Trapani & Favignana Island Guide 2026: Getting There from Palermo

While preparing for my Sicily trip,

I fell in love with its name and started planning for Trapani without even knowing much about it.

It's actually a place you can reach by bus from Palermo in just an hour and a half,

and it even has an airport served by low-cost airlines (like Ryanair).

These days, if you want to visit Favignana Island, the filming location for the 'Odyssey: Attica Kingdom',

you definitely need to pass through Trapani.

It's also the hub for charming small towns like the Salt Pans, Marsala, and Erice.

First, let's dive into how to get to Trapani.

✍️ LaidBack Travel Writer Nanna

Trapani: Where It Is and What It's Like

Trapani is a port city located on the northwestern tip of Sicily.

It's a historic city with roots stretching back to the Carthaginian and Roman eras,

a gateway to the Egadi Islands (Favignana, Levanzo),

and the starting point of the 'Salt Road' (Via del Sale), which connects the Salt Pans (Saline) and Marsala.

These days, if you're looking to visit the much-talked-about filming location of the Odyssey,

the Instagram-famous Favignana Island,

If Palermo brings the hustle and bustle of a big city,

Trapani still retains that authentic local Sicilian vibe.

It's a city I love even more because it's not overly famous,

and for me, it's remembered by its cute grandmas and grandpas,

and clothes drying in the sun.

You could explore the surrounding towns, but it's just as wonderful to simply stay here.

Plus, it's incredibly famous for its olive oil!

How to Get to Trapani, Sicily

You have a few options: car rental, bus, or even flying.

1) The Bus: For Travelers on Foot!

I personally took the bus.

For the Palermo to Trapani route, Segesta or Salemi buses operate.

There are direct services from the airport, and also local routes from the city center (with more stops).

I went during the off-season, so I didn't have any trouble getting a seat,

but during peak season, online advance booking might be necessary.

The fare is about 9.6 Euros,

For detailed routes and timetables, click here

If it's peak season, online booking is highly recommended!

And if you're traveling from the airport,

check the timetable below and consider purchasing your ticket in advance!

2) Car Rental: The Most Convenient Option

If you know how to drive, renting a car is definitely the way to go.

While independent travel is possible in Sicily,

renting a car allows you to explore every nook and cranny.

Especially if you plan to use Trapani as your base to visit Marsala, Erice, and even the Segesta Temple, a rental car is overwhelmingly more convenient.

One-way rentals are also available, where you can pick up at Palermo Airport and drop off at Trapani Airport.

If this is your first time renting a car abroad, insurance might be your biggest concern,

but Trip.com's insurance system is quite decent.

They have many partners, meaning a wide variety of automatic cars are available,

and with a 10% discount coupon, the prices are also very attractive.

Maximum ~$28 discount code: TRIPCAR26KR

3) Low-Cost Airline Flights

If you're flying directly from Seoul, you'd likely aim for Palermo or Catania. However, if you're traveling within Europe, targeting low-cost airline routes is a smart move.

Trapani Birgi Airport is served by LCC Ryanair, and flights are often cheaper than to Palermo Airport.

Especially if you're planning to visit both Malta and Sicily, keep this in mind!

ITA Airways flights are around ~$138, while Ryanair offers fares from ~$35~

Airport Code: TPS

4) How to Get from Trapani Airport to the City Center

If you've landed at Birgi Airport (TPS)

Aside from renting a car, your options are bus or taxi.

The AST bus takes about 40 minutes from the airport to Trapani city center,

and about 45 minutes to the port.

The fare is approximately €4.90 and can be purchased on the bus with cash or card.

(Since the bus schedule can be spread out, it's essential to check the times on the website)

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Taxis have a fixed fare of €30-€35 to the city center, taking approximately 20-25 minutes.

How to Get to Favignana Island (Egadi Islands), a Filming Location for The Odyssey

The Egadi Islands include Favignana and Levanzo. Liberty Lines hydrofoils (aliscafo) operate from Trapani Port (Porto di Trapani).

You'll arrive in 30-40 minutes.

Among these, Favignana is the largest and most easily accessible.

With its emerald waters, limestone cliffs, and snorkeling spots,

it's an island beloved by Europeans,

and an Instagram-worthy destination that's gaining buzz worldwide.

⚠️ During the peak summer season (July-August), ferries sell out quickly,

so it's highly recommended to buy tickets the day before or early on the morning of departure at the port, or book online in advance.

There's hardly any public transportation on Favignana Island,

so renting a bicycle is the way to go.

Upon arrival at the port, you'll find several bike rental shops right in front, and a day's rental typically costs around €10.

The entire island is flat, so 2-3 hours by bike is plenty to explore.

Recommended Beaches in Favignana

⚠️ Favignana doesn't have many ATMs. While credit cards are widely accepted these days, it's a good idea to have some small cash ready just in case. Also, bring water shoes due to the many rocky areas, and an umbrella for sun protection can be quite useful.

A much smaller and quieter island than Favignana is

Levanzo

It's famous for its prehistoric cave paintings,

and if you want to see both islands in one day, a boat tour is highly recommended.

There are tours that cover both Favignana and Levanzo, including lunch,

with prices starting from around ~$55.

If you're interested, click the image below to check it out

🔻🔻🔻

What to Prepare Before Your Sicily Trip

Italy/Europe Travel eSIM

Sicily, even compared to mainland Italy, still feels a bit off the beaten path,

so even if you prepare thoroughly, issues can pop up unexpectedly on the ground.

Especially if you're traveling by bus, reliable real-time internet is absolutely crucial to prevent meltdowns.

That's why I recommend the 'Bullet Local Network' from USIMSA, which I personally used. It's currently even 20% off, so don't bother with anything else and get yourself USIMSA's 'Bullet Local Network' for your trip.

Finally

Trapani is one of those cities you just have to revisit.

The emerald waters of Favignana,

and the cloud-kissed medieval alleys of Erice – your trip is truly complete only after experiencing them all.

Even adding just one more day to your Palermo itinerary can reveal a completely different side of Sicily.

Beyond this, if you search for Favignana, you'll find plenty of accommodations, activities, and more, so feel free to check directly using the link below.

🔻Gather Trapani & Favignana Travel Info Here🔻

(For accommodations, we recommend staying around Trapani Port)

Trapani Independent Travel Guide 2026: Popular Attractions, Restaurants, and Itineraries – A Complete Guide | Trip.com | June 20263ha.in

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