Travelling from Bar to Bari: Complete Ferry & Travel Guide

The journey between Bar, Montenegro and Bari, Italy spans approximately 267 km (166 miles) across the Adriatic Sea, offering travellers a scenic maritime route between the Balkans and Italy. This popular crossing serves as a vital connection between Eastern Europe and Italy, with ferry services operating on a seasonal basis. While flights between nearby airports might be an option for some travellers, the direct ferry route provides a unique travel experience with the added benefit of being able to transport vehicles. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about travelling from Bar to Bari, focusing on ferry services, port information, and what to expect upon arrival in the charming coastal city of Bari.

How to get from Bar to Bari: Flights and Ferries

When planning your journey from Bar to Bari, you have a few transportation options to consider, though the ferry connection is the most direct route between these two coastal cities.

Ferry Options

The ferry route between Bar and Bari spans 144.3 nautical miles across the Adriatic Sea. Jadrolinija operates this seasonal service, offering approximately 5 sailings per month during the operating season. The crossing takes around 8 hours, making it possible to depart in the morning and arrive by evening on the same day.

The ferry departs from Bar at 11:00, which is currently both the earliest and latest departure time available on this route. With just one sailing daily when the service is operating, it's advisable to book in advance, especially during peak summer months when demand is highest.

The journey itself offers spectacular views of the Adriatic Sea and provides a relaxing travel experience compared to flying. You'll have time to enjoy the scenery, have a meal, and perhaps even take a nap before arriving at your destination.

Taking the ferry from Bar to Bari

You can take a ferry from Bar to Bari. Ferries sail in around 8 hours with about 1 sailing a day during operational periods. The ferry service is provided by Jadrolinija. The route operates seasonally with approximately 5 sailings per month. Departures start at 11:00, with the same time being the only scheduled departure from Bar to Bari.

Jadrolinija Ferry Services

Jadrolinija is the primary operator on the Bar to Bari route. This Croatian ferry company has decades of experience in Adriatic Sea crossings and offers reliable service between Montenegro and Italy.

Onboard their vessels, you can expect a range of amenities to make your 8-hour journey comfortable. These typically include:

• Comfortable seating areas
• Dining options including restaurants and cafés
• Duty-free shopping
• Viewing decks to enjoy the Adriatic panorama
• Various cabin options for those who prefer private space

The ferry service between Bar and Bari is seasonal, typically operating during the warmer months when tourist demand is highest. This makes it important to check the current schedule when planning your trip, especially if travelling outside the peak summer season.

For travellers with vehicles, the ferry provides a convenient option to transport your car, motorcycle, or campervan between Montenegro and Italy. This gives you the freedom to continue your journey by road upon arrival.

Navigating the Ports

Departure Port (Bar)

Bar is Montenegro's main seaport, located in the southern part of the country. The port is relatively compact and easy to navigate.

To reach the port of Bar:

• By public transport: Local buses connect Bar town centre with the port area. The main bus station is approximately 1 km from the ferry terminal.
• By taxi: Taxis are readily available in Bar and can take you directly to the ferry terminal.
• By car: If you're bringing your vehicle, follow signs to the Port of Bar (Luka Bar). There's parking available if you're seeing someone off.

The terminal facilities at Bar port are basic but functional. You'll find:

• Ticket offices (though pre-booking is recommended)
• A small waiting area
• Toilets
• A café for light refreshments

It's advisable to arrive at least 90 minutes before your scheduled departure time to complete check-in and boarding procedures, especially if you're travelling with a vehicle.

Arrival Port (Bari)

The Port of Bari is larger than Bar and serves as one of southern Italy's main ferry terminals. It's well-organised but can be busy, particularly during summer months.

Upon arrival in Bari, you'll disembark at the main ferry terminal. From here, you have several options to reach the city centre:

• Walking: Bari's charming old town (Bari Vecchia) is approximately 15-20 minutes on foot from the port.
• Public transport: Buses connect the port to the city centre and main train station.
• Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal building.

The port area has several useful facilities including:

• Tourist information desk
• Currency exchange
• Cafés and restaurants
• Toilets and baby changing facilities
• Left luggage services

If you're continuing your journey beyond Bari, the city's central train station (Bari Centrale) offers connections to major Italian cities including Rome, Naples, and Milan.

Day Trip Possibilities

While the 8-hour ferry journey between Bar and Bari makes a same-day return trip impossible, you can certainly plan a short stay in either direction.

For travellers based in Bar looking to visit Bari: With the ferry departing at 11:00 and arriving in the evening, you would need at least one overnight stay in Bari. A recommended itinerary would be:

Day 1: Take the morning ferry from Bar, arrive in Bari in the evening, check into accommodation, and perhaps enjoy a dinner in Bari Vecchia.

Day 2: Full day exploring Bari's attractions, from the Basilica di San Nicola to the charming old town streets.

Day 3: Return to Bar via ferry.

For those based in Bari visiting Bar: A similar minimum 3-day itinerary would be needed given the sailing schedule.

If you're looking for a genuine day trip, you might consider exploring areas closer to your base location. From Bar, you could visit Budva, Kotor, or Lake Skadar. From Bari, day trips to Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, or Matera are excellent alternatives.

Things to Do in Bari

Top Attractions

Basilica di San Nicola: This important pilgrimage church houses the relics of St. Nicholas (Santa Claus). It's a magnificent example of Romanesque architecture and is open daily from 7:00 to 20:30.

Bari Vecchia (Old Town): Get lost in the maze-like streets of Bari's historic centre, where you'll find women making orecchiette pasta in doorways, historic churches, and charming piazzas. It's best explored on foot at any time of day, though early evening offers a particularly atmospheric experience.

Castello Svevo: This Norman-Swabian castle dates back to the 12th century and hosts various exhibitions throughout the year. Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 to 19:30, Sunday until 13:30, closed Mondays.

Lungomare Nazario Sauro: Bari's beautiful seafront promenade is perfect for an evening passeggiata (stroll). Stretching for several kilometres, it offers stunning views across the Adriatic.

Teatro Petruzzelli: Italy's fourth-largest theatre is a cultural landmark in Bari. Even if you don't catch a performance, the magnificent building is worth admiring from the outside.

Neighbourhoods to Explore

Bari Vecchia: The historic heart of the city offers narrow winding streets, historic churches, and traditional Barese life. It's both the main tourist area and a living neighbourhood where locals continue centuries-old traditions.

Murat Quarter: The more modern city centre, built in a grid pattern, offers excellent shopping along Via Sparano and elegant architecture around Piazza Mercantile.

Madonnella: This seaside neighbourhood just south of the centre offers a more local experience with seafood restaurants and access to small urban beaches.

San Nicola Stadium Area: Sports fans might enjoy the atmosphere around Bari's football stadium, particularly on match days.

Weather in Bari

Bari enjoys a typical Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild, somewhat rainy winters. Summer temperatures typically range from 25°C to 35°C (77°F to 95°F), while winter temperatures generally stay between 5°C and 15°C (41°F to 59°F).

The most pleasant times to visit are late spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October) when temperatures are warm but not excessively hot, and tourist crowds are smaller than in peak summer.

July and August are the hottest months, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 35°C (95°F). These are also the busiest months for tourism and ferry travel, so expect more crowded vessels and higher prices.

The ferry service between Bar and Bari operates seasonally, which means sailings may be reduced or suspended entirely during winter months. This is partly due to decreased demand but also because winter storms can occasionally affect sailing conditions in the Adriatic. If you're planning to travel outside the summer season, it's essential to check current schedules.

Cost of Visiting Bari

Bari offers good value compared to northern Italian cities, though prices can rise during peak tourist season.

A budget traveller might spend around £50-70 per day, including a bed in a hostel (£20-30), meals from street food and casual restaurants (£20-25), and some sightseeing and public transport (£10-15).

Mid-range travellers should budget approximately £100-150 daily for a decent hotel room (£60-90), eating at mid-range restaurants (£30-40), and more extensive sightseeing and perhaps a guided tour (£20).

Some typical costs in Bari include:

• Coffee at a café: £1-2
• Street food lunch (focaccia or panzerotti): £3-5
• Dinner at a trattoria: £15-25
• Local bus ticket: £1
• Museum entrance: £5-10

To save money, consider staying in accommodations slightly outside the historic centre, eating where locals eat (avoid obvious tourist traps), and taking advantage of free attractions like churches and walking along the lungomare.

Best Time to Visit Bari

The peak tourist season in Bari runs from June through August when the weather is hottest and driest. During these months, you'll find the fullest range of ferry services between Bar and Bari, but also higher prices and more crowds.

May, September, and early October offer an excellent balance of pleasant weather, reasonable prices, and fewer tourists. The sea is still warm enough for swimming in September, making it an ideal time for combining city exploration with beach time.

Winter in Bari (November through March) sees fewer tourists and lower prices, but some attractions may have reduced hours, and ferry services may be limited or suspended. However, winter visitors can enjoy a more authentic experience of daily life in Puglia.

Key events to consider when planning your visit include:

• Festa di San Nicola (May): Bari's biggest religious festival honouring St. Nicholas
• Bari International Film Festival (March/April)
• Notte Bianca (White Night, usually in June): All-night cultural events throughout the city
• Christmas markets and celebrations (December)

For the best combination of good weather, available ferry services, and reasonable crowds, aim to visit in late May to early June or September, when you can enjoy Bari's outdoor lifestyle without the intense summer heat and peak season prices.

Accommodation Options in Bari

Finding the right place to stay in Bari can enhance your Italian adventure. The city offers a range of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Budget-Friendly Choices

For travellers watching their spending, the Old Town (Bari Vecchia) has several affordable guesthouses and B&Bs starting from around £40 per night. These often provide an authentic local experience with easy access to historical sites and restaurants.

Mid-Range and Luxury

Couples might enjoy the boutique hotels near the Lungomare Nazario Sauro promenade, with prices ranging from £70-150 per night. These often feature sea views and convenient access to the port. Families can find spacious apartments and family-friendly hotels in the Murat quarter, offering more room and sometimes kitchen facilities.

Practical Advice

We recommend booking accommodation well in advance if travelling during summer months (June-September) when Bari becomes particularly popular with tourists arriving via the ferry from Bar.

Getting Around Bari

Navigating Bari is relatively straightforward, with several transport options available to visitors.

Public Transport

Bari has an efficient bus network operated by AMTAB that covers most of the city. Single tickets cost approximately £1.30 and are valid for 75 minutes. The city also has a small metro system connecting the central station to the suburbs.

On Foot and By Bike

The compact city centre is perfect for exploring on foot, especially the charming maze-like streets of Bari Vecchia. Bike rentals are available throughout the city from about £10 per day and provide a pleasant way to travel along the seafront promenade.

Taxis and Car Rental

Taxis are readily available but relatively expensive compared to public transport. If you plan to explore the surrounding Puglia region, consider renting a car from agencies near the port or airport, with prices starting from around £40 per day.

Your Mediterranean Adventure Awaits

The Bar to Bari ferry route offers a unique way to connect Montenegro and Italy across the beautiful Adriatic Sea. The 8-hour journey with Jadrolinija provides not just transport but an integral part of your travel experience.

With weekly sailings and a convenient 11:00 departure time, this 144-nautical-mile crossing lets you enjoy the serenity of ocean travel while anticipating the Italian adventures ahead. Remember that this route operates seasonally, so planning your journey in advance is essential.

Whether you're drawn to Montenegro's mountainous landscapes or Italy's rich cultural heritage, this ferry connection creates the perfect opportunity to experience both. Start planning your Bar to Bari journey today and discover why sea travel remains one of the most rewarding ways to explore the Mediterranean.