If you’re visiting the west of Sicily then San Vito lo Capo is a must on your itinerary list!
One of the region’s top hotspots, mostly thanks to its beautiful sandy beach, this charming town is awash with quaint streets, cute cafes and plenty of vibe!
Add to this list the fantastic Zingaro National Reserve that sits nearby, the glistening Mediterranean sea that laps its shores and the fact that the town doesn’t feel in the least bit tacky or “resort-afied”, and there’s no question San Vito lo Capo is a hit.
Oh and did you know this town also hosts Sicily’s one and only Cous Cous festival too?!
I know!
But how to get to this charming coastal town?
Well, if you’re anything like me (and most travellers to Sicily), you’ll be coming from the nearest main city of Palermo which is just a couple of hours away.
The capital of Sicily, Palmero has an international airport and is a major arrival (and departure) point for those enjoying a trip to this glorious Italian island, meaning it’s also a major Sicilian transport hub.
So here, with the full lowdown, are all the different ways you can travel from Palermo to San Vito lo Capo, as well as the pros and cons of each…
And rest assured that, because I travelled across west Sicily on buses, on trains and by rental car, I’ve definitely got experience of them all!
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Arriving into Palermo
It’s less than 100km between the 2 great Sicily travel must-see’s of Palmero and San Vito lo Capo, meaning most people will visit both during their time on this fantastic island.
And visit both they should!
With the option either to day trip to San Vito lo Capo from Palermo (or visa versa), it’s also more than possible for travellers to spend a night or 2 in each location – which is actually what highly recommend you do!
As I mentioned in my introduction above, the vast majority of travellers will arrive into Palmero, which is why this article mostly caters for those travelling from this city out to San Vito, but the information is just as valid in the reverse direction.
With an airport, a train station and 2 big bus stations, Palermo is easy to get to no matter whether you’re arriving into the capital from elsewhere in Sicily or from overseas.
If you’re flying into Palmero, I always use Skyscanner to find the best flight deals because they include budget airlines in their searches.
Alternatively, if you’re travelling from within Sicily, perhaps from Trapani or Catania, then both buses and trains can be taken. Check out Omio to compare journeys using both these modes of transport.
Once you get to Palermo, I then highly suggest spending at least 2 nights in this city (learn more in this article I wrote about the top things to do in the capital), before you move on to San Vito lo Capo.
But when you do, here’s exactly how to make this journey…
#1 By Public Bus
Pro: cheap, easy
Con: less flexible, takes a few hours
So the first way to travel between Palmero and San Vito lo Capo is by public bus.
This is the cheapest option for moving between the 2 destinations and is used by many locals, as well as tourists, as a result.
The bus journey is comfy, easy and straightforward, which is a blessing because, in the absence of a train route, this is your only public transport option!
I travelled across west Sicily on buses and found the services clean and punctual. Aircon was a bonus!
Buses to San Vito lo Capo depart from one of Palermo’s two main bus stations, which are both situated in the centre of the city. Just make sure you go to the right bus station, otherwise it will make the rest of the journey a little tricky!
Taking the bus from Palermo to San Vito takes around 3 hours and you’ll pay about 10€, depending on the route you opt for.
And that’s because there are 2 routes to choose from…
Russo AutoServizi – Best Option for Day Trips or Direct Travel
The first bus option is run by Russo AutoServizi and leaves from the Piazza Cairoli bus station in the capital – please note this is not Palermo’s main station!
There’s an average of 4 departures daily in the summer months, with the first leaving at 6:20am (perfect for you day-trippers!) and the last departing at 3pm.
The early service gets you into San Vito lo Capo at around 9:30am, while the last bus of the day arrives at 5:35pm.
You can check out the timetable, as well as book tickets online, through Russo AutoServizi’s website here.
Tickets cost 9.20€ one way, and the last bus back from San Vito to Palmero (if you are day-tripping) leaves at 7pm in the summer months.
This is definitely the best bus option for day-trippers from Palmero to San Vito, or those who want a direct option!
AST / Segesta – Best Option for Travel via Trapani
The other bus option is operated by a local transport company called AST or Segesta. Annoyingly, they don’t have a direct route from Palmero to San Vito Lo Capo, but instead you have to go via Trapani.
Trapani is actually a lovely city, with some great island day trips (learn more about my amazing time cycling on the island of Favignana here), so if you want to build this spot into your itinerary, then my recommendation would be to travel from Palermo to Trapani, spend a couple of days there and then go on to San Vito lo Capo.
Get timetables for the bus from Trapani to San Vito at the AST website here.
There are around 8 departures daily in the summer months and tickets cost about 5.50€ one way. Tickets can be bought on the bus and drivers can take cash or card.
#2 By Taxi
Pro: straightforward, quick
Con: costly and err, more costly!
The second option when it comes to travelling from Palmero to San Vito lo Capo is by taxi.
This is the most expensive option (obvs!), and should be arranged in advance. It will however mean a private and comfortable ride.
Taking a taxi is a great option if you’re arriving into Palmero airport and want to get straight to the beach. This is because taxis hang around outside the arrivals terminal and are therefore super easy to find and catch.
Getting a taxi to San Vito is also a quick option – you’ll be taken straight from the city to the beach without making any stops and, in general, taxi drivers picking up tourists will usually speak a good level of English.
You’ll need cash to pay the driver, so do ensure you are using a taxi from a reputable company – airport rank taxis should be.
I’d also ensure that taxi drivers use a meter, or else I’d definitely agree a price in advance!
A good price from Palermo to San Vito is around 80€, which becomes more affordable with more people in the taxi of course!
Sadly Uber and other rideshare companies are not currently operating in Sicily, so you can’t rely on them I’m afraid.
If you want to book a taxi service from Palmero airport in advance, I highly recommend WelcomePickUps for the job or this good option.
#3 By Rental Car
Pro: offers flexibility, useful to have a car in Sicily
Con: having to drive, expensive
Renting a car and driving is definitely the most popular way to travel between Palmero and San Vito lo Capo.
It’s also easy thanks to the fact you can rent a car from the airport when you fly in.
Thankfully the Sicilians tend to be more chilled out than drivers in other parts of Italy (I’m looking at you Naples!) and so driving is not as stressful an experience here as you may have feared!
Car hire also tends to be quite affordable, especially if there’s a group of you. Grab a great deal here.
If you’re driving from Palermo to San Vito lo Capo, then it’s good to know that the journey takes just over an hour.
To get to the beach from capital, you should follow the A29 (that’s the Palermo – Mazara del Vallo Highway), until the exit for Castellammare del Golfo. From here, simply follow the signs towards San Vito lo Capo – simples!
#4 By Tour
Pro: no need to organise anything, meet other travellers
Con: lack of flexibility, costs
I actually couldn’t find out any Sicily tours, that went to San Vito lo Capo, which is bonkers!
However lots go to Palermo, obvs!
Check out these great options if you’re looking for a guided tour of Sicily instead.
Taking a tour does mean you won’t have to organise anything, which definitely has its advantages!
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Travel Guide to Palermo and San Vito lo Capo
When to Visit Sicily?
The best time to Sicily, in general, is during the spring months of May and June or the autumn months of September and October. Check out the full article I wrote about when you should visit Sicily here.
Where to Stay?
For a list of recommended places to stay in San Vito lo Capo, check out these great options.
For top Palmero accommodation picks, click here.
How Long to Spend There?
I loved both Palmero and San Vito and highly recommend at least a stay of 2 nights in each.
3 nights would be better!
Learn how to spend the ideal week in Sicily with my perfect 7 day itinerary for the island.
Where to Go After San Vito lo Capo?
From San Vito lo Capo (or before!), I highly recommend heading to the west Sicilian city of Trapani – exploring the old town here and day tripping to the paradise island of Favignana.
If you have a car, don’t miss the ruins of Segesta as you travel through this side of the island too and, if you’re in Palmero, a day trip to the historic coastal town of Cefalù comes highly recommended as well!
Travel Insurance for Sicily
World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while travelling and claim online from anywhere in the world.
Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.
Travel Money in Sicily
When it comes to getting paying for things in Sicily, you want to ensure you’re not being charged overseas transaction fees or getting poor exchange rates when using your card abroad, which is why I always take my Wise Card away with me wherever I travel.
The easy way to spend abroad with real exchange rates, no markups, no sneaky transaction fees and a free Euros account, you can use your Wise card just like a debit card in Italy… and it links easily with Google and Apple pay – sold! Get yours here.
SAVE THIS TO PINTEREST!
So that’s my guide on how to travel from Palermo to San Vito lo Capo.
Hopefully you’ve found this information useful, but any other top tips you have to add that could help a fellow traveller out, please drop them into the comments box below…