Falcone-Borsellino is Sicily's main international airport. After collecting baggage, you exit into the arrivals hall. The atmosphere is typically Mediterranean - lively, sometimes chaotic, especially in summer. Signs for transport are clear. The Prestia e Comandè shuttle stop is directly outside to the right. The taxi rank is straight ahead. My first time, I was approached by unauthorized taxi drivers inside the terminal – ignore them and walk to the official rank outside.

First-Time Visitor Walkthrough

Follow the crowd out of baggage claim. Need cash? Use an ATM on your right. Walk straight out the doors. For Shuttle: Turn right, look for blue/white buses with "Prestia e Comandè". For Taxi: Walk straight to the orderly queue of white taxis. For Bus 101: Walk right further along the terminal. The whole process from plane to transport takes 15-30 minutes.

The Reality of Palermo Traffic

Palermo traffic can be heavy, especially on the main roads into the city. Your transfer time can vary. A shuttle ride at 10 AM might take 40 minutes; at 5:30 PM, it could take 70. Factor this in, especially if catching a train or tour. Locals drive assertively but are generally competent. Just relax; the drivers know what they're doing.

A Common First-Timer Mistake: The Fixed Fare Confusion

You get in a taxi. The driver smiles and nods when you say "Centro". He starts the meter. You think it's fine. The meter hits €40, then €55, then €65 as he takes a long route. You arrive and argue, but you're tired and pay. The fixed fare was €45. I've heard this story many times. The fix is simple: say "Tariffa fissa? Quarantacinque euro?" and wait for a clear "Sì" before closing the door.

Best Option by Travel Scenario

• Solo Traveler with Backpack: Prestia e Comandè shuttle (€6.30) for ease, or Bus 101 (€1.40) if on a tight budget.
• Couple with Suitcases: Shuttle (€12.60 total) is perfect. Splitting a taxi (€22.50-25 each) is also reasonable for door-to-door.
• Family of 4 with Kids & Luggage: Taxi (€45-50 total) is the best value and least stressful. One taxi fits 4 with bags. Shuttle would cost €25.20 anyway.
• Late Night Arrival (after midnight): Official Taxi (24/7, fixed fare + surcharge). Pre-book a transfer for absolute certainty.
• Early Morning Departure: From city to airport for a 6-7 AM flight: Pre-book a taxi or take the first shuttle at 4:30 AM from Palermo Centrale.
• Traveler Connecting to Cefalù or other towns: Take shuttle to Palermo Centrale, then train to your destination. Or take train from Punta Raisi station if going to Cefalù.
• Business Traveler: Taxi or pre-booked private car. The time savings and professionalism are worth the cost.
• Budget Backpacker: Bus 101 (€1.40) to Politeama, then walk or use a ticket for a bus to your hostel.
• Person with Mobility Issues: Taxi or Private Transfer. Buses require steps and lack dedicated spaces.
• Group of 5 or More: You'll need a larger taxi (max 4) or a van. Pre-book a private van transfer online to avoid hassle.
• Summer Arrival (June-Sept): Allow extra time for traffic and crowds. Shuttle can be full; consider taxi if queue is short.
• Winter Arrival (Nov-Feb): All options work, but buses might be less frequent. Taxi is comfortable in rain.

Frequently Asked Questions: Palermo Airport to City Centre