A complete guide to free parking in Bari and top recommended areas.

Bari

If you’ve already planned your trip to Bari and everyone’s telling you that parking is impossible, relax, take a deep breath. You can park– and even for free, if you know where to look. Most travellers get lost navigating ZTL zones, blue parking areas, and tricky streets—but today, it’s your lucky day: this guide reveals all the free zones that locals know about but most tourists never find.

In the South of Italy traffic can be stressful and it’s no better in Bari. The city is full of life, and every corner is worth exploring without rush. If you’re travelling with your own car or a hire car booked through DoYouItaly, being able to park for free means you can save your money for what really matters: enjoying Apulia.

Below, we’ve put together the best spots for free parking in Bari, tips for finding a space easily, the most convenient areas, and plenty more advice.

Free Parking in Bari: What you need to know before you get there

Before you start hunting for a parking spot, it’s important to understand how parking works in Bari. There are three main types of zones in the city:

• Blue zones, paid parking during business hours.
• White zones, free parking, unless otherwise indicated by signs.
• Yellow zones, reserved for residents, loading and unloading, or official vehicles.

Bari also has several Limited Traffic Zones (LTZ), particularly in Bari Vecchia and the surrounding streets, where only residents or authorised vehicles are allowed. Entering by mistake can lead to hefty fines, so it’s always worth keeping an eye on the signs.

Another important point is that parking in Bari tends to be easier outside of the early morning rush and during the afternoon. Many locals leave for work, freeing up spaces in residential areas, which makes it much simpler to find a spot for free.

Where to Find Free Parking Near Bari City Centre

Finding free parking just a few minutes from the city centre isn’t impossible, but it does require a bit of patience. One of the best areas is Corso Vittorio Veneto, particularly in the sections slightly further away from the seafront.

Another good option is the area around Viale Papa Giovanni XXIII, where it’s usually easier to find free parking within a reasonable distance of the centre, especially outside office hours. From here, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to the city centre.

It’s also worth checking the streets near Parco 2 Giugno, it’s around a 20 minute walk from the old town. This is a spacious residential area where, with a little time, free parking can often be found.

Free Parking Near Bari Vecchia

Bari Vecchia is undoubtedly the trickiest area to park in. Its narrow, medieval streets, designed for pedestrians, combined with the LTZ, make it almost impossible to leave your car inside the old town. However, there are solutions in the surrounding areas.

One of the best spots is near Largo Giannella along the beachfront. While some parking here is paid, there is a strip of white lines where free spaces can sometimes be found if you arrive early. From here, you have almost direct access to the Basilica of San Nicola and the old town walls.

Another alternative is  the streets around the University of Bari, where spaces often become available outside class hours. From this area, it’s just a 10-minute walk to Bari Vecchia.

Free Parking Near Bari Port

Bari’s port is a busy area, with cruise ships, ferries to Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, and day-trippers all coming and going. Most parking right next to the port is paid, but there are free options if you’re willing to walk a little further.

In the San Nicola district, especially north of the port, you’ll find residential streets with free parking. It’s not uncommon to see travellers leaving their cars here for several hours before boarding.

If you head towards Fesca–San Girolamo along the coast, parking is also free, with plenty of spaces in a quieter area. Although it’s a bit further out, you can catch a bus to the centre or enjoy a 25-minute stroll.

Free Parking Near Bari Centrale Station

The area closest to Bari Centrale is usually busy or subject to parking restrictions, but that doesn’t mean you can’t find free parking.

One of the best options is the Carrassi neighbourhood, just south of the station. Its residential streets offer free parking and allow you to walk to Bari Centrale in 10–15 minutes.

You can also try the area around Via Capruzzi, a little further from the busiest parts. Finding a space may take a few laps, but it’s usually doable in the early afternoon.

Additionally, if you’ve booked a hire car with DoYouItaly, you have the convenience of collecting it directly at the station.

Best Places to Find Free Parking in Bari

Parking for free in Bari is entirely possibl e if you know the right areas. Residential streets, the outskirts of the seafront towards Fesca, and shopping centres are all great spots to leave your car at no cost. If you’re visiting Bari Vecchia, the best approach is to park in nearby areas outside the ZTL and walk a few minutes into the centre.

With this guide and a hire car easily booked through DoYouItaly, you can explore Bari and move around Apulia with complete freedom.

Plus, if you choose to book with DoYouItaly, you’ll benefit from the most competitive prices and excellent customer service in over 13 languages, available 24/7 by phone at +34 964 830 995, online, or through our virtual assistant.