Taormina

Private car transfer
from Palermo to Taormina

Door-to-door
in 3 hours
From ...
per seat
Comfortable
car
One way
Cancel for free 24 hours before departure
Tripadvisor Travelers' Choice 2024
Excellent
trustpilot-stars

Trip Information

Pick-up

Your driver will meet you at your address in Palermo.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage

Trip

You’ll travel in comfort for 3 hours.

  • Optional sight-seeing
  • Clean, comfortable car
  • Professional driver
  • Bottled water
  • Child seats
  • Prepared for handicapped
  • Smoke-free
  • Pet friendly

Drop-off

Your driver will drop you off at your address in Taormina.

  • Door-to-door service
  • Help with your luggage
In total
  • 265 km
  • 3 hours

Overview: car trip from Palermo to Taormina

Palermo is one of the best places in the world to visit if you want to experience authentic street markets, which is likely why you've visited. This town is famed for its outdoor markets, which encompass the traditions of Sicilian people. Even though these markets are nearly ancient, they are the place to be when visiting, considering almost everything and anything is sold at them. But after you do a bit of shopping, consider driving with Daytrip from Palermo to Taormina.

Taormina is everything you expect it to be, with its sandy beaches, cultural attractions, historical architecture, ancient monuments, crystal clear water, and impeccable dining. Why wouldn't you want to visit? If Taormina sounds like a place you want to be, you can book a private car with Daytrip. We'll get you from Palermo to Taormina in no time, and you can trust us to help you cross off any sightseeing attractions off your list along the way.

About Taormina

Taormina is often referred to as the most beautiful town in Sicily. It is perched upon a hilltop near the sea and is a town filled to the brim with culture and history. Not only does this town offer incredible architecture and archeology, but it also welcomes travelers with open arms.

When people say Taormina is ancient, they mean it. This town was founded by the Greeks, with their first colony settled in Taormina in 734 BC, and it was once the most important archeological place in Italy. Yet, it only became famous in the 19th century when great artists and philosophers traveled far and wide to make Taormina their home for a short while.

Centuries later, Taormina is still often visited, especially for its beaches, delicious food, and the International Film, Music, Dance, and Theatre Festival of Taormina Arte. The town also features numerous historical monuments built by the many denominations that conquered Sicily. So, when you visit, be sure to look at the culturally significant parks and architecture that the Romans, Greeks, French, Normans, Byzantines, Arabs, Swedes, and Spanish have left behind.

From Palermo to Taormina: travel tips

When traveling from Palermo to Taormina, it's important to keep a few handy travel tips in mind. Have a look below to learn a few of the best tips we would recommend:

Stop and sightsee along the way

When will you get the chance to drive from Palermo to Taormina again? If you're not sure when you'll ever be blessed with the same opportunity in the future, you might want to capitalize on the trip and add a few sightseeing stops along the way. Some of the best stops you can make when driving with Daytrip include Castello di Caccamo, Cefalu, Messina, and Mt. Etna.

Use private transportation like Daytrip

If you want to enjoy convenience and flexibility, booking private transportation is a good idea. Unlike booking a taxi, with Daytrip’s door-to-door service, you can explore Taormina and many wondrous sights along the way on your own schedule. Our private drivers will get you where you need to be safely, and you won't even need to learn Italian since they speak English!

Pack the essentials

A trip to Taormina is exciting but can become stressful if you don't pack the right things. That's why we recommend packing the essentials like sunscreen, a sunhat, bottled water, and comfortable shoes. All of these items will come in handy when you stop and sightsee and when you arrive in Taormina and begin exploring.

How to get from Palermo to Taormina

Taormina is truly a sight to behold with its glistening beaches, fine dining, cliffside villas, and ancient history, so it makes sense that you would want to travel from Palermo to Taormina. But how do you do that exactly? Below, we've shared a few of the ways you can get from Palermo to Taormina if you're planning a trip to this magnificent Sicilian town.

You should also note that no ferry or boat can take you from Palermo to Taormina. Unfortunately, if you want to travel by boat or ferry, you must visit one of the other nearby towns.

From Palermo to Taormina by bus

Many buses leave Palermo and travel to Taormina once a week. If you want to catch the bus, you must go to the Palermo Centrale and buy a ticket with the Trenitalia Intercity coachline. Ticket prices vary, but they will cost between $21 and $30, and you can expect the trip to take about three hours.

From Taormina by private car

Often, the easiest way to travel from Palermo to Taormina is by private car service. With Daytrip, you will get door-to-door service and a friendly English-speaking driver who can share travel tips and insights surrounding the places you want to visit. It’s a far more personal and memorable experience than a traditional taxi ride.

You can add sightseeing stops along the way and expect the trip to start at only €83 (approximately $90) per person. You'll likely also love that traveling by private car is the fastest way to travel, with your driver knowing how to navigate the narrow coastal roads and traffic expertly.

From Palermo to Taormina by train

Traveling by train will allow you to see some of the spectacular scenery along the way. Ticket prices vary, but you can expect them to cost between $18 and $32.

However, although the train is one of the cheapest ways to travel, it is also one of the most crowded and slowest travel options. With the train, you should expect the trip to take just under five hours, and depending on the train, you could encounter one to two transfers.

Things to do when you get to Taormina

Taormina might not be large, but there is much to see and do. If you're traveling from Palermo to Taormina, below are a few of the best landmarks you can visit along the way.

Corso Umberto I

Do you have the urge to wander the streets of a Sicilian town? If so, there's no better place in the world to indulge this desire than Taormina. When visiting this Sicilian town, you can walk down the main street, Corso Umberto I, and bask in the ambiance.

There's everything from the medieval Porto Messina city gate, which offers a stunning view over the water from Piazza IX Aprile, to the city's historic fountain and cathedral, which are found at the end of the street in Piazza Duomo. No matter where you find yourself, there's shopping and socializing to look forward to in this town.

Valley of the Temples

Sicily's Valley of the Temples, found in Taormina, is worth a visit even if you aren't too interested in Roman ruins. This ancient archeological site is unique, with some of the best preserved ancient Greek ruins on earth.

These ruins are even more special because they tell the story of the Greek city of Akragas, which used to reside in Taormina in a part of Magna Graecia in the 5th century BC.

Taormina Roman Odeon

It's indisputable that the biggest attraction in Taormina is the Greek Theater or Teatro Greco, but it isn't the only theater in the town worth visiting. If you're looking for a less-traveled slice of history, you might want to check out the Roman Odeon.

The Roman Odeon is a smaller version of the Teatro Greco that was built centuries before the other, more famous theater in the town. In fact, this impressive Greek-style amphitheater was built in the 2nd century and could seat 200 people!

When is the best time to visit Taormina?

When you visit Taormina will depend on your travel preferences, but we recommend visiting during the late spring or early fall, in April, May, June, and October. Temperatures range from 65-80° F, which is perfect for outdoor adventures or just taking in the view from the belvedere. You’ll avoid the summer crowds, enjoy mild weather, many festivals, and cheaper hotels.

Between June and September is the hottest time of year, with temperatures reaching an average high of 86° F (30° C). It’s ideal for enjoying the seemingly endless summer days in a Mediterranean climate. But it’s also peak season, so this time of year is usually busy with higher hotel prices and larger crowds.

Questions & Answers about Traveling from Palermo to Taormina

Unfortunately, there is no direct train from Palermo to Taormina. If you are traveling by train, you should expect to encounter at least one change. Often, these changes can involve lengthy wait times, so be prepared for that when traveling between these cities.
If you leave early enough, visiting Taormina on a day trip is possible if you travel from Palermo. However, if you're interested in only visiting for a day, it's best to drive to this town with a car service like Daytrip. If you take the train or bus, you'll waste precious hours you could be using to explore the town.
It's impossible to get from Palermo to Taormina by boat since the boat would need to go almost around half of Italy. That's why most people choose to travel by train, bus, or private car service Daytrip. If you need to get to Taormina quickly, a private car would be the best way to do so.
Three days is just enough time to sample all Taormina has to offer. Spend a day wandering the town, another exploring the archaeological sites, and the last on the water. Plus, that’ll give you a few decadent Sicilian meals.
There is no definitive option surrounding whether Palermo or Taormina is better. However, Taormino is your best bet if you're looking for a cozy, small-town feel and want to visit a chic and interesting place. However, this doesn't mean that Palermo is a bore. On the contrary, it is a chaotic Italian city with plenty to see and do, especially for those who want to sightsee.
Taormina is considered a resort town at this point, but if you love history and natural beauty, it’s well worth the price of admission! From the Roman ruins, medieval monuments, and sparkling waters, Taormina’s diversity of attractions showcase everything great about Sicily. Just try to come in the spring or fall to avoid the crowds.

Visit these sights on the way

Castello di Caccamo

Castello di Caccamo

In this dramatic clifftop castle, the Normans plotted to overthrow the King of Sicily. The Castle of Conspiracy 

Cefalu

Cefalu

With one of Sicily’s finest beaches, and a UNESCO-listed cathedral, this picturesque medieval village is a coastal jewel. The King of the Coast 

Tindari

Tindari

With stunning views, a miraculous Black Madonna, and the ruins of an ancient city, this little town is a sight to behold. The Black and the Beautiful 

Messina

Messina

With its historic monuments, beautiful views, and delectable cuisine, this ancient city gives a taste of Sicily’s many delights. A Gorgeous Gateway 

Chiesa di San Nicolo

Chiesa di San Nicolo

This medieval church is such a standout Sicilian beauty that it was featured in The Godfather. The Godfather of Churches 

Mount Etna

Mount Etna

Europe’s largest and most active volcano is a UNESCO-listed wonderland for nature lovers. The Monster of Mountains 

Why people love Daytrip

Tripadvisor logo
4,800+ reviews
  • 733 travelers took this route with us
Dec 4, 2024

Excellent service for transfers in Thailand

I was unsure about this company but a few good reviews on Trip Advisor made me take the chance. I am so happy that we did. We needed a ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai. Our driver Saksun was an excellent driver - it's not a long distance to drive (by Texas standards!) but the road is challenging and there are a lot of places where improvements to the road are being made. It took around 3 hours with a stop at a place with very clean bathrooms, very interesting hot springs and a place to get a snack and cold drinks. Saksun had a vehicle that was fantastic for this type of drive - a very comfortable ride indeed and was obviously well maintained and very clean. I highly recommend this company. I used to post on trip advisor as "lakekariba" but got out of the habit of doing so. This company was so easy to use and the result was so enjoyable that I felt that the company Daytrip and the driver Saksun had earned our trust and a glowing review. Gillian and Ted Pearsall Austin, Texas

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler lakekariba
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lakekariba

Dec 4, 2024
Dec 3, 2024

Excellent option to get to Vienna to Budapest!

We used Daytrip to travel between Budapest and Vienna with a 2 hour stop for lunch in Bratislava. Our driver Zsombor arrived on time at our hotel in Budapest and was very friendly and informative throughout our trip. His vehicle was roomy and clean and he was kind enough to provide us with some bottled water for the trip. Our quick visit stop in Bratislava was very nice as well. He gave us plenty of time to explore the city and have lunch before meeting him again when it was time to head for Vienna. Daytrip provided us with a happy and trouble free transfer between Budapest and Vienna. Many thanks to your team and especially to your driver Zsombor!

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler pgh1125
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pgh1125

Dec 3, 2024
Nov 9, 2024

Great communication with an actual person! They will take you ANYWHERE, No pre-set routes to choose from!

Last minute plan change and Daytrip was our last resort so I chatted with them and had an immediate response from a real person, best situation ever. Never used Daytrip before but the reviews were incredible so we took the chance and booked a driver at like 11-12pm and by 7am the next morning when we woke, they found us a driver and the driver had already texed us making contact! Very impressed and will definitely use them again. We went from Dubrovnik, Croatia to Tivat, Montenegro.

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler James B
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James B

Nov 9, 2024
Oct 21, 2019

Three Trips in Sicily

Three trips with stop overs; Trapani to Cefalu (Segesta), Cefalu to Taormina (Tindari), Taormina to Palermo. Excellent drivers, on time , careful, and reliable. Extremely easy to book on line. Lots of good on line communications. Would highly recommend

Reviewed by Tripadvisor traveler Michael M
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Michael M

Oct 21, 2019

Vehicle options for this trip

Most popular

sedan

Sedan

Comparable to aVolkswagen Passat
Passengers and luggage
  • 1-3
  • 3x
  • 3x
  • Clean
  • Comfortable
  • Air conditioned
  • Handicapped accessible
  • Child seats
  • Pet friendly
  • Smoke-free
From ... per seatSelect

More options

mpv

Compact MPV

Comparable to aVolkswagen Touran
Passengers and luggage
  • 4
  • 4x
  • 4x
From ... per seatSelect
van

Van

Comparable to aMercedes Vito
Passengers and luggage
  • 5-7
  • 7x
  • 7x
From ... per seatSelect

The Daytrip driver advantage

Daytrip driver
  • Local knowledge about the route from Palermo to Taormina
    Including available sights:
  • English speaking*

    All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.

  • Safety first!

    We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.

World-class customer support

  • Available 24/7
  • Close relationship with drivers
  • Experts on the route from Palermo to Taormina

Flexible cancellation policy

  • Cancellations: 100% refund up to 24 hours before the trip!
  • Changes: Free up to 24 hours before the trip!

Good to know

Children

If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!

Pets

Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.

Tips

Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).

Luggage

  • Big luggage
  • 29x21x11 inches
  • 74x53x28 cm
  • Small luggage
  • 22x14x9 inches
  • 56x36x23 cm

Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.

Payment methods

Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have any questions, here are the answers.

Daytrip is the most convenient way to experience 13,800+ cities around the world.

Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.

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