Rent a car at Brindisi airport
If you are travelling to Southern Italy, you’re likely to be flying into either Brindisi or Bari Airport. Depending on your itinerary there are pros and cons to both but Brindisi Airport is the nearest to Lecce, the sun kissed city regarded as one of the most beautiful in Italy.
Also known as Papola Casale Airport or Aeroporto del Salento, Brindisi Airport has flights from around 40 destinations and welcomes up to 2 million passengers a year. Located in the stunning Puglia region – think the heel of the Italian ‘boot’ - Brindisi is the perfect place to begin exploring this beautiful penninsula between the Adriatic and Ionian Sea.
So, if you are planning a road trip and looking at options for Brindisi Airport car rental, Avis has you covered as soon as you touch down.
Where to find Avis at Brindisi Airport
You’ll find our Avis counter at Brindisi Airport located in the airport’s main arrivals hall. When returning your rental car at the end of your trip, just follow the Avis sign at the rental car park a short walk from the terminal building.
How to get from Brindisi Airport to the centre of Brindisi by car
From Brindisi Airport it’s just an 13-minute (6km) drive into the heart of Brindisi.
Things to do in Brindisi
As well as beautiful beaches within easy reach on this part of the Adriatic coast, this area is rich in history and architectural heritage. Brindisi’s roots reach back into antiquity with everything from Roman sites, Baroque buildings and Gothic churches and castles to explore.
Important historical sites worth visiting include the Castello Rosso, the Red Castle, named for the unusual red stones that were used to build this fortress. The intricately-designed Church of San Giovanni al Sepolcro is a must-see, as well as the Roman Column.
Food, as always in Italy, is at the heart of life in Brindisi – don’t miss the daily market in the Piazza Mercato and make sure you try the region’s speciality, orecchiette, a delicious pasta dish.
Brindisi also has a bustling port area. Take a hike up to the Sailor Monument for a 360-degree view of the harbour before stopping off at one of the many cafes, bars, and restaurants. Soak up the Mediterranean vibes before heading off on your road trip around the Puglia region.
Recommended day trips from Brindisi Airport
Brindisi Airport is the perfect starting point for a road trip around the beautiful region of Puglia.
Top of the list is Lecce, just a 30min drive south of the airport, the main town in Puglia, with a 2000-year history. Lecce is famous for its dramatic central Piazza Duomo, beautiful churches and archeological museum as well as its cafes, bars and restaurants. When you need a break from its dazzling culture, simply head for the beach just a few minutes’ drive from the centre.
Just a little further south you’ll find the pretty coastal town of Otranto while Bari with it’s cobbled streets, Cathedral and museums filled with ancient artifacts is just a couple of hours drive to the north.
The spectacular limestone ‘cave’ city of Matera with its palaces, houses, churches, and monasteries all carved into the rock, is just a 1hr45min drive to the west of Brindisi.
Is it worth hiring a car in Brindisi?
Brindisi’s roads are easy to navigate, with clearly marked road signs and beautiful scenery around every turn. Car rental at Brindisi Airport is not only popular for its proximity to the city itself but also its access to many neighbouring towns including Lecce, making it perfect for a road trip around Puglia.
Hiring a car gives you the freedom and flexibility to explore on your own terms. Check out our guide to great Italian road trips.
Tips for driving in Brindisi and Puglia
If you are heading out on a Puglia road trip from Brindisi Airport, our friendly Avis team is on hand to help. It’s worth being aware that many Italian cities have Limited Traffic Zones (Zona Traffico Limitato) to reduce pollution and congestion. In ZTLs only local residents or permitted vehicles have access at certain hours so check your route before you drive.
If you are new to driving in Italy, we’d advise familiarising yourself with the latest advice plus the road rules in Italy.