Traveling through Italy is always an adventure, especially when you’re hopping between cities that each have their own charm and energy. On my recent trip, I flew from Naples to Bari, and I wanted to share everything I learned about booking the flight, choosing the right airline, and other essential tips for the journey. If you’re planning to visit Bari or just need to get there from Naples, this guide might save you some time and stress!
1. Booking the Flight: Platforms to Consider
Booking a flight from Naples to Bari is not complicated, especially with today’s online booking platforms. I typically use a few popular sites to compare prices, check routes, and read reviews. For this trip, I used Skyscanner, which is great for comparing prices across different airlines. The interface is easy to use, and I could filter my search for budget airlines or more convenient flight times. Other platforms I recommend include Google Flights and Momondo.
I tend to look for flights on Skyscanner first because it aggregates options from multiple sources. You can also set price alerts if you’re not in a hurry to book, which helped me score a decent deal for a late morning flight. Once I found a flight I liked, I booked it directly through Ryanair’s website, as that’s the airline I chose for this leg of the trip. Ryanair often has great deals on short domestic flights in Italy, but booking directly on the airline’s website can sometimes offer better options for seat selection or baggage policies.
2. Why Ryanair for the Naples to Bari Route?
Flying from Naples to Bari is a relatively short flight, just about 1 hour and 10 minutes, so it’s not one of those flights where comfort is a top concern. I opted for Ryanair, which offers affordable flights between these two cities. Ryanair operates quite a few routes across Italy, and although it’s a no-frills airline, I’ve found the service to be acceptable for short domestic flights like this one.
The choice was mainly based on convenience and price. Ryanair’s flight times from Naples to Bari fit perfectly into my travel schedule, and the price was right—especially when I booked a few weeks in advance. The total cost for my one-way ticket came to about €35, which is a solid deal considering the speed of the flight.
That being said, it’s important to know that Ryanair often charges additional fees for things like checked baggage, seat selection, and priority boarding. If you’re just carrying a small bag, these fees won’t be much of an issue. However, if you have larger luggage, I recommend checking Ryanair’s baggage policy in advance to avoid any surprise charges at the airport.
3. The Experience at Naples Airport (Capodichino)
I arrived at Naples International Airport (Capodichino) about two hours before my flight, just to be on the safe side. The airport is relatively small compared to others in Italy, but it has all the necessary facilities to make your wait comfortable. Since I had already checked in online and only had a carry-on bag, I skipped the check-in counter and headed straight for security.
Security at Naples Airport wasn’t too bad—it took about 15 minutes to get through, but the lines can vary depending on the time of day. I suggest arriving early in case the queue is longer than expected. The airport has a few shops and cafes to grab a coffee or snacks while you wait. I passed the time browsing through the duty-free section, but there’s not a lot to do unless you want to grab some last-minute Italian goods before flying.
4. Boarding the Flight: A Smooth Process
The boarding process for Ryanair was pretty standard. I was flying in the middle of the week, so the airport wasn’t overly crowded, which made everything go smoothly. One thing to note with Ryanair is that they often board passengers by groups based on your seat assignment, which can sometimes feel a little chaotic, but it was still well-organized.
The flight itself was fairly uneventful. Since it’s a short haul, there’s no in-flight entertainment, and the crew mostly focused on selling food and drinks (as expected with a low-cost airline). If you’re used to budget airlines, you know what to expect: the seats are pretty cramped, and the legroom isn’t ideal. But for a quick flight like this one, it was bearable, and the view of the Mediterranean coast during the ascent was stunning.
5. Arrival at Bari Airport
Landing in Bari was smooth, and the airport here, Karol Wojtyła Airport, is also fairly small but quite efficient. It’s located just about 8 kilometers from the city center, so getting into town is straightforward. As soon as I disembarked, I followed the signs for baggage claim (even though I didn’t have checked luggage), and in no time, I was outside, looking for transport options.
Bari’s airport is well-connected by both buses and taxis, but since I didn’t have much luggage, I opted for the airport shuttle bus, which takes you directly to the central train station. The bus ride was quick and cost about €5, which is far cheaper than a taxi (around €25-30). The shuttle operates every 30 minutes, so you don’t have to worry too much about waiting.
6. Alternatives to Flying: Train Travel Between Naples and Bari
If you prefer not to fly or if the flight schedules don’t align with your travel plans, traveling by train is another option between Naples and Bari. The Frecciarossa and Intercity trains run frequently, with travel times between 3 to 4 hours, depending on the service. I’ve traveled by train before between these cities, and it’s a comfortable way to get to Bari, with scenic views of the Italian countryside.
The train stations in both Naples and Bari are well-equipped, and the process of buying tickets is easy—either through the Trenitalia website or at the station. However, flying is usually faster and sometimes cheaper, depending on the time of year and how early you book your flight.
7. Tips for a Smooth Journey
While flying from Naples to Bari is a quick trip, there are a few things I always keep in mind to ensure a smooth experience:
- Check the baggage policy: With budget airlines like Ryanair, it’s essential to know the baggage rules to avoid any hidden costs. Be sure to measure and weigh your carry-on bag in advance.
- Arrive early: Even if you’re flying on a smaller budget airline, give yourself plenty of time to navigate the airport and pass through security. You don’t want to stress yourself out last-minute.
- Prepare for extra fees: Ryanair, like many budget airlines, often charges extra for seat selection, checked luggage, and priority boarding. If you don’t mind sitting in a random seat and just have a small carry-on, you can skip most of these add-ons.
- Airport transportation: In Bari, there are several options to get from the airport to the city center, but the airport shuttle bus is affordable and convenient. Make sure to check the bus schedule ahead of time if you’re arriving during off-peak hours.
- Bring snacks and water: Since Ryanair doesn’t offer free snacks or drinks on short flights, pack a bottle of water and something to nibble on during the flight.
8. Enjoying Bari
After a smooth flight and an easy transfer to the city center, I was finally in Bari! The city has so much to offer, from its stunning historical sites like the Basilica di San Nicola to the picturesque waterfront. But more on that later. This blog is just to focus on the journey here, which turned out to be far simpler than I had expected!
Flying between Naples and Bari is straightforward, and once you know what to expect from the airport experience, the flight itself becomes a quick, simple part of the overall adventure.
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