Puglia is a region of small towns, country roads and two coastlines, and how you travel shapes your trip. The good news is that distances are manageable and the roads are generally easy to drive. This guide explains how to get to Puglia and the best ways to get around, from rental cars and private drivers to trains and buses.
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The short answer
- Best overall: a rental car
- Without a car: trains between Bari, Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni and Lecce
- Most comfortable: private transfers and drivers
- Main airports: Bari and Brindisi
- Avoid: driving into historic centres with ZTL zones
Getting to Puglia
Puglia has two main airports: Bari in the centre and Brindisi in the south, near the Salento. Both have direct flights from many European cities, especially in summer. A good plan is to fly into Bari and out of Brindisi, or the other way round. High speed trains connect Bari and Lecce with Rome, Bologna and Milan.
Renting a Car
A car is the best way to explore Puglia. Masserie, beaches, the Valle d’Itria and the villages of the Salento are spread out, and public transport rarely reaches them conveniently. Roads are mostly flat and easy, and the main SS16 and SS379 routes run along the Adriatic coast. Watch out for ZTL restricted traffic zones in the historic centres of Lecce, Ostuni, Monopoli, Polignano and other towns, where cameras issue fines, and use the car parks at the edge of town.
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Pick up your car at Bari or Brindisi airport and return it at the other to save a long drive back.
Trains
The main railway line runs along the Adriatic coast from Bari to Lecce, with stops at Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Fasano, Ostuni and Brindisi. It is a convenient way to visit these towns without a car. Local railways also connect Bari with Alberobello and Martina Franca, and Lecce with parts of the Salento, though services can be infrequent. Matera is reached from Bari on a regional line.
Buses and Transfers
Buses link airports with the main towns, and regional buses reach the beaches and villages, especially in summer. Many masserie and hotels arrange private transfers from Bari and Brindisi airports, and private drivers can be booked for day trips to Alberobello, Matera or the Salento.
Charlotte’s tip: plan two bases, not five
Puglia feels compact, but changing hotels every night wastes time. Choose two bases, one in the centre near Fasano or Ostuni and one in Lecce or the Salento, and do everything else as day trips.
Typical Travel Times
- Bari airport to Polignano a Mare or Monopoli: around 40 to 50 minutes by car.
- Bari to Alberobello: around one hour by car.
- Monopoli to Ostuni: around 30 minutes by car.
- Ostuni to Lecce: around one hour by car.
- Lecce to Otranto: around 40 minutes by car.
- Lecce to Santa Maria di Leuca: around one hour and a quarter by car.
- Bari to Matera: around one hour by car.
Parking in the Towns
Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni, Alberobello and Lecce all have paid car parks just outside the historic centres. In summer, parking near the beaches fills early, especially at weekends, so arrive in the morning or use your hotel’s beach club shuttle. Look for blue lines, which indicate paid parking, and white lines, which are usually free.
Cycling and E-Bikes
The flat countryside of the Valle d’Itria and the coast between Monopoli and Ostuni is perfect for cycling. Many masserie offer bikes or e-bikes, and guided rides through the olive groves to the sea or to the white towns are a lovely way to spend a morning.
Boats
Puglia is best seen from the water along the cliffs of Polignano and the coast of the Salento, with its sea caves. Boat trips leave from Polignano, Monopoli, Otranto, Gallipoli and Santa Maria di Leuca. See our guide to Puglia by boat.
Suggested Combinations
Without a car: train between Bari, Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni and Lecce, plus transfers and tours. Classic road trip: rental car from Bari to Brindisi, with two bases. Luxury without driving: masseria transfers and a private driver for day trips to Alberobello and Matera.
FAQ
Do you need a car in Puglia?
For masserie, beaches and the countryside, yes. For a city based trip between Bari, Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni and Lecce, trains are enough.
Which airport is best for Puglia?
Bari for the centre and the Valle d’Itria, Brindisi for Lecce and the Salento.
Is it easy to drive in Puglia?
Yes. Roads are generally good and traffic is light outside the cities and August. Avoid ZTL zones in the historic centres.
