Located in the Puglia region of Italy, Bari is not only an important port city in southern Italy, but also a transit point for many tourists to Matera, Alberobello and the Adriatic coast.
Although Bari’s transportation system is more compact than that of large cities such as Milan and Rome, it is still easy to get lost if you don’t master the local public transportation system when you first arrive.
Ⅰ. A full picture of Bari’s public transportation network
Bari’s urban transportation is led by the municipal company AMTAB (Azienda Mobilità e Trasporti Bari), which is responsible for most of the city’s bus routes. In addition, Bari also has suburban railway lines served by regional railway operators such as Ferrovie Appulo Lucane (FAL) and Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE). Bari Centrale Railway Station is the most important transportation hub in the city and the main starting point for urban railway and road travel.
In terms of urban layout, Bari presents a clear “old city + new city” structure. The old town (Bari Vecchia) is centered on the Basilica of St. Nicholas, and is a dense area of maze-like alleys and medieval buildings; the new town is centered on the station, with a regular structure and straight streets, suitable for walking and public transportation. Mastering the logic of this area can greatly improve travel efficiency.
Ⅱ. Detailed explanation of the bus system: routes, ticket purchase, and ride methods
1. Route composition and main directions
AMTAB operates more than 50 routes, numbered from 1 to 729, divided into urban lines, suburban lines and special lines. Most routes operate from 5:00 to 22:00 every day, and some night routes operate during holidays or peak tourist seasons.
Important bus routes include:
Route 1: connects Bari Central Station and the airport, running through the new town;
Routes 2/3/6: cover the north-south direction of the city, passing through many universities and commercial centers;
Routes 20/22/53: extend to surrounding suburbs, such as Torre a Mare and Poggiofranco;
Route 50: circulates between Bari Vecchia and the harbour, and is a common route for tourists.
The intervals between stations on each route vary, mostly between 300 and 700 meters. Major stations such as Piazza Moro, Via Sparano, Corso Cavour, etc. are equipped with bus shelters and real-time electronic information boards to facilitate travelers to grasp the schedule information.
2. Ticket types and purchase methods
There are a variety of ticket types to suit different travel needs:
Single ticket (Biglietto Ordinario): valid for 90 minutes, can be transferred to multiple buses;
Day ticket (Biglietto Giornaliero): suitable for intensive travel;
Weekly ticket (Biglietto Settimanale)/Monthly ticket (Abbonamento Mensile): suitable for long-term stay;
Airport express ticket: slightly higher fare, only used for urban to and from the airport line.
Ticket purchase methods are as follows:
Automatic ticket vending machine: there are stations, airports and large shopping malls;
Tobacco shop (Tabacchi)/newsstand: you can buy tickets at any store displaying the AMTAB logo;
APP ticket purchase: AMTAB mobile application and third-party travel software support electronic ticket purchase;
On-board ticket purchase: some routes can be purchased from the driver on the bus, but you need to bring change and the fare is slightly higher.
Those using paper tickets need to punch holes in the ticket machine on the bus after getting on the bus, otherwise it will be regarded as riding without a ticket. The electronic ticket needs to be activated in the APP and the QR code needs to be displayed.
III. Subway system and suburban railway: a faster way to travel through the city
Although it is called “subway”, Bari Metro is actually closer to a light rail system. It consists of two lines, FM1 and FM2, operated by Ferrotramviaria, and mainly connects the city to the airport and the suburbs.
1. FM1 Line (Bari Centrale – Bitonto)
Connecting the city center to the northern suburb of Bitonto, passing through the university area and industrial park, it is the main choice for students and commuters. The frequency is frequent, about every 20 minutes, and the operating hours are about 6:00 to 22:30.
2. FM2 Line (Bari Centrale – Aeroporto)
This line is the “airport subway” connecting the city center and Bari Airport. The whole journey takes about 17 minutes and is equipped with modern air-conditioned trains and luggage storage areas. Compared with buses, subways are faster and not affected by traffic jams, which is suitable for those who are in a hurry.
3. Ticket purchase and usage precautions
Metro tickets are different from AMTAB tickets and need to be purchased separately. Metro stations are equipped with automatic ticket machines that support cash and bank card payments. The ticket gate is located before entering the station. Please be sure to keep the ticket properly. You also need to swipe the ticket or scan the QR code when leaving the station.
IV. Long-distance and suburban buses: the key to going deep into the heart of Puglia
Bari is a transportation hub leading to famous southern Italian cities such as Alberobello, Matera, Lecce, and Taranto. Many long-distance bus companies set up stations at Bari Railway Station Square (Piazza Aldo Moro) or Via Capruzzi, providing inter-city and inter-provincial services respectively.
1. Overview of intercity bus companies
Operators include:
Marozzi: provides high-speed services to and from Rome and Naples;
Sita Sud: operates routes from Bari to tourist cities such as Alberobello and Ostuni;
Miccolis: covers Matera, Polignano Costa and the airport;
FlixBus: focuses on long-distance, fast and low-cost services, covering the whole of Italy.
2. Tips for using suburban buses
Suburban buses to small towns have limited service times. It is recommended to check the timetable in advance and wait at least 15 minutes in advance. Most vehicles do not have in-station broadcasts. You need to confirm the destination with the driver in advance or ask if you need to ring the bell to remind him to stop.
V. Train system: the artery connecting Bari and southern Italy
1. Overview of Bari Centrale Station
Bari Centrale Station is the core of the city’s railway transportation. It is divided into the national railway (Trenitalia) area and the local railway (FSE, FAL) area. Passengers need to pay attention to the platform instructions to avoid going to the wrong station hall.
The station has:
InterCity, Frecciargento to Rome and Bologna;
Regional trains (Regionale) to Taranto, Lecce and Fergio;
Local trains (FSE/FAL) to Matera and the Lucanian Mountains.
2. Ticket purchase and ticket inspection notes
Train tickets can be purchased at the window, ticket vending machine and APP. All paper tickets must be “timed” (timbratura) at the ticket machine on the platform. Failure to do so will result in invalid boarding. Electronic tickets must be presented with a QR code through a mobile phone APP.
VI. Taxis and shared transportation services: flexible and fast options
1. Basic information about taxis
Bari taxis are mainly concentrated in front of stations, airports, ports and large hotels. They are white, have uniform logos and clearly marked prices. The starting price is between 5-6 euros, and it rises at night or on holidays. The airport to the city center is about 20-25 euros. It is recommended to inquire in advance or ask for an invoice.
You can call a taxi or use the local Italian travel app to make an appointment, and credit card payment is supported.
2. Shared travel services
Bari has introduced a number of shared travel brands in recent years, providing electric scooters, electric bicycles and short-distance electric vehicle rental services. After registration, you can be charged by the minute, which is suitable for short-distance visits to the depths of the alleys, temporary transportation, etc.
VII. Travel suggestions and pitfall avoidance guide: master the rhythm and do not lose your direction
1. Avoid peak hours
7:30-9:30 and 17:00-19:00 on weekdays are the rush hours for commuting. Buses and subways are often overcrowded. It is recommended to travel early or off-peak. More time is also required during the peak tourist season (June to September).
2. Use local maps and navigation applications
In the absence of real-time Chinese navigation, you can use the local bus APP to query the station, train number, and arrival time. It is also recommended to use a map APP that supports offline functions, especially in the maze-like alleys in the old city.
3. Pay attention to strikes and temporary route changes
The Italian public transportation system occasionally has strikes or temporary route adjustments. It is recommended to pay attention to official notices or consult the hotel 1-2 days in advance.
4. Check your identity and tickets
Ticket checks are not uncommon in Bari, especially on train and airport routes. Be sure to keep your tickets or electronic vouchers to avoid high fines.
Although Bari is not one of the most modern cities in Italy, its transportation system is sufficient to support travelers to efficiently explore the city and surrounding areas. From buses, subways, taxis to long-distance trains, there are many ways to travel, but the logic is clear. As long as you know them in advance, your journey will be smooth. For travelers, it can not only avoid being confused and stopping at crossroads, but also save a lot of taxi fees and time costs.
Familiar with the route, master the ticket operation, avoid traps and misunderstandings, you can be as comfortable as a local in this port city, and truly feel the freedom and charm of the “Bali-style life rhythm”.
