Travelling by day has two ticks in the box over taking the overnight trains:
(1) the night trains are usually scheduled to arrive in Bari before 08:00
(2) South of Rimini, this is one of Europe's most lovely coastal rail journeys.
When travelling between most cities by train there is only one logical option, though on other journeys there is a choice between different trains or alternative routes. If different options are available you can use the info to decide which is best for you.
from 6hr 52min
Daily
6 x trains per day from Milano Centrale
1 x train per day from Milano. P. Garibaldi
Is the journey from Milano to Bari direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
The route via Rimini and and Ancona is scenic.
After departure from Rimini, there are some lovely sea views over The Adriatic on the left when facing the direction of travel - see the Journey Information below
What other tourist locations are along the route from Milano to Bari?
These trains also call at Rimini and Pescara and Termoli
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Bari from Milano Centrale on this journey option?
Around 14:10 daily - this train takes a route via Roma
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Bari?
The station is located on the southern edge of the city centre.
See the Station Guide above for info on how to access the ferry port.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Milano Centrale to Bari on this journey option
Before 16:10 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Milano?
Milano Centrale is served by two Metro lines, the M2 and the M3.
There are also typically 2 x trains per hour from Malpensa Airport.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Milano Centrale.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Milano to Bari trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in Italy, plus step-by-step guides on how to make a booking.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Milano to Bari trains?
It can be up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Milano to Bari trains?
Children aged 4 -14 receive a 50% discount, though these 50% child rates are calculated against the full 'Base' ticket price.
But adult 'Super Economy' tickets can be discounted by more than 50%; so if these tickets are still available for your journey, it can be worth paying the adult rate for a child aged 4 - 14.
Does the ticket for these Milano to Bari trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Milano to Bari trains?
Yes - See the rail pass guide for Italy for info on the multiple booking options.
Is catering available on the Milano to Bari trains on this journey option?
Yes, there is a bar/bistro car.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Italian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Italy.
ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Trainline ticket sales. It can be a particularly good option for: Comparing different train services; Booking international journeys with connections; Travelling between the UK to destinations beyond Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris - and for international travellers who don't reside in western Europe.
Exclusive for New Customers: Receive a 10% discount by using the code 24NOV on any purchase with a maximum total price of £100, until 28 November 2024 (11:59 pm CET). Limit one coupon per qualifying booking. Cannot be combined, transferred or exchanged.
Omio is an online ticket agency which offers tickets for rail journeys in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain.
The three key advantages of using Omio are
The disadvantage of booking with Omio is that it often adds a booking fee to the final price; therefore when it does so without offering a price advantage, SMTJ doesn't tend to offer Omio as a booking option.
Trenitlalia is the national rail operator in Italy and in addition to its cheaper types of ticket; it also typically offers other discounts available to non-Italians, which include:
Italiarail lives up to its name by selling tickets for rail journeys within Italy and the core feature of its service is that it is primarily designed to be used by international visitors to Italy.
So the English translations of place names are used when looking up journeys and the terms and conditions for using each type of ticket are clearly explained.
It also clearly points out the additional costs of upgrading to other classes and types of tickets while spelling out the additional benefits of doing so.
Though Italiarail will charge a booking fee, typically of around €3.
The Early Bird service
Italiarail has launched an 'early bird' pre-booking service for journeys by Frecce trains.
Tickets can be booked up to a year ahead of travel at a flat-rate price per route, before the tickets have been released for sale by Trenitalia.
If when they are placed on sale, the price is cheaper than what you have already paid to Italiarail, it will automatically refund the price difference.
Conversely, if the price is more expensive, you won't be charged the price difference.
You can also have the peace of mind of securing your seat(s) on the Frecce train(s) when you are first planning a trip.
If before the tickets are placed on sale, you decide to change your plans, you can request a refund; but once the tickets are released for sale, you will then be bound by the terms and conditions of the ticket(s) you have booked.
The Frecciarossa 5000 trains from Milano Centrale station to Bari have taken over the departures on this route from other types of Frecce train, despite some of the trains on this route not travelling on a high-speed line - those are the three departures with a journey time of around 7hr 25mins.
One departure at 10:13 now leaves from Milano Porta Garibaldi station and this train does take that high-speed line, so it is faster than the other morning departures - but only by around 15 mins.
Final Destination:
Bari or Lecce or Taranto
These trains also call at: Ancona and Pescara
Connecting to Greece:
On Mondays to Saturdays the usual 08:05 departure from Milano will be typically scheduled to arrive in Bari at 15:27 and the ferry to Patras (connect for Athina/Athens) will be typically scheduled to depart Bari at 19:30.
The ferry company request that passengers should be at the port terminal two hours prior to departure in time to check-in, so by taking this train, there will be time enough for both contingency in the event of delay and a stress-free transfer from the the railway station to the port.
On Sundays the ferry to Patras will typically be scheduled to depart at 13:30, too soon for a connection to be available from a daytime train, so the only option is to take the second of the two night train departures (see below, though it will be due into Bari more than four hours before the ferry departure.
There are also two daily Frecciarossa 1000 trains from Milano to Bari, but they an entirely different route via Roma/Rome, so the journey time is around an hour longer than any other daytime train.
They also tend to be more expensive, so are best avoided - but if you'll need to arrive in Bari around 14:30, you can take the train which typically leaves Milano Centrale at around 06:10.
This is a journey of contrasts.
Between Milano and Rimini between the numerous towns and cities the train will travel mainly across flat farm land.
However, there are then some fabulous views of the Adriatic Coast to be enjoyed from the left of the train, particularly between Rimini and Pescara.
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings usually open: Up to 6 months ahead of the travel date; Though the booking periods will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sundays in December and June.
Trains departing at different times can be cheaper than others leaving on the same day, so you may need to look through the day's departures to find the cheapest fares.
The choice of train services - and tickets / prices
The faster (AV) train services between and Milano and Bari are provided by :
(1) these Frecce trains operated by Trenitalia, and
(2) alternative Italo trains (which take a different route).
Tickets for the Trenitalia Frecce trains can be placed on sale up to 6 months in advance, but the tickets for travel by Italo trains are typically made available around 3 to 4 months ahead.
Trenitalia does not sell tickets for the Italo trains - and Italo does not sell tickets for the Trenitalia trains.
If you're booking no more than 4 months ahead and have no particular preference for the train that you will be taking - the price and departure times of the Frecce and Italo trains can be directly compared on Trainline or Omio or Rail Europe. Though look out for the fact that these ticketing services will charge a booking fee.
The types of ticket:
Up to four core types of ticket will be available for advance booking:
(1) Long-term promotional tickets, such as 'Frecce Special' tickets, give discounts of up to 70% on the 'Base' ticket price.
Though they are made available in limited numbers, so can sell out on popular departures more than a month ahead of the travel date.
Regardless of how popular a departure / train is, they are only available up until 14 days ahead of departure.
They also can't be refunded or transferred to another departure.
(2) Super-Economy tickets are the cheapest option for journeys when a long-term promotion is either not available, or sold out.
They need to be booked more than five days ahead of a travel date.
They also can't be refunded or transferred to another departure.
(3) 'Economy' tickets are mid-priced, but they can be transferred to another departure, up to two hours before the train you were originally booked on, is due to leave.
However, you will need to pay the price difference, if tickets for the train you have swapped to are more expensive (they likely will be).
They also can't be refunded.
(4) Base tickets are more expensive, but they are more flexible.
They can be refunded if the price per person is more than €10 - And they can also be transferred to another departure up until the time of the of your original departure - Meaning that you can go to the ticket counter and swap them to an earlier or later train.
You will have to pay any price difference, but the advance prices of Base tickets aren't heavily discounted.
You can also transfer them to another departure online, but this needs to be done at least two hours before the original departure time - When there is less than two hours to go, you'll need to use a ticket counter at the station.
Additional information, including what to look out for in general when booking, is available on the general guide to booking Italian rail tickets.
Child tickets:
Rail Pass Users:
If you will be travelling with a valid Eurail or InterRail pass, you will need to reserve prior to boarding these trains, either at the station (using a Trenitalia ticket machine or ticket desk) OR by booking them online.
How to book the rail pass reservations online is included on our guide to using rail passes in Italy.
10hr - 10hr 16min
Daily
Mon-Fri: 2 x trains per day
Saturday: 3 x trains
Sunday: 2 x train
Is the journey from Milano to Bari direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
After departure from Rimini, there are some lovely sea views over The Adriatic on the left when facing the direction of travel - see the Journey Information below
What other tourist locations are along the route from Milano to Bari?
These trains also call at Rimini and Pescara and Termoli
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Bari from Milano Centrale on this journey option?
After 17;00 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Bari?
The station is located on the southern edge of the city centre.
See the Station Guide above for info on how to access the ferry port.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Milano Centrale to Bari on this journey option
How easy is it to get to the station in Milano?
Milano Centrale is served by two Metro lines, the M2 and the M3.
There are also typically 2 x trains per hour from Malpensa Airport.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Milano Centrale.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Milano to Bari trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in Italy, plus a step-by-step guide on how to make a booking on the Trenitalia website.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Milano to Bari trains?
It can be up to 4 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Milano to Bari trains?
Children aged 4 -14 receive a 50% discount, though these 50% child rates are calculated against the full 'Base' ticket price.
But adult 'Super Economy' tickets can be discounted by more than 50%; so if these tickets are still available for your journey, it can be worth paying the adult rate for a child aged 4 - 14.
Does the ticket for these Milano to Bari trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Milano to Bari trains?
It is mandatory between May and September, but optional at the other times of year - See the rail pass guide for Italy for info on the multiple booking options.
Is catering available on the Milano to Bari trains on this journey option?
No, there is not an on board catering service.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Italian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Italy.
ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Trainline ticket sales. It can be a particularly good option for: Comparing different train services; Booking international journeys with connections; Travelling between the UK to destinations beyond Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris - and for international travellers who don't reside in western Europe.
Trenitlalia is the national rail operator in Italy and in addition to its cheaper types of ticket; it also typically offers other discounts available to non-Italians, which include:
There is also a daily train from Milano Porta Garibaldi station which typically departs at 09:10.
Final Destination: Lecce or Taranto or Bari
These trains also call at: Ancona, Pescara
The service of direct trains between Milano and Bari is split between
(1) These Inter city trains
(2) alternative departures by Frecciarossa trains - fastest of all, but also usually the most expensive
(3) alternative departures by Frecciabianca trains - more frequent, faster and can be booked online
Italo trains don't operate on this route
If you are new to travelling by train in Italy, we also recommend taking a look at our Italian Train Travel Guide.
It is packed with info and useful links to help ensure you’ll have a stress-free trip.
The journey:
Type of Scenery: Coast
Star Rating: **
If your seat is on the left of the train (when facing the direction of travel) there are some fabulous views of the coast south of Rimini.
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: 4 months ahead of the travel date - usually
Rail pass users:
Target these IC trains if you want to save €10 on rail pass reservation fees.
Though if you'll want the peace of mind of being able to remain in the same seat for the entire journey, paying the optional €3 reservation fee is virtually essential.
How to book these optional pass reservations online is including on our guide to using rail passes in Italy - though this is one instance, when the only option may be to book the reservations at ticket desk at the station.
Though if the morning departure times don't suit, it can be worth heading to Bologna on an IC or RV train and connecting there for the IC trains on from Bologna Centrale, which typically depart from there to Bari at 14:00 or 16:00.
8hr 30min - 8hr 37min
Daily
2 x trains per day
Is the journey from Milano to Bari direct?
Yes, there is no need to make a connection when taking this route.
Is the journey scenic?
Not particularly (these trains do no not take the Adriatic Coast route.
What other tourist locations are along the route from Milano to Bari?
These trains also call Firenze/Florence and Roma
When is the usual approximate earliest arrival at Bari from Milano Centrale on this journey option?
Before 16:15 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to travel on from the station in Bari?
The station is located on the southern edge of the city centre.
See the Station Guide above for info on how to access the ferry port.
When is the usual approximate latest departure from Milano Centrale to Bari on this journey option
Before 13:45 daily
Source = European Rail Timetable
How easy is it to get to the station in Milano?
Milano Centrale is served by two Metro lines, the M2 and the M3.
There are also typically 2 x trains per hour from Malpensa Airport.
See the Station Guide above for more info, plus easy access to multiple options for booking somewhere to stay by Milano Centrale.
Are tickets cheaper if booked in advance for these Milano to Bari trains?
Yes, and they can be purchased from a choice of booking agents - see below.
Click on the 'Good to know info' to access a guide to how rail tickets are managed in Italy.
How soon ahead of travel are tickets typically placed on sale for these Milano to Bari trains?
It can be up to 4 months ahead of the travel date; though the booking period will be typically be shorter when looking up journeys for travel after the second Sunday in December; and when looking up summer travel in March to May.
What are the child ticket terms for these Milano to Bari trains?
Children aged 3 and under travel free of charge, but they cannot occupy their own seats.
Children aged 4 to 13 also travel for free, if they are accompanied by at least one adult on the 'Family Offer'.
Though otherwise there is no discount on tickets for children aged 4 to 13 - see the Ticket Information
Does the ticket for these Milano to Bari trains include assigned seats?
Yes - See the Train Guide in the Journey Information for insights on how to board the train.
Do rail pass users need to book reservations for these Milano to Bari trains?
Rail passes are not valid on these trains.
Is catering available on the Milano to Bari trains on this journey option?
There is no bistro/bar car, snacks and drinks can be purchased from vending machines.
See the Train Guide in the Journey Information.
What else is good to know about Italian rail travel?
Check out the guide to travelling by train in Italy.
ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Trainline ticket sales. It can be a particularly good option for: Comparing different train services; Booking international journeys with connections; Travelling between the UK to destinations beyond Amsterdam, Brussels and Paris - and for international travellers who don't reside in western Europe.
Exclusive for New Customers: Receive a 10% discount by using the code 24NOV on any purchase with a maximum total price of £100, until 28 November 2024 (11:59 pm CET). Limit one coupon per qualifying booking. Cannot be combined, transferred or exchanged.
Omio is an online ticket agency which offers tickets for rail journeys in France, Germany, Great Britain, Italy and Spain.
The three key advantages of using Omio are
The disadvantage of booking with Omio is that it often adds a booking fee to the final price; therefore when it does so without offering a price advantage, SMTJ doesn't tend to offer Omio as a booking option.
ShowMeTheJourney earns a small commission on Rail Europe ticket sales. It can be a particularly good option when booking international journeys with connections and for travellers who don't reside in western Europe. Use the easy options on its home page if you will be booking tickets with a railcard: Or purchasing rail pass reservations.
Italo trains compete with the Frecce services, provided by the national rail operator, Trenitalia, on the high speed routes which link major cities in Italy.
The Italo booking site only sells tickets for journeys by its trains.
Happy Rail is a Netherlands rail ticket agency which sells tickets for both national and international journeys within a range of countries including Belgium France, Germany, Sweden, Switzerland.
HappyRail doesn't charge booking fees in the conventional sense, but if you're not Dutch you can expect to pay additional transaction fees, which will be added to the total cost.
That's because the most common form of online payment used in The Netherlands is 'iDEAL' and HappyRail doesn't charge a transaction fee for 'iDEAL' payments, but only Dutch residents can sign up to 'iDEAL'.
Other forms of payment include Visa debit cards will incur a fee.
Final Destination: Bari Cle.
These Italo high speed services are typically scheduled to depart from Milano Centrale at 07:40 (arrive Bari at 16:10); and from Milano Centrale at 13:40 (arrive 22:17).
These Italo trains are slower than the Frecce trains as they take the longer route via Roma.
These Italo trains from Milano to Bari take a completely different route after Bologna to that followed by the Frecce trains, as these trains remain on Italy's north to south high speed route and don't leave it until shortly before Napoli, from where they then follow the route taken by the Rome to Bari trains.
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: Around 3 - 4 months ahead of the travel date
The choice of train services - and tickets / prices
The faster (AV) train service between Milano and Bari is provided by:
(1) these Italo trains
(2) alternative Frecce trains operated by Trenitalia
Tickets for the Trenitalia Frecce trains are placed on sale around 6 months in advance, but the Italo train tickets are made available around 3 to 4 months ahead.
However, Trenitalia does not sell tickets for the Italo trains - and Italo does not sell tickets for the Trenitalia trains.
If you're booking no more than 4 months ahead and have no particular preference for the train that you will be taking - the price and departure times of the Frecce and Italo trains can be directly compared on Trainline or Omio or Rail Europe. Though look out for the fact that these ticketing services will charge a booking fee.
Additional information, including what to look out for in general when booking, is available on the general guide to booking Italian rail tickets.
The types of ticket
Up to four types of tickets are available for journeys by Italo trains - regardless of the type of ambience / travel class you wish to travel by.
The three types of ticket which are always available are:
(1) Low Cost tickets = You can change the class, date and time of your trip, as many times as you like, up to 72 hours before scheduled departure - Subject to availability
But will be charged 20% of the price initially paid + plus any price difference with the original price
You can purchase a Refund Option for an additional cost - and if you then want to cancel you will receive 80% of the price paid; Without it this type of ticket is not refundable
(2) Economy = You can change the class, date and time of your trip, as many times as you like, up to 3 minutes before scheduled departure - Subject to availability
But will be charged 20% of the price initially paid + plus any price difference with the original price
If you want to cancel you will receive 60% of the price paid.
(3) Flex = You can change the class, date and time of your trip, as many times as you like up to 3 minutes before scheduled departure - without paying any price difference from the offer available at the time of booking.
If you want to cancel you will receive 80% of the price paid
Plus if you miss your train, you will have an hour to re-book by the next available departure - but this can only be arranged at an Italo booking desk at a station, or by telephone.
When long term promotions such as the Extra Summer Offer are available, they will be the cheapest type of ticket, but they cannot be re-booked or refunded.
Child tickets:
Worth knowing is that this offer has terms, which are atypical of Flex tickets, including
When not booking under the Family Offer, children aged 4 to 13 will be charged Adult rates.
Rail passes
Eurail and InterRail passes can't be used on Italo trains.
9hr 43min - 9hr 47min
Nightly
2 x trains per night
Trenitlalia is the national rail operator in Italy and in addition to its cheaper types of ticket; it also typically offers other discounts available to non-Italians, which include:
Unusually for an overnight European rail service there are two nightly departures to choose from on the Milano to Bari route:
Final destination: Lecce (both trains)
On Sundays the ferry to Patras (connect for Athina/Athens) will be typically scheduled to depart Bari at 13:30, so that 21:50 departure will allow time for a leisurely breakfast in Bari before heading to the port for the 11:30 check-in
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings open: 3 months ahead of the travel date - usually
See the 'Train Guide' below for info on the type of accommodation available and the how tickets can be booked.
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