Car rental in Bari

Exploring Puglia with its beaches, traditional trulli houses, and olive groves is best done by car. Renting a car in Bari frees you from relying on infrequent bus schedules. With your own vehicle, you can easily reach the famous Alberobello, secluded coves, or cheese dairies producing buffalo mozzarella.

In a single day, you can swim in the Adriatic Sea, explore a charming village, and dine at a restaurant in the white city of Ostuni. A car allows access to less touristy yet equally enchanting towns like Locorotondo and Cisternino, which are nearly impossible to reach by public transport or taxi.

Where to Rent a Car in Bari

Imagine arriving for your holiday in Bari with your car already waiting—no extra charges or office queues. Online booking through Localrent is particularly convenient during high season when on-site selection is limited and prices are inflated. Why travelers choose Localrent:

1. Full insurance often included in the base price
2. Convenient filters—immediately exclude manual transmission vehicles (very common here) and select from automatic transmission options
3. Most vehicles offer unlimited mileage, so you can explore Italy without worrying about kilometers
4. Most fleet vehicles are under 5 years old
5. Choose convenient payment methods and deposit options

Book your car online in advance and start your holiday with a pleasant drive instead of queuing at rental offices.

Requirements and Documents: What You Need to Rent a Car in Bari

A basic set of documents is required to complete the rental agreement. Have these ready when collecting your vehicle:

• Valid driver's license
• Passport
• Booking confirmation sent to your email

Age and driving experience requirements vary by specific vehicle—check individual car descriptions. Most Bari rental companies rent to drivers aged 21+ with at least 2 years of driving experience. Use the platform filters to enter your age and driving experience to immediately see available options.

Driving in Bari: What to Expect

Local drivers operate with energy and southern temperament. Turn signals are rarely used, but gestures and headlight flashing are common. Hazard lights are sometimes used as a thank-you signal, for instance, if you let someone merge.

The narrow streets of the old town require concentration and constant mirror checks. Major challenges occur during peak hours—8:00 am to 10:00 am and 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm—when city center traffic becomes heavy. Once on the highway, you'll appreciate the road quality and views of olive groves.

Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on rural roads, up to 130 km/h on highways. City traffic often moves faster than posted limits. Don't be surprised if you're overtaken on country roads even where it seems unsafe—don't imitate locals who know every turn. Let overtaking vehicles pass and maintain legal speed limits.

The main toll road in the region is Bari-Taranto, while most other roads are free. You can pay tolls at payment points directly on the road.

Parking in Bari

Bari parking follows Italy's standard color-coded marking and signage system.

Parking Types and Markings:

• White markings indicate free parking. However, these spots are rare in central Bari and often have time limits of 1–2 hours. A parking disc is required to display your arrival time under the windshield. Discs are sold at tobacco shops or gas stations and are often already in the glove box of rental cars.
• Blue markings designate paid zones. Payment is made through parking meters or mobile apps like EasyPark or ClickPass. Parking duration is limited by signage, typically 3–4 hours. Place the receipt showing your expiration time under the windshield. Most blue zones become free after 8:00 pm and on Sundays.
• Yellow markings mean parking is prohibited.

Bari's historic center, including the Bari Vecchia district, is a ZTL zone—Zona a Traffico Limitato. Entry is restricted to local residents with permits and authorized vehicles from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm. Violations are recorded by cameras.

Always check signs below parking markers. For example, crossed hammers indicate restrictions apply only on working days.

Gas Stations in Bari

Most gas stations in Bari operate on a self-service basis. Payment is made through card terminals at the pump or at the cashier. Some stations, especially along highways, have attendants who fill your tank for you.

When paying cash at the cashier, you pay first, then fuel. Change is returned after completion. When paying by card at pump terminals, an amount is pre-authorized (typically €100–150), and the actual fuel cost is charged after filling.

Gas stations are generally 24-hour, though smaller stations often close from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am.

Renting in Bari: How to Book Your Vehicle

Start by entering your planned travel dates. In the "Specify location" field, you can immediately select your preferred pickup location: airport, delivery to a specific city location, or rental office. This helps filter suitable options.

How to Book:

1. Apply filters. Specify required technical features, payment methods, insurance type, and other details.
2. Review offers. Check what insurance is included in the price and available additional options.
3. Add child seats, enhanced insurance, or additional drivers to your order.
4. Complete your booking. Enter exact pickup/return times and locations, driver details, and contact information.
5. Pay the advance online by bank card.

After payment, you'll receive a voucher by email—present this when collecting your car.

Where to Go: Must-See Destinations Near Bari

Puglia is a region rich in history and diverse landscapes. Near Bari, you'll find ancient towns, coastal fortresses, and architectural monuments. Here are 5 places worth visiting by car:

1. Alberobello is famous for its trulli—white houses with conical roofs, listed as a UNESCO site. The historic center consists of two districts—Monti and Aia Piccola—where approximately 1,500 of these structures stand. Visit the trullo church of Sant'Antonio and the Belvedere viewpoint. A compact car is ideal for this trip—roads are smooth without mountain curves.
2. Polignano a Mare is known for its cliffs and crystal-clear water. The central beach area is surrounded by cliffs, near the famous Grotta Palazzese restaurant carved into the rock. Stroll through the old town's narrow streets and visit the Lungomare di Polignano a Mare viewpoint. En route, stop in the coastal town of Mola di Bari to see the 15th-century castle.
3. Matera is renowned for its sassi—ancient cave dwellings considered among the world's oldest settlements. Visit rock churches with 9th-century frescoes and the modern MUSMA museum. On the way, stop in Altamura to see the Romanesque cathedral and try local Pane di Altamura bread.
4. Ostuni is called the white city due to its whitewashed houses in the historic center. The main attraction is the 15th-century cathedral in Apulian-Romanesque style. Climb to the viewpoint at the old town walls for panoramic views over olive groves. Along the way, stop at a local masseria farm to purchase olive oil. The drive from Bari takes about an hour, but the road is hilly—a car with at least a 1.4-liter engine is recommended.
5. Locorotondo—a small town in the Itria Valley known for its circular layout and characteristic white houses with peaked roofs. Walk through the historic center with its ring-shaped streets and visit the San Giorgio church. Locorotondo is also famous for Martina Franca wine, available at local shops. Consider a detour to nearby Cisternino to see trulli and a medieval tower.

For nature lovers, visit Castellana—a cave system with stalactites 40 km from Bari. For culture, stop in Monopoli—a coastal town with a 16th-century castle and fish market.

Collecting Your Booked Car in Bari

When booking through Localrent, you choose your convenient pickup location. Various options are available—rental company offices in the city, Bari BRI airport, or delivery to your hotel.

Not every vehicle is available at all locations. To quickly find suitable options, use the "Specify location" filter—you'll see only vehicles with your preferred pickup method.

When meeting the rental representative, inspect the vehicle and document all defects in the report before signing the contract. Pay the balance and deposit.

Tips for First-Time Renters in Bari

Historic city centers with narrow streets, rural roads through olive groves, and coastal routes require driver attentiveness and adaptation to local driving style. These recommendations will help you feel confident behind the wheel and avoid common mistakes.

Choose a Compact Vehicle

Bari's streets and neighboring towns often resemble a maze: narrow passages, limited visibility on turns, and minimal maneuvering space. Small models like the Fiat Panda or Volkswagen Up are ideal for these conditions. They're easy to park in tight spaces and fuel-efficient in urban driving.

Be Prepared for Local Driving Style

Local drivers frequently use signals for communication: a quick headlight flash may indicate a speed check warning or a request to yield. Don't interpret signals or active lane changes as aggression—it's part of the local road language.

Navigate by Road Signs

Mobile internet may drop in mountain areas. Download offline maps in advance. Tourist navigation in Puglia is well-developed: brown signs lead to attractions, while blue signs point to beaches and resorts.

Plan Around Siesta and Weekends

Key timing considerations:

• Siesta hours: 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm—many small towns go quiet with shops and cafes closed and minimal road traffic. Plan shopping or restaurant visits outside these hours.
• Sundays—activity is even lower, with only major chain stores and tourist area establishments open. This time is ideal for long drives as highways are clear.

For Long Trips, Choose Vehicles with 1.4-Liter Engines or Larger

Routes to castles or through hilly terrain require power reserves, especially with air conditioning running. A 1.4-liter engine or larger ensures comfortable climbing and passing without strain. Smaller engines may overheat on inclines.

Enjoy Off-Peak Travel

Early morning before 8:00 am is optimal for visiting popular sites like Polignano a Mare or Castellana Grotte caves without tourist crowds. The same applies to evening hours: after 6:00 pm, traffic decreases, and sunsets over the Adriatic provide a beautiful backdrop for coastal drives.

FAQ: Car Rental in Bari