The best ways to travel around in Puglia, Italy

Sometimes called the “heel of Italy,” Puglia doesn’t draw as many foreign travelers as other coastal areas of Europe’s playground. This means that the region remains a treasure trove to discover, from cities with millennia-old history in their walls to breathtaking beaches for relaxing in the sun.

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Cities and towns in Puglia are perfect for exploring on foot, but getting between them and around the wider region can pose logistical challenges. A bit of planning, along with awareness of local transportation options, will help make your visit to Puglia one you’ll never forget. Here's our guide to getting around this gorgeous region of Italy, where turquoise seas intertwine with oceans of silvery olive groves, and food is a feast for the body and soul.

Reach Puglia by plane, train or ferry

The best way to reach Puglia from overseas is to fly into one of its four airports, the largest being Bari, with services from around Europe. Regional and (relatively) high-speed trains run throughout Puglia. The connections between Rome and Bari make train tavel a very good option for slow travel with languid countryside views. Ferries from Greece, Albania and Croatia dock in Bari. 

Wander Puglia’s city centers on foot

If you’re exploring Bari, Taranto, Lecce or other cities in the region, count on getting around on foot. Walking spares you the stress of driving in Puglia through narrow streets and finding parking, which can be challenging. And a leisurely stroll lets you take your time to explore all there is to see, from Taranto’s Castello Aragonese to the picturesque streets of Bari Vecchia.

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Remember to pack water and sunscreen if you’re visiting during the height of summer; the heat can be significant, especially in the midst of the marble and stones of historic city centers. Most Italians cope by avoiding going out during the hottest hours of the day – so don’t be surprised if you don’t see many people out between noon and 4pm.

Rent a car to explore the region of Puglia...

Public transport is present throughout the region, but it can be difficult to navigate. While renting a car is never the cheapest transport option – rental costs start from €30/day; prebook online for the best deals – having your own vehicle means you can plan your schedule, include as many stops as you’d like along the way, and be flexible with your time.

You can rent a car in most of the major cities. Still, road tripping around Puglia isn’t totally carefree. Road surfaces might not be top-notch in many areas, and you’ll find that signage is often not as regular or clear as it could be. Keep an eye out for Google Maps guidance, and allow time for the possibility of taking a wrong turn.

...but avoid driving in historic towns and city centers

Driving and parking in cities and villages is difficult. You’ll find many limited-traffic zones (ZTL for short) where only residents can enter or park. Keep an eye out for the ZTL signs, which are rectangular and white with a red circle and “Zona a traffico limitato” in black type. The areas are camera-controlled, and fines are sent to drivers for unauthorized entry. If you're staying within a ZTL, check with your hotel in advance to see if the number plate can be registered with the local authorities. When in doubt, it's best to turn back and avoid a fine.  

Take the train between major towns and cities

If you don't plan to drive or want to keep your trip as eco-friendly as possible, then you can take trains on routes between major towns. Services are relatively reliable – as much as trains in Italy can be. For information, your best option is the Trenitalia site, where you can plan routes, consult timetables and buy tickets. The last feature comes in handy, because many smaller stations no longer have working ticket offices. If you can’t find a ticket office and don’t have access to the app or webiste, then your best bet for pre-buying a ticket (and avoiding the surcharge for onboard purchases) is a local tabaccheria (tobacco shop) or edicola (newsstand). 

Buses serve smaller and more remote places

Bus timetables are quite difficult to navigate, and service is often subject to delays, which means you’ll need to be as flexible as you can if you choose this means of transportation. Keep in mind that bus schedules are usually geared toward commuters and students rather than tourists, and that packing light for buses is always a good idea.

Puglia has several excellent cycling routes

To truly experience the region at a slow pace, plan your travels by bicycle. Cycling is especially lovely during shoulder season, when the weather is milder. Major cities have marked bike lanes – even though sharing the road with auto drivers requires you to stay vigilant. Puglia is also crisscrossed by a series of bike routes, like the EuroVelo 5, which follows the ancient Roman Via Appia and connects Taranto to Brindisi on the Adriatic Sea. Another route, the Ciclovia dell’Acquedotto, runs from Cisternino to Ceglie Messapica.

Accessible transportation is lacking in Puglia

Sadly, accommodations for accessible travel are not always consistently available in Puglia. Some buses and taxis are wheelchair-accessible – but not all of them, nor are their respective stops. If you’re moving around by train, you can request assistance in advance (via mail, phone or in person) through the national railway system’s Sala Blu service.