Bari is the lively capital of Puglia and the main gateway to southern Italy’s heel. Whether you’re here for the street food, the old town charm, or to use Bari as a base for exploring Puglia, the first question is: how do you actually get there?
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This guide breaks down all the main options for how to get to Bari, Italy – by plane, train, bus, car, or ferry – so you can pick the one that suits your trip best.
I’ve travelled to Bari a few times, and it’s always been one of the easiest Puglian cities to reach.
1. By Plane ✈️
Flying is the easiest way to reach Bari.
The city’s airport, Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), is just 8 km northwest of the centre. It has direct flights from many European hubs, including London, Paris, Rome, Milan, and Munich.
Budget airlines like Ryanair and EasyJet also connect Bari to dozens of cities.
Getting from Bari Airport to the City Centre:
🚆 Train: The FM2 train runs from the airport to Bari Centrale in around 20 minutes (€5.30).
🚌 Bus: The Tempesta Shuttle connects the airport to Bari Centrale for €5. The bus #16 fare is much cheaper (€1.50), but it’s slower and makes many stops. Good for budget travellers.
🚖 Taxi / Transfer: Fixed fare of around €25 to the city centre. Pre-booked transfers are available if you want a hassle-free option.
🚗 Car hire: All major rental companies operate at the airport. Great choice if you’re road-tripping around Puglia. Compare cars with Discover Cars.
2. By Train 🚆
Bari Centrale is the city’s main train station, located right in the centre. It’s well connected to major Italian cities.
- Rome → Bari: approx. 4 hours on a high-speed Frecciarossa train.
- Naples → Bari: approx. 3.5 hours via Trenitalia Intercity.
- Milan → Bari: approx. 7.5 hours direct on high-speed trains.
- Florence → Bari: approx. 6 hours, usually with a change in Rome.
🎟️ Tickets can be booked on Trenitalia or Italo. Sit on the right side of the train for Adriatic views as you approach Bari.
👉 Also see: Best Day Trips from Bari and Best Towns in Puglia.
3. By Bus 🚌
Long-distance buses are a budget-friendly way to reach Bari.
Companies like FlixBus, Marino Bus, and Marozzi run routes connecting Bari with Rome, Naples, Bologna, and other Italian cities.
- Rome → Bari: 5-6 hours
- Naples → Bari: 3-4 hours
🚌 Buses arrive at Bari Autostazione, right next to Bari Centrale.
4. By Car 🚗
Driving to Bari is a good idea if you’re planning to explore more of Puglia.
The city sits on the A14 motorway, which runs north–south along Italy’s Adriatic coast.
- Rome → Bari: approx. 4.5 hours (430 km)
- Naples → Bari: approx. 3 hours (260 km)
- Florence → Bari: approx. 6.5 hours (650 km)
⚠️ Avoid Bari Vecchia (old town) with your car (ZTL zones mean fines). Park just outside and walk in.
👉 Read next: Driving in Puglia: Rules, ZTLs, Parking & Tips and Renting a Car in Puglia: The Ultimate Guide.
For car hire, I recommend Discover Cars – you can compare providers and book before you arrive.
5. By Ferry ⛴️
Bari’s port is one of the busiest in the Adriatic.
Ferries connect Bari to destinations across the sea, making it a hub for travellers coming from the Balkans and Greece.
Popular ferry routes:
- Bari → Dubrovnik (Croatia)
- Bari → Corfu & Igoumenitsa (Greece)
- Bari → Durrës (Albania)
Ferries arrive right by the old town – it’s a short walk or taxi to most hotels.
Map of Bari Transport 🗺️
Here’s a handy map showing Bari Airport, Bari Centrale station, and the port so you can get your bearings before you go.
FAQs about Getting to Bari 💡
If you’re already in Italy, trains are fast, comfortable, and often easier than flying. From abroad, flights are usually the best option.
About 8 km. It takes 20–30 minutes by train, bus, or taxi.
Yes, Bari is well connected by motorway. Just avoid driving into the old town (Bari Vecchia) as it has restricted zones.
Yes – Bari is a popular gateway from Corfu, Igoumenitsa, and even Patras.
Planning Your Trip Beyond Bari 🗓️
Once you’ve figured out how to get here, it’s time to plan your route. I’ve put together detailed itineraries for every style of trip.
👉 7 Day Puglia Itinerary.
👉 10 Day Puglia Itinerary.
👉 14 Day Puglia Itinerary.
🇮🇹 Bari in One Day: The Perfect 1-Day Itinerary
Final Thoughts ✨
Bari is one of southern Italy’s most accessible cities, with planes, trains, buses, ferries, and roads all leading here. However you choose to arrive, make sure you leave time to explore the old town, tuck into orecchiette in Pasta Alley, and use Bari as your base for an unforgettable Puglia adventure.
👉 Next up: check out my One Perfect Day in Bari, Wonderful Things to Do in Bari and 10 Amazing Day Trips from Bari to plan your stay.
Pin This for Later 📌
Planning a trip to southern Italy? Save this guide on how to get to Bari, Italy so you can find it easily when mapping out your journey.
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