Palese Airport

To ensure your journey runs smoothly, we have prepared a list of key contacts for Palese Airport (BRI), serving the city of Bari. This information will be useful both when planning your trip and while at the airport.

• Official Website: www.aeroportidipuglia.it. Here you will always find up-to-date information on flights, services, and terminal maps.
• Information Desk Phone: +39 080 580 0200. You can get answers to general questions about airport operations at this number.
• Address: Viale Enzo Ferrari, 70128 Palese, Bari, Italia.
• Email: For specific enquiries, it is recommended to use the contact forms available on the official website in the "Contatti" section.
• Social Media: Follow news and operational updates on the airport's official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and other popular social networks.
• Lost & Found: In case of lost or damaged luggage, please contact the tracing service (Ufficio Oggetti Smarriti). Contact phone: +39 080 5800234.
• Passenger Support Service: For questions directly related to your flight, tickets, or check-in, you must contact your airline's representative office directly.

Palese Airport (BRI), named after Karol Wojtyła, is the main transport hub of the city of Bari and an important point on the map of southern Italy. It is conveniently located and has excellent transport links with the city centre, offering travellers several options to choose from depending on budget and preferences.

Train (Metro)
One of the fastest and most reliable ways to get to the airport is by train. The FM2 line operated by Ferrotramviaria directly connects the Bari Centrale railway station with the terminal. The journey takes only about 15-20 minutes, making this option ideal for those in a hurry. The ticket price is approximately 5 Euros. The trains are modern, air-conditioned, and run at regular intervals throughout the day.

Buses and Shuttles
This is a more budget-friendly alternative to the train. The most economical option is the city bus No. 16 (AMTAB company), which departs from Piazza Moro near the central station. The trip will cost just 1–1.5 Euros but will take longer — from 40 to 50 minutes, as the bus makes many stops. Private shuttles (e.g., Tempesta Autoservizi) also run between the station and the airport, reaching the destination in 25-30 minutes. The fare for these is about 4 Euros, which represents an excellent compromise between speed and price.

Taxi and Transfer
A taxi is the most comfortable method, especially if you are travelling with children or a large amount of luggage. The journey from the city centre to the airport takes 20-25 minutes depending on traffic. In Bari, there is a fixed fare for trips to the airport, which is usually around 23-25 Euros. Always confirm the cost with the driver before starting the trip or use a pre-booked transfer service to avoid misunderstandings.

Car Rental and Parking
If you prefer to move around by car, driving to the airport is easy — it is located next to the SS16 ring road (Tangenziale di Bari). The airport grounds feature several official car parks for short-term (P1, PM) and long-term (P2, P3) vehicle storage. Costs vary depending on proximity to the terminal and the duration of parking.

Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), also known as Palese Airport, is distinguished by a well-designed and passenger-friendly structure. It consists of one modern passenger terminal, which serves both domestic and international flights. Such compactness is a major advantage, as it eliminates the need for complex transfers and long movements between different buildings, making navigation intuitively clear even for first-time visitors.

The terminal layout is logically divided into two main levels. The Ground Floor is the arrivals area. Located here are the baggage reclaim belts, customs control, car rental desks, as well as exits to bus stops, the taxi rank, and the railway station connecting the airport to the centre of Bari. The First Floor is entirely dedicated to the departures area. Here you will find airline check-in counters and self-service kiosks, after which passengers proceed to a single security control point.

Once through security, you enter the general departures lounge. It is spacious and bright, with a good selection of shops, including Duty Free, cafés, and restaurants where you can comfortably spend time waiting for your flight. Boarding gates are clearly marked and divided into Schengen and non-Schengen zones. Because everything is located in one hall, finding your boarding gate is effortless — simply follow the signs or check the information screens.

Completing all formalities at Bari Airport usually takes little time compared to major hubs. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive 2 hours before departure for flights within the Schengen zone and 2.5-3 hours for international flights outside of it, especially during the peak tourist season (summer). This time will be sufficient to check in luggage, pass through security, and reach your gate without rushing.

Main navigation recommendation — simply follow the signs. All information is duplicated in Italian and English, and airport staff are generally ready to assist. The compact size of the terminal means that you can walk from the check-in counters to the furthest gate in 10-15 minutes, making travel through Bari Airport as comfortable and predictable as possible.

The history of Bari Palese Airport, officially known as Karol Wojtyła Airport, begins in the 1930s, when it was established as a military airfield. Throughout the Second World War, it was used by the Royal Italian Air Force, and later by Allied forces, playing an important role in military operations in the region.

The transition to civil aviation occurred significantly later. In the 1960s, the airport began serving its first commercial flights. The airline Itavia launched routes connecting Bari with cities such as Rome, Venice, and Palermo. This became the starting point for the airport's development as a vital transport hub for the Apulia region.

As passenger traffic grew, the need for expansion arose. The first significant stage of modernisation took place in 1981, when a new passenger terminal was built. Simultaneously, the runway was extended, allowing for larger aircraft and expanding the flight network.

One of the most iconic events in the airport's history was the visit of Pope John Paul II in 1984. In memory of this event, the airport was later officially renamed in his honour — Karol Wojtyła Airport. This fact highlights the cultural and historical significance of the airport for all of Italy.

The most extensive reconstruction was completed in 2005, when a modern and spacious terminal opened. This project radically changed the airport's appearance, increasing its capacity to several million passengers per year and making it one of the most modern in the south of the country. Subsequent years were marked by further infrastructure expansion, which helped attract numerous budget airlines and contributed to the tourism boom in Apulia.

Palese Airport in Bari offers passengers a wide range of services to make waiting for a flight as comfortable and productive as possible. Within the terminal, you will find numerous restaurants and cafés where you can grab a quick snack or enjoy a full meal, sampling dishes of Apulian cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, there are Duty Free shops, as well as boutiques offering souvenirs, local delicacies, and travel essentials.

For those who value privacy and enhanced comfort, the airport operates a VIP lounge. Here you can relax in a quiet atmosphere, enjoying complimentary snacks, beverages, and fresh newspapers. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and numerous power outlets and charging stations are provided for gadgets. Business travellers can utilise the business centre services and rent a conference room for meetings.

Practical matters are also well addressed at the airport: passengers have access to bank branches, currency exchange points, and ATMs. In case of feeling unwell, you can visit the first aid station. For travellers with small children, special mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables are available, making travel with little ones significantly more convenient.

The airport is fully adapted to serve passengers with reduced mobility. Special assistance is provided during check-in, security control, and boarding (it is recommended to book this service in advance through the airline). The terminal infrastructure includes ramps, lifts, and equipped restrooms. If you require rest before or after your flight, several hotels are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, easily accessible by taxi or shuttle.

At Bari Palese Airport (BRI), travellers will find plenty of options for a snack or a full meal, allowing you to savour your final moments in Apulia with taste. Catering establishments are located in both the public area and the departures area after security control.

In the public area (landside), before passing through inspection, you will find several cafés. This is an ideal place to have a cup of espresso with a croissant (*cornetto*) or eat a panini while saying goodbye to those seeing you off. The atmosphere here is calmer, conducive to leisurely conversation.

The majority of restaurants and lounges are concentrated in the departures area (airside), after passport and customs control. Here the choice is wider: from cafés offering beverages and light snacks to restaurants with à la carte service. If you have enough time before your flight, you can comfortably have lunch or dinner.

Being in Italy, even at the airport, it is worth choosing local cuisine. Pay attention to establishments offering Apulian specialities. We highly recommend trying the famous `focaccia barese` (fluffy focaccia with cherry tomatoes and olives) or `panzerotti` (fried pastries with mozzarella and tomatoes). This is a great way to quickly and deliciously experience the region's gastronomy. Of course, you can also order classic pizza or pasta here.

As for prices, like in most airports, they are higher than the city average. A cup of coffee will cost approximately 2-4 Euros, a sandwich or panini — 6-9 Euros, and a hot dish in a restaurant — from 15 Euros upwards. Most establishments open early in the morning and operate until the last evening flights depart.

For travellers with special dietary needs, vegetarian options, such as pasta with vegetables or Pizza Margherita, are always available. Finding vegan or gluten-free dishes may be more challenging, so it is best to check the ingredients with the staff of the specific café or restaurant in advance.

Travelling through Palese Airport in the city of Bari can be an easy and pleasant start or end to your adventure in Italy if you prepare in advance. Here are some useful tips to help you orient yourself and avoid unnecessary stress.

Arrival Time at the Airport. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours before flights within the Schengen zone and 3 hours before international flights. During the peak tourist season (June to September), it is better to add another 30-40 minutes, as queues for check-in and security can be longer.

Check-in and Security. To save time, use online check-in for your flight if your airline provides this option. At the security checkpoint, be ready to remove all electronic devices (laptops, tablets) and liquids from your hand luggage. Liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml each and packed in a single transparent resealable bag.

Choosing a Seat on the Plane. If you want to enjoy views of the Adriatic coast during take-off or landing, choose a window seat. For greater comfort and the ability to stretch your legs, an aisle seat is more suitable. Seats at emergency exits usually offer more space but may have restrictions (for example, passengers with children cannot sit there).

Hand Luggage. Carefully study your airline's hand luggage allowance, especially if flying with a low-cost carrier — they often have strict weight and size restrictions. Besides liquids, sharp objects, weapons (and replicas), and certain flammable substances are prohibited in hand luggage.

Transfer Passengers. Bari Airport is quite compact, which simplifies transfers. When checking luggage on the first flight, clarify whether it will be sent to the final destination (transit luggage) or if you need to collect it and check it in again. Leave enough time between flights, especially if you have to pass passport control when transferring to a flight outside the Schengen zone.

Customs Control. When arriving from non-EU countries, you will need to pass through customs. If you have no goods to declare, proceed through the "Green Channel". If you are carrying goods exceeding established limits (for example, large sums of cash, or large amounts of alcohol or tobacco), you must pass through the "Red Channel" and declare them.

Saving Time and Money. Book a transfer from the airport in advance or study the public transport schedule — this will be cheaper than taking a taxi on the spot. Bring an empty reusable water bottle, which can be filled after passing security. Currency exchange rates at airports are usually less favourable, so it is better to arrange for cash Euros in advance.

In Case of Flight Delay. In the event of a delay or cancellation, first contact your airline's counter for information and instructions. Passengers departing from EU airports are protected by rights (EC Regulation 261/2004), which may include the right to food, beverages, and for long delays — hotel accommodation. Be sure to keep all receipts for forced expenses for possible compensation.