How to Get from Bari to Monopoli?
Monopoli is one of those fantastic destinations in Puglia that is super easy to reach from Bari. Sitting roughly 45 km apart, you can easily make the journey between the two cities by train, bus, rental car, or private transfer.
By Train
The train is by far the cheapest and fastest way to get from Bari to Monopoli. The ride from Bari Centrale station to Monopoli station takes between 15 and 30 minutes (depending on which train you catch), with ticket prices starting at just €2.60.
Once you arrive, it's about a 20-minute walk from the station to the historic center - where you'll find most of Monopoli's main attractions, as well as the city beach.
Tip: Bari Centrale station hosts multiple railway companies, so make sure you're in the Trenitalia section of the station. Most trains also stop in Polignano a Mare (just 5 minutes before Monopoli), making it effortless to see also the tourist spots in Polignano on the same day trip!
By Bus
Buses operated by FS Sud Est (part of the same group as Trenitalia) connect Bari (Largo Ciaia) directly to Monopoli.
The journey takes around 1 hour and costs €3.90. Along the route, the bus makes stops in Mola di Bari, Cozze, and Polignano a Mare.
You can book your tickets directly on the Trenitalia website - just look for the routes marked with a bus icon.
By Rental Car
If you're planning a longer road trip through Puglia, we definitely recommend renting a car. It gives you total freedom to explore several places at your own pace (check out our guide on how to rent a car at Bari Airport).
The drive from Bari to Monopoli takes about 40 minutes along the SS16 highway, offering scenic views as you cruise along the Adriatic Coast.
By Private Transfer
Finally, the most convenient - though most expensive - option is to book a private transfer.
