Bari is a straightforward city to navigate once you understand the basics: the airport is 12km northwest, the train station sits at the edge of the Murat district, and the old town is entirely walkable. This guide covers arrival logistics, getting around, money, safety, and the practical questions every first-time visitor asks. For more context, see our complete Bari travel guide.
Bari Travel Tips: Arriving and Getting Around
Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (BRI)
Bari’s airport is 12km northwest of the city center in the Palese district. It’s a single-terminal airport handling about 5.5 million passengers annually, with flights from Ryanair, Wizz Air, ITA Airways, and seasonal charters. The terminal has a small duty-free shop, a couple of cafes, and SIM card kiosks (TIM, Vodafone, WindTre) in the arrivals hall. A taxi from BRI to Bari Centrale costs a fixed EUR 25 (the official rate is posted at the taxi stand, confirm before getting in) and takes about 20 minutes in light traffic. The airport shuttle bus (AMTAB line 16 or Tempesta shuttle) costs EUR 4 and runs every 40-60 minutes from 5:00 to 23:30, taking 30-35 minutes to reach the central station. Buy tickets from the driver (cash, small bills) or the ticket machine at the bus stop. Uber operates in Bari but only the premium Uber Black service, not UberX. A standard airport taxi is cheaper. See our Bari weather by month for more details.
Arriving by Train
Bari Centrale is the main station, served by Trenitalia (national) and Ferrovie del Sud Est (regional). High-speed Frecciarossa trains connect Bari to Rome (4 hours, EUR 40-80) and Milan (7 hours, EUR 60-120). Regional trains run to Lecce (1.5 hours, EUR 10), Brindisi (1 hour, EUR 8), and the coastal towns of Polignano a Mare and Monopoli (30 minutes, EUR 4). The central station has luggage storage (EUR 6 per bag per day, open 6:00-22:00), a supermarket (Conad, open daily), and several cafes. Bari Centrale is directly on the edge of the Murat district: Piazza Aldo Moro outside the station puts you on Via Sparano within a 5-minute walk. See our best time to visit Bari for more details.
Getting Around Bari
Most of central Bari (Vecchia + Murat) is walkable: you can cross from the train station to the castle in 20 minutes on foot. AMTAB city buses cover the wider city with single tickets at EUR 1.50 (valid 90 minutes) available from tabacchi shops and newsstands with the AMTAB logo, or EUR 1.80 if bought on board. A day pass costs EUR 3.50. The main bus routes for visitors: line 2/ to Pane e Pomodoro Beach, line 20 to the Fiera del Levante, and line 16 to the airport. Bari also has a bike-sharing system (Bari in Bici) with docking stations across the Murat district and Lungomare: EUR 1 for 30 minutes, register at baribicicletta.it. Taxis: use the appTaxi app or call Radio Taxi Bari (+39 080 554 3333). A ride within the city center costs EUR 8-12. See our things to do in Bari for more details.
Bari Travel Tips: Money, Tipping, and Practicalities
Currency and Payment
Italy uses the euro (EUR). ATMs (bancomat) are widespread: look for Banca Intesa, UniCredit, or BPER branches on Via Sparano and Corso Cavour. Most hotels and mid-range restaurants accept Visa and Mastercard, but Bari Vecchia’s smaller trattorias, market stalls, and some B&Bs are cash-only. Carry EUR 50-100 in cash as a buffer. Contactless payment is common in chain stores but less so in family-run businesses. See our Bari events and festivals for more details.
Tipping
Tipping is not expected in Italy but is appreciated. In Bari restaurants, a coperto (cover charge) of EUR 1-3 per person is added to the bill automatically, covering bread and service. If service was exceptional, round up or leave EUR 2-5. For taxis, round up to the nearest euro. No tip is expected at bars or cafes if you’re just having a coffee at the counter. See our Bari neighborhoods guide for more details.
Water and Safety
Tap water in Bari is safe to drink and meets EU standards, though it has a slightly chlorinated taste from the treatment plant. Most locals drink bottled water, which costs EUR 0.30-0.50 for a 1.5-litre bottle at supermarkets. Bari has public drinking fountains (fontanine) in Piazza Mercantile and near the castle. In terms of safety, Bari is statistically safer than Naples or Rome for tourists. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas (the fish market, around the train station). Keep your bag zipped and valuables out of back pockets. The area immediately around the train station at night can feel sketchy; walk along Via Sparano rather than the side streets after dark. Violent crime against tourists is extremely rare. See our where to stay in Bari for more details.
Bari Travel Tips: Visas, Language, and Connectivity
Visas and Entry Requirements
Italy is in the Schengen Area. US, UK, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand passport holders can enter visa-free for up to 90 days within any 180-day period. EU citizens need only a valid national ID card. From 2026, non-EU visitors may need to complete an ETIAS pre-authorisation (EUR 7, valid 3 years) before travel. Check the official ETIAS website for the current status.
Language
Italian is the primary language. In Bari Vecchia and among older residents, you’ll hear Barese, a dialect of Neapolitan that differs substantially from standard Italian. Most hotel staff and restaurant workers in the Murat district speak basic English. In Bari Vecchia’s family-run shops and among the orecchiette nonnas, English is rare. Learn a few Italian phrases: “Buongiorno” (good morning), “Grazie” (thank you), “Quanto costa?” (how much does it cost?), “Il conto, per favore” (the bill, please).
SIM Cards and Connectivity
Buying an Italian SIM at Bari Airport is straightforward. The TIM, Vodafone, and WindTre kiosks in the arrivals hall sell tourist plans with 20-50 GB of data for EUR 15-30, valid 30 days. You’ll need your passport for registration. Coverage is excellent throughout Bari with 4G/5G on all networks. Free WiFi is available in Piazza del Ferrarese, Piazza Mercantile, and at the central station (register with an email address). Many cafes offer free WiFi with a purchase: ask for the “password WiFi.”
Bari Travel Tips: Suggested Hotels in Bari
Palace Hotel Bari
Bari’s premier luxury hotel in a Liberty-style 1932 building near the central station. Rooms feature Murano glass chandeliers, marble bathrooms, and original hardwood floors, with the rooftop restaurant Murat serving Apulian seafood with panoramic views. Best for travelers wanting classic Italian hotel service and easy transport connections. Check rates and availability
Hotel Excelsior Bari
A reliable four-star on Via Giulio Petroni with soundproofed rooms, smart TVs, and a top-floor breakfast room with city views. Located 300 metres from the train station and 800 metres from Bari Vecchia, it’s a solid mid-range choice for business travelers and tourists alike. Best for visitors prioritizing convenience and comfort. Check rates and availability
Travel B&B
A budget gem on the quiet eastern edge of Bari Vecchia near the cathedral, with a standout rooftop terrace overlooking the Adriatic. Simple but clean rooms with shared or private bathrooms, excellent English-speaking hosts, and an unbeatable location for the price. Best for solo travelers and backpackers. Check rates and availability
