Falcone–Borsellino Airport
Palermo, IT · 35 km (22 mi) west-northwest of Palermo
Getting to the city
| Mode | Time | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Autolinee Lumia Bus | — | — |
| Coop Radio Taxi Palermo Taxi · On demand; 24/7 when prebooked | 35-45 min | Around €45-50 from central Palermo to PMO; minor surcharges possible for night/early morning |
| Prestia e Comandè Bus · Every 30 min most of the day; reduced early/late | 50-70 min depending on traffic | €6 one way · €11 return |
| Radio Taxi Trinacria Taxi · On demand; 24/7 via radio dispatch | 35-45 min depending on traffic | About €45-50 per taxi to central Palermo (often split among passengers) |
Insider notes
The Trenitalia train from the basement station is generally more reliable than the bus in summer; allocate about an hour for the journey to Palermo.
Palermo taxis may skip the meter; it’s best to agree on a flat fare around €45-€50 before departing.
Book airport parking online via GESAP to save on fees, particularly in P3 Low Cost and P1 Long Stay lots.
Welcome
Falcone–Borsellino Airport is more than just a gateway to Sicily; as soon as you step out of Terminal T1, you're welcomed by captivating views of the Mediterranean. Situated about 35 kilometers west-northwest of Palermo, this airport defies its mid-size classification by offering a relaxed coastal vibe more typical of a scenic rail journey than a major international airport. It's beloved by travelers for its efficient design, local culinary offerings, and a curb-to-gate time that’s refreshingly swift by Italian standards.
At a glance
Handling over 8 million passengers annually, Falcone–Borsellino has a single terminal: T1. From here, airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and Volotea connect Palermo to various European destinations. Despite being smaller, the airport scores significant points for its straightforwardness and easy navigation.
Terminals & layout
Terminal T1 is the heart of Falcone–Borsellino Airport, catering to both arrivals and departures with a straightforward layout that even the less experienced travelers find easy to navigate. With ten restaurants accessible before and after security, and 13 shops, including the Aelia Duty Free store, passengers can grab essentials or souvenirs with minimal hassle.
Getting to and from the city
Transportation options abound from the airport. The most reliable public transit option is the Trinacria Express train, which departs from the basement station and takes about 50 to 60 minutes to reach Palermo Centrale for approximately €6-€7. If you prefer buses, Prestia e Comandè operates services for roughly the same price, albeit with travel time fluctuating between 50 and 70 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis, including Radio Taxi Trinacria, offer more direct routes to central Palermo, costing about €45-€50.
Traveller essentials
Wi-Fi at PMO is notoriously patchy, so consider pre-downloading maps or booking an Italian eSIM. If you're renting a car, be prepared for potential queues around an hour during peak summer. It’s wise to photograph your vehicle and secure a signed damage checklist to avoid unexpected charges. For those parking, online booking with GESAP, especially in P3 Low Cost or P1 Long Stay lots, can yield considerable savings.
Dining & shopping highlights
Food options include landside gems like Rossopomodoro and Briciole Bar. If you're beyond the security doors, the offerings thin out outside peak times, so consider a pre-security meal if you’re picky. Shopping leans on convenience and regional craftsmanship, with shops like Sicilia in Volo providing authentic Sicilian gifts.
Lounges
The Gesap VIP Lounge, located in Terminal T1, is perfect for passengers seeking a tranquil pre-flight escape. Although compact, it offers comfortable seating and refreshments, making it a worthy stopover if you have the access.
Insider tips
- Time: The Trenitalia train from the basement station is generally more reliable than the bus in summer; allocate about an hour for the journey to Palermo.
- Avoid: Palermo taxis may skip the meter; it’s best to agree on a flat fare around €45-€50 before departing.
- Money: Book airport parking online via GESAP to save on fees, particularly in P3 Low Cost and P1 Long Stay lots.
- Insider: Near the upstairs departures area, enjoy some of Italy’s best non-dedicated airport plane-spotting views, especially at sunset.
- Local: The small shop in Departures sells Sicilian crafts offering a taste of regional authenticity.
- Quiet: The Gesap VIP Lounge in T1 offers a calm retreat if your flight is delayed.
- Local: For local fare, the bars in Departures make great espresso with Sicilian snacks like arancini available at reasonable prices.