Car Rental Bari - Compare Prices on Road Genius

Compare 1,000s of Car Rentals

No Booking Fees

No booking fees. Free cancellation on most cars

Find Low Prices

Save by finding great deals and securing low price rentals

Finding a rental car in Bari is easier with Road Genius. Compare prices of vehicles from dozens of brands across Europe with no booking fees. Whether you need Bari Airport car rental, a city center pick-up or the port, we show live deals so you can choose the right car for your Puglia road trip. Filter for automatic cars, one-way rentals and unlimited kilometers, with free cancellation on most offers.

Map of campervan rental depots near 530794

Choosing the right pickup location in Bari can enhance your travel experience.

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Bari Airport (BRI)	Immediate mobility All major rental companies present Walkable distance to rental car parking lots Extended hours	Airport surcharge Possible wait times during peak season
Bari City/Train Station	No airport fees Convenient if staying in the city first Near main transport hub	Limited hours (often closed Sundays) Immediate city traffic navigation Smaller vehicle selection
Port Area	Convenient for ferry arrivals Some offices near port	Limited selection May require taxi to reach office

You'll find several types of rental companies in Bari:

International brands like Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, Sixt and Enterprise/Locauto.
Italian companies such as Sicily by Car, Maggiore and Noleggiare.
Budget options including Firefly, Goldcar and local agencies.

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Bari?

On average, car rentals in Bari cost around €96 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €29 per day.

Saving Tips

Compare pickup spots: Bari Airport adds about a 15% surcharge but has longer hours and more cars. City/train station can be cheaper, but hours are limited and many close Sundays. Factor in the taxi or train cost from BRI before deciding.
Book by season: For July–August or if you need an automatic, book early. In shoulder or low season in Puglia, grab a cancellable rate and monitor for drops. Rebook if the price falls.
Align pickup/return times: Keep your rental within 24-hour blocks. Shifting by a few hours can avoid paying an extra day. Mid-morning pickups often mean shorter queues at BRI.
Pick the right car: Compact manuals are cheaper and easier to park in historic towns. Automatics run 20–30% more. If you’re doing long drives across Puglia, a diesel can trim fuel costs.
Watch add-ons: Choose unlimited kilometers. Skip an extra driver if you don’t need one to avoid €5–10 per day. Drivers under 25 should compare suppliers, as surcharges vary.
Drive smart locally: Use the toll-free SS16 when time allows instead of the A14. Park outside Bari Vecchia’s ZTL and pay blue zones via EasyPark. Return the car full to avoid refueling charges.

Parking and Driving

Understanding Bari's car rules and driving restrictions will help avoid fines.

Blue lines: Pay-and-display spots. Hourly rates apply in central areas.
White lines: Free spots (limited and often residents-only)
Recommended areas: Quick Parking Bari Centrale near train station, parking lots near the port
Apps: EasyPark is widely supported and convenient
Bari has a ZTL in the historic center (Bari Vecchia)
Cameras monitor entry points and fines are issued automatically
If staying in the ZTL, ask your hotel about access arrangements
Speed limits: 50 km/h (31 mph) in urban areas, 90-110 km/h (56-68 mph) on non-highway roads, 130 km/h (81 mph) on autostrade
Roundabouts are common: yield to vehicles already in the circle
Headlights required outside urban areas at all times
Police presence may vary, but speed cameras (Autovelox) are common

Why rent a car in Bari

Get a rental to easily:

Polignano a Mare – 35 km (22 miles), 40 min via SS16
Alberobello – 55 km (34 miles), 1 hour
Matera – 65 km (40 miles), 1 hour
Lecce – 150 km (93 miles), 1.5 hours via SS16
Gargano Peninsula – 140-200 km (87-124 miles), 2-3 hours, A14 to Foggia
Valle d'Itria – Locorotondo

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Bari

FAQs

Is it difficult to drive in Bari city?

Bari's traffic is not as bad as in bigger Italian cities. The historic center (Bari Vecchia) has zones where you can't drive much, but you'll find the modern part of the city is easy to get around because of its grid layout. Once you leave the city, driving in Puglia is usually quite relaxed.

Where should I avoid driving in Bari?

You should avoid driving in Bari Vecchia (the old town). It's a limited traffic zone (ZTL) and has narrow streets that aren't made for cars. Many streets are just for people walking or are only open for residents to use.

What is the best time to pick up a car at Bari Airport?

You'll usually have shorter waiting times in the mid-morning or mid-afternoon. If you can, try to avoid the busy flight arrival times in the early morning and late afternoon to stay out of long queues.

Can I return my rental car outside of office hours?

Most rental companies at the airport let you use a key drop box to return your car after hours. You might find fewer options at city locations. You should always ask the company about their after-hours process when you pick up your car.

Is it worth renting a car just to explore Bari city?

No, you don't really need a car. The city center is small enough to walk around and public transport works well. You'll find a car is most useful for exploring the rest of the Puglia region, not for just seeing the city.

What driving documents do I need in Bari?

You need a valid driver's license, an international driving permit (if you have a non-EU/EEA license or if your license isn’t in the Latin alphabet), your passport and a credit card in the driver's name.