Bari Karol Wojtyla International Airport (BRI) Guide: Your Complete Resource for Flights, Services & Traveler Tips

Discover all the essential information about Bari Karol Wojtyla International Airport (BRI) in this comprehensive airport guide, where you’ll also find practical tips and real traveler reviews to help you make the most of your journey. Here, you can access details on flights, departures, arrivals, parking, car rentals, nearby hotels, and a wide range of airport services. 


Bari Karol Wojtyla International Airport (IATA: BRI; ICAO: LIBD), also known locally as Palese Airport, is the main international gateway to Bari and the wider Puglia region in southeastern Italy. The airport serves as a focus city for Ryanair and Volotea and is conveniently located about 8 km (5 miles) northwest of Bari city center.


Our guide not only provides up-to-date information on airport facilities, lounges, WiFi, and transport options, but also features traveler reviews and insider tips on everything from the best places to relax to navigating the terminal efficiently. Whether you’re planning a quick layover or a longer stay, this guide will help you prepare for your trip and make informed decisions based on real experiences from other passengers.

Bari Airport’s name, Karol Wojtyla, was given after Pope John Paul II.

Bari International Airport handled 7,274,265 passengers in 2024. 

The Airport in Numbers

- The airport serves more than 60 destinations across Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and North America, including a direct New York route starting in June 2025.

- Bari Airport is located approximately 8 km (5 miles) northwest of Bari city center, offering easy access by road and public transport.


- The airport has a single, modern passenger terminal equipped with four jet bridges and a multistorey car park.


- Over 41,930 aircraft movements were recorded at Bari Airport in the past year, reflecting its growing operational capacity.


- Bari Airport was originally built in the 1930s as a military airfield and has since undergone several major expansions and renovations, especially since the 1990s.


- The airport is a strategic hub for low-cost carriers like Ryanair and Volotea, contributing significantly to its passenger growth in recent years.


- Bari Airport’s annual passenger numbers have steadily increased, with notable growth driven by expanded international routes and the popularity of Puglia as a tourist destination.

Reviews +info

On this website, you will find valuable tips and reviews about Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport, designed to help you navigate your travel experience smoothly. These reviews can help you understand what to expect in terms of service quality, cleanliness, and overall passenger experience.

-Our Review of Bari Airport

-Pros and Cons of BRI Airport

-Mini-Guide of the Airport (2’ Guide)

-Other reviews

-Some Stats

Transport +info

Getting to and from Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport is straightforward, with a variety of transport options to suit every traveler’s needs. The airport is located about 8–12 km northwest of Bari city center and is well connected by public transport, private transfers, and taxis.

Whether you’re looking for a quick and direct ride or a budget-friendly route, you’ll find several ways to reach your destination. Taxis and private transfers are available 24/7 just outside the arrivals hall, offering the fastest and most comfortable journey directly to your hotel or apartment. If you prefer public transport, Bari Airport is served by a modern train line (FM2/FR2) that links the terminal with Bari Centrale station in about 20 minutes.

A comprehensive bus network also connects the airport to the city and the wider region, with options ranging from the affordable urban bus (Line 16) to faster shuttle services like Tempesta Autoservizi and Terravision, which run frequently throughout the day. For those heading to other destinations in Puglia, regional buses and shuttle connections are available right outside the terminal.

No matter your schedule or budget, Bari Airport’s transport options make it easy to start or finish your journey with convenience and peace of mind

Contact

Address: 
Aeroporto di Bari "Karol Wojtyla"
Società Esercizio Aeroporti Puglia
70057 Bari - Palese 
ITALY


Phone:
+39 80 580 0200

Email:
info@aeroportidipuglia.it


Lost & Found:
Phone: +39 080 580 0229
Email: 
oggettismarriti@aeroportidipuglia.it

About Bari

Bari, the vibrant capital of Italy’s Puglia region, is a city that seamlessly blends history, culture, and seaside charm. Divided into four urban centers, Bari offers visitors a unique mix of old and new. The northern part of the city is home to Bari Vecchia, the enchanting old town, where labyrinthine streets are alive with tradition. Here, you’ll find some of Bari’s most iconic landmarks, including the Basilica di San Nicola—a stunning Romanesque church housing the relics of Saint Nicholas and a major pilgrimage site for Christians across Europe. Nearby, the Cathedral of San Sabino and the imposing Swabian Castle (Castello Normanno-Svevo) reveal the city’s medieval past, offering fascinating exhibitions and panoramic views over the city.

Wandering through Bari Vecchia, you’ll encounter local artisans making orecchiette pasta by hand in their doorways, bustling piazzas like Piazza del Ferrarese and Piazza Mercantile, and a vibrant atmosphere that captures the essence of southern Italy. The old port (Porto Vecchio) is a picturesque spot to watch fishermen at work and enjoy the fresh sea breeze, while the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade invites you to stroll along the Adriatic coastline, admiring whitewashed buildings and dramatic sea views.

South of the old town lies the Murat district, Bari’s commercial heart, known for its elegant 19th-century grid layout, designer boutiques, and lively cafés. Via Sparano is the city’s main shopping street, perfect for fashion lovers and those seeking a taste of Bari’s modern side. The Petruzzelli Theatre, one of Italy’s largest private theatres, adds a touch of grandeur and is a must-see for culture enthusiasts.

Bari also serves as a gateway to some of Puglia’s most breathtaking destinations. Just a short drive away, you’ll find the cliffside town of Polignano a Mare, famous for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic views, and Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its unique trulli houses. The region is dotted with pristine beaches, hidden coves like Cala Paura, and natural wonders such as the Alta Murgia National Park, ideal for hiking and nature lovers.


Foodies will delight in Bari’s culinary scene, which celebrates the bounty of the Adriatic and the region’s agricultural traditions. Don’t miss local specialties like focaccia barese, panzerotti, and fresh seafood, best enjoyed in the old town’s family-run trattorias or at the bustling Mercato del Pesce.


Whether you’re drawn by history, coastal beauty, or the flavors of southern Italy, Bari and its surroundings promise an authentic and unforgettable experience.