Discover Bari Airport with the freedom of a rental car from Bari Airport
Bari airport, officially known as Aeroporto di Bari-Karol Wojtyła, is a major gateway to the beautiful region of Puglia in Italy. With more than 5 million passengers annually, this airport is a busy hub, especially during summer holidays. The airport has 1 terminal, where you can quickly and easily find your way around, so you can pick up your rental car in no time and be on your way.
How to drive from Bari airport to Bari city
Bari airport is just 8 kilometres from the centre of Bari, the capital of Puglia. You can easily drive to the city via the SS16, a well-maintained road that will take you to the heart of Bari within 15 minutes. Along the way, you can enjoy views of the Adriatic coast and the lively surroundings of this historic city.
Drive on to Lecce and Brindisi
From Bari airport, you can easily drive to other major cities in Puglia, such as Lecce and Brindisi. Take the SS16 and continue on the E55 to arrive in Lecce after about an hour and a half. Known as the ‘Florence of the south’, Lecce offers impressive Baroque architecture. Brindisi is a similar distance via the SS379, where you'll drive past picturesque coastlines and vast olive groves on the way.
5 Highlights within driving distance of Bari airport
- Alberobello - Known for its unique trulli houses, a must-see for anyone visiting Puglia.
- Matera - A UNESCO World Heritage city famous for its ancient cave dwellings and cinematic landscapes.
- Castel del Monte - A mysterious and impressive octagonal castle that is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Polignano a Mare - A coastal town with breathtaking views and lovely beaches.
- Ostuni - The ‘White City’, famous for its whitewashed buildings and narrow streets.
Road network in Puglia
Puglia's roads are generally well maintained and offer a mix of modern highways and narrow, charming country roads. Be careful in the small villages, where roads can sometimes be narrow and winding. The motorways are usually toll-free, but keep an eye out for crowds in high season.
Recommended car rental category from Bari airport
In Puglia, with its mix of coastlines and hilly interior, an SUV is an excellent choice. This type of car offers not only comfort for longer journeys, but also enough power to handle the sometimes steep and winding roads. For those who want to enjoy the sunny weather, a convertible is also a nice option, especially if you plan to drive along the coast.
Best travel time to visit Puglia
The best time to visit Puglia is from May to October, when the weather is pleasantly warm and you can fully enjoy the beaches and outdoor life.
Eating and drinking in Puglia
Puglia is known for its fresh and flavoursome cuisine, with dishes like orecchiette pasta, burrata cheese, and delicious freshly caught seafood. Don't forget to enjoy a glass of local wine, such as Primitivo or Negroamaro, but make sure not to get behind the wheel after drinking.
Useful words and phrases about car rental in Italian
- Traffic light: Semaforo
- Breakdown: Guasto
- Curve: Curva
- Car key: Chiave dell'auto
- Car park: Parcheggio
- Which car is for me? Quale auto è per me?
- Here you have my driving license: Ecco la mia patente di guida.
- Will there be petrol or diesel in my car? La mia auto va a benzina o diesel?
- Where is the nearest petrol station: Dov'è la stazione di servizio più vicina?
- Where do I leave my car when my holiday is over? Dove lascio la mia auto quando la mia vacanza è finita?