How to get from Palermo to Cefalu
Your cheap, easy and stress-free options and all you need to know when travelling from one city to the other
Want to find out on how to travel from Palermo to Celafu? You have come to the right place.
After lots of research and I decided doing the trip between Sicily’s capital and the beautiful village of Cefalù by car. But I could have taken the bus, train or joined a guided tour alternatively.
Keep reading to discover all your option and decide for yourself how you want to get from Palermo to Cefalu.
Palermo to Cefalu by car
The driving distance between Palermo and Cefalu is about 90km (56mi) which results in one hour of traveling time, depending on the traffic situation.
Take the Highway E90 until Campofelice di Roccella where I recommend changing to SS113. This route is not longer than staying on the highway but avoids its toll on the last stretch.
Parking in Cefalu
Do not drive into Cefalu old town to find a parking. The streets really narrow with nearly no parking options. Your best change of finding a parking spot is along the Lungomare, the beachside street.
In the off-season you will have no problem and lots of free parking options, right next to the city center. This gets more complicated in summer as Cefalu is popular as well with the locals, coming for the beautiful beach.
If you are lucky, you can find free parking alongside the beach promenade. The further away from the center, the more changes you will have. Alternatively, there is the huge Cefalu Beach Parking, with rates starting at €4,00 for 2 hours of parking.
Palermo to Cefalu by train
Taking the train from Palermo to Cefalu is the quickest, most convenient and most stress-free option, when travelling between the two cities. Especially as you won’t have to bother with the Sicilian driving style or finding a parking.
The main train station in centrally located in down town Palermo, at Piazza Giulio Cesare. From there, regional trains to Cefalu do leave frequently, nearly every hour.
Travel time lies between 40 – 60 minutes, depending on the train. The one way ticket from Trenitalia does cost €7,10 per person for a standard class ticket.
The Cefalu train station is conveniently located about 5 walking minutes from the main beach and the Lungomare and maximum 10 to Cefalu old town.
The first train is leaving Palermo Centrale around 5am and the last one at approx. 9:30pm. The last train from Cefalu towards Palermo is leaving around 10pm.
I would not bother buying train tickets in advance but buy it on the train station just before departure.
Palermo to Cefalu by bus
The second public transport option on how to get from Palermo to Cefalu is the bus. Just south of the main train station of Palermo is the Terminal Bus Palermo – Grandi Stazioni Rail, the main bus station.
In Cefalu the bus and train station are as well located right next to each other. Due to the frequent and fast train connection between the cities, I would, not recommend using the bus.
The fare is only very little cheaper, the ride anyhow is longer and depending on the actual traffic situation. Additionally, the buses run not as often.
Palermo Cefalu day trip
Joining a tour from Palermo to discover Cefalu is another option. In order to make such a trip worthwhile, I recommend not only visiting Cefalu if you decide to pay for a tour.
Here are 3 suggestions of combining Cefalu with another attraction in the north of Sicily:
- Monreale and Cefalù from Palermo: Combine your visit to Cefalu with a visit to the Norman cathedral of Monreale on the slopes of Sicily’s Monte Caputo
- Castelbuono and Cefalù from Palermo: Fantastic day trip combining two of northern Sicily’s most characterful destinations.
- Caccamo and Cefalù from Palermo: Great full day guided tour combining Cefalu and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the pretty town of Caccamo, at the foot of Mount San Calogero.
Why visiting Cefalu
The former fishing village of Cefalu is absolutely worth your visit! As Castelmola, near Taormina, Cefalu is part of the association of the most beautiful villages in Italy and, in my opinion, quite rightly so.
The lovely coastal town offers a blend of stunning landscapes, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Find here the main attractions Cefalu has to offer:
Cefalù Cathedral
A stunning example of Norman architecture, this cathedral is famous for its impressive mosaics, particularly the Christ Pantocrator. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the monuments Sicily is famous for, and impressive to look at from the inside and outside.
The Rocca
La Rocca is a massive rock that dominates the town. You will have to pay in order to hike the trail that lead to the top. It is exhausting but absolutely worth it!
From the castle ruins on the top, you get panoramic views of the town and the Tyrrhenian Sea. The climb also passes by the remnants of an ancient temple dedicated to the goddess Diana.
Cefalù’s Beaches
The town offers two beautiful sandy and totally different beaches: Lungomare is the very long and famous beach stretch, just outside the old town.
Right next to the wharf in Cefalu which extends out into the sea, you will find a small very picturesque beach called Spiaggia del Porto Vecchio. You can reach it from the old town by passing through the Porta Pescara.
Medieval Washhouse
An interesting historical site, this ancient washhouse is built into the rock and was where the locals once did their laundry, using the water that flows through a series of mouths carved into stone.
Mandralisca Museum
This museum houses a collection of archaeological artifacts and art, including a famous portrait by Antonello da Messina. It’s a must-visit if you are interested in arts and history.
Old Town
Wander through the narrow, cobbled streets of Cefalù’s old town, lined with charming medieval buildings, boutiques, and restaurants. It’s a great place to experience the town’s atmosphere and architecture.
Coastal Walk
My favorite activity is walking along the beautiful coastal path that connects the old port of Cefalu with the new one. The fantastic path runs at sea level above the rocky coastline, giving you a different perspective on the old town houses rising along the shore.
FAQ’s
How long is the train ride from Palermo to Cefalù?
The fastest train connecting Palermo and Cefalu does only need 40 minutes of traveling time.
Is it better to stay in Palermo or Cefalù?
Palermo is a bustling city, while Cefalu is more of a relaxed finishing village. For exploring the northwest of Sicily you should consider Palermo while for a beach holiday, Cefalu is the better option.
Is it worth going to Cefalù?
You should definitely at least do a day trip to explore Cefalu. There is a reason why the small town belongs to the most beautiful villages in Italy.
How much is a taxi from Cefalù to Palermo?
The cost for a taxi ride from Palermo to Cefalu will be between €140.00 and €180.00 depending on traffic and time of day. Pay attention to use an official taxi service to avoid being scammed.
Is the train from Palermo to Cefalu Scenic?
The train ride between Palermo and Cefalu is very scenic, as the tracks are very close to the coast, offering fantastic views of the sea throughout the trip.
How to get from Palermo airport to Cefalu?
If you do not have a rental car, you can take the train and change in Palermo Centrale in order to get to Cefalu. Alternatively, you can book a private airport transfer in advance to not waste any time waiting.
Conclusion
There are many ways to get from Palermo to Cefalù. Of course, traveling by car is the most flexible. I would only recommend an organised tour if you combine exploring Cefalu with any other city or attraction.
The train journey is not only affordable, but also comfortable, stress-free and very frequent, and therefore my recommendation when visiting Cefalù from Palermo.
