Are you looking for options for how to get to Bari, Italy? Bari is a popular city located in southern Italy, in the Puglia region. The city is known for its beautiful beaches, stunning architecture, and delicious cuisine. There are several ways to get to Bari, including by plane, train, bus, boat and car.
I have travelled extensively throughout this region of Italy as a solo traveller, and my most recent visit to Bari was April 2023. You might like to read my other posts on Puglia if you are planning a trip to the region.
In this article, I will discuss various transportation options available for how to get to Bari. This includes arriving by plane, arriving by different train routes, taking a ferry, using bus connections and arriving by car on a scenic road trip through Puglia.
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1. How to get to Bari by plane.
The easiest way to get to Bari is by flying into Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, which is located about 8km northwest of the city. Several major airlines, including Alitalia, Ryanair, and EasyJet, offer flights to Bari from major cities in Europe.
Once you arrive at the airport, you can take a taxi or shuttle bus to get to the city centre.
How to get to Bari city centre from Bari airport.
To get from Bari airport to Bari city centre, you have several options:
Rent a car: Car rental services are available at the airport. The drive takes about half an hour and offers beautiful views of Puglia’s countryside. Remember that driving in Italy requires an International Driving Permit if you don’t hold an EU licence. Read more in my Ultimate Guide to Renting a Car in Puglia.
Take a shuttle bus or taxi: Book your shared shuttle service or private taxi online through companies like Shuttle Direct , which offers direct transfers between the airport and Bari city centre. There is also a taxi stand outside the airport, with a flat rate fee of $25 to Bari city centre.
Public transportation: You can take a local bus called Tempesta Bus for €4 that goes directly from Bari Airport to Bari Centrale train station. Book your ticket here. The central station is about 20 a minute walk to the major landmarks in Bari, or there are local buses and trains you can take from here to different destinations.
2. How to get to Bari by train.
Bari has eight train stations: Bari Centrale, Bari S. Spirito, Bari Palese Macchie, Bari Zona Industriale, Bari Marconi, Bari Parco Sud, Bari Torre Quetta, and Bari Torre a Mare.
Bari Centrale is the major station in the centre of Bari. I will focus this section on how to get to Bari Centrale by train – but if you find yourself at one of the other stations, you can usually transfer to Bari Centrale via a local train.
Bari Centrale is well connected to other major cities in Italy, including Rome, Milan, and Naples. You can check the schedules and buy train tickets on Trenitalia’s official website. The trains run several times a day, and you can book your ticket online or at the train station.
How to get a train into Bari Centrale from different cities in Italy.
From Rome: Take a high-speed Trenitalia Frecce train from Roma Termini to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about 4 hours.
From Milan: Take a high-speed Trenitalia Frecce train from Milano Centrale to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about 7.5 hours.
From Naples: Take a Trenitalia Intercity train from Naples Napoli Centrale to Taranto. Then change trains at Taranto to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about 3.25 hours.
From Florence: Take a high-speed Italo Treno train from Firenze Santa Maria Novella to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about 6 hours. There is only one direct connection per day, but your other option is to change trains at Rome.
From Venice: Take a high-speed Trenitalia Frecce train from Venezia Santa Lucia to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about 8 hours.
From Bologna: Take a high-speed Trenitalia Frecce train from Bologna Centrale to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about 5.5 hours. There is also a slower Italo Treno train which takes about 7.5 hours.
From Brindisi: Take a regional Trenitalia Frecce train from Brindisi to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about an hour, and the trains run several times a day. The train runs parallel with the coast all the way to Bari.
Once you arrive at Bari Centrale, you can explore the city and its attractions. The station is close to the port and about a 20 minute walk from most landmarks (there is also a bus). You are not far from the main sights, such as the Basilica di San Nicola or the Castello Svevo.
Bari Centrale station is fully accessible.
Further reading: 24 amazing things to do in Bari.
3. How to get to Bari by bus.
Bari has two main bus stations: Bari Autostazione and Piazza Moro. Bari Autostazione is the main bus terminal in the city and is located near the central train station, while Piazza Moro is located in the city centre, near the old town. Choose the station that is most convenient for you, depending on your destination and your arrival point in Bari.
Long distance bus lines which stop at Bari are: Marino Bus, FlixBus and Marozzi.
The local bus network is operated by Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE), which connects Bari with major cities such as Rome, Naples, and Milan.
Tickets and pricing.
Ticket prices vary depending on your destination, but generally range from €1 – €4 per single journey. Tickets can be purchased at the bus station, local newsstands (tabacchi), or on board from the driver. Keep in mind that purchasing a ticket onboard may cost slightly more than buying it beforehand.
For those planning to use public transportation frequently during their stay, consider purchasing a daily or weekly pass for added convenience and savings.
Bus etiquette and tips.
When travelling by bus in Bari and Puglia, keep these tips in mind:
- Book tickets in advance: Purchase tickets online in advance for better prices and guaranteed seats.
- Check luggage allowances: Some operators have strict limits on size and weight.
- Validate your ticket: Validate your ticket using the machine onboard as soon as you board the bus.
- Be flexible: Buses may not always run precisely according to schedule; allow some extra time.
- Limited Sunday service: Buses operate less frequently on Sundays and public holidays.
- Limited evening service: There are not always buses in the evenings.
- Travel in comfort: Buses usually offer free Wi-Fi, power outlets and air conditioning.
Once you arrive in Bari, you can explore the city and its attractions. If you arrived at Bari Autostazione, you can easily walk or take a 10 minute bus to many of the main sights, such as the Basilica di San Nicola or the Castello Svevo.
If you arrived at Piazza Moro, you are already in the city centre, so you can start your exploration from there. To travel further afield, you can take a train or another bus from Bari to other destinations in Italy.
4. How to get to Bari by car.
Bari is located on the coast and is well connected to other cities in Italy via the A14 and A16 highways.
Renting a car in Bari is an ideal way to explore the captivating region of Puglia and take in its stunning scenery. With a car rental in Bari, you can easily visit nearby towns and attractions while enjoying the stunning landscapes along the way.
However, driving in Italy can be quite challenging, especially if you are not used to driving on narrow roads and in heavy traffic. Make sure to familiarise yourself with the local driving rules and regulations before embarking on your trip.
Car rental options in Bari.
There are several reputable car rental companies available in Bari, offering various types of vehicles to suit your needs and budget. Some popular options include:
- Discover Cars (my preferred option)
- Hertz Rent A Car
- Europcar
- Sixt Rent A Car
I recommend booking your car rental online before arriving in Italy to ensure availability and secure better rates. Discover cars is a car-comparison website and it is always my go-to place for car rentals in Italy.
Driving around Puglia may be different from what you’re used to, so here are some helpful tips for navigating roads in the area.
- Which side of the road? Drive on the right side of the road and overtake from the left.
- Road conditions: The roads leading to Bari are generally well-maintained. However, be prepared for occasional narrow streets and heavy traffic within the city centre.
- Speed limits: Always follow posted speed limits, which are typically indicated by a circular sign with a red border and black numbers. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road: urban streets (50 km/h), secondary roads (90 km/h), main highways (110 km/h) and motorways (130 km/h).
- Parking spaces: While parking can be challenging in some areas of Bari due to limited spaces or restricted zones (ZTL), there are numerous paid parking lots available around popular attractions like Piazza Mercantile or near seaside promenades. Look for designated parking lots or street parking spots marked with blue lines, where you’ll need to purchase a ticket from nearby machines.
- Restricted zones: Keep an eye out for Zona Traffico Limitato signs – these indicate restricted traffic zones where only authorised vehicles are allowed during specific hours. Avoid entering these zones without proper authorisation to avoid fines.
- Toll Roads: There are 35 toll roads in Italy. You can check them all here.
With your car rental sorted and equipped with essential driving tips, you’re ready to explore Bari and beyond. Discover charming towns like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare or Monopoli – all within easy reach by car.
5. How to get to Bari, Italy by boat.
When considering how to get to Bari Italy, you might consider travelling by sea. Bari’s port, the Porto di Bari, is connected to several ports in Italy and abroad, including Dubrovnik, Corfu and Igoumenitsa.
Check the ferry schedules, prices and availability, and plan your journey accordingly.
Some of the most popular ferry companies that operate to and from Bari include:
- Jadrolinija: Offers ferry connections between Bari and several destinations in Croatia, including Dubrovnik and Split.
- Ventouris Ferries: Operates ferry services between Bari and various ports in Greece and Albania, such as Corfu, Igoumenitsa, and Zakynthos.
- Grimaldi Lines: Offers ferry connections between Bari and various destinations in Italy, such as Brindisi, Civitavecchia, Sardinia and Catania.
- Tirrenia: Operates ferry services between Bari and various ports in Italy, such as Naples and Palermo.
- Anek Lines: Offers ferry connections between Bari and several ports in Greece, such as Patras and Igoumenitsa.
6. Map showing Bari with local airports, train stations & bus stations.
7. FAQs about how to get to Bari, Puglia, Italy.
Here are some frequently asked questions about how to get to Bari, Puglia.
Q. What is a summary of how to get to Bari, Italy?
A. You can fly directly to Bari International Airport, or you can take a train from other cities in Italy. There are also buses and carpool services available from other Italian cities as well as ferry service from some of the islands off the coast. If you plan on taking a car, make sure you check for toll roads in advance. Once you’ve arrived at Bari, there is an extensive public transportation system that will help you get around the city with ease.
Further reading: How to get to Alberobello, Puglia, Italy.
Q. What documents do I need to enter Italy?
A. All visitors must have a valid passport with them when entering into Italy, regardless of how long they plan on staying. Depending on your nationality, you may also need to apply for a visa in advance of your arrival. Be sure to check with the Italian embassy or consulate in your country for more information about requirements and regulations.
Q: How do I buy a train or bus ticket to Bari?
A: You can buy a train or bus ticket to Bari online on the train or bus company’s website, at the train or bus station, or from authorised resellers.
Q: What is the best time to travel to Bari?
A: The best time to travel to Bari is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the crowds are smaller. However, Bari is a year-round destination, and each season has its own charm.
Related reading: The Best Time to Visit Alberobello.
Q. What are some of the popular tourist attractions in Bari?
A. Top attractions include the Bari Cathedral, Petruzzelli Theatre and Castello Svevo di Bari (Bari Castle). Other popular sights are the Basilica San Nicola, Museo Archeologico Provinciale di Bari and Passeggio A Mare Lungomare. Additionally, the old town area is full of local shops and restaurants to explore, as well as many cafés and bars where visitors can sample some of the local cuisine.
8. Further travel tips and information on Bari.
This section contains help on where to stay and what to do in Bari.
What to do in Bari.
I wrote a post about the top 24 things to do in Bari, and you can also read about my Bari street food odyssey!
One must-visit location is the Old Town (Bari Vecchia), where visitors can wander through the narrow streets and admire the beautiful architecture of the medieval buildings. The Basilica of San Nicola is also located in the Old Town and is home to the remains of Saint Nicholas.
Visitors can also visit the Castello Svevo, a 12th-century fortress that was once the residence of the Norman kings of Sicily, and is now a museum that showcases the history of the city.
Bari is known for its delicious cuisine, which is a blend of Mediterranean and Pugliese flavours. Foodies will love the city’s street food scene, with favourites including the famous Focaccia Barese, and the local specialty Orecchiette pasta with broccoli rabe and anchovies.
For a unique dining experience, visitors can also try a traditional Puglian meal at a Masseria, which is a traditional farm that serves farm-to-table cuisine using fresh local ingredients.
Bari is also a great place to shop, with the Mercato Centrale being a popular spot to buy fresh produce, seafood, and local handicrafts.
This guide covers how to get to Bari Italy – but for trips outside Bari, I’ve got you covered with my 10 amazing day trips to take from Bari guide.
Quick links for Bari, Puglia.
- Reserve your Bari Hotel early, before they sell out (Booking.com).
- When in Bari, you must book a pasta experience!
- This is the best street food tour in Bari (read my review here).
- Remember to pack decent sunscreen and a packable sun hat.
- Book your Private Bari Walking Tour here.
- If you need a rental car, book one at Discover Cars and pick it up at the airport.
Related reading for Bari & Puglia
- Tips for travelling in Italy: Ultimate Q&A Guide
- Puglia Travel Guide
- Puglia 7 day Itinerary
- Food and Drink from Puglia, Italy
Pin for later – how to get to Bari, Italy.
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General Travel Resources:
Booking.com is the best site for hotels with free reservation and cancellations.
Viator and Get Your Guide are the best sites for tours and activities.
Discover Cars is the best comparison site for car rentals.
Trip.com is good for booking flights and packages.
See my Travel Resources page for a full list of helpful booking links.
Popular Destinations: London | Edinburgh | Malta | Scotland | Madeira | Cyprus | Italy | Canary Islands
Tags: Bari, Europe, Italy, Puglia
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