How to get to Polignano a Mare: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Polignano a Mare

Polignano a Mare, the clifftop town famous for Lama Monachile and cliff diving, is one of Puglia's most iconic destinations. Fortunately, it is also one of the easiest to reach, thanks to its position on the Adriatic railway line and the proximity of Bari airport.

By train

Polignano a Mare has a railway station on the Adriatic line, served by Trenitalia regional trains. The station is very close to the historic centre, reachable on foot in 5 minutes.

Bari - Polignano a Mare: about 25-35 minutes by regional train, ticket about 3 euros
Monopoli - Polignano a Mare: about 10 minutes
Brindisi - Polignano a Mare: about 50 minutes
Lecce - Polignano a Mare: about 1 hour 30 minutes
Rome - Polignano a Mare: about 4 hours 20 minutes with Frecciarossa to Bari + regional

Regional trains from Bari are frequent (every 30-60 minutes) and the journey is short and comfortable. The train is by far the best way to reach Polignano without a car.

By plane

The nearest airport is Bari-Palese (Karol Wojtyla), about 35 km from Polignano. It is well connected with direct flights from across Italy and Europe.

Main air connections to Bari:

Rome: about 1 hour, frequent flights with Ryanair, ITA Airways
Milan: about 1 hour 30 minutes, with Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air
London: about 2 hours 45 minutes
Paris: about 2 hours 30 minutes

From Bari airport to Polignano:

Train: shuttle to Bari Centrale (20 minutes), then regional to Polignano (25-35 minutes). Total about 1 hour, the most affordable
Private transfer: about 50-60 euros
Car rental: all companies available at the airport
Taxi: about 60-70 euros

By car

Polignano is easily reachable from Puglia's road network.

From Bari: about 35 minutes via SS16 (35 km)
From Monopoli: about 15 minutes via SS16 (10 km)
From Brindisi: about 1 hour via SS379 (75 km)
From Matera: about 50 minutes via SS96 (60 km)
From Rome: about 5 hours via A1 + A14 (470 km)
From Naples: about 3 hours 30 minutes via A16 + E55 (300 km)

Polignano's historic centre is largely a limited traffic zone. Park in the external car parks: the free car park at Largo Ardito or the paid one on Via Conversano are the most used. In summer arrive early, as parking fills up quickly.

By bus

FSE buses connect Polignano to nearby towns:

Polignano - Monopoli: about 15-20 minutes
Polignano - Castellana Grotte: about 20 minutes
Polignano - Alberobello: about 45 minutes (with change)

FlixBus has seasonal direct connections from Rome, Milan and other major cities arriving in Bari, from where you continue by train.

Getting around Polignano and surroundings

Polignano's historic centre is tiny and can be explored entirely on foot in a few minutes. The streets of the old town, overlooking cliffs and sea caves, are the heart of any visit.

For beaches outside the centre:

Lama Monachile (Cala Porto): the iconic beach, in the historic centre itself, reachable only on foot
Cala Paura: near the harbour, a few minutes' walk
Cala San Vito: about 3 km north, reachable by car or on foot along the coast
San Vito: hamlet and abbey about 4 km away, with a small beach

To explore the surroundings (Monopoli, Conversano, Castellana Caves, Alberobello), a car is the most practical option.

Practical tips

The train from Bari is the most comfortable and fastest way: the station is 5 minutes from the centre
In summer Polignano is extremely crowded: arrive early morning or late afternoon
The Castellana Caves are just 15 minutes by car and are well worth a visit
Book a boat tour to see the sea caves from the water: an unforgettable experience