Bari Karol Wojtyła International Airport

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) serves Bari, the capital of Puglia (Apulia) in southern Italy. Named after Pope John Paul II, who visited the city, the airport is the gateway to Puglia's trulli houses, olive groves, and stunning Adriatic coastline. Located 8 km northwest of Bari city center.

The airport has a single terminal with modern facilities after recent renovations. It handles around 5 million passengers annually, with traffic heavily concentrated in summer months.

Key airlines: Ryanair (largest), Wizz Air, easyJet, ITA Airways (formerly Alitalia), Lufthansa, Swiss, and seasonal European carriers.

BRI is close to central Bari:

• To Bari Centrale station: 8 km, 15-20 minutes
• To Bari old town: 10 km, 20-25 minutes
• To Polignano a Mare: 40 km, 40 minutes
• To Alberobello: 55 km, 55 minutes
• To Matera: 65 km, 60-70 minutes

Uber does not operate in Bari. Use taxis or public transport.

Taxis available from the rank outside arrivals:

• To Bari Centrale: €25-30 (fixed rate)
• To Bari old town: €25-30
• To Polignano a Mare: €60-70
• To Alberobello: €80-90

Agree on price before departure, or confirm the driver uses the meter.

Shuttle Bus (AMTAB)

Tempesta Line 16 connects to central Bari:

• Route: Airport → Bari Centrale station
• Frequency: Every 30 minutes (less on weekends)
• Journey time: 20-30 minutes
• Cost: €4 one-way
• Hours: 05:30-23:00

Ferrovie del Nord Barese (Train)

A train connection exists but is less convenient than the bus.

Rental Car

Highly recommended for exploring Puglia—public transport to trulli villages and coastal towns is limited.

Type	Daily Rate	Notes
P1 (covered)	€18/day	Terminal adjacent
P2 (open)	€12/day	Short walk
Long Stay	€8/day	Shuttle available

Book online at aeroportidipuglia.it for discounts.

BRI has limited but adequate options:

Landside:

• Café/bar

Airside:

• Bottega del Gusto: Italian food, local specialties
• Cafés and snack bars
• Duty-free

Tip: Eat in Bari before heading to the airport—the city has excellent food and the airport selection is basic.

Network: Airport Free WiFi

• Cost: Free
• Speed: Adequate for browsing
• Registration via email

SIM cards available from:

• Kiosks in arrivals (limited hours)
• Better to purchase in Bari from TIM, Vodafone, or Wind Tre stores

Italian prepaid SIM: €10-20 for voice and data.

ATMs available in:

• Arrivals hall
• Departure area

Currency: Euro (€)

ATMs offer fair rates. Avoid currency exchange desks.

Airside:

• Duty-free (alcohol, perfumes)
• Italian food products (olive oil, pasta)
• Pugliese souvenirs

Best buys: Extra virgin olive oil from Puglia—some of Italy's finest.

VIP Lounge

• Location: Airside
• Access: Priority Pass, various cards, or €25-30 walk-in
• Amenities: Snacks, drinks, WiFi
• Hours: Follows flight schedule

Small, basic lounge—useful for escaping busy departures.

Hotels near the airport are limited. Most visitors stay in Bari city center or head directly to coastal towns.

Bari and Puglia offer authentic southern Italian culture, stunning coastline, and unique architecture:

Top attractions near Bari (with travel time from airport):

• Bari Vecchia (Old Town): 20 min—winding streets, Basilica di San Nicola, handmade orecchiette
• Polignano a Mare: 40 min—dramatic cliff town, famous for gelato and diving
• Alberobello: 55 min—UNESCO town of whitewashed trulli houses
• Matera: 70 min—ancient cave city (sassi), European Capital of Culture 2019
• Ostuni: 75 min—the "White City" with panoramic views
• Lecce: 1.5 hours—"Florence of the South," baroque architecture
• Trani: 40 min—beautiful cathedral directly on the sea

Pugliese cuisine:

• Orecchiette: "Little ear" pasta, often with cime di rapa (turnip greens)
• Burrata: Cream-filled mozzarella, originated in Puglia
• Focaccia barese: Topped with tomatoes, olives, and olive oil
• Bombette: Meat rolls from the Itria Valley
• Taralli: Crunchy bread rings, sometimes with fennel
• Primitivo di Manduria: Rich red wine

Local tips:

• Rent a car: Essential for exploring Puglia; trains and buses are infrequent
• Orecchiette in Bari Vecchia: Watch nonnas making pasta by hand in the old streets
• Avoid August: Italy's holiday month—crowded and hot
• Swimming: Best beaches include Polignano, Torre dell'Orso, and Santa Maria di Leuca
• Matera: Now trendy but still atmospheric; stay overnight if possible
• Trullo stay: Rent a trullo house in Alberobello or the Itria Valley for unique accommodation
• Ferry to Greece/Croatia: Bari port connects to Durrës, Patras, and Dubrovnik
• Sagre (food festivals): Village festivals throughout summer celebrate local specialties