Getting to Bari from the airport and around the city

Bari-Palese Karol Wojtyła airport is about eight kilometres from the centre, to the north-west of the city. The quickest and cheapest way in is the train: the Aeroporto station is on the Ferrotramviaria line which, in a little over a quarter of an hour, takes you to Bari Central Station. Trains run frequently through the day and the ticket costs just a few euros: for anyone staying between the station and the centre it’s by far the best choice, because you step off right in the centre.

Alternatively there’s the shuttle bus linking the airport with Central Station and a few stops in between: handy if you’re travelling with lots of luggage and prefer to board just once. Times are similar to the train, with a few extra minutes at peak hours. The taxi is the most direct door-to-door option (under twenty minutes to your destination) but also the most expensive; always agree the fare before getting in, or use a ride-hailing app.

If your home is near Central Station or in the Murat district, the train is unbeatable: you step off and within a few minutes on foot you’re home, no changes. If instead you’re staying in the old town, it’s still a ten-to-fifteen-minute walk from the station, or a short taxi ride if you have heavy bags or arrive late.

For those landing very early or very late, when public transport thins out, a taxi or a private transfer booked in advance takes away every worry. This is where self check-in makes the difference: you arrive whenever you like, pick up the keys on your own and don’t have to match your flight to anyone’s schedule. If you write to us before you leave, we’ll point out the best route right to your front door.

Given how it’s laid out, Bari is wonderful to explore on foot: the centre between the station, the Murat and the old town is compact and walking it is part of the pleasure. For longer distances, like the Pane e Pomodoro beach or the north seafront, there are city buses, while for trips out of town the train remains the most convenient and cheapest option.

Those rail links are one of the reasons it pays to choose a home near the station: in half an hour by train you reach Polignano a Mare, Monopoli and much of the coast, with no need to rent a car. If instead you plan to move around the Apulian inland a lot, a car can make sense: in that case consider a home with easy parking in an area like Poggiofranco. Once you’ve worked out where you want to spend your days, choosing the right neighbourhood becomes easy, and we’ve given that its own article.