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How to get to Puglia
The easiest way to reach Puglia is to fly into Bari or Brindisi, the region's two international airports, both with direct flights from many European cities. Bari is best for Matera, Bari and the north, Brindisi for Lecce, Salento and the Itria Valley; trains, airport buses and our private transfers then take you to the start of your tour.
By plane: Bari or Brindisi?
Bari airport mainly serves central and northern Puglia, and is the one to choose for Matera, Bari, Trani, Barletta and the Gargano. Brindisi airport is preferred for the Itria Valley and Salento, and is the closest to Lecce. On one-way tours, flying into Bari and home from Brindisi often works best.
The dedicated Pugliairbus service runs to and from both airports; timetables are on aeroportidipuglia.it.
By train and bus
Trenitalia's Frecce trains run daily between Rome and Lecce, stopping at Foggia, Barletta, Bari and Brindisi, and the Bologna–Lecce line runs the whole length of the Adriatic side. Regional lines fill the gaps: Ferrovie Appulo Lucane to Matera, Ferrovie del Sud-Est from Lecce to Gallipoli, Otranto and the Itria Valley towns, Ferrovie del Gargano and Ferrovie del Nord Barese, which also serves Bari airport.
Long-distance coaches link Puglia with the rest of Italy: Marozzi (Naples, Rome, Florence), Marino Bus (Milan, Verona, Florence), Miccolis (Potenza, Salerno, Naples), Scoppio (Catania, Palermo) and Lentini (Livorno, Genoa). Train and bus are the lower-impact choice, and we are glad to help you plan them.
By car or ferry
From the north, the A14 motorway follows the Adriatic coast from Bologna to Taranto; from Rome, take the A1 to Naples and the A16 to Canosa di Puglia. From the south, the Salerno–Reggio Calabria motorway to Sibari and the SS106 Jonica lead to Taranto. The ports of Bari and Brindisi have ferries to and from Greece, Albania, Montenegro and Croatia.
How to get to Matera
Matera, the start of several of our tours, is in Basilicata and has no airport of its own. From Bari airport the Pugliairbus shuttle goes directly to Matera in about 1.5 hours. By rail, take the train from Bari airport to Bari Centrale, then the Ferrovie Appulo Lucane train or a bus to Matera. Pugliairbus also runs from Brindisi airport to Matera. With lots of luggage, our private transfer from the airport is the most comfortable option.
How to get to Lecce and back to the airport
Airport buses stop at the Lecce City Terminal in Piazzale Carmelo Bene (Foro Boario), just outside the centre. The direct shuttle to Brindisi airport takes about 40–50 minutes; alternatively, take the train to Brindisi station (20–30 minutes) and the shuttle bus to the airport (10–15 minutes).
For Bari airport, take the train from Lecce to Bari Centrale (about 1.5–2 hours) and then the Ferrovie del Nord Barese airport train (about 15 minutes), roughly 2–2.5 hours in total.
| Tour starting point | Tours | Best airport for arrival |
|---|---|---|
| Lecce | Tour of Salento; Salento coast walk | Brindisi |
| Matera | Sassi of Matera to Salento (8 and 9 days); Amazing Puglia; Path of the Ravines | Bari |
| Bari | World Heritage Sites of Puglia and Basilicata; Grand Tour of Puglia | Bari |
| Barletta or Trani | Apulian Aqueduct, Appian Way and Trajan Way (gravel) | Bari |
| Monopoli, Polignano a Mare or Fasano | Adriatic Sea to the Itria Valley; Via Francigena (gravel); Adriatic–Ionian and Coast of the Trulli walks | Bari; Brindisi also possible |
| San Vito dei Normanni | The Apulian White Towns | Brindisi, about half an hour away |
| Brindisi | Cycling Loop Between Two Seas | Brindisi |
| Alberobello | Hellenic Way walk | Bari or Brindisi |
| San Giovanni Rotondo | Tour of Gargano | Bari |
Frequently asked questions
Which airport is best for a bike tour in Puglia?
Bari for tours starting in Matera, Bari, Trani, Barletta or the Gargano; Brindisi for Lecce, Salento and San Vito dei Normanni.
Can I reach Puglia by train?
Yes. Frecce trains run daily from Rome to Lecce via Foggia, Barletta, Bari and Brindisi, and the Bologna–Lecce line covers the Adriatic side.
How do I get from Bari airport to Matera?
By Pugliairbus direct in about 1.5 hours, by train via Bari Centrale, or with our private transfer.
How long does it take from Lecce to Brindisi airport?
About 40–50 minutes by direct shuttle bus from the Lecce City Terminal.
Are airport transfers included in the tours?
No, but we can arrange them on request for any tour.