Renting a Car in Puglia: Everything I Wish I Knew Before My Italian Road Trip

Planning to rent a car in Puglia for the perfect road trip? This detailed travel guide covers my firsthand experience driving in Puglia and what every first timer needs to know before hiring a car.

Planning to road trip through Puglia? Trust me,it’s the best decision you’ll make.

When my sister and I visited Puglia for two weeks in late April, we picked up a rental car at Bari Airport, settled into our trulli hotel just outside Ostuni, and spent our days exploring whitewashed hill towns, olive groves and cliffside beaches at our own pace. And honestly, having a car made all the difference.

Public transport in Puglia exists, but it’s slow, infrequent and doesn’t connect well to smaller towns like Locorotondo, Martina Franca or coastal gems like Polignano a Mare. If you want the freedom to hit hidden beaches, drive through the Itria Valley, stop at a random masseria for wine or catch sunrise in Alberobello before the crowds, you need a car.

After personally navigating Puglia’s narrow streets, ZTL zones, gravel countryside roads, and parking in towns like Ostuni and Lecce, I’ve learned exactly what first-time visitors need to know to make their road trip smooth and stress-free.

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Do You Need a Car in Puglia?

If you want to explore Puglia properly, yes, you absolutely need a car.

While trains and buses do connect major towns like Bari, Polignano a Mare, Lecce and Ostuni, they’re often slow, infrequent, and don’t reach many of the region’s most charming places like Locorotondo, Martina Franca, coastal viewpoints, countryside masserie, or hidden beaches.

Driving gives you the freedom to:

• Visit multiple towns in one day (like Alberobello + Locorotondo + Martina Franca)
• Watch sunrise in Polignano a Mare or sunset in Ostuni
• Stay outside town in beautiful countryside trulli or farm stays
• Stop at wineries, olive mills or random roadside fruit stands
• Avoid rigid tour schedules and crowded buses

The only situation where you might not need a car is if you’re staying only in one place (like Bari or Lecce) and booking guided tours. You can dive deeper into the best areas to base yourself through my guide on where to stay in Puglia.

But for a real Puglia experience (olive groves, hill towns, secluded coves, coastal drives) hiring a car is the way to go to experience all of the top places to visit in Puglia.

Where to Rent a Car in Puglia
(Airports vs Towns)

The easiest and most convenient places to rent a car in Puglia are Bari Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS). This is where you’ll find the biggest selection of rental companies, better prices, and the option to book an automatic, especially if you reserve in advance.

My sister and I picked up our rental at Bari Airport and were on the road within an hour.

You can rent cars in towns like Bari City, Lecce, Ostuni or Monopoli, but availability is more limited, costs are often slightly higher, and offices may have shorter operating hours, especially on Sundays or during the afternoon “riposo” (siesta).

Best Option for Most Travellers:

✔ Fly into Bari or Brindisi, rent your car at the airport, and start your road trip from there.
✔ If you’re uncomfortable driving in cities, choose an airport pickup—no tight streets, no ZTL zones.

Book your Puglia car rental early, especially if you’re visiting during May–September, want an automatic, or need extras like child seats.

What You Need to Rent a Car in Puglia (License, IDP & Age Requirements)

Renting a car in Puglia is pretty straightforward, but there are a few must-haves you need to know before you show up at the counter.

1. Driver’s Licence

• If you’re from the EU, UK, USA, Canada, Australia or New Zealand, your standard driver’s licence is accepted.
• However, if your licence is not in English or Italian, you may be asked for an official translation or an International Driving Permit (IDP).

2. International Driving Permit (IDP)

• Legally required if you are non-EU and your licence isn’t in Italian.
• Even if the rental company doesn’t ask for it, police might, especially during roadside checks.
• Get it from your local automobile association before leaving home (it’s usually quick and affordable).

3. Credit Card in the Driver’s Name

• Required for the security deposit (sometimes €500–€1500).
• Debit cards are often not accepted unless you buy full insurance on arrival.

4. Minimum Age

• Most companies require drivers to be 21+, with at least 1 year of driving experience.
• Drivers under 25 often pay a “young driver surcharge” (usually €15–€30/day).

To rent a car in Puglia, bring your driver’s licence + credit card + IDP (if required). Without these, you risk being denied at pickup, even if you’ve already paid!

Manual vs Automatic: Which Should You Choose?

Most cars in Italy are manual (stick shift), and that’s also true in Puglia. My sister and I rented a manual car for our two-week road trip. It was more affordable, easier to find, and perfect for navigating country roads and small towns, making Puglia worth the visit.

But if you don’t confidently drive manual, it’s important to know your options ahead of time.

Manual Cars

✔ Cheaper (often €15–€30 less per day)
✔ More widely available
✔ Better for winding country roads and fuel efficiency
✖ Not ideal if you’re nervous in hills, roundabouts, or heavy traffic

Automatic Cars

✔ Easier to drive, especially in unfamiliar areas or busy towns
✔ Great for stress-free road trips
✖ Limited availability (often sell out in high season)
✖ More expensive to rent
✖ Must be booked well in advance (especially June–September)

If you’re comfortable driving a manual (like we were), it will save you money and give you more flexibility when picking up your car. If not, book an automatic rental car early, especially if flying into Bari or Brindisi in summer.

Rental Car Insurance in Puglia

Car rental insurance can feel confusing, but here’s exactly what matters when hiring a car in Puglia, based on real experience and how Italian rentals work.

Most rental companies in Italy include basic coverage by law, but it often comes with a very high excess (up to €1,500–€2,000). This means if something happens like scratches, dents, or roadside damage, you’ll pay that amount before insurance covers the rest.

Types of Insurance You’ll Be Offered

Insurance Type	What It Covers	Mandatory?
CDW (Collision Damage Waiver)	Damage to the rental car	Usually included, but with high excess
TP (Theft Protection)	Theft or break-in	Usually included
Third-Party Liability	Damage to others	Included by law
Super CDW / Full Coverage	Reduces or eliminates excess	Optional but recommended
Windscreen, Tyre & Undercarriage Cover	Damages not covered by basic CDW	Optional add-on

So, Should You Buy Full Coverage?

If you want peace of mind, yes. Especially if:

• You’re driving narrow streets in towns like Ostuni, Martina Franca or Alberobello
• You’re not used to manual cars or Italian roundabouts
• You’ll be parking on busy streets or gravel country roads

You can either:
✔ Buy full coverage directly from the rental company at pickup (most expensive)
✔ Or use a third-party insurance provider or credit card insurance (cheaper, but you’ll pay upfront for damages and get reimbursed later)

What we did: Since I booked our rental car through Discover Cars, full coverage was included for a really low daily rate and meant no stress about scratches, dents or parking mishaps.

What to Expect when Driving in Puglia

Driving in Puglia is generally straightforward, especially outside major cities, but there are a few things first-time visitors should know to stay safe and avoid fines.

Road Conditions

• Main roads like SS16 (Adriatic Highway) and SS7 are well-maintained and easy to drive.
• Rural roads can be narrow, winding and lined with stone walls or olive trees so drive slowly.
• In historic towns like Ostuni, Martina Franca or Locorotondo, streets can be extremely narrow and steep, and sometimes only locals are allowed to drive through (ZTL zones).

ZTL Zones (Limited Traffic Areas)

ZTLs are restricted driving zones in historic centres. They’re designed to protect old streets from traffic.

• You’ll see signs that say “ZTL” with times and camera symbols.
• If you drive inside during restricted hours, you’ll be automatically fined (€80–€100+).
• Popular towns with ZTLs include Bari, Lecce, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Alberobello and Monopoli.
• Best tip: Park outside the centre in a paid lot and walk in.

Speed Limits

• Towns / Villages: 50 km/h
• Secondary Roads: 70–90 km/h
• Main Highways (SS roads): 90–110 km/h
• Autostrade (toll motorways): 130 km/h (often 110 km/h in rain)

Speed cameras (“Autovelox”) are common. Especially near roundabouts and town entrances, so don’t speed, even slightly.

How Parking in Puglia Works (and How to Avoid Fines)

Parking in Puglia is manageable once you understand the colour system and know where to leave your car outside historic centres. Most Puglia towns don’t allow you to drive into the old town (ZTL zones), so you’ll often park just outside the centre and walk in.

Understanding Parking Colour Codes

• White Lines: Free parking – but sometimes residents only (check nearby signs)
• Blue Lines: Paid parking (strisce blu) – pay at the nearby machine or via app
• Yellow Lines: Reserved for residents, taxis, deliveries or disabled parking – do not park here

How to Pay for Parking

• Look for a nearby parking meter (“parcometro”).
• Enter your licence plate number if prompted.
• Pay with coins or card (some machines are cash-only).
• Display the ticket on your dashboard (if required).
• Some towns use apps like EasyPark or MyCicero.

Where to Park in Popular Towns

• Alberobello – Several paid parking lots just outside the trulli zone (~€6/day).
• Ostuni – Park at the big lot near Piazzale Torino or Via Peppino Orlando.
• Polignano a Mare – Use Parcheggio Via San Vito or lots along Via Martiri di Dogali.
• Lecce – Free parking by the train station or paid parking near Porta Napoli.
• Monopoli – Lots by the harbour or along the town walls near Via Procaccia.

Always park before entering old towns. If you accidentally drive into a ZTL while searching for parking, cameras will catch you, and the fine gets mailed to your rental company.

Fueling Up in Puglia

Diesel vs Petrol (Benzina)

Most rental cars in Puglia run on diesel (Gasolio) rather than petrol. Petrol is labelled Benzina or Senza Piombo (unleaded).

It’s essential to double-check which fuel your car takes. Look at the fuel cap, rental contract, or ask the rental agent. Putting the wrong fuel in the tank can lead to expensive repairs and delays, so it’s worth being 100% sure before you fill up.

Self-Service vs Servito (Full Service)

Fuel stations in Puglia usually offer two options. Self-service (“Self”) means you pump the fuel yourself, and it’s the cheaper option. Servito (full service) means an attendant fills the tank for you, but this convenience comes with an extra charge (usually 10–20 cents more per litre).

If you prefer to do it yourself, just say “Self, per favore” when you pull in. In smaller towns or during siesta hours, you may also come across fully automated stations, where you pay at a machine before filling up.

How to Pay for Fuel

At attended stations, you normally pay inside the shop or directly to the attendant. At self-service pumps, you’ll use a machine to prepay by selecting your pump number and paying with cash or card.

Some rural stations only accept cash or Italian bank cards, so keeping a few euros on hand is a smart idea.

Refuelling Before Returning the Car

Most rental companies in Puglia operate on a full-to-full policy, meaning you must return the car with a full tank.

Always fill up at a station near the drop-off location before returning your vehicle to avoid high refuelling fees. Keep the receipt just in case the rental company asks for proof.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Renting a Car in Puglia

Renting a car in Puglia is the best way to see the region, but it also comes with a few easy-to-make mistakes that can cost time, money, or unnecessary stress. Here’s what to avoid to make your road trip smooth and stress-free.

1. Forgetting an International Driving Permit (IDP)
If your licence isn’t from the EU/UK or isn’t in English or Italian, you legally need an IDP. Some rental agencies won’t ask, but Italian police can, and fines are expensive.

2. Booking Too Late (Especially Automatics)
Automatic cars are limited in Italy and can sell out months in advance, especially in spring and summer.

Booking your car early means better prices and more choice.

3. Choosing a Car That’s Too Big
Historic towns like Ostuni, Martina Franca and Locorotondo have tight streets and small parking spaces. Choose a compact car as you don’t need an SUV here.

4. Driving into ZTL Zones by Accident
ZTL (Limited Traffic Zones) are restricted areas in city centres. They’re marked by signs and cameras—if you enter, you’ll receive a fine, even months later. Always park outside old towns and walk in.

5. Not Taking Photos of the Car at Pickup
Always take photos/videos of every scratch, dent, tyre, windshield and fuel level. It only takes a minute and protects you from unfair damage claims later.

6. Not Getting the Right Insurance Coverage
Basic insurance often comes with a high excess (€1,000–€2,000). Full coverage (from Discover Cars or elsewhere) or excess reduction insurance gives peace of mind, especially in rural or narrow roads.

7. Returning the Car Without Refuelling
Most rental companies use a full-to-full policy. If you don’t return it full, they’ll refill it at a much higher rate. Always refuel nearby and keep the receipt.

Have I convinced you to rent a Car in Puglia?

After road-tripping through Puglia for two weeks with my sister (from Bari to Ostuni, Alberobello, Polignano a Mare, Lecce and beyond), I can confidently say that renting a car is the best way to experience this region.

Trains and buses only connect the bigger towns, but the real beauty of Puglia lies in its countryside drives, tiny hilltop villages, olive groves, and coastal viewpoints you simply can’t reach without your own wheels.

Renting a car in Puglia does come with challenges like ZTL zones, narrow streets, insurance choices and parking rules, but with a bit of preparation, it’s incredibly manageable and absolutely worth it.

If you’re dreaming of an authentic Italian road trip filled with whitewashed towns, sea cliffs, burrata, wine, and winding rural roads, Puglia is the place to do it! And driving is how you truly experience it.