How to Reach Conversano
Guide on how to reach Conversano from Bari and Lecce, detailing car and train options.
Conversano is a charming municipality located in the metropolitan city of Bari, in Puglia. Its hilly position makes it an ideal place to visit, thanks to its historical and cultural beauty. If you are in Bari or Lecce and wish to visit this enchanting village, there are several transport options available to you.
The distance from Bari to Conversano is about 30 km, while from Lecce it is about 110 km. Both cities offer connections by car and train, but there are significant differences to consider for each option.
Getting to Conversano from Bari is quite straightforward. If you choose to travel by car, the most direct route is via the SS16 heading south. The exit to take is for Polignano a Mare – Conversano. From this point, following the signs, you will travel about 10 km until you reach the center of Conversano. The car journey takes approximately 35-40 minutes, depending on traffic.
Traffic leaving Bari is generally smooth, but it can increase during peak hours, especially between 7:30 and 9:00 AM and between 5:30 and 7:00 PM. The road is well-maintained and does not present particular difficulties.
Once you arrive in Conversano, finding parking is relatively easy. There are several parking options, both free and paid, near the center. However, during events or festivals, parking availability may decrease, but the situation remains manageable.
If you prefer to travel by train, Conversano is served by Ferrovie Sud Est (FSE). Direct trains to Conversano depart from Bari's central station, with a travel time of about 50-60 minutes. Trains run frequently during the day, but it is advisable to check the schedules on the official FSE website, especially during weekends and holidays when services may be reduced.
Once you arrive at Conversano station, the historic center is about 1.5 km away. You can reach it on foot in about 20 minutes, but keep in mind that the road has some inclines. Many visitors prefer to take a taxi, especially in the summer months. It is important to note that there are not always taxis available at the station, so it may be helpful to book one in advance.
If you are departing from Lecce, the drive takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes. The fastest route is via the SS613 towards Brindisi, then continuing on the SS16 towards Bari, exiting at Polignano a Mare – Conversano. The road is mostly fast-moving, and traffic is generally calm, except near Brindisi and Bari.
For those arriving from Lecce, parking in Conversano is also quite simple, as mentioned for those coming from Bari. If you choose to travel by train, you will need to take a regional train to Bari Centrale, which takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes, and then change to an FSE train to Conversano, which takes another 50-60 minutes. Therefore, the total train journey from Lecce to Conversano can take over 2 and a half hours, not counting waiting times between trains.
For this reason, the car is often the most convenient option for those departing from Lecce. In general, if you are leaving from Bari and desire comfort and flexibility, the car is the best choice. If you have no issues walking or booking a taxi, the train can also be a valid option. From Lecce, it is advisable to opt for the car to avoid transfers and long waits.
