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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Puglia, Italy

Air Travel

Major Airports

Alberobello does not have its own airport. Travelers typically arrive via one of Puglia's two major international airports. No direct transcontinental flights from North America, Asia, or Australia land directly in Bari or Brindisi.

Airport Options

  • Bari Karol Wojtyłan Airport (BRI): Located approximately 70 kilometers (43 miles) north of Alberobello. This is often the most convenient and busiest international airport in Puglia, with a wide range of connections.
  • Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS): Situated approximately 75 kilometers (47 miles) southeast of Alberobello. This airport also serves international and domestic flights, popular with budget airlines.
  • Travelers from these regions typically connect through major European hubs like Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP/LIN), London (LHR/LGW), Frankfurt (FRA), Paris (CDG), or Amsterdam (AMS).

Flight Availability & Pricing

Flight prices are highest during the peak summer season (June-August) and major holidays like Easter or Christmas. During these times, demand is high, and seats fill quickly.

Seasonal Trends

  • Shoulder seasons (April-May, September-October) offer better value for flights. You find more competitive prices and good availability.
  • Winter (November-March) generally has the lowest prices and the fewest crowds. Some routes might have reduced frequency.
  • Book flights several months in advance for the best rates, especially for summer travel. Skyscanner and Dollar Flight Club are good resources.

Airport Car Rental

Renting a car is a choice for flexibility, especially if you plan to explore the wider Puglia region. Major rental companies have counters at both airports. See DiscoverCars.com for options.

Taxi & Private Transfer

Taxis are available outside the airport terminals. A pre-booked private transfer offers convenience. Expect to pay approximately €80-€130 for a direct transfer to Alberobello. This is the quickest option.

Public Transport Bari

From Bari Airport, take the Ferrovie del Nord Barese (FM2 line) train to Bari Centrale (20 mins). From Bari Centrale, transfer to a Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) train or bus to Alberobello, often with a change in Putignano.

Airport Facilities & Connections

Airport Services

  • Both Bari and Brindisi airports offer standard facilities, including Wi-Fi.
  • Car rental desks from major international companies are available.
  • ATMs and currency exchange services are present.
  • Cafes, restaurants, and shops (including duty-free) within the terminals.

Brindisi Airport Connection

  • From Brindisi Airport, take the Pugliairbus shuttle to Brindisi Centrale train station (15-20 minutes).
  • From Brindisi Centrale, take a regional train towards Fasano or Taranto, then connect to Alberobello via a FSE train or bus.
  • This route is generally less direct and longer than traveling from Bari.
  • Consider Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner for flight deals.

Seasonal Flight Pricing Trends

Peak Season June-Aug

Highest prices due to high demand. Seats fill quickly. Book early.

Shoulder Season Apr-May, Sep-Oct

Better value with more competitive prices and good availability.

Low Season Nov-Mar

Generally the lowest prices and fewest crowds. Some routes have reduced frequency.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Alberobello is served by the Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE) regional train line. This local network connects many towns within Puglia, distinct from Italy's national Trenitalia network.

FSE Network & Tickets

  • Connections to Alberobello typically involve changing trains at Bari Centrale if coming from northern Italy or other parts of Puglia served by Trenitalia.
  • FSE trains are regional; they are slower and stop at many smaller stations. Check FSE schedules carefully.
  • Purchase FSE tickets from station ticket offices, authorized Tabacchi (tobacco shops), or newsstands before boarding. Validate your ticket in the green machines on the platform.

Long-Distance Buses

Several intercity bus companies, like Marozzi and MarinoBus, connect Puglia with major Italian cities like Rome, Naples, Florence, and Milan. These services typically arrive at or depart from Bari.

Bus Connections

  • From Bari, you connect to Alberobello using the FSE train or local bus services.
  • Local FSE bus services also connect Alberobello to nearby towns in the Valle d'Itria, including Locorotondo, Martina Franca, and Fasano.
  • Bus schedules are less frequent than trains, especially on weekends.

Self-Driving Requirements

A valid domestic driver's license is required. For non-EU citizens, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is also required and must be carried along with your domestic license.

Driver Checklist

  • Minimum age for car rental is typically 21, though many companies impose a "young driver surcharge" for those under 25.
  • A major credit card in the main driver's name is required for the security deposit.
  • Major international rental companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Enterprise, and Sixt operate at Bari and Brindisi airports.

Road Conditions & ZTLs

Roads in Puglia are generally well-maintained. The main motorways (Autostrade) are tolled. Regional and provincial roads are free and generally provide scenic routes.

Driving Information

  • Italian drivers can be assertive and fast. Be prepared for aggressive driving and sometimes limited lane discipline, especially in cities.
  • ZTLs (Zona a Traffico Limitato - Limited Traffic Zones): Many historic town centers, including parts of Alberobello, have ZTLs. These zones restrict vehicle access to authorized residents only at certain times.
  • Unauthorized entry is captured by cameras and results in heavy fines. Look for circular signs with a red border indicating "ZTL." Always park outside these zones.

Parking in Alberobello

  • Parking in popular towns like Alberobello can be challenging, especially during peak hours.
  • Look for designated paid parking lots (blue lines on the road) outside the ZTL areas. You need to purchase a ticket from a nearby machine.
  • White lines indicate free parking (rare in tourist areas), yellow lines indicate restricted parking.
  • A reliable GPS (e.g., Google Maps) is for navigation, as signage can sometimes be unclear.
  • Your accommodation provider can advise on ZTLs and parking specific to your stay.
  • Generally, no specific exit fees or taxes are levied on departing travelers from Italian airports beyond what is already included in the airfare.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry & Cruise Ports

While Alberobello is inland, its proximity to Puglia's Adriatic coast means sea travel is an option for reaching the region. No river transportation options are relevant.

Port Information

  • The closest major ferry ports are Bari and Brindisi.
  • These ports offer extensive ferry services connecting Puglia to Greece (e.g., Patras, Igoumenitsa), Albania (e.g., Durres), and Croatia (e.g., Dubrovnik).
  • Cruise ships frequently dock in Bari. Passengers from cruise ships often arrange shore excursions to popular nearby destinations, including Alberobello.

Seaport Immigration & Transfers

If arriving from a non-Schengen port (e.g., from Albania or Croatia), standard passport control and customs procedures apply upon disembarkation.

Connections

  • Be prepared to present your passport and any required visa.
  • Ferry terminals in both Bari and Brindisi are well-connected to their respective city centers via local buses or taxis.
  • From the city centers, you then connect to Alberobello via train or bus (FSE network) or a rental car.

Airport Arrival Time

Arrive at the airport with ample time. For international flights (especially non-Schengen), plan to be at least 2-3 hours before departure. For domestic or Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours is sufficient.

Departure Procedures

Complete online check-in if available, or proceed to your airline's check-in counter for baggage drop-off. Allow enough time for security checks. If departing for a non-Schengen destination, you go through passport control (exit immigration).

Airport Facilities

Both Bari and Brindisi airports offer duty-free shops, various restaurants and cafes, airline lounges (for eligible passengers), currency exchange services, and ATMs. Train stations also provide cafes and newsstands.

Departure Information

Car Rental Comparison

Prices are examples and fluctuate based on specific dates, rental company, booking lead time, and additional insurance. Renting a car offers great flexibility for exploring Puglia.

Bari Airport Daily Rates Example

  • Economy (Fiat 500): Low Season €20-€35, Shoulder Season €30-€50, High Season €45-€70.
  • Compact (VW Golf): Low Season €25-€40, Shoulder Season €40-€60, High Season €60-€90.
  • SUV (Nissan Qashqai): Low Season €40-€60, Shoulder Season €60-€90, High Season €90-€140.

Driving & Road Safety

Italian drivers can be assertive and fast. Be prepared for aggressive driving and sometimes limited lane discipline, especially in cities. Narrow roads are common in historic centers. A reliable GPS is helpful.

Driving Facts

  • Driving Side: Italians drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • Speed Limits: Urban areas: 50 km/h (31 mph). Secondary roads: 90 km/h (56 mph). Main roads: 110 km/h (68 mph). Motorways (Autostrade): 130 km/h (81 mph).
  • ZTLs (Limited Traffic Zones): Many historic town centers, including parts of Alberobello, have ZTLs restricting vehicle access. Unauthorized entry results in heavy fines.

Departure Checklist

Check-in Status

Confirm online check-in completed or plan to check-in at the counter.

Security Screening

Allow ample time for security checks, especially during peak travel hours.

Passport Control

If flying to a non-Schengen destination, you go through exit immigration. Have your passport ready.

Smooth Departure

Planning your airport arrival time, checking in advance, and knowing the procedures for security and passport control contribute to a smooth departure from Puglia.