Getting around

By air — Bari Karol Wojtyła (BRI)

Bari Karol Wojtyła, the city’s own international airport, handles over seven million passengers a year, with more than sixty destinations across Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East, plus a direct New York route, a strong airport for a southern city. It’s just northwest of the centre.

From the airport into town — the FM2

The Ferrotramviaria FM2 train runs from the airport, right beside the terminal, to Bari Centrale in about 20 minutes for around €5.30; a shuttle bus and the local AMTAB bus 16 also make the trip.

By sea — the ferry port

Bari is one of the great ferry ports of the Adriatic, with regular boats to Greece, Albania, Croatia, and Montenegro, a genuine way in and out, and cheap travel across the sea as part of everyday life here. Sailings run from the ferry port.

By train

Bari Centrale is the southern anchor of the main Adriatic line, so the whole east coast of Italy runs north from here, and the Puglian towns and Matera are close (times below).

On foot

The centre is flat and walkable: the elegant Murat grid strolls easily, and the old town, Bari Vecchia, is a tight maze best explored on foot. Most central daily life happens walking, with the seafront promenade the natural spine.

Buses (AMTAB)

Bari’s local network is run by AMTAB. A single ride is €1.00, valid 90 minutes, one of the cheapest fares in Italy (AMTAB, 2026).

Intercity buses (FlixBus and Itabus)

A budget option for other cities and the Puglian towns, on FlixBus and Itabus. On the Adriatic line the train is usually faster and more central, but the coach can win on price or reach places the train serves awkwardly.

A note on driving

Bari's centre has a ZTL (limited-traffic zone) and the usual port-city parking squeeze, so a car is a burden in the core. It earns its keep for exploring Puglia: the trulli of Alberobello, the beaches, Matera across the border, and the wider Adriatic coast, all of which reward having your own wheels.