How to Get from Bari Airport to City Center?
Bari Airport is officially named Karol Wojtyla, in honor of Pope John Paul II. It serves as the main gateway to the stunning Puglia region and ranks as the 10th busiest airport in Italy in terms of passenger traffic. The distance to the Bari railway station (called Bari Centrale) is about 11 km, and the distance to the city centre is about 13 km.
Because of the airport's location near the Palese neighborhood, locals and travelers often refer to it simply as Palese Airport.
The transfer from Palese Airport to Bari city centre can be made by shuttle bus, public bus, train, taxi, or private transfer. If you're planning a road trip to explore multiple destinations across Puglia, renting a car right at the airport is by far your most efficient and flexible option.
Right above the airport exit doors, you'll spot a digital screen displaying the schedule for the upcoming train and bus departures - both to Bari Centrale station and to other destinations, such as Bari-Matera or Bari-Brindisi.
1. Shuttle Bus
The company Tempesta Autoservizi offers a convenient shuttle bus service connecting the airport directly to Bari's central train station (Bari Centrale), located in Piazza Aldo Moro.
The buses depart right outside the Arrivals area (turn left as you exit the airport terminal), and the journey to the city center takes about 30 minutes.
A one-way ticket from the airport to Bari costs €5.
You can buy your tickets directly on board the bus, or purchase them in advance online via the CO.TR.A.P. website or through their official app.
2. Public Bus
Another budget-friendly option to get from the airport to Bari is by public transport. The AMTAB bus no. 16 departs right from the front of the Arrivals area (just turn left as you exit the airport).
Because it's a local bus, it makes quite a few stops along the way, so the total travel time to the Bari Centrale train station is around 50 minutes.
The ticket price is:
- €1 (single ride) or €1.2 (90-minute ticket) if bought in advance
- €1.5 if purchased directly from the driver
You can buy your tickets ahead of time at the airport newsstands (tabaccherie) or via the MUVT app.
3. Train
Because the buses and shuttles don't run very frequently, taking the train to Bari is often your fastest bet.
The airport train station is located right next to the terminal (just turn left as you exit). The trains are operated by Ferrotramviaria.
The train ride to Bari Centrale takes only about 20 minutes, and a one-way ticket is €5.3.
You can buy tickets from the automated machines or, even easier, simply tap your card at the platform gates. If you choose to pay contactless, you must use a separate card for each person. You will need to tap your card again during ticket inspections on the train, as well as at the exit gates when you arrive at the station. Don't worry if you see a temporary hold on your account for a different amount at first (like €5); the correct ticket price will settle in a few days.
4. Taxi
If you prefer a direct ride, the taxi rank is located right outside the Arrivals terminal.
Taxi fares are fixed, set by the Municipality, and the price for a trip from the airport to Bari Central Station is €25.
5. Car rental at Bari Airport
There are so many beautiful places to visit in Puglia, but some of them aren't easily accessible by public transport. If you have a few days to spare and want to explore this wonderful region, renting a car is definitely the way to go (check out our guide on how to rent a car from Bari Airport).
Find Car Rentals at Bari Airport
6. Private Transfer
If you need a private transfer from the airport, check out the options offered by KiwiTaxi. Use code TPO5 to receive a 5% discount (the code is valid for bookings made between April 15 and December 31, 2026).
