Puglia is made for road tripping! Yet, you might wonder: “is driving in Puglia difficult?” or “is it safe to drive in Puglia?” Based on my experience driving from South to North of Italy’s heel, I share handy tips on what to expect and how to prepare: local driving etiquette, road conditions, the best place to hire a car, navigating the cities versus the countryside or the coast, parking situation, and scenic routes.
To give you a heads-up, it is fairly easy to drive in Puglia if you already have some experience navigating Italian roads. However, some nuances set visiting Puglia by car experience apart from driving around other regions in Southern Italy.
I have driven in Calabria, Campania, Amalfi Coast, Basilicata, and Sicily, and I find driving in Puglia slightly different. Navigating Puglia appeared slightly more challenging than other south Italian regions, except for the notorious Amalfi Coast and Naples where driving is a real nightmare.
Thus, to help you get ready to hit those beautiful roads, let me walk you through the most important things you need to know before a Puglia road trip.
Disclosure: This guide to driving in Puglia contains affiliate links to our trusted partners. It means that we may make a small commission at no extra cost to you if you purchase by clicking a link. It helps us grow the blog and create more of free useful travel advice for you.
Quick tips for driving in Puglia
If you are short on time and prefer bite-size advice, here are quick handy tips for driving in Puglia, Italy:
- There are many narrow roads in Puglia, and parking spaces are tight. Thus, renting a small car is essential.
- Traffic can be quite busy in some parts of Itria Valley and along the popular coastal areas in Puglia during the high season.
- Most of Puglia is fairly flat which makes the drive easier. Except for the mountainous Gargano Peninsula which has a lot of windy steep roads that novice drivers might find challenging.
- Never leave belongings inside the car. Car break-ins are more common in Puglia than elsewhere in Italy!
- Use Discovercars to find the best car rental deals for your road trip in Puglia. I consistently use this car search aggregator. It can help you save up to 70% of the car rental rate and also offers very reasonably priced full insurance.
Why should you choose to drive in Puglia, Italy
Puglia is one of the best places in Italy to go on a road trip. Here are the main reasons why you should choose to visit Puglia by car:
- Freedom and flexibility. While the popular destinations on the east coast in central Puglia and Salento Peninsula are well connected by train network, having your vehicle means you are completely in control of when and where you want to go. You don’t have to stick to any schedule but your own. To me, this is invaluable on any trip.
- Scenic routes and hidden gems. Puglia has many pretty backroads and less visited places that can only be easily accessed if you drive. Places like Gargano National Park, or remote corners of the southernmost tip of Puglia, are challenging to reach by public transportation, if not impossible.
- Easy access to a variety of accommodations. Puglia has some awesome accommodation options in the countryside, away from the town centers, or any public transportation. All my stays in Puglia were exactly in those quieter spots. Some of the best trulli houses in Italia Valley were tucked away between olive groves, but still close to many popular towns, like the white city of Ostuni or Arbelobello. With a car, you can easily reach them in just 10-20 minutes, max 30.
Is it difficult to drive in Puglia?
While driving around Puglia is not hard, it can present a few small challenges. At least it did to me, even though I’ve rented cars and driven in Italy at least ten times before.
The larger part of the region is mostly flat, which you’d think would make things easy. Still, I got lost a few times as navigation directed me to the wrong places. This was particularly the case in rural areas.
Yet, the main highways were just like any others in Italy—easy to follow and with clear road signs. But once you hit the smaller, back roads, this is when you might find yourself on a wild ride. Some of them are pretty narrow and curvy, especially around the hills.
Perhaps the most challenging were the drives between busy towns like Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, and Bari. Traffic there gets pretty hectic. I’m usually cool with the way Italians drive, but something about Puglia had me on edge a bit more than usual when I was weaving through traffic in those areas.
I visited at the beginning of May, a shoulder season when traffic is still bearable. According to locals, the coastal areas in the peak of summer, especially in July and August, are a nightmare. It gets super busy, with cars everywhere and it is probably not the best time to drive.
Is it safe to drive in Puglia?
When discussing the safety of driving in Puglia, there’s a significant concern to keep in mind: Puglia experiences the highest rates of car theft and burglary in Italy. While this might sound daunting, it doesn’t necessarily mean something bad will happen to your rental car. I’ve rented cars all over Italy, including Puglia, numerous times without any problems.
That said, avoid leaving belongings visible inside your car. Additionally, opting for secure, well-lit parking lots or guarded garages is a good idea.
As a few people have told me, it is not uncommon that cars are often being broken into in Puglia. Also, I’ve come across Google reviews mentioning incidents in remote areas of the Gargano Peninsula. We parked our Fiat in one such spot and went hiking, only to hear about others having their car windows smashed and possessions stolen.
As for the safety while driving, it’s pretty much like the rest of Italy. Be prepared to navigate many narrow roads, and possibly encounter a few hairpin turns in the mountains if you venture as far as Gargano. Sometimes you might have to let faster drivers pass and manage small parking spaces. But overall, there’s nothing unsafe about driving in Italy’s heel.
Your guide to driving in Puglia: 19 important tips
1. A small car in Puglia will take you far
For any Italy road trip, unless you need a more spacious vehicle, I always recommend booking a small car. And this is especially applicable to Puglia. There are so many narrow roads and tight parking spaces, that having a car like Fiat 500 or similar is the best option.
Important: Always verify whether you’re reserving an automatic or manual transmission car. If you’re comfortable driving a stick, you’re in luck since these cars tend to be a bit cheaper and more readily available. On the other hand, you can generally find automatic cars if you book ahead of time.
2. Where to book your car
On my road trips through Puglia and the rest of Italy, I always turn to Discovercars for booking vehicles. It’s a leading car rental comparison website that pulls together prices from a wide range of both local and international rental companies in Italy, ensuring the best deals possible.
Booking your car for a Puglia trip via Discovercars can help you save up to 70% compared to the prices you’d get directly from rental agencies or if you waited to book upon arrival.
Discovercars also offers an option for inexpensive comprehensive insurance, costing about 5-7 EUR daily. You can also use your credit card or debit card for security deposits.
Additionally, I make it a point to compare prices on Rentalcars, the largest car rental search engine available. It consistently provides excellent deals from trustworthy agencies. Before I found Discovercars, Rentalcars was my go-to choice.
Pick your car in Bari or Brindisi airport
If you are starting your road trip in Puglia, chances are you are landing either in Bari Airport or in Brindisi Airport. Those are the most convenient places to pick up your rental car from. Also, I noticed that picking up a car at the airport is often significantly cheaper than renting in the city center. Moreover, there is more variety of vehicles. Thus, you can get the type of vehicle that you need.
Must-have documentation
- An International Driving Permit is compulsory if you do not have a driving license issued in the European Union. I got asked for an IDP once when renting a car in Naples. Since I did not have it, I had to sign a document stating that I was responsible for paying fines in case the police stopped me. I was lucky I got the vehicle, other agencies might refuse to rent without the IDP.
- An original driving license is a must (don’t make a mistake only carrying IDP). Once my travel companion made this mistake, and I had to be the only driver during that trip.
- Passport or ID.
- Car booking confirmation.
3. Local driving culture and etiquette on the road
Ok, so you might have been warned about Italian driving and all the horror stories that happen on the road. While some things might be true, I often find people exaggerating it. Yes, driving in Naples and Amalfi Coast is terrifying, I agree with that, but everywhere else is pretty much manageable unless you are an absolute newbie driver. In general, if you ever drove in Napoli, Amalfi, or Palermo, driving in Puglia will be a breeze.
So, let’s take a look at the most common things you can expect from Italian drivers in Puglia.
Indicators are optional
Perhaps a common occurrence throughout Italy, but the use of turn signals is not as widespread in Puglia. Don’t expect everyone to signal before making a turn. I must admit, even I stopped using them after a while, adapting to local driving habits.
Take extra care at the roundabouts
Most visitors, myself included, should take extra care when approaching roundabouts. However, that’s not the case with the locals. For them, it’s just another piece of circular-shaped concrete. Drivers in Puglia will enter them without hesitation, even when they’re supposed to yield.
A general rule in Europe is that joining traffic must yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Yet, in Italy, there are some places where it’s the opposite. To clarify, in Puglia, sometimes roundabouts have stop signs, which was the first to see such a thing in Italy.
During busy traffic times, you just need to be a bit bold and take your chance as soon as there’s a reasonable gap between the cars inside the roundabout. What’s considered a reasonable distance to merge is usually much smaller for locals than for us, the non-locals. Also, if you find yourself stopping at a busy roundabout, unable to make a move, expect someone to “encourage” you by honking.
Despite this, I’ve never encountered any truly intimidating roundabouts in Puglia, unlike many that I’ve had to survive through in Naples.
The culture of overtaking
Overtaking is common, even on narrow roads where it seems there isn’t enough space. Cars also tend to tailgate, especially on highways, and then swiftly pass your car at a dangerously close distance. Please, don’t freak out; this doesn’t happen continuously, but it’s a pretty normal practice of driving. The best thing to do if you notice someone desperately trying to overtake you is to move slightly to the side when it’s safe and let the faster driver pass.
Note that drivers might occasionally flash you with their high beams. I’m kind of used to these things because I drive in Dubai, where tailgating and flashing with high beams are among the most common behaviors. Thus, I can compare and say that in Italy, it’s much less common.
Police warning
A different story is if you see oncoming traffic flashing their lights at you during the day, it’s usually a signal that there are policemen ahead with a mobile speed camera or a random checkpoint for document checks. This is an unwritten rule, a courtesy among drivers to help each other not only in Italy but also in other European countries.
Stopping at random places
Yet another cultural nuance and proof of a more flexible approach to behavior on the road is when people stop in places where you wouldn’t expect them to. Whatever the reason may be, whether it’s picking something up or saying “ciao” to a neighbor. Luckily, this usually happens within towns, not on highways.
4. Road conditions in Puglia
Italy’s Puglia region is celebrated for its varied landscapes, from its dramatic coastlines, and ancient olive groves dotted with trulli houses to historic towns, and even lush mountains. That said, you can expect to drive through a range of various roads in Puglia.
The main dual motorway that stretches down Puglia’s east coast is the busiest, with oncoming traffic often expecting you to yield and let them through. Here, the pace of traffic is quicker and more assertive, yet you can get from place to place faster and avoid driving into a town center.
The countryside roads meandering through the olive groves are more peaceful and enjoyable to drive. It’s courteous to allow faster drivers to pass by pulling over or signal when it’s safe, especially if you’re taking your time to admire the scenery on narrow rural roads.
Our trip included some time on 4-lane highways when driving longer distances. However, the real joy was to drive along secondary roads, which were in reasonably good condition and offered plenty of picturesque views.
Special mention goes to the Gargano Peninsula, known for its mountainous terrain, where the roads become more winding and steep compared to those in Salento or the Itria Valley in central Puglia.
Some narrow roads in Puglia don’t look like an actual road
As I’ve mentioned a few times already, Puglia has many narrow roads, but some of them stand out. If you drive through Valle d’Itria, you’re very likely to come across some unpaved roads that pass between the olive groves.
Navigation often suggested those roads for us. At first, we hesitated as it felt like passing someone’s garden. However, those dirt tracks are actual one-lane rural roads where you might also meet another car coming from the opposite direction. Fortunately, traffic in these areas is minimal, but practicing your reversing skills might be necessary.
There is a fair share of bumpy roads in Puglia
Although the quality of Puglian roads is generally good, I noticed that there was a fair share of roads with potholes as well. I am tempted to say that Calabrian backroads are in much better shape than the backroads in Puglia.
5. Types of roads in Puglia
Here’s a breakdown of the types of roads you will come across while exploring Puglia:
- Autostrada: the highways are generally in excellent condition. They are wide, well-maintained, and have clear signage, and facilities like rest stops and service areas. Puglia is served by a couple of major motorways. The A14 motorway runs north to south along the Adriatic coast, connecting Puglia with northern Italy. There’s also the A16, which cuts across to Napoli and the west. These roads are toll roads, offering the quickest way to travel long distances across the region and Italy.
- Strade Statali (SS) (State Roads): these roads connect major towns and cities within Puglia and to other regions. They’re generally well-maintained and offer a good balance between higher speed and scenic drive. Examples include the SS16, which runs along the coast, providing beautiful sea views, and the SS7, which goes into the interior of the region.
- Strade Provinciali (SP) (Provincial Roads): these roads connect smaller towns and rural areas. While they can be narrower and less maintained than Strade Statali, they offer an authentic driving experience through Puglia’s beautiful countryside, olive groves, and vineyards. They’re perfect for those looking to explore off-the-beaten paths and observe the region’s rural charm.
- Country Roads and Rural Tracks. These roads can be narrow, winding, and sometimes unpaved, but they lead to some of the most secluded and stunning landscapes in Puglia, from trulli (cone-shaped houses) and ancient masserie (farmhouses) to secret beaches and small, traditional villages.
- Coastal Roads. Along the coastline, especially in the Salento area, you’ll find roads that offer breathtaking views of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. These local roads can range from major routes to smaller local paths leading directly to beaches and coastal towns.
6. Driving along the coast in Puglia
Slowly driving along the coast of Puglia is amazing because you are always close to the clear blue sea in sight, passing some craggy cliffs, small beaches, little fishing villages, and old towers.
Nonetheless, it’s not always super relaxed. Some of the roads along the coast can be tight and twisty, so you’ve got to keep your eyes peeled and maybe slow down a bit. And if you’re thinking of going during summer, just know it gets pretty busy. Everyone’s heading to the beach, so traffic can get a bit crazy, and finding a spot to park might take a while.
7. Driving in Gargano Peninsula
The roads across the Gargano peninsula are narrow and winding. And if you are stuck behind the truck or campervan, your patience will be tested, as it might be a while before you can overtake. However, the views, especially from Manfredonia to Vieste, are some of the best I’ve seen in Puglia!
Yet, it is also worth noting, that the most challenging roads we encountered were the ones leading to Monte Sant’Angelo (which we navigated on a particularly foggy day along a very windy route) and a steep, narrow path to Vico Garganico. Despite a slightly tense drive, the experiences were absolutely worth the effort.
8. Visiting the hinterlands of Puglia with a car
The interior of Puglia is a labyrinth of olive groves. Although there is a network of SS state roads that offer faster travel, we often navigated provincial and countryside roads. Give yourself time if you’re driving through these roads. Not only is the speed slower, but the views are more beautiful, and we were stopping often, especially in Valle d’Itria.
Fortunately, the majority of Puglia is flat, with some small rolling hills making driving through the interior much easier. The exception is the Gargano Peninsula, as mentioned above.
9. Driving in the cities in Puglia
Driving in the bigger towns and cities, like Bari, can be a bit more challenging due to heavier traffic, especially towards the evening when people are heading out. So, arm yourself with patience, especially when it comes to finding parking.
10. Be aware of unexpected traffic and road closures in Puglia
As I mentioned at the beginning of the post, driving in Puglia turned out to be just a tiny bit more challenging than in other parts of southern Italy. This was due to some unexpected traffic and even road closures. A few times, we encountered random roadwork in places where we least expected it.
We were on our way from our countryside accommodation in the Itria Valley to Martina Franca and ended up stuck in traffic. Instead of waiting in a line that wasn’t moving, we simply turned around and took a longer route through many of those unpaved, olive grove-lined roads. In this case, navigation wasn’t helpful, as it kept trying to direct us back to the congested area.
Also, I think I’ve already mentioned above that summer is notorious for heavy traffic along the coast.
11. Are there toll roads in Puglia?
There are two highways which are toll roads in Puglia:
- Autostrada A14 Bologna-Taranto, passing through the province of Foggia, Bari.
- Autostrada A16 Napoli-Canosa, connecting Campania, Basilicata and Puglia.
Note that on Google Maps some of those toll roads are marked differently. For example, Bari-Taranto route is E843. To determine if it is a toll road, look at Google Maps for a small coins avatar, that indicates tolls.
The cost of driving through autostrada from Bari to Taranato is around 8 EUR for 100 KM. While from Bari to Foggia is around 10 EUR for 135 KM.
In general, if you are not in a rush, you might easily skip toll roads and take SS or SP roads instead. Often, it won’t even add that much time if any to your journey (like 15-30min max).
To pay for toll roads, always carry some cash just in case, but most of the time you will be able to pay by card. Make sure not to take Telepass boot, which is only for pass holders.
12. One-way alleyways and ZTL zones
Driving into the old towns of Puglia is an experience. By all means, try to park somewhere at the edge of the historic center (centro storico).
The number one reason is to avoid accidentally entering a ZTL zone. This is a limited traffic zone that is monitored by cameras and crossing it will incur a fine. Only residents usually have permits to drive into those zones which are set to limit traffic and pollution inside historic centers.
The other reason, even if it is not a ZTL zone, navigating narrow one-way streets can be difficult and often confusing. We always tried to park just at the edge of the historic town and then walk.
13. What is parking in Puglia like
My personal experience with parking in Puglia was quite smooth. Before heading to a new town, I would always check Google Maps to identify potential parking lots, ideally free ones. I have to say, we only paid for parking a few times in Puglia.
- The free parking spots, marked with white lines in Italy, are harder to find closer to the old town, but it’s doable. Even in Polignano a Mare, we found a large sandpit converted into a parking lot next to the train station. It was free of charge, and we always found a spot (though we traveled in May, which might be different in the summer).
- Paid street parking in Italy is indicated by blue lines, and there is usually a parking meter around the corner. However, they can be unreliable and might not work in certain towns. Locals might suggest you just park and go, but it’s a 50-50 chance of getting a fine. In more popular areas during the summer, the chances of getting fined are higher.
- Yellow lines indicate reserved parking, thus never park there, or you are almost guaranteed to get a fine. Or worse, get your car tolled.
If you drive to bigger cities like Bari, Brindisi, Taranto, or Lecce, for example, I recommend using parking garages close to the historic center. These guarded multi-level parking lots are called “multipiano” in Italian. Usually, you collect a ticket when entering the lot and pay at a cashier or machine before leaving.
14. Siesta is the easiest time to park
If the thought of navigating through towns, finding parking, and dealing with traffic makes you anxious, aim to arrive at your destination around 1:30 to 3:00 pm. This is typically the quietest time of day in Puglia when everybody is on siesta.
15. Navigating Puglia: GPS and Google Maps
Using Google Maps was generally sufficient, but as I mentioned earlier, there were times when it directed us to one-way streets, and we had to find alternative routes on our own. However, a benefit of Google Maps is that it usually shows road closures or accidents, though not always, as was the case when we were trying to go from our trulli stay in the Itria Valley to Martina Franca.
Other travelers mention that WAZE is even better than Google Maps. I’ve never tried it since I’m so accustomed to Google Maps, but I’ve heard a lot of positive reviews about this navigation app.
16. Road rules in Puglia
Road rules in Puglia are the same as elsewhere in Italy. Here are some of the basics.
Speed limits in Puglia
In Puglia, like the rest of Italy, speed limits vary depending on where you’re driving.
- 50 km/h (about 31 mph) in urban areas, which is pretty standard.
- On open roads, you can step it up to 90 km/h (around 56 mph),
- On highways, the limit goes up to 130 km/h (about 81 mph) under good weather conditions but drops to 110 km/h (around 68 mph) when it’s rainy.
Also, always watch out for speed limit signs that can be below 50 KM/H (31 mph), this is common in rural areas and on mountainous roads in Gargano.
Speed cameras in Puglia
In Puglia, I did not notice as many speed cameras as in other regions of Italy. Usually, you will be warned with a speed camera sign ahead of time. Even then, I noticed, there was often no camera at all. However, I recommend sticking to the speed limit, so there is no need to worry about getting a ticket.
Other basic road rules in Puglia, Italy
- Lights always on: in Europe, and also in Italy daytime running lights are mandatory even during daylight hours
- Drivers may ONLY use their mobile phone with a hand-free set.
- Seat belts are compulsory for the driver and all passengers, including the ones in the rear seats. Child restraint systems is MANDATORY.
- Alcohol level in blood <0,5 g/l and 0,0 g/l for novice drivers.
Emergency number
The emergency number in Italy is 112. This number can be dialed to reach emergency services, including police, fire brigade, and medical assistance.
17. Tips for refueling in Puglia
Petrol/gas stations in Puglia operate just like anywhere in Italy. They are straightforward to find and plentiful. Of course, if you are planning to venture to some backroads of Puglia, it’s a good idea to fill up just in case you don’t come across a petrol station. Yet, along the highways and SS roads, there were many pump stations available. Below are a few handy tips for refueling in Puglia:
- Use GPS or apps to find stations, especially in remote areas.
- Operating hours are not always 24/7 in small towns; some petrol stations close for breaks and on Sundays.
- Know your fuel type: “Benzina” (gasoline), “Diesel,” or “GPL” (gas).
- Choose between self-service (cheaper) and serviced (when an attendant fills the tank for you).
- Payment is usually possible with cash or credit cards; automated pumps require you to freeze a certain amount on your card (100 EUR or so), and the unused amount is released.
- Always get a receipt for your transaction.
18. Don’t try to drive all Puglia in one week
Puglia is an elongated region, with the distance from north to south exceeding 400 KM (250 miles), which can take around 4 to 4.5 hours to drive. Therefore, if you only have one week in Puglia, it’s wise to concentrate on one area.
For instance, visiting the Itria Valley and the East Coast in central Puglia is manageable within a week. This allows for minimal driving and the opportunity to see quite a lot, from famous whitewashed towns, including Alberobello to coastal towns like Polignano a Mare, Monopoli, and also Bari.
During my first 2-week trip, I had to choose whether to include the north or the south in my Puglia road trip itinerary, because covering the entire length of the region, although possible, would have felt rushed and meant spending too many hours on the road instead of enjoying the places at a leisurely pace.
19. Base yourself in a small town or countryside
One advantage of being in a small town or the nearby countryside was the ease of getting on the road each day. We always stayed somewhere outside the city but close enough to easily reach nearby points of interest.
This is another advantage of renting a car in Puglia—you are not limited to just staying close to train stations and can choose beautiful accommodations, like trulli or masserie, in the countryside.
Where to drive in Puglia: 5 scenic routes
Puglia is a wonderful region for road-tripping. Unless you are in a rush, try sticking to provincial (Strada Provinciale) or state roads (Strada Statale) for the most authentic Puglia experience and the most beautiful drives.
You will be delighted with the impossibly turquoise waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas, rugged and sandy coastlines, endless olive groves, dreamy whitewashed houses, stone medieval seaside villages, and even mysterious hilltop towns, lush forests, and mountains. That’s how varied Puglia is.
Below are a few suggested scenic driving routes in Puglia:
- Coastal road around the Gargano Peninsula is marked as SP53. It starts at Mattinata, passes through Vieste, and finishes in Peschici. It reminded me a bit of Amalfi Coast due to its many bends, just wilder and without traffic. Along the way, you will enjoy the stunning scenery of small bays, white cliffs, and green mountains- this is my favorite drive in all of Puglia.
- Route SP358 is one of the most beautiful coastal drives in the Salento Peninsula. It stretches between Otranto and Santa Maria di Leuca. You will be driving right next to the sparkling blue Adriatic Sea followed by the Ionian Sea. Along the way you can stop in Castro and Santa Cesaria Terme- two charming small seaside towns.
- Vico del Gargano to Monte Sant’Angelo following the roads SP528 and then SP522b through Umbra forest which is Unesco World Heritage Site. Also, you will get a chance to visit two amazing hilltop towns in Gargano Peninsula.
- Arbelobello to Putignano through SS172 is a scenic drive known as “Strada dei Trulli”. The road is lined with stone walls and you can see traditional to the area trulli houses along the way. Visit the famous Alberobello but don’t skip Putignano which is hidden in Puglia.
- Driving between the white towns of Loccorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni, Ceglie Messapica, and Martina Franca will lead you through some beautiful views of Itria Valley. This area has some amazing backroads, thus don’t hesitate just to wander off.
Can you get around Puglia without a car?
Yes, you can get around Puglia without a car, but it depends on where you want to go. The train network in Puglia, mostly operated by Trenitalia, connects major cities and towns, making it a convenient option for travelers.
Cities like Bari, Lecce, and Brindisi are well-served by trains, providing easy access to popular destinations. For instance, you can catch a train to explore the historic city of Lecce or the beautiful seaside town of Polignano a Mare. Additionally, buses fill in the gaps, reaching areas that trains don’t, though they might be less frequent and a bit slower.
While trains and buses enable visits to many of highlights, relying solely on public transport in Puglia can limit your travel experience. In contrast, a car gives you the freedom to explore off-the-beaten-path villages, secluded beaches, and the region’s stunning countryside at your own pace.
Even famous whitewashed towns like Ostuni or Locorotondo are easier to reach by car. If you’re looking to stay in unique local accommodations like masserie (farmhouses) or trulli (traditional stone huts), renting a car is necessary.
Driving in Puglia: FAQ
Is it easy to drive in Bari?
Bari is one of the places where driving is more hectic than elsewhere in Puglia. Bari is the regional capital and traffic can get very busy. I recommend parking in a multistorey parking garage close to the historic center to minimize the driving around Bari. That is precisely what we did.
Do I need an international driving permit to drive in Puglia?
Yes, IDP is necessary if you don’t hold a driving license issued in one of the European Union. When I rented a car in Puglia, I was asked by the rental agency to show my IDP. It wasn’t the first time that the agency asked for it. One of the times in Naples, I did not have it. Luckily, they agreed to rent a car for me, but I had to sign a document that I will be responsible for paying a huge fine in case the police issue a ticket.
How much is a car rental in Puglia?
Car rental prices in Puglia are very affordable, especially if you’re visiting during the shoulder season. You can expect to pay as little as 9 EUR per day during the off-season, around 15-20 EUR per day when traveling during the shoulder season, and about 25-35 EUR per day during the summer for a small vehicle. The best place to book your car in advance is Discovercars, where you get a 48-hour cancellation policy and a wide choice of vehicles at the best rates.
Can you hire a driver in Puglia?
If you are hesitant to drive in Puglia, you can hire a driver to take you around the places that are difficult to reach by public transportation. Also, you can join an organized tour.
Final thoughts and tips on driving in Puglia
I hope you choose to drive in Puglia and go explore the most beautiful corners of the heel of Italy’s boot. As we conclude, here are some essential insights to guide your driving experience in Puglia:
- Puglia is perfect for a road trip, offering the best method to fully appreciate and explore the region without having to rely on public transportation schedules, or limiting yourself just to the popular destinations.
- I recommend making your car reservation in advance with Discoverscars. My experiences with rental agencies through this platform have consistently been positive. It can help you save on rental costs and include the option for comprehensive car insurance.
- I strongly suggest choosing a smaller vehicle for smoother driving and parking experience.
- Driving in Puglia is similar to other places in southern Italy, and is not particularly difficult. Although it has many narrow backroads, traffic there isn’t heavy. The only time you should perhaps reconsider driving in Puglia along the coast is during the summer season when traffic generally gets.
- Highways in Puglia are in excellent condition, while provincial and state roads might be often under construction. Yet the overall quality of the roads in Puglia is good and never presents any difficulties, even tackling the unpaved countryside road between olive groves.
- Finding parking in Puglia is relatively straightforward if you visit during the shoulder season. But it can be difficult during the peak tourist seasons along the coast. Make use of guarded parking garages that can be found in bigger cities like Bari, Taranto and Lecce just outside the historic centers.
- Never leave your valuables inside a car! Unfortunately, Puglia is known as one of the regions with higher car crime rates.
Have you driven around Puglia yet? Feel free to share your experience or contact me if you have more questions about travelling in Puglia and Italy. Make sure to scroll down for more of my Puglia travel guides!
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- Driving in Puglia, Italy: essential tips for a road trip
- Renting a car in Puglia: what you need to know
- Most beautiful coastal towns in Puglia, Italy
- Airports in Puglia: how to reach Puglia by air
- Where to stay in Puglia as a base
- 2 weeks in Puglia itinerary
General Italy travel guides
- Browse all my blog posts about Italy HERE.
- Looking for romantic road trip ideas in Italy? Check my list of 15 Best Road Trips in Italy.
- The ultimate guide to renting a car in Italy
- Tips for driving in Italy for the first time
- Thinking of renting a car in Rome? Read my guide to How to rent a car in Rome.
- Best coastal towns in southern Italy.
- Explore Calabria- the least visited region in Italy.
- Visit Sicily- the biggest island in Italy.
Italy travel resources
Here are links to essential travel resources and services I always use when organizing my trips.