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Getting There & Away

Getting There & Away

Puglia, Italy

Air Travel Overview

Brindisi Airport BDS

Brindisi Papola Casale Airport is the closest airport for Ostuni, located approximately 35-40 kilometers south.

Brindisi Flight Options

  • Airlines: mainly low-cost carriers like Ryanair, EasyJet, Wizz Air, Volotea.
  • Routes: Direct flights to major European cities including London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, and Milan.
  • Travel Time to Ostuni: Approximately 30-40 minutes by taxi.

Bari Airport BRI

Bari Karol Wojtyłan Airport is about 90-100 kilometers north of Ostuni, larger with more international connections.

Bari Flight Options

  • Airlines: Wider range, including Lufthansa, British Airways, KLM, Air France, ITA Airways.
  • Routes: Extensive routes to European capitals and some intercontinental connections (often with stopovers).
  • Travel Time to Ostuni: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes by taxi.

Direct Flight Connections

Direct flights to Brindisi or Bari from outside Europe are rare. Most international travelers connect through major European hubs.

Seasonal Pricing Trends

High Season (July-August): Expect the highest prices; flights often fully booked. Book several months in advance for better rates.

Off-Peak Value

Shoulder Season (April-June, September-October): Moderately priced flights. Low Season (November-March): Lowest prices but fewer flight options.

Airport Transfer Options

From Brindisi Airport BDS

  • Taxi: Approximately €50-€70, 30-40 minutes.
  • Bus + Train: STP Brindisi bus to Brindisi Centrale, then regional train to Ostuni. ~1.5-2 hours.
  • Rental Car: Most convenient for exploring Puglia. Major companies at the airport.
  • Private Transfer: Pre-book for direct, hassle-free transport.

From Bari Airport BRI

  • Taxi: Approximately €120-€150, 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • Metro/Bus + Train: FM2 train/AMTAB bus to Bari Centrale, then regional train to Ostuni. ~1.5-2.5 hours.
  • Rental Car: Highly recommended for broader Puglia exploration.
  • Private Transfer: Another option for direct travel to Ostuni.

Booking & Departure Tips

Smart Flight Searches

Utilize flight comparison sites like Skyscanner. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deal alerts.

Advance Booking

Book flights and major transfers well in advance, especially for high season travel, to secure availability and better rates.

Airport Facilities

Both Brindisi and Bari airports have car rental, taxi stands, bus connections, cafes, and shops. Bari offers more extensive facilities.

Land Transportation

Train Services

Ostuni has its own train station, Stazione di Ostuni, approximately 3 kilometers from the historic center. Trenitalia operates all services.

Rail Travel Details

  • Connections: Direct links to Bari, Lecce, Brindisi, and Intercity trains to Rome.
  • Tickets: Purchase at station, online via Trenitalia, or through third-party apps like Trainline.
  • Validation: Regional train tickets need validation at green machines on platforms before boarding.

Bus Connections

Local bus services, like STP Brindisi, connect Ostuni to its marina (Rosa Marina, Villanova) and the train station. Long-distance buses link to other Italian cities.

Bus Travel Details

  • Local Routes: Frequent routes connect city center to train station, coastal routes active in summer.
  • Long-Distance: Companies like Marozzi, MarinoBus, and FlixBus. Train is often preferred for intercity travel for speed and comfort.
  • Local Bus Fares: Affordable. For destinations outside main train lines, research bus connections.

Car Rental Information

Renting a car in Puglia via DiscoverCars.com offers flexibility for exploring the region. Major international companies operate at airports.

Rental Requirements

  • Driver's License: Valid national driving license. International Driving Permit (IDP) if non-EU/EEA.
  • Age: Typically 21-25 minimum, young driver surcharge for under 25.
  • Credit Card: Major credit card in main driver's name for security deposit.

Driving Conditions & Parking

Roads in Puglia are generally well-maintained. Motorways are tolled. Narrow streets are common in historic centers.

Road Rules & Parking

  • Roads: Drive on the right. Motorways are tolled. Pay attention to speed limits.
  • ZTLs: Historic centers often have Limited Traffic Zones (ZTLs). Unauthorized entry causes fines.
  • Parking: Park outside ZTLs. Large paid parking lots DiscoverCars.com are just outside Ostuni's historic core.

Important Driving Alerts

  • Assertive Drivers: Italian drivers can be assertive. Exercise caution on the roads.
  • ZTL Fines: Cameras monitor ZTLs. Always check ZTL maps for Ostuni and other towns.
  • Parking Restrictions: White lines for free parking (rare in centers), blue for paid, yellow for reserved.
  • Scooter Safety: Helmets are mandatory for both drivers and passengers on motorcycles and scooters.
  • Navigation: A GPS or reliable map app (APPS2Car Car Phone Mount) is useful for navigating.
  • Fuel: Understand fuel policies for rental cars (full-to-full is common).

Sea & River Journeys

Ferry & Cruise Access

Ostuni is inland, but nearby cities offer ferry and cruise connections to various destinations.

Ports for Puglia

  • Bari Port: Major ferry port for Greece, Albania, Croatia. Cruise ships also dock here.
  • Brindisi Port: Ferry connections to Greece, Albania, and some Greek islands.
  • Onward Travel: From these ports, ground transport (train, bus, rental car) to Ostuni is needed.

River & Water Travel

River transportation is not relevant for Ostuni. However, boat tours and rentals are available from nearby coastal towns.

Coastal Water Activities

  • Coastal Exploration: Boat tours and rentals from Villanova or Monopoli for the Adriatic coastline.
  • Beach Access: Easy access to various beaches from sandy stretches to rocky coves.
  • Marine Life: Explore the biodiversity of the Mediterranean in protected areas.

River Transportation

River transportation is not relevant for Ostuni, as it is not situated on a major navigable river.

Immigration at Seaports

Standard Schengen entry and exit procedures apply upon arrival or departure from non-Schengen ports. Border control processes will occur.

Connecting to Land Transport

Both Bari and Brindisi ports offer good connections to their respective city centers via local buses, taxis, and proximity to train stations.

Departure Information

Exit Procedures

No specific exit fees or taxes are imposed upon departure from Italy for tourists. These costs are typically included in your airfare or ferry tickets.

Departure Timing

  • International Flights: Arrive at the airport 2-3 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Domestic/Schengen Flights: Arrive 1.5-2 hours before scheduled departure.
  • Train Travel: Arrive at the train station 15-30 minutes before departure.

Airport/Station Facilities

Airports offer check-in desks, security checks, duty-free shops, cafes, restaurants, and lounges (especially at Bari).

Departure Services

  • Dining: Cafes and restaurants for refreshments.
  • Shopping: Duty-free shops for last-minute purchases.
  • Comfort: Waiting areas and lounges (at larger airports) for relaxation.

Smooth Exit Reminders

Verify Tickets

Double-check all flight, train, or ferry ticket details and departure times.

Passport Validity

Ensure your passport remains valid for at least three months beyond your intended departure from the Schengen Area.

Validate Tickets

If taking a regional train, remember to validate your ticket at the green machines on the platform.

Final Checks for Departure

Ensure all travel documents are in order. Confirm any necessary onward connections or transfers.