By Train to Puglia: How to Travel From Rome to Bari
There is absolutely no need to fly from Rome to Bari, as taking the high-speed train on this route is actually faster and more convenient, and provides a much better travel experience.
In this guide, I will show you what it is like to travel from Rome to Bari by train, explain what the journey is like, how to book tickets, and share some useful rail travel tips.
A Trenitalia Frecciarossa high-speed train arrives at Bari Centrale. ©AndyBTravels
From Rome to Bari by train
Bari is the gateway to the beautiful region of Puglia (Apulia).
It is straightforward to reach Bari by train from Rome or any other Italian city, as the region has good rail connections with the rest of the country.
At the moment, the fastest high-speed train takes just 4 hours and 14 minutes to complete the route between Rome and Bari, and this journey time will become even shorter in the near future once the dedicated high-speed railway line to Puglia is completed.
Even now, however, the train is much faster than flying when you take into account the total city centre to city centre travel time.
By train, you depart from Roma Termini railway station in the heart of Rome and arrive at Bari Centrale station in the heart of the capital city of Puglia.
Even though a flight from Rome to Bari takes just an hour, once you add the journey by train from Rome to Fiumicino Airport, the two hours you need to arrive in advance for check-in and security, and the train ride from Bari Airport to the city, the total travel time is actually longer.
The train is clearly the way to go, and it offers a much more comfortable experience too.
Italian high-speed trains
The train service from Rome to Bari is operated by Trenitalia, Italy’s national railway company, which uses Frecciarossa and Frecciargento high-speed trains on this route.
Frecciarossa is Trenitalia’s flagship high-speed train, while the Frecciargento is a slightly older, though still comfortable, high-speed train.
On both trains, you will find second class seating in a 2+2 configuration and first class seating in a more spacious 2+1 configuration, as well as a café-bar coach.
In first class, you also receive complimentary snacks and drinks.
Your train ticket will automatically come with a seat reservation included.
Standard (2nd) class on the Frecciarossa high-speed train. ©AndyBTravels
Business (1st) class on the Frecciarossa high-speed train. ©AndyBTravels
Book your ticket
Italian high-speed trains have variable pricing, with ticket prices depending on demand.
If you travel on peak-hour services, or during national holidays or the high summer season when large numbers of tourists visit Puglia, tickets will be more expensive.
If you travel on a random Wednesday or Saturday in the middle of January, you can often find much better deals.
Tickets are also generally cheaper if you book as far in advance as possible, although last-minute deals are not unheard of, especially during the low season.
However, if you travel during peak holiday periods or other busy travel days, it is best to book as early as possible, as tickets can sell out.
Use the journey planner below or a reliable online booking website such as Omio to search for the best train connections on your travel date and to book your ticket.
Conclusion
With a travel time of just over four hours, the high-speed train is clearly the best way to travel from Rome to Bari.
From city centre to city centre, the high-speed train is faster than flying.
Besides, the Frecciarossa and Frecciargento high-speed trains operated by Trenitalia on the Rome to Bari route are highly comfortable and provide an excellent travel experience.
