The town is approximately 144 kilometres (89 mi) east of Mwanza, the nearest large city.

[3] Musoma, another large city, is located approximately 166 kilometres (103 mi) north of Bariadi.

Bariadi Town Council covers an area measuring 876.71 square kilometres (338.50 sq mi).

It comprises ten wards; Bariadi, Somanda, Sima, Malambo, Nyangokolwa, Guduwi, Nyakabindi and Bunahmala.

[7] The paved 368 kilometres (229 mi) Isebania–Shinyanga Road, passes through the town, in a general north to south direction.