How to Get to Puglia: Your Comprehensive Guide by Train, Flight, and Boat
Puglia, Italy's beautiful "heel of the boot," has become a sought-after destination for its whitewashed villages, sparkling coastlines, and rich culinary traditions.
The question on many travellers' minds is: how do you get there?
Whether you're coming from Europe, the UK, or beyond, you can reach Puglia by train, flight, or even by boat, offering a variety of accessible travel options. Here’s how you can make your way to this mesmerising region of Italy.
Getting to Puglia by Flight
For travellers looking for convenience and speed, flying is often the best option. Puglia is home to two main international airports:
Bari Airport, officially Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) and
Brindisi Airport, officially Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS).
Both airports offer various flights from major European cities and a few international hubs.
International flights
Direct Flights to Bari and Brindisi: Direct flights to Bari and Brindisi are available from several UK and European cities, such as London, Manchester, Madrid, Munich, Paris, Amsterdam, and more. Airlines like Ryanair, EasyJet, British Airways, Air France etc operate seasonal and year-round flights to Puglia.
Connecting Flights: If direct flights aren’t available, connecting flights via Rome and Milan are plentiful. ITA Airways, Ryanair and EasyJet have domestic flights connecting these cities to Bari and Brindisi, making it a convenient second option.
Flights from within Italy
Direct Flights to Bari and Brindisi: Direct flights to Bari and Brindisi are available from several Italian cities such as Rome, Milan, Turin, Pisa, Venice, Bologna etc.
Flight Duration and Costs
A direct flight from London to Bari or Brindisi takes around 2.5 hours. A direct flight from Milan to Brindisi takes around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Flight prices can fluctuate based on the season, with peak prices in summer (June to August). Early booking is recommended for better rates.
Airport Transfers in Puglia
From Bari Airport and Brindisi Airport, we strongly recommend arranging a private transfer or car rental.
Private Transfer: For a seamless start to your journey, private transfers are the best solution. The driver will meet you inside the airport for a stress-free experience.
Car Hire: Puglia’s beauty often lies in its off-the-beaten-track locations. Hiring a car allows you to explore freely and reach beyond the tourist destinations.
A beautifil coastal village in the Salento area
Reaching Puglia by Train
Italy boasts a well-connected rail network, making it possible to travel by train across the country comfortably.
High-Speed Trains from Major Italian Cities
High-speed trains to Puglia’s major cities are frequent, with connections available from cities like Rome, Milan, Bologna, Naples, Florence, and many more.
Just to provide some examples:
Rome to Bari: Frecciarossa and Frecciargento high-speed trains run between Rome and Bari in just over 4 hours, making it a popular choice.
Rome to Lecce: Frecciarossa and Frecciargento high-speed trains will take you from Rome to Lecce in less than 6 hours
Milan to Bari: Frecciarossa takes you to Bari in approximately 7 hours and to Lecce in 9 hours.
Naples to Bari or Lecce: high-speed trains take around 6 hours from Naples to Bari and 7–8 hours to Lecce, making it another popular route for southern Italian travel.
For more routes, consult the Trenitalia website or the Italo website.
Regional Trains within Puglia
Puglia is also connected within the region by regional trains, known as Trenitalia Regionale and Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE). These trains provide access to towns like Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, and Alberobello. Be aware that regional trains can be slower and less frequent, particularly in more remote areas. To explore the inner area of the region, we strongly recommend booking a private transfer for a more comfortable experience.
Tips for Travelling by Train
Ticket Booking: Tickets for both high-speed and regional trains can be booked online via Trenitalia or Italo, or directly at the train stations.
Travel Passes: Consider a Trenitalia Pass if planning multiple train trips, which offers unlimited travel for a set period.
Train Facilities: High-speed trains have reserved seating, air conditioning, and food services, while regional trains are more basic.
An alley of Monopoli, a beautiful town on the Adriatic coast.
Arriving in Puglia by Boat
While perhaps less common, arriving by boat offers a scenic and unique experience, particularly for travellers exploring the Mediterranean.
Ferry Routes to Puglia
Puglia’s coastline stretches along the Adriatic Sea, with ports offering routes to and from neighbouring countries and islands. Bari and Brindisi are Puglia’s main ports, handling both ferry and cruise traffic.
International Ferries: Bari and Brindisi are key ferry ports for routes from Greece, Albania, and Croatia, typically taking around 7-12 hours depending on the route.
Cruise Ships: Puglia is also a stop on many Mediterranean cruise itineraries, with Bari and Brindisi as popular docking points. These cruise stops provide travellers with a quick taste of Puglia, ideal for a day visit to historic centres such as Bari or Brindisi.
Choosing Your Best Route to Puglia
Whether by train, flight, or boat, Puglia is reachable via several convenient travel options. For those prioritising speed and efficiency, flights are the most direct way to arrive, especially with increasing seasonal routes to Bari and Brindisi. Trains offer a scenic and comfortable option for those travelling from other parts of Italy, while ferries bring a coastal charm to your journey.
Regardless of your travel choice, this enchanting region of Puglia awaits you with a warm welcome, breathtaking views, and a taste of authentic Italy that will stay with you long after you leave.
How can we help
If you're planning a visit to Puglia, let us bring your dream holiday to life. With our local expertise and deep connections, we’ll craft a bespoke itinerary tailored to your interests and preferences. Get in touch today and experience Puglia like never before!