Your Gateway to Puglia — Car Hire Brindisi Airport
Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS) is the gateway to the heel of Italy — a small airport on the Adriatic coast that serves the city of Brindisi, the port that has been the "Gateway to the East" since Roman times, and the surrounding region of Puglia (Apulia). Brindisi is a city of sailors, with a natural harbour that is one of the best in the Mediterranean, a waterfront promenade that is the social heart of the city, and a history that stretches from the Messapians to the Romans to the Crusaders. Hiring a car here lets you explore the white cities of the Valle d'Itria, the baroque architecture of Lecce, the beaches of the Salento, and the trulli of Alberobello. We compare Avis, Hertz, Europcar and local operators at Brindisi Airport.
Several major brands and local operators have desks at Brindisi Airport. Pickup is typically in the terminal or a short walk to a nearby car park. Your rental voucher will confirm the exact meeting point, counter details, and any shuttle instructions. Staff usually speak English, and the process is straightforward — have your driving licence, passport or ID card, and credit card ready. During peak summer months, queues can form at popular desks, so allow extra time for collection, especially on Saturdays when turnover is high.
BDS
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Adriatic coast, Puglia region
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Lecce, Alberobello, Salento beaches
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Avis, Hertz, Europcar, local operators
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Airport Pickup
Collecting your car at Brindisi Airport means you can start your Puglia road trip immediately. The airport is close to the city centre and well-connected to the SS16 and SS379 coastal routes. Airport offices typically offer longer hours than city-centre locations, including Sunday service, which is useful if you are arriving on a weekend. Your voucher will specify the exact counter or meeting point.
Brindisi City Pickup
If you are staying in Brindisi itself, a city-centre pickup near the station or port area may be more convenient. Downtown offices usually open Monday to Saturday with limited Sunday hours. Consider traffic around the port if you are collecting during weekday mornings. Parking in central Brindisi is manageable with street spaces and small garages available.
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Brindisi has been a crossroads of civilisations for over two millennia. The Roman column at the harbour marks the end of the Via Appia, the ancient road that connected Rome to the Adriatic. Crusaders departed from this port for the Holy Land. Sailors from across the Mediterranean traded olive oil, wine, and wool in its harbour. Today, Brindisi retains that maritime energy — fishing boats still unload at dawn, and the waterfront promenade is where locals gather for evening passeggiata.
The city's historic centre is a labyrinth of narrow streets opening onto unexpected piazzas. The Swabian Castle, built by Frederick II, guards the harbour entrance. The Aragonese Castle, now a naval base, sits on an island connected by a short causeway. Brindisi's cathedral has been rebuilt many times but retains elements from the 11th century. It is not a polished tourist city — it is a working port with character, grit, and genuine local life.
But the real magic of Brindisi is what lies beyond it. Puglia is Italy's most underrated region — a land of olive groves that stretch to the horizon, white towns that glow in the afternoon sun, and beaches that rival anything on the Amalfi Coast at a fraction of the cost. The trulli of Alberobello, the baroque splendour of Lecce, the white streets of Ostuni — these are the images that define Puglia, and they are all within easy reach with a rental car.
Puglian cuisine is another reason to visit. This is the home of orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese (invented in nearby Andria), and some of Italy's finest olive oil. The seafood is fresh from the Adriatic, and the trattorias of Lecce and Brindisi serve legendary meals at prices that would shock anyone used to Rome or Venice. With your own car, you can seek out agriturismi in the countryside where nonnas still make pasta by hand.
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Extras and return
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Choose for people, bags and roads
A category normally represents a group of similar cars, not a promise of one exact model.
- Compact: convenient for couples and tighter parking.
- Intermediate: more room for bags and longer journeys.
- Family or SUV category: useful only when the required capacity justifies it.
- Transmission: select automatic explicitly if manual is unsuitable.
Practical planning before departure
What You Need to Collect
Bring your driving licence, passport or national ID card, and a credit card in the main driver's name. An International Driving Permit is recommended for non-EU licences. The rental company will place a security hold on your card — the amount varies by supplier and vehicle class, so check your booking confirmation. Inspect the vehicle carefully before leaving and photograph any existing damage.
Driving in Puglia
Italy drives on the right. Puglia's roads are generally good, with the SS16 and SS379 running along the Adriatic coast. Inland routes to the Valle d'Itria can be narrow and winding, especially around Alberobello and Ostuni. Allow extra time for traffic in summer, particularly on coastal roads heading to popular beaches. ZTLs (restricted traffic zones) operate in many historic centres — your sat-nav may not warn you, so watch for signs.
Fuel and Tolls
Most rental cars are provided with a full-to-full fuel policy. Petrol stations are common along major routes but can be sparse in remote inland areas. The SS16 coastal route is toll-free, but some faster inland routes may have charges. Ask your supplier about toll payment options — many Italian rentals include a Telepass device for automatic toll collection.
Local access, road and operating conditions can change. Check current signs, your supplier instructions and the linked source before travelling: Italy official tourism information.
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Lecce — The Florence of the South
Head south from Brindisi to Lecce, Puglia's baroque masterpiece. Known as the "Florence of the South," this golden limestone city is famous for ornate churches, palaces, and a Roman amphitheatre. The historic centre is compact and best explored on foot — park outside the walls and wander in.
Alberobello — UNESCO Trulli Town
Drive northwest to Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage town of conical stone houses called trulli. The Rione Monte district has over 1,000 trulli, many now serving as shops, restaurants, and even accommodation. It is one of the most unique landscapes in Italy and essential Puglia viewing.
Ostuni — The White City
Northwest of Brindisi sits Ostuni, the "White City," a hill town of whitewashed houses with views over the Adriatic and endless olive groves. The maze of narrow streets is perfect for wandering, and the local restaurants serve some of the best orecchiette in Puglia.
The Salento Beaches
The Salento peninsula offers some of Italy's finest beaches — Torre dell'Orso, Otranto, and Gallipoli are the most famous. The water is crystal clear and the coastline dramatic. With a car, you can hop between beaches and find quieter coves away from the main resorts.
Frequently asked questions
Which car hire companies are at Brindisi Airport?
Avis, Hertz, Europcar, and several local operators serve Brindisi Airport. Your booking confirmation will specify the exact supplier, counter location, and any shuttle requirements.
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Italy?
EU licence holders do not need an IDP. Non-EU drivers should obtain an International Driving Permit before travelling, as some rental companies require it alongside your national licence.
Are there ZTLs in Brindisi and Puglia towns?
Yes, many historic centres in Puglia operate ZTL restricted traffic zones, including Brindisi, Lecce, and Ostuni. These are camera-enforced and fines are automatic. Park outside the walls and walk into the centres.
What is the best base for exploring Puglia — Brindisi or Bari?
Both work well. Brindisi is smaller, more relaxed, and closer to Lecce and the Salento beaches. Bari is larger with more flight connections and closer to the Gargano peninsula. Choose based on your itinerary and flight options.
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