Car Rental in Bari

Why rent a car in Bari?

Located on the coast of the Adriatic Sea, Bari is one of the most interesting destinations in northern Italy. Most visitors are naturally drawn to the spectacular beaches of the region, but Bari is also a worthy destination when it comes to culture and history, and can serve as a hub from which to explore the rest of Apulia.

Top ways to enter Bari

• Bari Airport: Mostly active during summers, Bari Airport serves flights to and from destinations all across Europe, as well as in Turkey and Egypt.
• Brindisi Airport: Just 115 km (71 mi) down the coast, Brindisi Airport is served by more than 10 airlines.
• By sea: If you’re arriving by boat from another destination in Italy, or from Montenegro, Albania, or Croatia, you can conveniently pick up a rental car at Bari Airport.

City facts

• Bari is the capital of Apulia, a region inhabited by about 4,000,000 people.
• The city is made up of 9 quarters.
• Bari has a warm Mediterranean climate. Even in winter, the air temperature rarely drops below 10 °C ( 50 °F). The summers are dry and hot, with temperatures often exceeding 30 °C (85 °F), so staying properly hydrated is important.

Top sights and activities

• The Basilica of Saint Nicolas. Dating back to the late 12th century, the Romanesque basilica is one of the oldest and most impressive churches in Bari. In addition to a distinctive-looking facade, the basilica is known for its opulent interior and many religious paintings. The church continues to fulfill its original function to this day and is an important pilgrimage destination.
• Castello Svevo. Also known as Houhenstaufen Castle, this impressive fortification dates back to when the medieval Normans ruled the city. Built in 1132, it was later also owned by the royal families of the Crown of Aragon, House of Anjou-Sicily, and Kingdom of Naples. Nowadays, the distinct rectangle castle frequently holds exhibitions and cultural events.
• Beaches. Bari is home to a number of public beaches, but the really nice spots can be found by traveling outside the city limits and up or down the coast. There are more lovely coastal towns and villages in the region than it would be possible to mention, but spots like Polignano a Mare (known for its spectacular clifftop location about a 40-minute drive to the south) and Molfetta (located on the scenic Gouvia Gul about 35 minutes to the north) are good places to start.
• Taste the local delicacies. Apulia is known for its olive oil, producing 40% of all of Italy’s olive oil. Sampling some varieties is one of the top things to do in Bari, and you can even visit an olive farm where you can see how this liquid gold is produced. Apulia also boasts delicious wine varieties, which you can sample at various vineyards in the area, such as Terre di San Vito.
• Teatro Margherita. A former theater and cinema, this is one of the most recognizable, and most beautiful, buildings in Bari. Located at the central 4th of November Square, Teatro Margherita continues to play an important role in the city’s cultural life, having now been turned into a contemporary art museum.
• Find more things to see and do in the city in this Bari guide.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. 
• Main highways are limited to 130 km/h, non-major highways to 110 km/h, and local roads to 90 km/h. During the rain the limits are respectively lowered to 110 km/h, 100 km/h, and 80 km/h. The general speed limit is lowered to 50 km/h during heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Being over the allowed limit can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment. 
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are numerous toll roads in Italy. The exact fee depends on the route of your choice and the type of a vehicle. See the official Italian toll road website for more information. Use the website’s toll road calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route. 

Ideas for day trips

• Matera. Capital of the neighboring Basilicata Province, Matera’s claim to fame are its numerous ancient cave dwellings known as Sassi. Allegedly inhabited for 9,000 years and therefore vastly preceding even the Roman Empire, the Sassi has been acknowledged as a World Heritage Site. The drive from Bari to Matera takes about one hour.
• Alberobello. Another unique destination with World Heritage status, Alberobello is known for Trulli, the distinct dry stone buildings with conical roofs. The unique structures date back to the 15th and 16th centuries and can only be found in this part of southern Italy. The drive from Bari to Alberobello takes 55 minutes.
• Alta Murgia National Park. Located in the interior part of Apulia, Alta Murgia is one of the most notable protected areas in this part of the country. Made up of grassy steppe, hills, woodlands, and a number of hiking trails, the park is a great place to relax and spend a long day outdoors. There are also landmarks like the Herbarium Museum, the Swabian Castle of Gravina, and a number of caves. The drive from Bari takes about an hour.
• Gargano National Park. Taking up a portion of a peninsula of the same name, Gargano National Park is one of the most important nature preserves in Apulia. Known for its stunning coastal cliffs, it incorporates not just a mainland portion, but also the nearby Tremiti Islands. The park is known for its diversity of flora and fauna, as well as highly advanced ecological preservation programs. The drive from Bari takes about an hour and 20 minutes.
• Taranto. Inhabited for millennia, Taranto is known for its Hellenic roots, a heritage that can be appreciated in its excellent Archaeological Museum. Many other Hellenic and Roman, as well as relatively more recent historical landmarks, can be found all across this proud port city which is also just a short drive from many of Apulia’s nicest beaches. The drive from Bari to Taranto takes just over an hour.
• Brindisi. Located even further south than Bari (a drive along the coast that takes about 90 minutes), Brindisi is another very popular holiday destination. Known for its varied past dating back to antiquity and large, beautiful seafront, it also provides access to some of the most famous beaches of Southeastern Italy. Despite its relatively remote location, Brindisi is actually well-connected in terms of transportation, featuring both an international airport and a ferry port that provides connections with Montenegro, Albania, and Greece across the Adriatic.

Most popular cars

Travelers most often pick the Fiat Panda, the Ford Fiesta, and the Fiat 500, while the most popular rental car types are economy, mini, and compact. 

Further destinations

• Lecce. The second-largest city of Apulia, Lecce is also one of the region’s most interesting destinations. Sometimes called the Florence of the South, it is known for its many elegant buildings, as well as its Roman heritage of which the well-preserved amphitheater is emblematic. The drive from Bari takes about an hour and 40 minutes.
• The Amalfi Coast. Just an hour south of Naples, you’ll find the famous Amalfi Coast, with its windy roads, colorful cliffside villages, and nice beaches. Relax on the beach or hike on nearby hiking trails or through the hilly towns of places like Sorrento, Positano, and Ravello. The drive from Bari is about three and a half hours.
• Naples. Known for its grand city center, proximity to sites like Pompeii and Herculaneum, and, naturally, pizza, Naples is one of the most fascinating cities in all of Europe. A loud and sometimes hectic destination, Naples can overwhelm your senses, but it is definitely a place like no other. The drive from Bari takes about three and a half hours.
• Sicily. The largest island of Italy (and in the whole Mediterranean), Sicily is known for its distinct culture, famous cities like Palermo and Catania, hospitality, Mount Etna, and endless subtropical beaches. The drive from Bari to Messina, the gateway to the rest of the island and a worthy destination in its own right, takes about 5 hours and 30 minutes, but the long drive is worth it. Most car rental suppliers permit taking their cars on a ferry from the Italian mainland to Sicily, but you should nonetheless ask in advance.

Car rental prices in Bari

• Small cars - from $14 per day
• Medium cars - from $17 per day
• SUVs - from $18 per day
• Large cars - from $23 per day
• Station wagons - from $31 per day
• Vans - from $41 per day
• Premium cars - from $139 per day
• Convertibles - from $90 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Below, you'll find reviews about traveling in Bari from customers who booked their rental car through us. Here's a summary of some of the most frequent tips they mentioned:

1. Regional Accessibility:

1. • Count: Puglia mentioned 16 times.

   • Tip: A rental car enhances your ability to access various parts of the Puglia region, allowing you to experience its unique landscapes and cultural sites.

   • Example: Example: "We traveled through the Italian regions of Basilicata and Puglia, and having a car was essential."

2. Exploring the Region:

   • Count: Puglia mentioned 16 times.

   • Tip: Renting a car is essential for thoroughly exploring the diverse regions around Bari, including Puglia.

   • Example: "A Car is really needed to explore Puglia."

3. Enjoying Local Culture and Food:

   • Count: Food mentioned 4 times, culture 1 time.

   • Tip: Use your rental to visit towns known for their rich culture and delicious food.

   • Example: "Great towns, good food, people were amazing."

4. Appreciating Natural Beauty:

   • Count: Beautiful mentioned 6 times.

   • Tip: The scenic drives along the coast offer stunning views and are a highlight of the region.

   • Example: "Nice towns culture and beautiful seaside."

and issues to watch out for:

1. Parking Difficulties:

   • "Everything was great, except parking."

   • "Everything was great with the exception of some difficulties with getting the place to park."

2. Driving Conditions:

   • "It’s a challenge to drive around Bari with speed limits being just a suggestion and roads having a lot of holes."

   • "Drivers frequently tailgate you and never indicate their intentions, pulling out sharply and forcing you to break suddenly to avoid an accident."

3. Language Barrier:

   • "If you do not speak the language, please try to find out the rules before, as you might run into the situation that you can ask no-one for help."

4. Vehicle Size:

   • "Do not rent a large car! Parking spaces are tight and roads can be very narrow."

There are ways to get a great rental car deal in Bari. Here’s how you start:

• Compare different car rental suppliers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit on the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Bari is the cheapest in February when renting a car is about 51% cheaper than the yearly average.