Urban transport in Palermo has improved in recent years: buses, trams, and the metro line connect the city center to the outskirts and seaside suburbs like Mondello and Sferracavallo. They also reach points of interest just outside the city, such as the Sanctuary of Santa Rosalia on Mount Pellegrino, Baida, San Martino delle Scale, and Monreale, home to the famous Cathedral.
Palermo’s city center itself can easily be explored on foot, but you can also make use of the free shuttle or take advantage of eco-friendly bike-sharing services and numerous e-scooters located in strategic spots.
Urban transport in Palermo
Here is all the essential information to get around the city with ease using Palermo’s urban transport system:
Bus Service
Buses are operated by the municipal company AMAT.
- Standard Ticket: €1.40 valid for 90 minutes from validation. It can be purchased on board with a small surcharge.
- Sales Points: Authorized retailers (bars, tobacconists, etc.) or physical ticket offices (Via Borrelli, Via De Gasperi, Via Giusti, Piazza Einstein, Piazza Indipendenza, Piazza Politeama, Piazza Sturzo, Central Station, Via Basile).
- Digital Purchase: Bus tickets and parking passes can be bought via the official app PalerMobilità.
- Other Options: Ticket booklets, day passes, Multiday passes, and weekly passes. Check options at Amat Biglietti.
- Maps and Timetables: Find full details at tram lines and stops AMAT.
- Free Shuttle: The “Free Centro Storico” line covers the main streets of the historic center.
- AMAT Informa Contacts:
- Website: amat.pa.it
- Phone: 848 800 817 | 091 350111 | 199 240 800
- Service active on weekdays (Monday – Friday) from 7:00 to 19:00.
Tram Service
The system consists of 4 tram lines connecting the outskirts with the city center.
- Ticket Integration: Tickets are the same as for AMAT buses (€1.40 for 90 minutes). Transfers between tram and bus are allowed within the validity period. Check the retailers directory.
- The 4 Lines:
- Line 1 “Roccella”: Central Station – Roccella (Forum shopping center) (Frequency: 5 min).
- Line 2 “Borgonuovo – Notarbartolo”: FS Notarbartolo Station – Borgo Nuovo neighborhood (Frequency: 10 min).
- Line 3 “C.E.P. – Notarbartolo”: FS Notarbartolo Station – CEP neighborhood (Frequency: 10 min).
- Line 4 “Notarbartolo – Calatafimi – Notarbartolo”: Circular Notarbartolo ↔ Corso Calatafimi (Frequency: 12 min).
- Operating Hours: From 6:00 to 21:00. Check tram lines and stops TRAM.
Palermo Metro
Operated by Ferrovie dello Stato (Trenitalia).
- Line A: Central Station – Punta Raisi (Falcone-Borsellino Airport)
- Line B: Notarbartolo Station – Giachery
- Line C: Central Station – Bagheria – Altavilla Milicia
- Schedules and Fares: For information and purchase, visit Treni e Metropolitana Palermo on Trenitalia.
Single Ticket (Bus + Tram + Metro)
Available for unlimited travel across the combined urban network:
- Day Ticket (urban area): €5.50 (unlimited rides).
- Weekly Pass: €15.00 (valid Monday to Sunday).
- Monthly Pass: €50.00 (expires on the last day of the month).
- Purchasable exclusively online or at Trenitalia ticket offices.
Alternative and Eco-friendly Mobility
- E-scooter Sharing: Fleets managed by various private companies with hourly rates or subscriptions, accessible via dedicated app to unlock vehicles.
- Rules of Use:
- Permitted for anyone aged 14 and over (helmet not mandatory).
- Must strictly follow traffic rules and give right of way to pedestrians.
- Riding and parking on sidewalks is strictly prohibited (use designated bicycle racks or parking bays).
Taxis and Car Rentals
For personalized transportation or travel outside standard hours, refer to the options for Taxi and Car Rentals.
Driving in Palermo
Driving in Palermo is not advised because of heavy traffic and a rather chaotic driving style.
The historical center is a Limited Traffic Zone (ZTL). You will need to purchase a daily ticket (€5.00) to enter the ZTL.
The ZTL is active Monday-Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM, on Friday from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM and from 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM, on Saturday from 00:00 AM to 06:00 AM and from 11:00 PM to 12:00 AM, and on Sunday from 00:00 AM to 06:00 AM.
Pay attention to parking areas and blue zones in the city.
The parking fee is €1.00 per hour from Monday to Friday (8:00 AM – 2:00 PM and 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM).
Airport Transfers
Falcone-Borsellino Airport is 35 km from the city center.
- The Trinacria Express train costs € 6.80 (adults) and € 3.50 (children and young people aged 4 to 12 years and under)
- A taxi costs about €40 and takes 35 minutes.
- A shared taxi costs €8.00-€10.00 per passenger (minimum 4 people).
- A bus costs €6.30 one way or €11.00 round trip.
Trapani Vincenzo Florio Airport is 118 km from the center.
- A taxi costs about €90.00 and takes 55 minutes.
- A bus costs about €9.00 and takes 1 hour 30 min.
Helpful Tips
For the most reliable bus service, use the routes in the city center. Avoid using the bus outside of the city center due to its inefficiency and poor time-keeping.
Walking is the best option for navigating the historic center.
Download the “PalerMobilità” App to purchase bus and parking tickets. GooglePlay PalerMobilità – AppStore – PalerMobilità
Link “ZTL Palermo” to view map and timetable ZTL Palermo.
This guide should help you make the most of your visit to Palermo, ensuring smooth and enjoyable travels around the city.
