Airport in PUGLIA Italy? How & Best Way To Get There
By TravelswithMR | March 21, 2025
Planning a trip to Southern Italy and wondering about the closest airport to Puglia? You’re not alone! Puglia is a dream destination with stunning beaches, charming towns, and incredible food, but figuring out how to get there can be a bit confusing.
Luckily, there are three main airports that serve the region: Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI), Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS) and Foggia Gino Lisa Airport . Each one is a popular choice depending on where you’re headed—whether it’s the northern part of Puglia or the Salento region in the south.
If you’re coming from the U.S., you won’t find direct flights to Puglia, but don’t worry! You can easily connect through major hubs like Rome, Milan, Naples or other major European cities. Once you land, getting around is simple with options like public transport, taxis, or a rental service if you want more flexibility to explore.
In this guide, I’ll break down the best airports for Puglia, the easiest ways to get there, and the smartest ways to travel around once you arrive. Let’s get started!
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WHY VISIT PUGLIA?
AIRPORTS IN PUGLIA: WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?
Puglia has three major airport hubs, but not all of them are equal when it comes to flight availability and convenience. Here’s what you need to know about each one to choose the best option for your trip.
BARI KAROL WOJTYLA AIRPORT (BRI)
Bari International Airport is the busiest airport in Puglia and the best choice if you’re visiting the northern and central parts of the region, including Bari, Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, and the Gargano Peninsula. It has a good mix of domestic and international flights, with connections to major European cities like London, Paris, Spain or other parts of Italy. If you’re coming from outside Europe, you’ll likely need to transfer at a major hub like Rome, Milan, or Munich.
Once you land, getting around is easy. Bari Airport has a train station with direct routes to Bari Centrale that only hakes about 20 minutes, plus buses, taxis, and rental services available for those planning to explore by car.
BRINDISI SALENTO AIRPORT (BDS)
Located in southern Puglia, Brindisi Airport is the best option if you’re heading to towns like Lecce, Ostuni, Gallipoli, or the beaches of the Salento region. While smaller than Bari, it still has many direct flights from major European cities, particularly during peak season. Public transport options from Brindisi Airport include shuttle buses to Lecce and other key destinations, but if you plan to explore beyond the main towns, renting a car is best.
FOGGIA “GINO LISA” AIRPORT (FOG) – A SMALLER ALTERNATIVE
If you’re heading to the northernmost part of Puglia, especially the Gargano Peninsula (Vieste, Peschici) or the surrounding countryside, Foggia Airport (FOG) might be worth considering. It’s the smallest airport in Puglia and mainly serves domestic flights from cities like Milan.
While this can be a convenient option for those already in Italy, Foggia has fewer connections compared to Bari Airport (BRI) or Brindisi-Salento Airport (BDS). If you’re traveling from abroad, you’ll likely need to connect through major hubs like Rome or Milan before catching a short domestic flight to Foggia.
From the airport, transport options are more limited, but you can find rental services, regional trains, and buses to help you reach your final destination.
BEST WAY TO GET TO PUGLIA FROM MAJOR CITIES
If you’re not flying directly into Puglia, don’t worry—there are great alternatives to reach the region by high-speed train, regional rail, or car. Here’s how to get to the heart of Puglia from Italy’s major cities.
FROM ROME
- FLIGHT: The fastest option is a short domestic flight from Rome Fiumicino (FCO) or Ciampino (CIA) to Bari (BRI) or Brindisi (BDS). The flight takes about an hour, so its a great choice if you want to maximize your time.
- TRAIN: If you prefer a scenic train ride, take a high-speed train (Frecciargento) from Termini Train Station in Rome to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about 4 hours, and from there, you have easy access to the rest of Puglia via regional trains or car rentals.
- CAR: Car rental is a great option, and the drive from Rome to Puglia takes about 5-6 hours, depending on your destination. If you plan to explore multiple towns, you can keep the car for your entire trip and enjoy the freedom to explore Puglia at your own pace.
FROM MILAN
- FLIGHT: Several airlines offer direct flights from Milan’s Malpensa (MXP) and Linate (LIN) airports to Bari and Brindisi. The flight takes about 1.5 hours and is the quickest way to reach Puglia.
- HIGH-SPEED TRAIN: If you prefer rail travel, the high-speed train (Frecciarossa) from Milan to Bari takes around 7-8 hours. It’s a longer journey, but comfortable and scenic, with no baggage restrictions like flights.
FROM NAPLES
- DRIVE: If you’re coming from Naples, renting a car is a convenient way to reach Puglia. The drive takes about 4 hours, and you’ll pass through some beautiful countryside along the way, a car is essential in Puglia, especially if you plan on visiting multiple destinations, so this way you dont have to rent it while there.
- REGIONAL TRAIN: While there’s no high-speed train between Naples and Puglia, regional trains run daily from Napoli Centrale to Bari city centre (Bari Centrale). The train ride takes about 4 hours, so its a reliable option if you don’t want to drive.
BEST TRANSPORTATION OPTION BASED ON YOUR ITINERARY
Choosing the best way to get around Puglia depends on your travel style and itinerary. Some towns are well-connected by public transportation, while others are best explored with a rental car. Here’s what to consider:
WHATS BEST? RENTAL CAR VS. TRAINS
If your plan is to visit multiple destinations—like Alberobello, Ostuni, Polignano a Mare, and the Gargano Peninsula—then renting a car is the most convenient option. While there are trains between some towns, many of Puglia’s most beautiful spots, including the Valle d’Itria countryside and the Salento beaches, are much easier to reach by car.
A car rental allows you to:
✅ Visit villages that are off the main train routes.
✅ Travel at your own pace and stop for scenic photo opportunities.
✅ Avoid long train or bus connections between towns.
A car rental is ideal for exploring multiple towns, the countryside, or beaches that are harder to reach by public transport. It gives you the freedom to travel at your own pace and experience Puglia on your terms. We chose this option and couldn’t be happier! If you’re concerned about parking, most towns have designated lots that you can easily find with a quick Google search. Plus, if you’re visiting during the off-season, some parking lots are even free!
If you plan to base yourself in one town, like Bari or Lecce, and take a few day trips to larger towns then public transport can definitely work, you can also book either day or half day tours our of the town youre staying and will be picked up/dropped off.
- Bari Centrale is a major hub, with high-speed trains connecting to Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, Alberobello, and Matera.
- Lecce is well-connected by train to Brindisi, Ostuni, and Gallipoli, making it easy to explore the Salento region without a car.
- Cities like Taranto and Foggia also have regional train connections, but schedules are not as frequent.
Planning your journey to Puglia starts with choosing the right Puglia airport based on your itinerary. No matter how you choose to travel, Puglia is a destination filled with beautiful towns, coastal views, and historic villages waiting to be explored. To make the most of your trip, plan your arrival logistics in advance, book transportation ahead of time if needed, and get ready to experience the charm of Southern Italy!
Need inspiration for your next trip? Check out some of my other posts:
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Happy Travels!
