MileHacker Logo
How to Get to Gallipoli

How to Get to Gallipoli

Gallipoli Puglia, Italy Travel Guide

Airports and Airlines

Brindisi Airport BDS

This airport is approximately 90 kilometers (56 miles) northeast of Gallipoli. Brindisi Airport is the most practical option for reaching the Salento peninsula, where Gallipoli is located. Its smaller size often means quicker processing times for arrival and departure.

Airlines & Routes

  • Principally provides for low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, and Wizz Air, along with ITA Airways.
  • Routes connect to major Italian cities (Rome, Milan) and various European cities (London, Paris, Berlin).
  • Find flight deals with Dollar Flight Club.

Bari Airport BRI

Located about 200 kilometers (124 miles) north of Gallipoli, Bari Airport is larger and features additional international connections. While further away, it may present more direct flight options from certaon The european continentan cities.

Airlines & Routes

  • A wider range of airlines, including Lufthansa, British Airways, The National flag carrier airline of turkey, plus low-cost carriers.
  • Network extends to a broader array of Italian and Continental cities and some limited non-European routes.
  • Compare flights across airlines with Skyscanner.

Seasonal Flight Availability

Flight prices and availability fluctuate significantly with the seasons. Peak season (July and August) brings highest prices and full flights. Shoulder season (May-June, September-October) has better value and good availability. Low season (November to April) offers lowest prices but reduced frequencies.

Airport Facilities

Both Brindisi and Bari airports offer a good range of facilities. Brindisi Airport provides car rental desks, taxi stands, bus connections, cafes, and ATMs. Bari Airport, being larger, has a more extensive array of services, including numerous car hire companies, an exclusive taxi rank, direct metro/train connections, and a wider selection of shops and restaurants.

Direct Flight Options

Direct flights from North America or other major global hubs outside Europe are rare for both Brindisi and Bari. Travelers from these particular regions typically require no less than one connection in a major European gateway. Common connecting cities include Rome (FCO), Milan (MXP), Frankfurt (FRA), London (LHR/LGW), or Paris (CDG). Plan your itinerary to include this European connection.

Transfer Options to Gallipoli

From Brindisi BDS

  • Bus: STP Brindisi buses connect the airport directly to Brindisi city center. From Brindisi Centrale, take a regional train to Lecce, then change to FSE train for Gallipoli (total approx. 2-3 hours).
  • Taxi: Approx. €100-€150 to Gallipoli. Agree on fare before trip.
  • Car Rental: Highly recommended for exploring Puglia. Major companies at airport. Drive directly to Gallipoli (approx. 1 hour). Consider DiscoverCars.com for affordable rates.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-booked services offer a direct route, especially for groups or with much luggage.

From Bari BRI

  • Train/Metro: FM2 metro connects Bari Airport to Bari Centrale (15-20 mins). From Bari Centrale, Trenitalia train to Lecce (1.5 hrs), then FSE train to Gallipoli (1.FIVE hours). Total approx. 3-4 hours.
  • Bus: Pugliairbus operates direct bus services from Bari Airport to Lecce (approx. 1 hr 40 mins). From Lecce, take train or local bus to Gallipoli.
  • Taxi: Significantly more expensive (likely €200+). Generally not a recommendation.
  • Car Rental: Most independence for Puglia exploration. Drive to Gallipoli approx. 2 hours.

Car Rental for Exploration

Freedom to Roam

Renting a car at the airport offers flexibility in exploring the Salento region.

Hidden Gems Access

This option allows visits to hidden beaches and charming inland towns at your own pace.

Enhanced Itinerary

A car broadens your itinerary beyond public transport routes.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Gallipoli is accessible by train, though a regional railway line serves it rather than the main national network.

Ferrovie del Sud Est FSE

  • This regional railway company connects Gallipoli to Lecce, the provincial capital, and other towns within Salento.
  • The Gallipoli train station (Stazione di Gallipoli) is in the new town.
  • From Lecce, access Italy's national railway network managed by Trenitalia, with direct trains to major Italian cities.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Long-distance bus travel has a cost-effective alternative to trains for reaching Puglia from other parts of Italy.

National & Local Bus Services

  • National Bus Lines: Private companies like Marozzi and MarinoBus operate services from major Italian cities directly to Lecce. Some amenities extend to Gallipoli in summer.
  • Local Buses: STP Lecce operates local bus services connecting Gallipoli to other towns and shoreline areas within Salento, useful for day trips.
  • Check their online sites for routes and timings, especially for seasonal variations.

Self-Driving & Requirements

Driving yourself offers greatest adaptability for exploring Puglia.

Driving Necessities

  • Requirements: Valid driver's license. Non-EU citizens need an International Driving Permit (IDP) with their home license. Carry vehicle registration and insurance.
  • Road Conditions: Generally well-maintained. Major motorways have tolls. Smaller roads can be narrower.
  • Safety Concerns: Italian drivers may be assertive. Maintain awareness, especially in urban areas and roundabouts.

ZTL Zones & Parking

A useful consideration is the Zona a Traffico Limitato (ZTL), or Limited Traffic Zone.

Navigating Restrictions

  • Many Italian historic centers, including Gallipoli's Old Town, have these zones. Vehicle access is restricted to authorized residents during specific hours.
  • Entering a ZTL without permission brings heavy fines. Always look for ZTL signs (a white circle with a red border).
  • Park outside the ZTL and walk into the historic center. Parking can be challenging in peak season, especially near popular areas.

Important for Drivers

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seatbelts are mandatory for all occupants.
  • Headlights must be on outside urban areas, even during the day.
  • Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on provincial, 110 kilometers per hour on main, 130 km/h on motorways.
  • Always look for ZTL signs. Nav apps might not always account for these.
  • Yellow lines mean parking for residents or disabled; no lines mean no parking.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

While Gallipoli is a coastal city, it is not a major international port for passenger ferries or large cruise ships.

Gallipoli's Port Role

  • Gallipoli has a working port mainly for fishing vessels and small leisure boats.
  • It serves as a local maritime hub but does not accommodate international passenger ferries or cruise ship arrivals.
  • For a ferry that crosses borders connections (e.g., to Greece, Albania, Croatia), the major ferry terminals in Puglia are Bari and Brindisi.

River Transportation & Immigration

River transportation is not applicable for Gallipoli. It is a coastal city on the Ionian Sea, with no significant rivers offering transport options.

Immigration & Connections

  • Immigration procedures for international sea arrivals occur at the major ferry ports of Bari or Brindisi, not Gallipoli itself.
  • The port in Gallipoli is next to the Old Town, making it easily accessible on foot.
  • Local bus stops and taxi stands are within walking distance, allowing for easy connections to land transportation for onward travel within the city or region.

Local Port Function

Gallipoli’s port functions mainly for fishing vessels and small leisure boats, forming a local maritime hub.

No Major Cruise Calls

The port does not accommodate large international passenger ferries or main cruise ship arrivals.

Connections to Land Transport

The port is adjacent to the Old Town, making it easily accessible for connections to local buses and taxis.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

Italy imposes no specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers by air, train, or bus. Any applicable airport taxes are typically included in your flight ticket price.

Departure Timing Guidelines

  • Airports (Brindisi/Bari): For international flights (non-Schengen), arrive 2-3 hours before scheduled departure. For domestic/Flights within the schengen area, arrive 1.5-2 hours before departure.
  • Car Rental Return: Allow extra time for car rental return procedures, including vehicle inspection and transfer to the terminal.
  • Train/Bus Stations (Gallipoli/Lecce): Arrive 15-30 minutes before departure. Train and bus travel in Italy is generally less formal than air travel, but early arrival allows finding your platform/bay and boarding without rush.

Airport/Station Facilities

Brindisi and Bari Airports provide various facilities for departing travelers, including duty-free shops for last-minute souvenir purchases, a selection of restaurants and cafes, lounges, and baggage services.

Local Station Services

  • Gallipoli Train Station: The local FSE train station offers basic amenities, mainly waiting areas and ticket machines/office.
  • Lecce Train Station: A larger hub with more services, including cafes, newsstands, and better waiting facilities.
  • Bus Stations: Typically have basic amenities, often just a designated stop.

Pre-Departure Checks

Confirm Schedules

Double-check your flight, train, or bus schedules on the eve of departure, as minor changes may occur.

Gate Information

For flights, confirm your terminal and gate information well in advance on getting there at the airport.

Smooth Departure

Knowing your transport options and confirming schedules will make your final travel leg straightforward.

How to Get to Gallipoli. Flights, Transportation, Airlines