Car Rental in Bari - Driving Guide & Best Rates

Renting a car in Bari offers excellent flexibility for exploring Puglia's countryside, coastal towns, and hilltop villages that are difficult to reach by public transport. It's highly recommended for travelers planning day trips to places like Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Matera, or the Itria Valley, where public transport connections are limited or infrequent. However, skip the rental if you're staying primarily in Bari's historic center—the old town features narrow medieval streets, limited parking, and restricted traffic zones (ZTL) that can result in fines. Parking in central Bari is challenging and often expensive. Italy drives on the right side of the road. Road quality is generally good on highways and main routes, though rural roads can be narrow and winding. Driving in Italy can be assertive compared to some countries, with locals driving confidently in tight spaces. International visitors should be comfortable with roundabouts, manual transmission vehicles (automatics cost more), and reading Italian road signs. For city exploration alone, Bari's walkable center and train connections to nearby cities make a car unnecessary. Reserve your vehicle for countryside adventures where a car transforms your Puglia experience.

International Driving Permit

Generally recommended for non-EU visitors to Italy. Check current requirements with your rental agency as acceptance varies by country of origin.

Minimum Age

Typically 21 years minimum, though some agencies require drivers to be 23-25. Young driver surcharges often apply under age 25.

Valid Driver's License

A valid license from your home country is required. EU licenses are generally accepted; non-EU visitors should verify specific requirements with their rental agency.

Credit Card

A credit card in the driver's name is typically required for security deposits. Debit cards are often not accepted for the deposit hold.

Insurance Coverage

Basic insurance is usually included, but additional coverage options are available. Review what's included and consider supplemental coverage for peace of mind.

ZTL Awareness

Bari has Limited Traffic Zones (ZTL - Zona a Traffico Limitato) in historic areas. Verify with your rental agency about ZTL restrictions to avoid fines.

Rent from Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport for convenience upon arrival, as major international agencies operate there with competitive rates - compare options through booking platforms for current availability and pricing.

Before driving off, thoroughly document any existing damage with photos, verify the fuel level matches the rental agreement, and confirm you have emergency contact numbers and roadside assistance details.

Download offline maps for the Puglia region as GPS signal can be unreliable in historic city centers and rural areas - familiarize yourself with ZTL (limited traffic zones) in Bari's old town to avoid fines.

Note that most rentals require returning the car with the same fuel level - locate nearby fuel stations before heading to the airport, and be aware that parking in central Bari can be challenging with paid zones clearly marked.

Allow extra time when returning to the airport to account for traffic and the vehicle inspection process - keep all fuel receipts and toll receipts as documentation may be required.

Bari's historic center (Città Vecchia) features extremely narrow medieval streets with tight corners and limited visibility - avoid driving here as streets are often pedestrian-only and parking is nearly impossible.

Local drivers in Bari can be assertive with frequent lane changes and close following distances; ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) are actively enforced in the city center with automatic cameras that issue fines to unauthorized vehicles.

Parking enforcement is strict throughout Bari - blue-lined spaces require payment via meters or apps, and illegally parked vehicles may be towed; always verify parking regulations as they vary by zone and time of day.

The waterfront Lungomare road can experience sudden congestion during evening hours and weekends when locals gather; be cautious of scooters and motorcycles filtering between lanes, which is common practice in Italian traffic.