Compare car hire at Brindisi Airport with pickup tips, rental providers and driving advice for exploring Puglia and southern Italy.
Brindisi Airport, officially known as Brindisi Salento Airport, is one of southern Italy’s key gateways for travellers visiting Puglia. Located around 6 km from Brindisi city centre, the airport is small enough to navigate easily but busy during summer when visitors arrive for coastal holidays, road trips and villa stays.
Hiring a car here is usually the most practical option if you want to explore Puglia properly. Public transport exists, but many of the region’s best beaches, countryside masserie, and smaller towns are far easier to reach by road.
Flights from Ireland
Ryanair offer regular flights from Dublin Airport to Brindisi.
Where to collect your rental car at Brindisi Airport
Car hire desks are located in the arrivals area inside the terminal. After completing paperwork, most providers direct customers to a dedicated rental parking zone just outside the airport building within walking distance.
- Hertz – Terminal desk with nearby airport car park collection
- Avis / Budget – Shared airport counter inside arrivals
- Europcar – On-site desk with vehicles parked close to terminal exits
- Sixt – Popular for premium and larger vehicle categories
- Enterprise / Locauto – Available at Brindisi with local pickup area
- Maggiore – Common Italian rental brand operating on-site
Because the airport is compact, collection is generally much quicker than at larger Italian airports.
What pickup is actually like at Brindisi
Brindisi tends to be busiest on summer weekends when multiple leisure flights arrive within short windows.
If you land during July or August, queues at rental desks can build quickly, particularly for lower-cost providers. Having your licence, booking confirmation and payment card ready makes a noticeable difference.
Once paperwork is complete, you normally walk outside to the rental parking section rather than waiting for a shuttle bus. Cars are typically parked in open-air bays grouped by provider.
Before leaving, inspect tyres, mirrors and bodywork carefully. Southern Italy rentals often see high turnover during summer, so documenting scratches and marks before departure is sensible.
Best cars to rent at Brindisi Airport
Puglia is made for road trips, but local roads vary from modern highways to tight historic streets and narrow rural lanes.
- Economy cars – Best for couples, beach trips and parking in historic centres
- Compact cars – Strong all-round option for most visitors touring Puglia
- Family cars – Useful for luggage-heavy holidays or villa stays
- SUVs – Comfortable for longer regional driving but less practical in older towns
- Premium cars – Chosen mainly for business travel or longer motorway routes
Smaller cars are often the easiest choice if you plan to visit towns like Ostuni, Lecce or Alberobello where streets and parking spaces can be tight.
Driving routes from Brindisi Airport
The airport offers quick access to major roads connecting the Salento peninsula and wider Puglia region.
- Brindisi city centre – around 15 minutes
- Lecce – around 35 to 40 minutes
- Ostuni – around 35 minutes
- Alberobello – around 1 hour 20 minutes
- Gallipoli – around 1 hour 30 minutes
Road quality is generally good on major routes, although smaller coastal and countryside roads can narrow significantly.
Useful things to know before driving in Puglia
- ZTL restricted traffic zones are common in historic town centres
- Fuel stations may close midday in smaller towns
- Manual cars are far more common than automatics
- Parking in tourist towns becomes much harder during peak summer
If your accommodation is inside an old town, check access and parking arrangements in advance, as many centres restrict vehicle entry.
Official information
FAQs – Car hire Brindisi Airport
Is car hire available at Brindisi Airport?
Yes, several major international and Italian rental providers operate from the terminal.
Do I need a shuttle bus to collect my car?
No, most rental cars are collected from parking areas within walking distance.
How far is Brindisi city from the airport?
Brindisi city centre is approximately 15 minutes away by car.
Can I drive easily from Brindisi to Lecce?
Yes, Lecce is well connected and typically under 40 minutes away.
Are automatic cars available?
Yes, but supply is limited compared with manual vehicles.
Is driving in Puglia difficult?
Main roads are easy to use, but older towns can have tight streets and restricted zones.
Do I need a small car in Puglia?
Smaller cars are usually more practical for historic towns and easier parking.
Are fuel stations common near Brindisi?
Yes, fuel is widely available on major roads and near towns.
Can I drive from Brindisi to Alberobello?
Yes, the journey usually takes around 1 hour 20 minutes.
What documents are required to hire a car?
You usually need a valid driving licence, passport or ID, and a payment card in the main driver’s name.
