Bari

Bari is one of the most important ports in the Adriatic Sea and the best departure option to travel by ferry from Italy to Greece and the Balkans. 

Read our Bari port guide with the best travel tips about ferry connections, discover the best things to do in Bari and see the latest ferry schedules. Book your ferry tickets online on Ferryhopper!

Find useful information about the port of Bari and read about holidays in the city:

• Bari ferry port
• Vacation in Bari

Historic buildings in the old center of Bari

Bari ferry port

The port of Bari is one of the principal references for those traveling from the regions of Puglia, Calabria and Sicily, as well as from the cities of Naples and Pescara.

The port area is divided into the Old and the New Port: the New Port of Bari is used for all passenger ferries and cruise ships, while the Old Port mostly serves small vessels, sailing boats and fishing boats.

There are 5 ferry passenger terminals: Molo San Vito, Banchina dogana, Banchina capitaneria, Darsena di Ponente, and Molo di ridosso.

The 2 ports are connected by the beautiful promenade of Bari, one of the major attractions of the city. Along the way, it is possible to admire several historic buildings, churches and enjoy the view of the Adriatic Sea.

In the area you will also find many shops, high fashion boutiques and souvenir kiosks.

The ferry companies that normally operate from the port of Bari are: Grandi Navi Veloci (GNV), Anek Superfast, Adria Ferries, Jadrolinija, Ventouris Ferries, and Star Lines.

Tip: the long-term parking lots near the New Port area are your best and most convenient option for parking. Bear in mind that most alleys in the old town are metered (marked with blue stripes).

Aerial view of Bari’s city center and its port

Ferries from Bari port: schedules and tickets

From the port of Bari in Italy you can travel by ferry to the ports of Albania, Croatia and Greece.

On our Map of ferries, you can see all available ferries from Bari to plan your trip in the Adriatic and Mediterranean seas in the most convenient way. 

Here are some useful details about Bari ferry routes:

Ferry from Bari to Durrës (Albania)

The ferry route from Bari to the port of Durrës in the Albanian coast runs up to 5 times per day throughout the year.

The duration of the Bari - Durrës ferry ride varies between about 8 and 11 hours depending on the ferry operator.

Ferry from Bari to Corfu (Greece)

The ferry from Bari to the island of Corfu operates with up to 7 weekly crossings in the summer months. The duration of the Bari - Corfu ferry route ranges from 8 to 10 hours.

Ferry from Bari to Kefalonia (Greece)

The ferry route from Bari to Kefalonia (Sami) is usually served once a week (usually on Mondays. The crossing to Kefalonia normally takes 17 hours 15 minutes.

Ferry from Bari to Igoumenitsa (Greece)

The ferry route from Bari to the port of Igoumenitsa in Western Greece is active throughout the year and it's one of the fastest ways to get from Italy to mainland Greece by ferry. 

The Bari - Igoumenitsa ferry line runs at least once every day and the duration of the boat trip ranges from around 9 to 12 hours.

Ferry from Bari to Patras (Greece)

The ferry from Bari to Patras in northwest Peloponnese, operates with up to 7 weekly crossings all year round. The duration of the Bari - Patras ferry route ranges from 16.5 to 17.5 hours.

Good to know: on our Ferryhopper pages, you can find useful information about reaching Greece from Italy by ferry and transferring your vehicle or caravan by ferry to Greece. 

Ferry from Bari to Dubrovnik (Croatia)

The ferry route from Bari to the port of Dubrovnik in southern Croatia is active from May to October with 1 weekly ferry crossing (usually on Tuesdays). The duration of the trip ranges from 7 to 10 hours.

Ferry from Bari to Split (Croatia)

The Bari - Split ferry is also available from May to October. There is usually 1 weekly crossing (on Wednesdays) to Split, with a duration of around 10 hours.

Tip: you can find more information on the ferries from Italy to Croatia on our dedicated blog.

One of the piers of Bari port

Where is the ferry port in Bari?

The port of Bari is located on the southeast coast of Italy. It is part of Bari's old town and almost a “city within a city”, crossing the Marconi, San Girolamo, Fesca, and Libertà districts.

How to get to Bari port?

You can easily reach the port of Bari by car or public transport. 

From the Bari train station you can take bus 20 to reach the ferry terminal. From Bari airport, you can take bus 16 to Piazza Aldo Moro and continue with bus line 20.

If you decide to get to Bari port in Italy on foot, you will have to walk northwards for approximately 2.5 km starting from the railway station.

Relaxing day by the sea at the promenade of Bari

Vacation in Bari

Bari is deeply linked to its sea and is a city that captures all travelers with its charm.

If you want to have a great vacation in Bari and discover its true spirit, you should get lost in the labyrinth of colorful alleys of Bari Vecchia. The historic old town is full of important cultural landmarks, but it is also a trendy place for young people during the evening. Additionally, if you are a food lover, you will surely fall in love with the local street food and the typical Apulian restaurants.

Bari is always enjoyable, but spring is the ideal season to visit. If you decide to travel to Bari after mid-May, you could even go on your first swim of the year!

How to get to Bari

You can easily drive to Bari from central and southern Italy as well as reach the city by train and bus. If you don't have your own vehicle, then the fastest and easiest way to get to Bari is by train from Naples in around 3.5 hours or from Rome in almost 4 hours.

As for ferry routes, you can take the ferry to Bari from Greece, Croatia and Albania.

In Bari, there is also an international airport that serves daily domestic flights, as well as flights from several destinations in the UK, Spain, Germany, and Belgium.

Curious if Bari is worth visiting? Read our Bari travel guide below and find out!

The old town of Bari Vecchia with its traditional buildings

What to do in Bari

If you are wondering what to do in Bari, you should know that this city is not just a stop-over or a departure port. It’s a beautiful place full of basilicas, castles and historic buildings, as well as impressive cliffs and azure beaches. 

If you decide to spend a few days in Bari, you shouldn't miss a walk through Bari Vecchia (while eating a tasty focaccia), the nightlife of the Murat district and a relaxing walk on the seafront.

Also, a visit to the beautiful seaside villages in the surrounding area, such as Alberobello, Polignano a Mare and Monopoli is definitely a must.

Beaches in Bari

Close to Bari city center you will find nice beaches for swimming and sunbathing. But if you want to reach the best beaches in Bari, you need to leave the city center. It’s definitely worth the journey!

Here is a list of the beaches we recommend you not to miss:

• Pane e Pomodoro: this is a quiet, well-organized beach very close to the port. It’s an ideal option for those who don't want to get far from the city center. Keep in mind that the beach might be quite crowded on weekends. 
• Lido San Francesco: this beach is easily accessible thanks to a shuttle bus service that departs from the central station in Bari. Here you can find some facilities such as sunbeds, umbrellas and a pizzeria. 
• Lama Monachile: located at the gates of the seaside village of Polignano a Mare, this beautiful beach is a 30-minute drive from Bari. It is a unique cove, with rocky inlets, turquoise waters and white houses overlooking the coast. There are no facilities on the beach, but you will find everything you need nearby.
• Cala San Giovanni: located 3 km from the center of Polignano a Mare, it is one of the most famous beaches in the Puglia region. This cove has fine white sand and is protected by side cliffs. It is perfect to practice water sports such as snorkeling and explore the nearby caves.
• Cala Copacabana: this beautiful and long sandy beach is made up of 3 coves and it is located close to the town of Monopoli (30 km from Bari). It has crystal clear waters and it is also a popular beach party spot. 
• Porto Ghiacciolo: located 40 km away from Bari, this golden-sand beach is surrounded by an amazing landscape. The sea is crystal clear thanks to the continuous cold currents. There are some visitor facilities and close to the beach stands the Abbey of Santo Stefano, which is absolutely worth a visit.

The famous beach of Lama Monachile, one of the most photographed in the world

Sightseeing and activities in Bari

Rich in history and culture, Bari is perfect for a few days of relaxation and cultural visits. Walking around the city’s old quarters is one of the best ways to explore its sites and admire its architecture.

Are you wondering what to see in Bari? We made a list of 10 must-see sights in the city:

1. Basilica di San Nicola (St. Nicholas Cathedral), one of the finest achievements of Romanesque architecture in the Puglia region
2. Cathedral of San Sabino
3. Castello Svevo, Bari's iconic fortress
4. Borgo Murattiano, the business and commercial center of Bari
5. The magnificent Teatro Petruzzelli, the 4th largest theater in Italy
6. Piazza Mercantile, square with many popular cafés and restaurants
7. The Pinacoteca Provinciale (Provincial Art Gallery), featuring a good collection of paintings by southern Italian and Tuscan artists mainly from the 19th century
8. Fortino di Sant'Antonio (Fort of St. Anthony), a very important meeting point for locals and a beautiful viewpoint over the city
9. Teatro Margherita, a 20th century theater that has become an art museum
10. Palazzo Simi, an old palace inside the historic center of Bari

If you are planning to stay in Bari a bit longer, we recommend going on a trip to nearby destinations to explore cultural sites and natural attractions like: 

• The Alta Murgia National Park, one of the finest parks in the Puglia region
• Castellana Caves, considered the most important speleological complex in Italy and in Europe
• The ancient settlement of Egnazia, a must for ancient history lovers

The historic Cathedral of San Sabino

Nightlife in Bari

Bari is a cosmopolitan and university city with a lively atmosphere.

There are several areas where you can eat, drink, enjoy an aperitif or listen to some live music. The most popular bars and clubs are in the old town area, but for a quiet evening you can visit the Old Port and the Poggiofranco district.

Having an aperitif by the sea is one of the favorite pastimes of locals, who love spending their evenings on the city seafront before sunset. Don't miss La Ciclatera sotto il mare, a bar with a stunning panoramic view!

There are also many events held in Bari year-round. Some of the most popular festivals include Bari in jazz, L'Acqua in Testa (international music festival taking place in September) and the Feast of San Nicola. 

Food in Bari

If you're wondering what Bari in Italy is known for, its cuisine is certainly one of the answers! The area of Puglia is famous for its delicious flavors and traditional Mediterranean recipes, based on olive oil, fresh vegetables, garlic or fish.

When in Bari you should definitely try: 

• braciole alla barese (beef rolls)
• orecchiette con le cime di rapa (traditional home-made pasta with broccoli rabe)
• tiella di patate, riso e cozze (layered dish consisting of rice, potatoes and mussels)
• calzone alla barese (savory pie filled with onions, cheese and olives)
• focaccia
• burrata cheese
• caciocavallo cheese
• fave e cicoria (fava bean puree with chicory)
• sgagliozze (fried polenta slices)
• maritozzi (large braid-shaped brioches covered with sugar)

Day trips from Bari

Your trip to Bari should definitely include a visit to some towns and villages that you can easily reach by car, train or bus. 

Here are 5 places we recommend for a beautiful day trip near Bari: 

1. Alberobello: the “city of the trulli” is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The best time to stroll around the picturesque streets of Alberobello is early in the morning or during sunset. The Christmas season here is one of the most magnificent in terms of events and atmosphere.
2. Altamura: this town is known for its archaeological and naturalistic sites, and the inhabited center full of noble buildings and unique churches. Altamura is also famous for its bread, one of the most famous DOP products of Europe.
3. Giovinazzo: this is one of the most beautiful seaside villages in the Puglia region, and it’s strongly linked to ancient popular traditions. The old town is full of attractions, such as the beautiful Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta.
4. Molfetta: this ancient seaside village is known as "the city where art meets the sea". Its old town is built on the characteristic island of Sant'Andrea, where you can admire the Cathedral of San Corrado.
5. Putignano: this village is located in the Bari hinterland and it has a unique natural heritage with fascinating and mysterious caves. Putignano is also famous all over the world for its beautiful Carnival which attracts thousands of visitors every year.

A beautiful alley in Alberobello with its characteristic trulli

Tips

Here are some more useful tips to help make your holidays in Bari even more enjoyable:

• Bari is a perfect city to be explored on foot! The historic center is a restricted traffic area and cars cannot enter without permission.
• If you decide to travel to Bari in Italy during August, you should know that it’s probably going to be crowded. Conversely, June, July and September are quieter months.
• Shops in Bari open no later than 10:00 and close around 20:00.
• To get to know the traditions of Bari even more closely you should try some local activities. Among our favorites? The preparation of homemade pasta, of course!

Useful information about Bari

Bari is a city that offers many services to its visitors throughout the year. If you want to breathe the soul of Bari, we recommend looking for accommodation near the port and the old town, even if the options around here are less affordable.

For an authentic experience, however, we recommend the Bari Vecchia neighborhood. The Murat district is convenient for getting around and enjoying its nightclubs, while the residential district of Carrassi is a fairly affordable alternative.

As for hospitals, there are several options in the center of Bari and its suburbs. During the summer season visitors can also count on a tourist medical service at the San Giacomo hospital unit (in Monopoli) from Monday to Friday.

Important phone numbers for your stay in Bari

Here are some useful contacts for your trip to Bari:

• Bari Port Authority: +390805788511
• Local Police: +390809674429 
• Bari Polyclinic Hospital: +390805591111
• Bari airport information: +390805800200
• Tourist information office: +390805242244
• Radio taxi services: +390805343333
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Bari

Public transport is one of the most convenient ways to travel around the city, even if Bari can be easily explored on foot or by bicycle.

Keep in mind that bus tickets must be purchased in advance and you can buy them in any kiosk or Tabacchi store.

To reach more distant areas, you can also use local buses. The service is quite affordable.

To get a taxi, you will need to book in advance or find the closest taxi station. Note that taxi rates are usually slightly increased in the evening and on weekends. 

A small street in the center of Bari with traditional shops

Book ferry tickets online to Bari

On Ferryhopper, you can book tickets from Bari to Greece, Albania and Croatia. Find all the information you need about ferry schedules from the port of Bari in Italy, check all the available ferry crossings, compare operators, and book ferry tickets online easily and quickly!