IATA Code: BRI
Address: Aeroporto di Bari “Karol Wojtyla”
Società Esercizio Aeroporti Puglia
70057 Bari – Palese
Italy
Distance from city: 8km
Terminal Plan: At http://www.aeroportidipuglia.it/default.asp?idlingua=2&idcontenuto=21&page=SEAP
Day Trip Possible: From Milan Bergamo
Overview: Bari represents another Italian base for Ryanair with Italy having ten, which is second only to the UK. Again, it’s followed a pretty standard formula: ex military base which has got busier over the years. Increased traffic has allowed the airport to refurbish itself in 2005-2006., making this one of the most modern airports. The airport is well placed too; with a close distance to the town. Several bigger airlines also operate here, the national carrier Alitalia as well as BA and Lufthansa also operate here.
How to get there: Bus is the best way; there are express and regular buses, both taking you to the train station. The cost varies quite a bit so use your own judgement accordingly. Journey times are relatively fast. The regular buses are much cheaper, stopping at several points along the way. The downside is that if you’re flying in on a late flight, you might miss the last bus. In this case the next option is to tak e the express, which connects with arriving flights and takes you straight to the train station.
If you’re travelling in the summer there is a free Pugliaribus service connecting various sites. However, with only three services a day and a limited amount of destinations, you’re really going to have to plan well ahead to take advantage of this. More info here: http://matera.fimmg.org/Viaggi/Pugliairbus_estivo_2008.pdf
Another option is the taxi, which should not be too pricy for the distance or hire car, both of which are available in the airport.
General tips: The airport is a nice medium-sized affair which is pretty modern and smart. It’s also quite spacious inside with sepearate arrivals and departure sections on seperate floors. Seating is sparse but the airport is well-lit and clean. There is a good range of shops, bars, banking and also a chapel should you require it. Good connection potential with a few domestic flights. The chances are you won’t arrive here excessively early but if you do, no bother; the airport is worth a wander-around and has been well designed.
Budget Travellers Guide: Good potential here owing to the easy of getting to the city but also a good gateway to places in Italy such as Milan, Alghero, Cagliari, Pisa, Trapani, Turin and Genoa, and you are sure to get a very cheap deal to at least one of these places if you are flying midweek. Certainly an airport I would hope that is developed a bit further. Being slight off the tourist radar, Bari is often slightly cheaper than other cities and definately worth a look.
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