Our experience in renting a car and driving around Puglia

Are you considering renting a car in Puglia and exploring the region? However, you are not sure if this is the right thing to do. Don’t worry, I will do my best to answer all your questions and help you make the best choice based on your preferences and what exactly you want to do and see on your Puglia itinerary.

I’m writing this based on my experience, mainly because I hope you can learn from my mistakes and plan your vacation better. I loved Puglia so much and think that anyone should have the chance to explore it properly.

It was my first time driving in Italy, even though it wasn’t my first time in the passenger’s seat, and if I could do it, almost anyone could.

Years later, we returned to the region and spent one month driving around and exploring every small village on Italy’s hill.

Here is everything we learned from this unique experience.

This post contains affiliate links to products and services that I may be compensated for, at no extra cost to you. Read more about this on our disclosure page here.

Table of Contents
  1. Why you should rent a car in Puglia
  2. Do you need a car?
  3. Where should you rent a car from
  4. Our experience with renting a car from Bari airport and driving around the region
    1. Parking
    2. Filling the tank
    3. Is it safe to drive around?
    4. Is it easy to drive around the region?
    5. What documents do you need to rent a car in Italy?
  5. Tips for driving around
    1. Always buckle up
    2. Be aware of traffic circles (roundabouts).
    3. Watch out for pedestrians and pedestrian-only areas
    4. Respect local laws
    5. Know your route
    6. Be prepared for heavy traffic
    7. Be aware of toll roads
    8. Familiarize yourself with parking regulations
  6. Similar Posts

Why you should rent a car in Puglia

Renting a car in Puglia
Car in Ostuni / Ingrid

Renting a car in Puglia can be a great way to explore the region and take advantage of its many attractions.

With a rental car, you will have the freedom and flexibility to go where you want when you want, making it easier to explore all that Puglia has to offer.

Plus, with access to public transport limited in some parts of the region, renting a car is often the only way of getting around quickly.

Monopoli, Italy
Monopoli / Ingrid

Also, many attractions are located some distance away, so having your transport makes sightseeing much more convenient.

With its stunning scenery and historic towns, renting a car is the perfect way to discover why Puglia is such a fantastic destination.

Do you need a car?

Renting a car in Puglia
Streets of Puglia / Ingrid

Of course, the region is served by public transportation that will take you to many places you might want to visit.

However, you will need a lot of time to travel since there aren’t many options.

I know people who have visited Puglia without a car, but they’ve only scratched the surface.

Read also: How to get from Bari to Matera

After researching, even though I had never driven in Italy, I decided it was worth taking the risk. Within a 15-25-minute drive, you could visit many villages that are otherwise hard to reach by public transportation.

Traveling around Southern Italy is very different from traveling around the Northern part of the country, where I always choose to go by train.

Where should you rent a car from

No matter where I travel, my go-to place for car rentals is always Discover Cars.

It is a great aggregator that will help you find and book the best car rental option during your trip, helping you save up to 70% on your car rental. They have a pretty good cancellation policy that gives you options in case your flight or travel plans change.

You will most likely land at Bari airport, and I strongly suggest you pick up your car directly there.

That’s what we did, and we drove directly to Alberobello, where we booked our accommodation.

I strongly advise you to buy complete insurance because traffic around the southern part of Italy can be impermissible. We had a minor incident on the Amalfi Coast and were lucky to have insurance.

Renting a car in Puglia
Alberobello / Ingrid

Our experience with renting a car from Bari airport and driving around the region

I was traveling with a friend, and we had planned to visit Puglia and the Amalfi Coast. Thus, we had to rent a car.

Without a car, traveling only within the region would have been possible (not easy or fast, but possible); however, traveling to the other side of the peninsula and back is very complicated.

Thus, we rented a car online with plenty of time in advance to find the model we wanted (a small car, but more on that later) and the smallest price.

However, we failed to have all the necessary documents at the car pick-up (I didn’t have a credit card, and my friend had one but didn’t have her driver’s license), so we rented a car directly at the airport.

Not only did we receive a big car (the streets in Italy are narrow, and people park like crazy, so having a small car is better), but we also had to pay three times the reservation price.

Learn from my mistake, book ahead of time online, and make sure you have all your documents with you!

Renting a car in Puglia
Streets of Puglia / Ingrid

Driving in Puglia is not as challenging as driving in Sicily or on the Amalfi Coast, but if you are not used to people not following all the rules, this might be tough on you.

Locals tend not to follow specific rules regarding signaling or speed limits. They are also very impatient, so we might have gotten into some traffic altercations here and there for driving too slow. 

Don’t be surprised if someone overpasses you on a continuous line or if they don’t struggle to park accordingly.

However, when you pay attention to the road and especially to what others do in traffic, it is a small price to pay for traveling around Puglia.

Parking

We didn’t encounter any issues finding parking spaces in all the villages we visited, and the fees weren’t high (around 2-3 EUR depending on the number of hours spent in one place). Just make sure to look for the machine and pay the fee.

As you can see in the below picture, they have various splits:

  • There are certain places where you need to pay daily only during the peak season (in Porto Cesareo, for example, from the 1st of April until the 31st of October)
  • During the low season (in this case, from the 1st of November until the 31st of March), you need to pay only on the weekends and public holidays
Renting a car in Puglia
Parking rules in Porto Cesareo / Ingrid

In Puglia and many other regions around Italy, the easiest way to pay for parking is through the EasyPark app. Download the app and start the clock as you leave your car.

Parking machine in Porto Cesareo / Ingrid

Another thing to keep in mind is that you shouldn’t leave any valuables inside your car, no matter where you park. Nothing ever happened to us, but I’ve heard and read many unhappy stories.

Filling the tank

Before you go, you must make sure you have enough gas. There are certain things you must know about buying gas in Italy—we ended up paying more the first time and had to ask for help the second time.

In Italy, gas stations have 2 types of pumps:

Renting a car in Puglia
Servizio pump and prices

Servizio – one of the station’s employees will fill your tank.

Self-service – where you do it all by yourself. Gas prices at these pumps are almost 30% cheaper, but you must follow a few steps.

Payment machine at the gas station in Puglia

Firstly, you must insert the card into the machine in front of the pump. Then, enter your PIN and choose the pump you will be using. Take out your card and start putting gas in.

Once finished, a bill will be issued, and you can leave.

Is it safe to drive around?

Yes, it is generally safe to drive in Puglia. The roads are relatively well-maintained, but the local drivers are reckless, so pay attention.

Is it easy to drive around the region?

As mentioned before, it is not a breeze, but it is not hard either. If you pay attention to the other drivers and traffic signs, you won’t have any problems.

Renting a car in Puglia
Martina Franca / Ingrid

What documents do you need to rent a car in Italy?

You will need an International Driver’s Permit (IDP) to drive in Puglia and Italy. You will be asked for it once you pick up your car, thus make sure to have it ready on arrival.

Read more about how to obtain one here.

You will also need a credit card in the name of the person who made the reservation. All drivers should have their International Driver’s Permit (IDP) with them.

Moreover, you will need your ID and must be at least 21 or 25 years old (check that when making the booking).

Tips for driving around

Always buckle up

Wearing a seatbelt is mandatory in Italy.

Roundabout in Puglia / Ingrid

Be aware of traffic circles (roundabouts).

Puglia has many roundabouts, which require extra care when navigating.

Be sure to yield to traffic already in the circle, signal clearly when entering and exiting, and always use your turn signals.

Watch out for pedestrians and pedestrian-only areas

Renting a car in Puglia
Pedestrian – only Area in Nardo / Ingrid

Many roads have limited sidewalks or none at all. Always be on the lookout for pedestrians crossing the street, even if no crosswalks are present.

Respect local laws

Driving under the influence is strictly prohibited and carries severe legal consequences.

ZTL in Nardo / Ingrid

Additionally, it is important to remain aware of any potential traffic restrictions enforced by local authorities, such as the Zona Traffico Limitato (where only residents or suppliers of the small shops or restaurants can enter).

Know your route

Understanding the local roads and landmarks is key to navigating Puglia safely.

If you are unfamiliar with an area, plan your route and look for helpful signage along the way. Always use your GPS, but be aware that sometimes it could take you through narrow streets.

Renting a car in Puglia
Traffic signs in Puglia / Ingrid

Be prepared for heavy traffic

Big cities in Puglia (especially Bari or Lecce) often experience incredibly high levels of traffic, particularly during peak hours. Planning extra time and anticipating potential delays when driving in these areas can be helpful.

Moreover, parking spaces might be challenging to find in places like Lecce or Bari. Factor in enough time for this as well.

Be aware of toll roads

Some highways and bridges in Puglia require a toll. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the relevant regulations and fees before taking any long-distance journeys, as these can quickly add up.

White parking spaces are free of charge

Familiarize yourself with parking regulations

Cities and towns typically have very strict rules governing the use of public parking spaces.

The white parking spaces are free, the blue ones you should pay for (but be aware of the time of the year, as mentioned above), while the yellow ones are only for residents.

yellow parking spaces in Puglia
Yellow parking space is only for residents

There are also places with limited timing – you can park free of charge but cannot stay longer than 1 hour, for example.

Usually, inside the city, on narrow streets, there are parking spaces used only for suppliers.

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler like us, look out for the “family parking spaces.” They are usually set closer to the city center or supermarket entrance.

Renting a car in Puglia
Monopoli Marina / Ingrid

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