Planning a car-free vacation in Puglia is possible, simple, and often even more relaxing. If you're planning a stay in Brindisi but don't want to rent a car, this guide is for you. We'll explain how to get to the city comfortably and how to get around Brindisi and its surrounding areas using public transportation, shuttles, and smart alternatives.
Where is Brindisi and why is it easily accessible?
Brindisi is a port city in Puglia, overlooking the Adriatic Sea and strategically located for visiting Salento and much of the region. Its central location makes it the perfect arrival point and logistical base for traveling even without a car.
Thanks to its airport, port, train station, and road connections, it is one of the most easily accessible cities in Puglia.
Getting to Brindisi by plane
Brindisi – Salento Airport (BDS) is located just 5 km from the city center and is one of the main airports in southern Italy.
Connections:
Direct domestic flights from Milan, Rome, Bologna, Turin, Verona, Venice, and other Italian cities.
Direct international flights from London, Paris, Berlin, Brussels, Zurich, Amsterdam, and many others.
Airlines: Ryanair, ITA Airways, WizzAir, EasyJet, Eurowings.
Getting to the city center from the airport:
STP Airport – City Center shuttle bus (AP Line): Departs approximately every 30 minutes, main stops: Central Station, Piazza Crispi, and Via del Mare.
Taxi: Average fare approximately €20, 10 minutes to the city center.
Chauffeur-driven car rentals (NCC): Can also be booked in advance.
Private shuttles: Often offered by vacation rentals or upon request.
Getting to Brindisi by Train
Brindisi Central Station is centrally located, a 10-minute walk from the port and the historic center.
Main connections:
From Bari: about 1 hour by regional train or Frecciabianca.
From Lecce: 25 minutes.
From Rome: about 5 hours by Frecciargento or Intercity.
From Milan: 7-9 hours (direct or with a transfer).
From Bologna/Florence: about 6 hours.
Frecce, Intercity, and regional trains make it easy to reach Brindisi from all over Italy.
Arriving by sea
Brindisi has one of the busiest tourist and commercial ports in southern Italy.
International connections to Greece and Albania.
Cruises with regular stops during the summer months.
Passenger ferries from Igoumenitsa, Patras, Vlora, and Saranda.
The ferry terminal is connected to the city center by taxi, bus, or shuttle.
Getting Around Brindisi Without a Car
Once you arrive in Brindisi, you don't need a car to enjoy the city. The city center is compact, flat, and perfectly walkable. The waterfront, Roman columns, the inner harbor, shops, and restaurants are all easily accessible.
Urban public transportation:
STP Brindisi buses: connect the city center with neighborhoods, the station, the airport, and the surrounding areas.
Tickets: available at tobacconists, via the app, or on board (surcharge).
Frequency: every 15-30 minutes depending on the route.
Other alternative transportation options:
Bikes and electric scooters available for rent via the app.
Taxis: numerous, also available via the app (e.g., Apptaxi, ItTaxi).
Car rental services and private shuttles.
Walking: ideal for exploring the city center and the waterfront.
Car-Free Excursions and Trips in the Surrounding Area
Even without a car, from Brindisi you can visit many of Puglia's most beautiful destinations:
From Brindisi by train:
Lecce: 25 minutes. Regional trains every 30–40 minutes.
Ostuni: 20 minutes. Station 2 km from the center (served by buses and taxis).
Polignano a Mare: 45 minutes without transfers.
Monopoli: 30 minutes without transfers.
Bari: 1 hour and 15 minutes without transfers.
Alberobello: requires a transfer in Fasano and a bus, but can be done in one day.
Organized tours:
Local agencies offer day tours to the Itria Valley, Salento, farmhouses, and wineries.
Many vacation rentals (like Dril Host) offer support or contacts for guided tours.
Choosing the Location of a Vacation Rental: The Smart Move
If you're traveling without a car, the location of your accommodation is crucial. Staying in a good location allows you to:
Reach everything on foot or by public transportation.
Avoid parking or rental costs.
Experience the city more authentically.
Dril Host, for example, offers two modern and elegant apartments just steps from the heart of Brindisi, ideal for travelers without a car who want to enjoy the city and explore the region.
Conclusion
Brindisi is a perfect destination even for those traveling without a car. Getting there is easy thanks to the well-connected airport, train station, and port. The city is on a human scale, easily explored on foot, and offers good public transportation.
From here, you can set out to discover the best of Puglia even without a guide: Lecce, Ostuni, the sea, the trulli... everything is just a train or shuttle ride away. And with a centrally located accommodation like Dril Host, every day can begin stress-free.
