RFI Summer Rail Works to Impact Bari–Taranto Trips

Travellers heading through Apulia this summer should prepare for changes to rail services on the Bari–Taranto route. From early July until the end of August 2025 extensive infrastructure works are taking place between Bari Parco Nord and Gioia del Colle. The project involves new signalling technology, track renewals and station upgrades, requiring partial closure of the line and affecting nearby road traffic, including areas used by local buses.

Travellers should be aware that services will be altered on several stops along the route. Changes will apply to:

• Gioia del Colle
• Acquaviva delle Fonti
• Castellaneta
• Massafra

Some long-distance connections are also modified. Checking timetables before departure is important, as the adjustments will influence both regular passengers and visitors to Apulia’s inland and coastal destinations.

On the Gioia del Colle to Grottalupara section around 25 kilometres of track are being replaced along with the refurbishment of 13 switches. The goal of these upgrades is to make train movements smoother and cut down the chances of delays when the route is back in use.Until then the works will also cause delays for most journeys and may require adjustments to planned travel connections, including for some local bus services near affected stations.

Stations along the route are also being upgraded to improve accessibility. At Acquaviva delle Fonti platforms are being raised and resurfaced, lifts are being added and shelters are being refurbished. Taranto station is undergoing similar changes with additional restoration of its historic passenger building. These works will make boarding and transfers easier for all passengers including those with reduced mobility.

For those travelling through Apulia, the works will open up easier rail links to towns inland and resorts by the coast, letting people map out their journeys without having to rely on renting a car. When the upgrades are finished, the route will connect more smoothly with key towns in the region, giving travellers a wider choice of onward journeys to various destinations across southern Italy. The temporary disruptions of this summer are therefore a step toward a more efficient and comfortable travel experience in the region.