Airport · PMO
Palermo Airport
Palermo, Italy
HualinXMN — CC BY-SA 4.0
IATA
PMO
Continent
Europe
Country
Italy
Transport
Getting To & From Palermo Airport
Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) is located about 35 km northwest of the city center. The Prestia e Comandè bus runs every 30 minutes from early morning until late evening, connecting the terminal to Palermo Centrale station in roughly 50 minutes for a fare of around €6. The underground railway station (Punta Raisi) is integrated directly into the lower level of the terminal, with regional trains running toward Palermo Centrale taking about an hour and costing roughly €6.80. Official airport taxis operate from the curbside outside arrivals, with fixed-rate or metered fares to the city center, and shared taxi options are occasionally available outside.
Navigate
Terminals & Getting Around
Terminals
PMO operates a single, multi-story passenger terminal handling both domestic and international traffic. Because there is only one unified building, inter-terminal transfers do not apply; walking between check-in, security, and gates requires just a few minutes. Ground floor level houses arrivals and baggage reclaim, while upper floors accommodate check-in counters and security screening areas.
Hours of Operation
The airport terminal operates 24 hours a day, though certain airline check-in counters and retail facilities close overnight.
Know Before You Go
Practical Tips
- Security queues: Security wait times can spike significantly during peak summer holiday weekends; arriving at least two hours before departure is strongly recommended.
- Fast Track: A paid Fast Track security service is available to bypass standard queues for travelers pressed for time.
- Ticket validation: If traveling by train, ensure physical tickets are validated at platform machines prior to boarding to avoid potential fines.
- Connection buffers: Because PMO handles a heavy volume of seasonal leisure traffic, leave a generous buffer if connecting independently to regional buses or trains.
Comfort
Lounges
Palermo Falcone-Borsellino Airport (PMO) keeps its lounge options relatively straightforward, centered around the Prima Vista Lounge located on the third level of the terminal. Open daily from early morning (around 4:30 AM to 5:00 AM) through late evening (10:15 PM), the lounge spans roughly 400 square meters and offers panoramic sea views, comfortable seating zones, a soundproof phone booth, and dedicated workstations equipped with power outlets. Access is available to Priority Pass, DragonPass, and LoungeKey holders, alongside eligible business class or elite status passengers flying with partner carriers like ITA Airways, Aegean, Air Serbia, Turkish Airlines, and Luxair. Walk-in day passes can also be purchased for approximately €40 to €46. Note that because lounge placement and security layouts shift, travelers should budget adequate time for security screening after departure from the lounge.
Staying Online
Wi-Fi & Charging
Wi-Fi connectivity across the terminal is provided free of charge via the network SSID “PMO Free WiFi”. Passengers can log on by selecting the network, launching the landing page, and accepting the terms of service. While speeds are generally sufficient for standard web browsing, email, and messaging, reliability can fluctuate during peak bank departures. For device charging, the airport features designated mobile recharging stations throughout the departures lounge. Additionally, newly upgraded multifunctional work areas near Gate A18 on the third floor incorporate individual workstations complete with electrical and USB sockets, ergonomic seating, dedicated LED lighting, and enhanced Wi-Fi connection.
Eat & Drink
Food & Dining
Palermo Airport has expanded its culinary footprint with a revamped food and beverage program emphasizing Sicilian culinary tradition and local wine culture. The primary post-security dining hub on the third floor features Autogrill’s contemporary Italian concept Amore alongside the upscale Planeta Wine Bar (developed in partnership with local gourmet institution Prezzemolo & Vitale), offering regional wines and light bites. Traditional street food and quick options remain available throughout the terminal, including local arancine specialists and casual snack bars like Time Café and WasCoffee, alongside pre-security spots like La Braciera Pizzeria on the second floor.
Driving In
Parking
Official on-site parking at Palermo Airport is managed under structured zones close to the terminal. The primary areas include P1 (multi-story/close-range structure), P2 (short-stay facility), and P3. Official tariffs feature short windows where the first 15 minutes are free, with daily rates scaling upwards of €8 to €13 for the first 24 hours depending on the specific multi-story or open-air lot selected. Premium covered options like Park Premium Covered (formerly Quick) are bookable directly via the airport website. Budget-conscious travelers frequently utilize off-site perimeter compounds—such as Airone Parking, AvioParking, and Park and Fly—which charge roughly €7 per day, operate 24-hour video surveillance, and provide complimentary shuttle transfers directly to the terminal entrance.
Staying Nearby
Nearby Hotels
There are no major hotels situated directly within immediate walking distance of the Palermo Airport terminal building. However, several regional resort and hotel properties located a short drive or shuttle ride away frequently service airport travelers. The Saracen Sands Hotel, located roughly 15 minutes away in Isola delle Femminule, and the Florio Park Hotel in Cinisi are among the prominent properties frequently utilized by travelers needing proximity to PMO, often coordinating transfer or shuttle arrangements upon request. Travelers seeking strict walking proximity usually opt to stay closer to Palermo city center and utilize the direct Punta Raisi railway link or airport shuttle buses.
Sources: Palermo Airport Official Operator (GESAP), World Travel Guide - Palermo Airport PMO, Priority Pass PMO Lounges, The Flight Club - Prima Vista Lounge Opening, Palermo Airport Official Free Wi-Fi and Facilities, Italiabsolutely - PMO New Work Areas and Food Court, Avion Tourism - Autogrill Amore and Planeta Wine Bar, Palermo Airport Official Parking Rates