Monopoli-Alberobello: how to get there by direct bus
Timetables, stops, costs, and practical tips for organizing a day trip among trulli, the historic center, and Rione Monti
Monopoli and Alberobello are just 21 km apart. You can visit both places during the same trip. From Monopoli, you can visit Alberobello in a day without a car.
I recommend taking the direct bus from Ferrovie del Sud Est. But choose the schedule carefully: not all buses between Monopoli and Alberobello are direct. Some require one or more changes, making the trip much longer.
When available, the direct bus is the easiest and cheapest option. It costs just over 2 euros and takes you to Alberobello without changes, in 50 minutes.
During summer weekends, buses around lunchtime can be very crowded. The 12:00 bus, in my experience, was always full. If you want a better chance of getting a seat, pick a different time. I preferred the 14:00 bus and traveled comfortably.
Driving is faster, but not always practical. Finding parking can be tough in both Monopoli and Alberobello, especially in high season in Monopoli.
If you've already found a spot to leave your car in Monopoli, it's not worth taking it just to reach Alberobello. You might have to search for parking again when you return.
Where to Catch the Bus
Here's an important detail: the bus doesn't leave from in front of the train station. The Monopoli stop is on Viale Aldo Moro, about a 5-minute walk from the station.
It's a good idea to get to the stop a bit early: at least 10 minutes before the scheduled departure.
The distance from the station is short, but if you're new to Monopoli, the stop's location isn't immediately obvious. Once you find it, though, the connection to Alberobello is easy to use.
In Alberobello, the bus arrives in front of the train station, at Piazzale Fratelli Kennedy.
The center and Rione Monti, the most famous area for trulli, aren't right by the stop, but you can reach them in 10 minutes on foot by crossing Via Mazzini and Via Garibaldi. The path is slightly uphill: I struggled a bit pushing the baby stroller.
The bus is a good option for visiting Alberobello for the day, but you need to plan your return carefully. The last direct bus to Monopoli leaves at 7:30 PM. Later options are available, but they involve transfers and longer travel times.
This means the bus isn't ideal if you want to spend the evening in Alberobello or have a leisurely dinner. For a daytime visit, though, the time is enough: 5-6 hours should be enough to see the main trulli areas. If you want to stay late, a car offers more freedom.
