Puglia, the heel of Italy’s boot, is becoming an increasingly popular destination. Its gorgeous beaches, unique history, and vibrant culture make it a must-see. The region boasts a distinctive architectural style, mouthwatering cuisine, and stunning natural landscapes.
For many visitors, airports are the first taste of Puglia. Thankfully, Puglia is easily accessible by air, making it a breeze to start your Italian adventure.
This guide will walk you through the airports in Puglia, giving you the information you need to choose the best option for your trip. We’ll cover key details like location, transportation options, and the airlines that fly in and out, so you can make an informed decision and start planning your dream vacation.
Airports in Puglia: An Overview
Puglia, that sun-kissed heel of Italy’s boot, is served by four airports. Here’s a quick guide to each, including their IATA codes, which are like little airport nicknames:
- Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI): Bari’s airport is your gateway to the north of Puglia.
- Brindisi-Salento Airport (BDS): Brindisi is perfectly positioned for exploring Salento, the southern part of Puglia, including the beautiful city of Lecce.
- Foggia Gino Lisa Airport (FOG): Primarily for domestic flights, Foggia is useful if you’re heading to the Gargano area.
- Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (TAR): Taranto mostly handles charter flights.
Bari (BRI) and Brindisi (BDS) are the two international airports, handling flights from across Europe and beyond. Foggia (FOG) focuses on connecting flights within Italy, while Taranto (TAR) mainly sees charter flights. Depending on where you’re coming from and where you’re going in Puglia, one of these airports will likely be the most convenient choice for you.
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI): The Main Gateway
Bari Airport is the biggest airport in Puglia, Italy, and the main entry point for most travelers to the region. It’s located about 10 kilometers, or 6 miles, from the city center of Bari.
Once you arrive, you’ll find plenty of places to spend your money, including duty-free shops, car rental agencies, and spots to grab a bite to eat.
Airlines serving Bari include Ryanair, Lufthansa, easyJet, Volotea, and Wizz Air. From Bari, you can easily fly to other cities in Italy and to destinations throughout Europe.
Transportation options from Bari Airport
Once you land, you’ll have several options for getting to the city center:
- Train: The train is the fastest option, getting you to Bari Centrale in about 15 minutes.
- Bus: A bus ride into the city center will take about 30 to 40 minutes.
- Taxi or ride-share: Hail a cab or use a ride-sharing app and you’ll be at your hotel in 20 to 30 minutes.
Accommodations near Bari Airport
If you have an early flight or a long layover, you might want to stay near the airport. You’ll find several hotels and other lodging options nearby.
Brindisi-Salento Airport (BDS): Gateway to Salento
If you’re headed to the Salento region of Puglia, you’ll likely fly into Brindisi-Salento Airport (BDS), also called Papola Casale Airport. This airport is closest to the city of Brindisi, about 3.7 miles away. It’s also about 25 miles from Lecce, a Baroque city known as the “Florence of the South.”
BDS is a smaller airport than Bari, but it has all the amenities you’ll need, including car rental agencies and a few places to grab a bite.
Transportation from Brindisi Airport
You have several choices for getting from BDS to Brindisi or Lecce:
- Bus: Shuttle buses run regularly to both Brindisi and Lecce.
- Taxi or ride-sharing service: Taxis are readily available, and ride-sharing apps like Uber and Lyft also operate in the area.
- Rental car: If you plan to explore the Salento region, renting a car is a great option. Several rental companies operate out of BDS.
Accommodations Near Brindisi Airport
If you have an early flight or just want to stay close to the airport, you’ll find a few hotels and B&Bs nearby. You can also find accommodations in Brindisi itself, which is just a short drive away.
Foggia Gino Lisa Airport (FOG) and Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (TAR)
Puglia has two other airports that aren’t typically used for international travel, but you may find that they suit your needs.
Foggia Gino Lisa Airport (FOG)
Serving the northern part of Puglia, the Gargano area, and the city of Foggia, Foggia Airport is primarily a domestic airport.
[Insert list of airlines and routes here]
Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (TAR)
The Taranto Airport mainly handles charter flights, so it may be worth checking to see whether you could fly directly into Taranto from your point of origin.
There are plans to expand the number of commercial flights into and out of this airport in the future, so it’s worth keeping an eye on if you plan to travel to Puglia frequently.
Flights to Puglia from the US and UK
If you’re traveling to Puglia from the US or the UK, here’s what you need to know.
Flights from the US
Unfortunately, there are limited direct flights from the US to Puglia. You’ll almost certainly have to connect through one of the major European hubs like Rome, Amsterdam, or Frankfurt.
Many travelers find it easiest to fly into Rome and then take a train down to Puglia. It’s a scenic train ride, and it might be less stressful than dealing with multiple connecting flights.
Major airlines like ITA Airways, Lufthansa, Air France, and KLM all offer flights to Puglia with stopovers. Expect a flight from New York City to take at least 10 hours, and likely longer, depending on the length of your layover.
Flights from the UK
If you’re traveling from the UK, you’re in luck! There are usually quite a few direct flight options available, especially during the peak tourist season.
Airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, and British Airways operate flights from major UK cities like London, Manchester, and Edinburgh to both Bari and Brindisi.
Choosing the Right Airport and Inter-Airport Transportation
When deciding which airport to fly into, there are several things you may want to consider:
- How close is it to your final destination in Puglia?
- How many flights go in and out, and which airlines fly there?
- What amenities are available, and how easy is it to get ground transportation?
Transportation Between Airports in Puglia
If your travel plans require you to travel between airports, you have several options, including trains, buses, and rental cars. The train trip between Bari Centrale and Brindisi takes about 1 to 1.5 hours, while the bus trip between Bari and Brindisi is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. If you choose to drive, the trip will take about 1.5 hours, depending on traffic.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it better to fly into Bari or Brindisi?
It depends on your itinerary! Bari is better if you’re focusing on the northern part of Puglia, like Gargano or the Itria Valley. Brindisi is more convenient for the southern Salento region. Consider which areas you plan to explore most and choose the airport that minimizes travel time.
What is the best way to travel in Puglia?
Renting a car is generally considered the best way to travel in Puglia. While public transport exists, it can be infrequent and doesn’t reach many smaller towns and rural areas. A car gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace and discover hidden gems.
Which airlines fly direct to Puglia?
Several airlines offer direct flights to Puglia, especially during the peak tourist season. Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, and Alitalia (ITA Airways) are common carriers. The specific airlines and routes vary depending on your departure location, so check directly with the airlines or use a flight comparison website.
Which airport do you fly to for Puglia, Italy?
Puglia has two main airports: Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI) and Brindisi Airport (BDS), also known as Salento Airport. Bari is the larger airport and offers more international connections. Lecce also has a smaller airport, but it mostly handles domestic flights. Your choice depends on your origin and destination within Puglia.
Conclusion
Puglia is served by four airports: Bari, Brindisi, Foggia, and Taranto. Choosing the right airport for your trip to Puglia will depend on your itinerary. If you’re flying into Bari, you’ll be close to the northern part of Puglia. Brindisi is closer to the Salento region.
When you plan your trip to Puglia, it’s always a good idea to book your flights well in advance, especially if you’re traveling during the busy summer months. If you’re flying from the United States, you’ll likely connect through a major European hub. Finally, consider renting a car so you can see Puglia at your own pace.