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Palermo Layover Guide (PMO)

What are you looking for in PMO?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Palermo Airport (PMO) is an international airport located in Punta Raisi, Sicily. It’s situated about 35 km (22 miles) from downtown Palermo. The airport officially opened in 1960. Palermo is the capital of Sicily and one of Italy’s most historic cities, known for its vibrant culture and rich architecture. It’s also famous for its Mediterranean cuisine, stunning coastal views, and lively street markets offering a blend of tradition and modernity.

Can you leave Palermo Airport (PMO) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
After passport control, you can explore Palermo during a layover exceeding two hours (maximum 24 hours) if you hold a valid onward ticket. Non-EU travelers generally require a Schengen visa unless exempt. Verify your nationality and apply in advance. You must re-clear security and immigration on return. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Palermo Cathedral A majestic blend of Norman, Gothic and Baroque architecture, housing royal tombs and offering rooftop panoramas of the city’s skyline and sea beyond. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Prestia e Comandè bus to Centrale station, then taxi or AMAT bus 101.)
• Teatro Massimo Italy’s largest opera house dazzles with exquisite neoclassical interiors, guided tours, and occasional rehearsals you can peek into, all in the heart of Palermo. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: Prestia e Comandè bus to Centrale, then taxi or tram Line 1 to Teatro Massimo.)
• Quattro Canti Iconic Baroque intersection featuring four ornate corner fountains and statues, perfect for photos and a quick orientation of Palermo’s historic centro storico. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Prestia e Comandè bus to Centrale, then walk or taxi.)
• Ballarò Market Vibrant street market alive with fresh produce, local street food stalls, and Sicilian specialties—ideal for sampling arancini, panelle and seasonal fruits. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Prestia e Comandè bus to Centrale, then AMAT bus 101.)
• Palazzo dei Normanni Stately Norman palace featuring the exquisite Palatine Chapel with golden mosaics, royal apartments and tranquil gardens, a masterpiece of medieval art and history. (Time required: 1½ hours. / Airport to here: Prestia e Comandè bus to Centrale, then taxi or bus 102.)
• Capuchin Catacombs Eerie yet fascinating underground necropolis displaying over 8,000 preserved bodies and intricate burial practices, offering unique insights into local history. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Prestia e Comandè bus to Centrale, then AMAT bus 101 or taxi.)
• Mondello Beach Scenic coastal resort with turquoise waters, Art Nouveau villas and laid-back cafés—perfect for a quick swim or seaside stroll before your next flight. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Prestia e Comandè bus to Centrale, then AMAT bus 806 or taxi.)
• Fontana Pretoria Renowned “Fountain of Shame” adorned with over seventy nude statues and intricate carvings, situated in the charming Piazza Pretoria near Quattro Canti. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Prestia e Comandè bus to Centrale, then walk or taxi.)

Things to Do in Palermo Airport (PMO)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Palermo Airport’s GESAP VIP Lounge, landside next to Check-in Area A, is open daily 05:30–21:30. Offering air-conditioning, buffet snacks, hot and cold drinks, alcohol, TV, flight-info screens, newspapers, free Wi-Fi, disabled access and conference facilities. Access via partner-airline status or Priority Pass, or pre-purchase up to 24 hours ahead (max 3 hrs). » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Although Palermo Airport lacks an on-site hotel, several properties lie within a five-minute drive in Cinisi. Options include Magaggiari Hotel Resort, TH Cinisi – Florio Park Hotel and Casa Manzella. Most offer free airport shuttle, air-conditioned rooms, 24 h reception and complimentary Wi-Fi, ideal for overnight layovers near PMO. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Palermo Airport does not feature dedicated sleep pods or a rest lounge. Instead, passengers can find armrest-free benches near Gates 20–24 and padded seating in landside and airside areas. Charging points, toilets and vending machines are nearby. Noise levels vary, so pack earplugs and a travel pillow for on-site rest.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal via the “AirportFreeWiFi” network, capped at 2 Mbps per device. No time limits are enforced. To connect, accept terms and provide an email or social login. Peak-hour speeds may slow. Charging stations and a business centre with public PCs are located near Check-in B.

SIM/eSIM Card: Palermo Airport has no dedicated SIM or mobile operator stores upon arrival. Travellers should purchase an eSIM before landing or buy a prepaid SIM in Palermo city, where TIM, Vodafone and Wind Tre outlets are plentiful. Alternatively, use the airport’s free Wi-Fi to stay connected until reaching urban retail outlets. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Official white taxis queue outside Arrivals, equipped with government-regulated meters (Tariff 1: 06:00–22:00, min €3.81; Tariff 2: nights/Sundays, min €5.72). Approximate fares: €45 to Palermo Centrale, €35 to Viale Lazio. Luggage incurs no extra charge, but always ask for a receipt showing licence and meter details. Booking 48 hrs ahead for larger vehicles is advised.

Train: An underground railway station named Punta Raisi lies beneath the terminal. The Trinacaria Express links PMO with Palermo Centrale (~60 min) and Notarbartolo (~45 min) twice hourly. Services run from 05:32 to 22:10 (first/last airport departures), with single fares of €5.80. (more info)

Bus: Bus/coach stops are west of the terminal. Prestia e Comandè operates half-hourly PMO–Palermo Centrale (05:00–00:30) with Wi-Fi, TV and large baggage storage (€6.30 one-way, €11 return; €10 via app). Ride time ~50 min. Tickets on board or at airport desk. Palermo Airport (more info)

Shuttle: The free inter-airport shuttle service between parking areas and terminal is suspended. A courtesy bus runs every 15 min between long-stay P3 and the terminal. Many local hotels offer paid airport-hotel shuttle services. Pre-booked private shuttles and transfers can be arranged at arrivals via transfer desks or car-hire providers.

Car rentals: Car rental desks (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Locauto) are located landside in the arrivals hall, open from 06:00 to 23:00. Pre-book online for best rates. Requirements include a valid driver’s licence, passport and credit card. Vehicles range from compacts to SUVs, with optional extras like GPS, child seats and full insurance. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: P2 short-stay parking (770 spaces) sits directly in front of the terminal (€0 first 15 min; €3 for 1 h; €10 up to 12 h; €18 up to 24 h). Covered and open levels with disabled bays. P3 long-stay is 500 m away (€3 up to 2 h; €13 for 24 h; €75 weekly) with free shuttle. Valet available 24 h.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Palermo Airport offers no official luggage storage or lockers. The Lost Property office on the first floor handles misplaced items. For temporary storage, travellers can use third-party services near the airport (e.g., Stasher, Radical Storage) charging €4–€6 per day. Palermo Centrale station also provides staffed left-luggage facilities. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Palermo Airport (PMO) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks