Bari to Rome by train

Bari to Rome is a direct high-speed run: about four and a half hours from Bari Centrale to Roma Termini, with no change of train.

Frecciarossa or Italo

Two companies run direct trains, and both turn inland after Foggia through Benevento and Caserta. Trenitalia's Frecciarossa gives you the most choice, with about six direct trains a day on most days. Italo runs three. Some Frecciarossa start in Lecce and Brindisi, so they pull into Bari already carrying passengers.

Choose the departure that fits your day, then weigh up the two fares at that time. Each company sells tickets only for its own trains. Miss an Italo train and your ticket is no good on the next Frecciarossa, or the other way round.

Journey time and timetable

The Frecciarossa takes between about 4 hours 25 minutes and 4 hours 50 minutes, depending on the train. Italo's journey is about 4 hours 15 minutes. Direct Frecciarossa leave from early morning until early evening. After the last one, Trenitalia's only options involve a change and arriving in Rome the next morning.

A slower Trenitalia Intercity runs on some dates. It takes closer to 7 hours, stopping at smaller towns and reaching Rome via Cassino and Frosinone. Take it only if the fast trains are full.

The timetable changes on 13 December 2026. The line between Foggia and Caserta also closes for upgrade works from time to time, most recently from 10 to 30 June 2026, so check your date if you travel during a works period.

Arriving at Roma Termini

Book Roma Termini. Every direct train from Bari stops there, and it is Rome's main station. The occasional Frecciarossa runs on to Florence and Milan and calls at Roma Tiburtina about 20 minutes after Termini. Unless Tiburtina is genuinely closer to where you are going, get off at Termini.

Tickets, fares and passes

Trenitalia sells each Frecciarossa seat at several prices. Base is the flexible fare: you can change it as often as you like up to departure, and a refund costs you 20% of what you paid. Economy is cheaper, but it goes off sale at midnight two days before travel and cannot be refunded. The lower prices disappear as a train fills.

Italo fares start from €12.90 when booked in advance.

An Interrail pass covers the Frecciarossa, but a seat reservation is compulsory and typically costs pass holders €13. Italo does not take Interrail passes at all. On a pass, travel with Trenitalia; otherwise you need a full Italo ticket.