Why rent a car in Bari?
Bari is the gateway to the Apulia region, known for its historic old town, Adriatic coastline, and nearby villages. With a rental car, you can easily visit destinations such as Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, and the scenic southern Italian countryside.
Renting a car gives you the flexibility to explore the region beyond the city and travel comfortably between coastal towns and cultural landmarks. You can also explore car rental in Naples or discover options across Italy.
Exploring Bari and Puglia by car
Routes and highlights from Bari
Bari is the main gateway to Puglia and the starting point for one of the most rewarding road trip regions in southern Italy. The trulli of Alberobello, the distinctive conical-roofed stone houses with UNESCO World Heritage status, are just 55 km south of Bari via the SS100 and SS172. Continuing south through the Valle d’Itria, the whitewashed hilltop towns of Locorotondo, Cisternino and Ostuni are all within 80 km of the city. Matera, the ancient cave city in neighbouring Basilicata and a European Capital of Culture, is about 65 km southwest on the SS96. North of Bari, the Gargano peninsula with its dramatic sea cliffs and the resort town of Vieste is about 160 km via the A14 motorway and the SS89 coastal road. Lecce, the baroque capital of the Salento, is 150 km south on the A14. For more destinations, see car rental in Italy.
Driving and parking in Bari
Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport (IATA: BRI) is located about 8 km northwest of the city centre and has car rental desks in the arrivals hall with vehicles collected in the adjacent rental area. In the city itself, the old town on the promontory and the area around the Basilica di San Nicola have restricted traffic zones. Parking is most practical in the paid car parks near the central station or along the lungomare. On Puglia’s main state roads the driving conditions are straightforward and roads are generally in good condition. Narrower roads in the Valle d’Itria between the trulli towns can be tight in places but are perfectly manageable with a standard car.
Best time to rent a car in Bari
April to June and September to October are ideal for driving in Puglia. Spring brings wildflowers across the Itria valley and comfortable temperatures for long days on the road. The trulli villages and the Salento coast see heavy visitor numbers in July and August, particularly on weekends, though the roads remain less congested than in more northerly Italian tourist regions. Winters in Bari are mild and dry compared to the rest of Italy, and the city and surrounding countryside can be very pleasant to visit between November and March when visitor numbers are low.
Car rental price in Bari
The table below shows the lowest all-inclusive weekly rate for renting a car in Bari, with full insurance and zero excess included. What you actually pay depends on the supplier, availability and how far ahead you book. Check the current price in the search above.
| Car type | From, 7 days |
|---|---|
| Small car (economy) | from €178 |
| Mid-size car | from €222 |
| Large car / SUV | from €277 |
Measured at 23 airports in September 2026, for a 7-day rental starting 10–17 October 2026. All-inclusive, zero excess, no credit card required. Prices vary by supplier, availability and how far ahead you book.
These prices typically include full insurance and zero excess when booking an all-inclusive rental. Prices can vary significantly between providers. If you want to avoid hidden costs, it’s worth taking a moment to compare car rental companies and rental conditions before booking. At MarSoleil, you can also find options without a credit card and no deposit.
