Rome to Palermo night train
Everything you need to plan the Rome–Palermo sleeper: operators, cabins, times, prices and rail-pass rules.
We link to the operator — we never mark up the fare.
Cabins & typical prices
Arriving in Palermo: top-rated tours
Booked on Civitatis.
Why take this train
Carriages are shunted directly onto a ferry to cross the Strait of Messina — the only such passenger service in Europe
Direct from Rome without flying or changing trains
Four comfort tiers from Easy seating to Excelsior private ensuite cabins
Fares from around €20-25
One of Italy's most memorable overnight rail journeys
Rail passes & reservations
Reservation compulsory; supplement applies for pass holders.
Before you use train or station Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi on a train or in a station is a network shared with other passengers. A VPN encrypts the connection between your device and the VPN server, one extra layer when you check email or log in to accounts on the road. NordVPN is one option.
See NordVPNFrequently asked questions
How long does the Rome to Palermo night train take?
The journey takes about 13h 30m, travelling overnight so you arrive the next morning.
How much does the Rome–Palermo sleeper cost?
Fares start from around €20 and rise with demand and cabin type. Booking early gets the lowest prices.
Is the Rome to Palermo train covered by Eurail or Interrail?
Yes — this route is covered by rail passes, though you still pay a reservation and cabin supplement.
What cabin types are available?
You can choose between seat, couchette, sleeper cabin and private cabin. A berth reservation is required.