Are you planning a trip to Sicily and wondering how to get from Palermo, the vibrant capital of the island, to Taormina, the picturesque resort town on the east coast?
Palermo and Taormina are two of the most popular destinations in Sicily, and they offer a contrast of culture, history, and scenery.
But how do you travel between Palermo to Taormina? What are the best options for your budget, time, and preferences?
In this article, we will explore 7 ways to travel from Palermo to Taormina by train, bus, or car. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about this route, such as how long it takes, how much it costs, and what to see along the way.
Palermo: The City of Culture and Chaos
Palermo is the largest city in Sicily and one of the oldest in Europe. It has a rich and diverse heritage, influenced by various civilizations that have ruled over it, such as the Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Normans, and Spanish.
Palermo is famous for its stunning architecture, colorful markets, lively nightlife, and delicious cuisine. Some of the highlights include:
- The Palazzo dei Normanni, the former royal palace of the kings of Sicily, which houses the magnificent Palatine Chapel with its Byzantine mosaics.
- The Cathedral, a splendid example of Sicilian Gothic style, which contains the tombs of several kings and emperors.
- The Teatro Massimo, the largest opera house in Italy and one of the most prestigious in Europe, where you can enjoy a performance of classical music or ballet.
- The Capuchin Catacombs, a macabre but fascinating attraction where you can see thousands of mummified bodies of monks and nobles dating back to the 16th century.
- The Quattro Canti, the four corners of the old city center, where you can admire four baroque facades decorated with statues of saints and kings.
Palermo is a city that will surprise you with its beauty and charm, but also with its chaos and contradictions.
It is a place where you can experience the authentic Sicilian spirit, but also witness the effects of poverty and corruption. It is a city that will challenge you, but also reward you with unforgettable memories.
Taormina: The Pearl of the Ionian Sea
Taormina is a charming town perched on a hill overlooking the Ionian Sea. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sicily, thanks to its scenic location, elegant atmosphere, and cultural events. Taormina boasts a remarkable ancient heritage, such as:
- The Greek Theatre, one of the best preserved in the world, which offers a stunning view of Mount Etna and the sea. It is still used for concerts and festivals during the summer months.
- The Odeon, a small Roman theatre that was rediscovered in 1892 under a medieval palace.
- The Corvaja Palace, a medieval building that was once the seat of the Sicilian parliament. It now hosts a museum of local history and art.
Taormina also offers stunning views of Mount Etna, the highest active volcano in Europe. You can take a cable car or a bus to reach its summit and admire its crater and lava flows.
You can also visit some of the charming villages that surround it, such as Castiglione di Sicilia or Zafferana Etnea.
Taormina is a great place to relax, shop, dine, and enjoy the nightlife. You can stroll along the main street, Corso Umberto I, which is lined with boutiques, cafes, and restaurants.
You can also visit some of the beautiful gardens, such as the Public Gardens or Villa Comunale, which offer a peaceful oasis away from the crowds.
You can also enjoy some of the best beaches in Sicily, such as Isola Bella, a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow strip of sand, or Mazzarò, a bay with crystal clear water and a pebbly shore.
How to Travel from Palermo to Taormina by Train
One of the ways to travel from Palermo to Taormina is by train. This option is fast and comfortable, but also more expensive than the bus. Here are some details about this mode of transportation:
How to book tickets from Palermo to Taormina
You can book your tickets online at Trenitalia, the national railway company, or at the station for Palermo to Taormina train. You can choose between different types of trains, such as Regionale, Intercity, or Frecciabianca. The prices vary depending on the type of train and the time of departure.
Where to depart from and arrive at
You can depart from Palermo Centrale, the main station in Palermo, and arrive at Taormina-Giardini, the closest station to Taormina. You will have to take a bus or a taxi from there to reach the town center, which is about 3 kilometers away.
How long it takes for Palermo to Taormina train and how much it costs
The journey takes about 4 – 5 hours and costs between €19 – €37 depending on the type of train and the time of departure.
The cheapest option is the Regionale train, which is a slow and basic service that stops at many stations along the way.
The most expensive option is the Frecciabianca train, which is a fast and comfortable service that runs on a limited schedule.
How frequent and reliable it is
There are 10 – 15 trains per day that connect Palermo to Taormina. The first one leaves at 5:05 am and the last one at 7:05 pm. The trains are usually punctual and reliable, but they might be affected by delays or strikes occasionally.
What are the pros and cons of this option
The pros of traveling by train are that you can enjoy a comfortable and scenic ride, with air conditioning, power outlets, and Wi-Fi on some trains. You can also avoid the traffic and the tolls that you would encounter by car or bus.
The cons of traveling by train are that you have to change trains at least once in Catania or Messina, which might be inconvenient if you have a lot of luggage or if you miss your connection. You also have to pay extra for a bus or a taxi from the station to Taormina.
What are some interesting places to stop or visit along the way from Palermo to Taormina
Some of the interesting places that you can stop or visit along the way are:
- Cefalù, a picturesque seaside town with a Norman cathedral and a sandy beach.
- Enna, a hilltop town with a medieval castle and a panoramic view of the island.
- Catania, a lively city with a baroque center and a vibrant market.
- Acireale, a town famous for its carnival and its thermal baths.
How to Travel from Palermo to Taormina by Bus
Another way to travel from Palermo to Taormina is by bus. This option is cheap and convenient, but also less comfortable than the train.
Palermo to Taormina distance is about 270 kilometers by road or 200 kilometers by air
Here are some details about Palermo to Taormina bus:
How to book tickets from Palermo to Taormina
You can book your tickets online at SAIS Autolinee, one of the main bus companies that operate on this route, or at the station. You can choose between different types of buses, such as standard or executive. The prices vary depending on the type of bus and the time of departure.
Where to depart from and arrive at
You can depart from Palermo Stazione Centrale, which is located next to Palermo Centrale train station, and arrive at Taormina Terminal Bus, which is located near Taormina-Giardini train station.
You will have to take a bus or a taxi from there to reach the town center, which is about 3 kilometers away.
How long it takes and how much it costs
The journey takes about 4 – 4.5 hours and costs between €16 – €34 depending on the type of bus and the time of departure.
The cheapest option is the standard bus, which is a basic service that stops at several stations along the way.
The most expensive option is the executive bus, which is a premium service that offers more comfort and amenities.
How frequent and reliable it is
There are 8 – 10 buses per day that connect Palermo and Taormina. The first one leaves at 6:00 am and the last one at 8:00 pm. The buses are usually punctual and reliable, but they might be affected by traffic or weather conditions sometimes.
What are the pros and cons of this option
The pros of traveling by bus are that you can save money and avoid changing trains. You can also enjoy some free Wi-Fi on some buses.
The cons of traveling by bus are that you have to endure a long and cramped ride, with limited legroom and no power outlets. You also have to pay extra for a bus or a taxi from the station to Taormina.
What are some interesting places to stop or visit along the way
Some of the interesting places that you can stop or visit along the way are:
- Santo Stefano di Camastra, a town known for its ceramics and pottery.
- Cefalù, a picturesque seaside town with a Norman cathedral and a sandy beach.
- Tindari, a town with a sanctuary dedicated to the Black Madonna and a Greek theatre overlooking the sea.
- Milazzo, a town with a medieval castle and a port where you can take a ferry to the Aeolian Islands.
How to Travel from Palermo to Taormina by Car
Another way to travel from Palermo to Taormina is by car. This option is flexible and scenic, but also more expensive and stressful than the train or bus. Here are some details about this mode of transportation:
How to rent a car
You can rent a car online at Discovercars.com, one of the leading car rental platforms, or at the airport or the city center. You can choose between different types of cars, such as economy, compact, or SUV. The prices vary depending on the type of car, the duration of the rental, and the insurance coverage.
Where to depart from and arrive at
You can depart from Palermo Airport, which is located about 30 kilometers west of Palermo, or from Palermo City Center, which is located in the heart of the city.
You can arrive at Taormina City Center, which is located on a hill above the sea, or at Taormina Lido, which is located on the beachfront.
How long it takes and how much it costs
The journey takes about 3 – 4 hours and costs between €45 – €65 for gas, €20 – €30 for tolls, and €10 – €15 for parking. The cheapest option is to drive on the A19 highway, which is a free road that crosses the island from west to east.
The most expensive option is to drive on the A20 highway, which is a toll road that follows the coast from north to south.
How frequent and reliable it is
You can drive from Palermo to Taormina at any time of the day or night. However, you might encounter some traffic jams or road works along the way, especially during peak hours or holidays. You should also be careful of the driving style of some Sicilian drivers, who might be aggressive or reckless.
What are the pros and cons of this option
The pros of traveling by car are that you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of driving at your own pace and stopping at any place that catches your eye. You can also explore some of the hidden gems of Sicily, such as the Cyclops Riviera, the Alcantara Gorge, or the Nebrodi Mountains.
The cons of traveling by car are that you have to deal with the hassle and expense of renting a car, driving on unfamiliar roads, paying for gas, tolls, and parking, and finding a place to park in Taormina.
What are some interesting places to stop or visit along the way
Some of the interesting places that you can stop or visit along the way are:
- Monreale, a town with a stunning Norman cathedral and a cloister with intricate mosaics.
- Caccamo, a town with a medieval castle and a lake surrounded by nature.
- Termini Imerese, a town with a thermal spa and a Roman amphitheater.
- Cefalù, a picturesque seaside town with a Norman cathedral and a sandy beach.
- Santo Stefano di Camastra, a town known for its ceramics and pottery.
- Capo d’Orlando, a town with a lighthouse and a marina where you can take a boat trip to the Aeolian Islands.
- Tindari, a town with a sanctuary dedicated to the Black Madonna and a Greek theatre overlooking the sea.
- Milazzo, a town with a medieval castle and a port where you can take a ferry to the Aeolian Islands.
- Messina, a city with a cathedral with an astronomical clock and a fountain with mythical creatures.
- Giardini Naxos, a town with an archaeological park and a beach resort where you can enjoy water sports.
How to Travel from Palermo to Taormina by Plane
Another way to travel from Palermo to Taormina is by plane. This option is the fastest and easiest, but also the most expensive and least eco-friendly. Here are some details about this mode of transportation:
How to book tickets
You can book your tickets online at kiwi.com, one of the leading flight search engines, or at the airport. You can choose between different airlines, such as Alitalia, Ryanair, or Volotea. The prices vary depending on the airline, the date, and the availability.
Where to depart from and arrive at
You can depart from Palermo Airport, which is located about 30 kilometers west of Palermo, and arrive at Catania Airport, which is located about 60 kilometers south of Taormina. You will have to take a bus or a taxi from there to reach Taormina, which is about 1 – 1.5 hours away.
How long it takes and how much it costs
The flight takes about 50 minutes and costs between €50 – €150 depending on the airline, the date, and the availability.
The cheapest option is Ryanair, which is a low-cost carrier that offers basic services and charges extra fees for luggage and seat selection.
The most expensive option is Alitalia, which is a full-service carrier that offers more comfort and amenities.
How frequent and reliable it is
There are 3 – 5 flights per day that connect Palermo and Catania. The first one leaves at 6:30 am and the last one at 9:30 pm. The flights are usually on time and reliable, but they might be affected by weather conditions or technical issues sometimes.
What are the pros and cons of this option
The pros of traveling by plane are that you can save time and avoid the hassle of driving or taking public transportation. You can also enjoy a bird’s eye view of Sicily from the air.
The cons of traveling by plane are that you have to pay a lot of money and contribute to the environmental impact of flying. You also have to deal with the security checks, the baggage limits, and the transfers from the airport to Taormina.
What are some interesting places to stop or visit along the way
There are no interesting places to stop or visit along the way by plane, as you will fly over Sicily 😂 in less than an hour.
However, you can visit some of the attractions in Catania before or after your flight, such as:
- The Duomo, a baroque cathedral that houses the relics of Saint Agatha, the patron saint of Catania.
- The Piazza del Duomo, a square with a fountain with an elephant statue, which is the symbol of Catania.
- The Ursino Castle, a medieval fortress that was once surrounded by the sea and now hosts a museum of art and history.
- The Fish Market, a lively and colorful market where you can buy fresh seafood and other local products.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are many ways to travel from Palermo to Taormina by train, bus, car, or plane. Each option has its own benefits and drawbacks depending on your budget, time, and preferences. You can choose between fast and comfortable trains, cheap and convenient buses, flexible and scenic cars, or easy and quick planes.
In our opinion, the best way to travel from Palermo to Taormina is by car. This way, you can enjoy the freedom and flexibility of driving at your own pace and stopping at any place that catches your eye. You can also explore some of the hidden gems of Sicily, such as the Cyclops Riviera, the Alcantara Gorge, or the Nebrodi Mountains.
We hope you found this article helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below.
FAQs
How long is boat ride from Taormina to Palermo?
There is no direct boat service between Taormina and Palermo. However, you can take a ferry from Messina, which is about 50 kilometers away from Taormina, to Palermo. The ferry takes about 3.5 hours and costs around €20 – €30 per person. You can check the timetable and book tickets online at Caronte & Tourist.
Is there a direct train from Taormina to Palermo?
No, there is no direct train from Taormina to Palermo. You will have to change trains at least once in Catania or Messina. The journey takes about 4 – 5 hours and costs between €19 – €37 depending on the type of train and the time of departure. You can check the schedule and buy tickets online at Trenitalia.
How much is the train from Palermo to Taormina?
The train from Palermo to Taormina costs between €19 – €37 depending on the type of train and the time of departure. The cheapest option is the Regionale train, which is a slow and basic service that stops at many stations along the way. The most expensive option is the Intercity train, which is a faster and more comfortable service that runs on a limited schedule. You can check the prices and buy tickets online at Trenitalia.
Can you visit Palermo from Taormina?
Yes, you can visit Palermo from Taormina as a day trip or as part of a longer itinerary. However, keep in mind that Palermo is about 270 kilometers away from Taormina, so it will take you at least 3 – 4 hours to get there by car or public transportation. Therefore, you will have limited time to explore the city and its attractions. If you want to see more of Palermo, we recommend staying there for at least one night.
Is Taormina better than Palermo?
This is a subjective question that depends on your personal preferences and expectations. Taormina and Palermo are very different in terms of size, atmosphere, and attractions. Taormina is a small and charming town that offers stunning views, elegant hotels, and cultural events. Palermo is a large and vibrant city that offers diverse architecture, colorful markets, and lively nightlife. Both places have their own charm and appeal, so it is hard to say which one is better.
Can you do a day trip to Taormina from Palermo?
Yes, you can do a day trip to Taormina from Palermo if you don’t mind spending a lot of time on the road or on public transportation. However, we don’t recommend it unless you have a very tight schedule or a specific reason to visit Taormina for a short time. Taormina is a beautiful town that deserves more than a few hours of your attention. You will miss out on many things if you rush through it in one day.
How many days do you need in Taormina?
The answer to this question depends on how much you want to see and do in Taormina and its surroundings. If you only want to visit the main attractions in the town center, such as the Greek Theatre, the Corvaja Palace, and the Public Gardens, you can do it in one day. However, if you want to enjoy the views, the beaches, the restaurants, and the nightlife, you might want to stay for two or three days. And if you want to explore some of the nearby places of interest, such as Mount Etna, Isola Bella, Castelmola, or Savoca, you might want to stay for four or five days.
