Palermo Airport PMO

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most frequently asked questions from travellers about Palermo Falcone Borsellino International Airport (PMO): access, the Prestia e Comandè bus, the Trinacria Express train, official taxis, private transfers, car rental, parking and airlines.

Where is Palermo Airport located?

Palermo Falcone Borsellino International Airport (IATA code PMO) is located in Punta Raisi, in the municipality of Cinisi, 35 km west of Palermo city centre. It serves the whole of western Sicily.

How many airports does Palermo have?

Palermo has a single commercial civil airport: Falcone Borsellino International Airport (PMO), managed by GES.A.P. The former Boccadifalco airport, closer to the city centre, is now reserved for general and private aviation.

What is the code of Palermo Airport?

The IATA code is PMO and the ICAO code is LICJ. These codes identify the airport on tickets, information screens and in booking systems.

When was Palermo Airport inaugurated?

The airport was inaugurated in 1960 to replace the former Boccadifalco airport. It was dedicated in 1995 to the memory of judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino, mafia victims in 1992. The terminal was modernised in 2017.

Is Palermo Airport big?

Yes, it is the 5th busiest airport in Italy by traffic, with more than 8.9 million passengers in 2024. It covers more than 50,000 m² with two runways, including the main one measuring 3,326 metres, capable of accommodating Boeing 747s.

How many planes land at Palermo Airport?

In the high summer season, the airport sees more than 250 flights land per day. In the low season (November-March), this figure drops to around 100-130 flights per day. Peaks occur in July and August with heavy traffic to European destinations.

Where does Ryanair land in Palermo?

Ryanair lands at Falcone Borsellino International Airport (PMO), Palermo's only commercial airport. The airline has an operational base there with flights from Milan-Bergamo, Rome-Ciampino, Bologna, Pisa, Naples, Venice and several European cities.

What time should I arrive at Palermo Airport?

For domestic and Schengen flights, arrive 1h30 to 2h before departure. For international flights outside the Schengen area, allow 2h30 to 3h. In the high summer season, add 30 minutes' margin due to crowding.

How long does it take to leave Palermo Airport after landing?

Allow an average of 25 to 40 minutes between landing and leaving the terminal: 10-15 min for disembarkation and passport control (non-Schengen flights), 15-20 min for baggage collection.

How much time should I allow for a layover at Palermo Airport?

For a Schengen-Schengen layover, 1h is generally enough. For a Schengen-international connection, allow at least 2h. PMO's single terminal makes quick connections between flights easier.

How many airlines operate at Palermo Airport?

More than 40 airlines operate at PMO in the high season, including the main ones: Ryanair, ITA Airways, easyJet, Volotea, Wizz Air, Vueling, Lufthansa, Air France, KLM, Iberia, British Airways, Brussels Airlines, Turkish Airlines.

How much does the airport bus to Palermo city centre cost?

The Prestia e Comandè bus costs €6.50 for a one-way ticket to reach Palermo city centre in 45-60 minutes. The Trinacria Express train also costs €6.50, with a journey time of 34-50 minutes.

How long does the airport bus take to Palermo city centre?

The Prestia e Comandè bus takes 45 to 60 minutes depending on traffic, with stops at Stazione Marittima and Stazione Centrale. The Trinacria Express train is faster: 34-50 minutes to Palermo Centrale.

What time does the Palermo airport bus run?

The Prestia e Comandè bus runs from 5:00 am to 12:30 am, departing every 30 minutes during the day and every hour in the evening. The Trinacria Express train operates from around 5:30 am to 10:00 pm, with one train per hour.

How much does a taxi from Palermo Airport to the centre cost?

Official taxis charge a fare of around €45-60 to Palermo city centre, to be confirmed before departure. The pre-booked Kiwitaxi private transfer offers fixed prices from €79, with a driver waiting at the terminal exit.

How do I get to Cefalù from Palermo Airport?

Several options for reaching Cefalù (100 km, 1h15): car rental (recommended for exploring the coast), a direct SAIS bus from the airport (around €15), or a train from Palermo Centrale (€8-10) after first transferring from the airport.

Which bus should I take to Palermo city centre from the airport?

The Prestia e Comandè bus is the most widely used direct service. It departs every 30 minutes from the terminal forecourt, stopping at Stazione Marittima, Politeama and ending at Stazione Centrale. Ticket €6.50, journey time 45-60 min.

Can I rent a car at Palermo Airport?

Yes, more than 10 agencies are present in the arrivals hall: Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sicily by Car, SRC, Enterprise, Italy Car Rent, Goldcar, Record Go. Online booking is available with free cancellation and no-deposit options.

Can I rent a scooter at Palermo Airport?

Yes, some local agencies (notably Sicily Rental Car) offer scooter rental directly at the airport, ideal for Palermo and Mondello. Rates start from €30/day. Scooter riding is very common in Sicily.

How many terminals does Palermo Airport have?

Palermo Airport has a single modern terminal, fully renovated in 2017, covering more than 50,000 m². It is divided into zones for Schengen and non-Schengen flights, with the arrivals hall on the ground floor and the departures hall on the 1st floor.

Is there a smoking area at Palermo Airport?

Smoking is prohibited inside the terminal. Smoking areas are set up outside, near the entrances and the arrivals exit. No smoking area is available airside (after security checks).

Can I leave my luggage in storage at Palermo Airport?

Yes, a left-luggage service is available on the ground floor of the terminal, open from 6 am to 11 pm. Rates range from around €5 for a few hours to €10-15 per day depending on the size of the luggage.

Is Wi-Fi free at Palermo Airport?

Yes, free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal. No registration is required. USB and electrical charging outlets are also available in the waiting areas.

Is there a VIP lounge at Palermo Airport?

Yes, the VIP lounge is accessible airside (after security checks), paid on entry or included with Priority Pass, DragonPass and Lounge Key. It offers drinks, snacks, newspapers, Wi-Fi and comfort while waiting for your flight.

What restaurants are there at Palermo Airport?

The terminal has more than 20 dining spots: Italian cafés (Costa Coffee, Lavazza), sandwich shops, Sicilian specialities (cannoli, arancini), international fast food (Burger King), wine bars. Wide choice in both airside and landside zones.

Is there a pharmacy at Palermo Airport?

Yes, a pharmacy is open from 7 am to 10 pm on the ground floor. It offers over-the-counter medication, care and travel products, as well as health advice. For prescriptions, present your prescription.

Can I exchange currency at Palermo Airport?

Yes, Travelex counters and ATMs are available in the terminal. Exchange rates there are generally less favourable than in the city centre. It is advisable to withdraw euros or use a card with no foreign fees.

Is there a lost luggage service at Palermo Airport?

Yes, the Lost & Found service is located near the baggage claim belts. In case of lost or damaged luggage, report it immediately to the airline with your baggage tag to open a claim.

Is Palermo Airport accessible to people with reduced mobility?

Yes, the terminal is fully accessible with ramps, lifts and adapted toilets. PRM assistance is available by booking with your airline at least 48 hours before the flight.

Is there a chapel or prayer room at Palermo Airport?

Yes, a small Catholic chapel is available within the terminal, open to all passengers. It is generally located on the ground floor and freely accessible during the terminal's opening hours.