Palermo Sicily, Italy Travel Guide
Palermo's public transportation, managed by AMAT, mainly relies on buses and a limited tram network. Coaches are the main mode, with an extensive network. Four tram lines operate mostly in peripheral areas, connecting to the central bus network. A limited railway service (Trenitalia) connects Palermo Centrale to Falcone Borsellino Airport and suburban stops, useful for airport transfers.
A single bus or tram ticket costs ~€1.40-€1.50, valid for 90 minutes. Purchase from Tabaccherie, newsstands, certain cafes, or AMAT Palermo app. AN AROUND-THE-CLOCK-hour ticket is ~€3.50-€5. Get your ticket stamped immediately upon boarding. Buses/trams operate from early morning (~5:30 AM) to late evening (~11:00 PM - midnight). Frequency varies by route and time of day.
Download the AMAT Palermo app to purchase and validate tickets directly from your phone.
Always validate your pass upon boarding to avoid fines. Machines are nearby the bus/tram doors.
Expect more frequent services during peak hours. Less frequent services on Sundays and public holidays.
Age 21-25+; valid driver's license + IDP for non-EU; credit card for deposit. Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, Enterprise at airport/city. Driving in city center challenging due to ZTLs plus vehicle flow.
Available from local shops; useful for narrow streets and parking. Valid driver's license (A1/A category) needed. Helmets are mandatory.
BiciPA bike-sharing system. Independent rental shops for longer periods or specific bikes. Limited dedicated bicycle lanes; seafront promenade good for cycling.
Walking provides the best way to experience Palermo's historic charm. Many streets in the Historic Center are pedestrianized or have restricted vehicle access (ZTLs). Explore Via Maqueda, Via Vittorio Emanuele (Cassaro), Quattro Canti, and Piazza Pretoria on foot. The Foro Italico offers a pleasant seafront walk. Numerous guided walking tours focus on history, street art, food, or specific neighborhoods. Self-guided tours with apps or guidebooks are also feasible.
Palermo has limited lanes for bicycles. Helmet use is recommended. The seafront promenade (Foro Italico) provides a pleasant and safer way for cycling. No areas are strictly "no-go" for pedestrians or cyclists, but caution is advisable in less-touristed, peripheral areas at night. Exercise increased vigilance in crowded market regions where pickpocketing is a risk. Avoid walking alone late at night in poorly lit areas around the train station or some market districts.
Touring The city Palermo offers hop-on-hop-off bus tours, covering key attractions and an a look at the city. Boat taxis and water transportation are restricted to tourist excursions like boat tours along the coast or trips to Mondello, not regular commuter services. They present a different perspective of the coastline.
Public transport accessibility is improving but stays confined on older vehicles and in some parts of the old town due to cobblestones and narrow sidewalks. Accessible taxis may be available upon request; pre-book these services to secure availability. A cable car (funivia) connects Trapani to Erice, a popular day trip from Palermo, providing stunning views.
Drive on the right. You need to wear seatbelts. Headlights in tunnels. Speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 kilometers per hour main roads, 110-130 km/h highways.
Main roads (Autostrade) well-maintained. Secondary provincial roads range in quality and can be winding.
City center parking challenging. Paid street parking (blue lines) or private garages. ZTLs restrict access; unauthorized entry results in fines.
If city driving is not your preference, rely on mass transit and taxis within Palermo. Rent a car only for day trips outside the city. This approach avoids ZTL fines and parking stress.
