Pictured: Brindisi airport, the gateway to the Salento! (image: Wikimedia Commons)
You're thinking about visiting Puglia in Italy, and wondering how to get there. Or, you're already planning your Puglia holiday itinerary and trying to figure out which airport is best to fly into.
You're in the right place - this blog has everything you need to know about the airports in Puglia!
The airports in Puglia are:
Where is Puglia?
Puglia is a region in the southeastern part of Italy (the 'heel' of Italy's 'boot'). It's rich in history, culture, and natural beauty, and is pretty well known for its picturesque coastline, charming towns, and delicious food. That's why Puglia attracts travellers seeking an authentic Italian experience - in my opinion, it doesn't get much more authentic than the rustic charm of Puglia.
Over the past ten years or so, tourism has steadily been increasing, with more and more visitors coming from around the world. The 2024 G7 summit was held in Brindisi - and you don't get better than being visited by the leaders of the world. There's also been an influx of foreigners buying up cheap property, lured by the low prices, relatively large parcels of land that they come with, and a fabulous standard of living: unbelievable sunshine and incredibly tasty, locally grown or sourced food. Very understandable!
That's why there are a couple of major airports in Puglia (although the region is actually served by several airports, each playing a crucial role in connecting Puglia to the rest of Italy and beyond).
This blog explores these main airports in Puglia, their features, and what you can expect when flying into this enchanting part of Italy!
Pictured: Bari airport (image: Wikimedia Commons)
Airports in Puglia: Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport (BRI)
Great for:
visiting the northern half of Puglia, including Alberobello, Bari, Foggia, Gargano, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Trani
slightly cheaper car hire than Brindisi, as there are more rental companies here
access to public transport (if you're not hiring a car) - you can get a connecting train to Bari and then you're on the Rome/Milan to Lecce mainline.
Overview of Bari airport
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport, often referred to simply as Bari Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Puglia. Named after Pope John Paul II (Karol Wojtyła), this airport is located approximately 8 kilometers northwest of Bari, the regional capital. It serves as a major gateway for both domestic and international travelers.
Facilities and services
Bari Airport boasts a range of facilities to ensure a comfortable travel experience. The terminal is modern and well-equipped with amenities such as restaurants, cafes, shops, and duty-free outlets. To stay connected, free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport. Additionally, there are car rental services, ATMs, currency exchange offices, and a tourist information desk to help visitors.
Transportation
Getting to and from Bari Airport is pretty convenient, with multiple transportation options available. The airport is connected to the city centre by train, with the Bari Aeroporto railway station located just outside the terminal - it doesn't take long to get into Bari Centrale, although you could have a longer wait for your connecting train once you get there. Unlike Brindisi airport, buses and taxis are more readily available at Bari airport.
Top tip: if you're taking the connecting train to Bari, there's a ticket machine (with English language option) in the entrance once you're gone down the escalator. Usually there are also staff members there to help if you get stuck.
Another top tip: don't forget to validate your train ticket before you get on your train. There are usually little yellow boxes on the platforms where you insert your ticket to do this. If you don't, the train conductor will be rather unhappy with you.
Pictured: Brindisi airport (image: Wikimedia Commons)
Airports in Puglia: Brindisi Papola Casale Airport (BDS)
Great for:
visiting the southern half of Puglia, including the Valle d'Itria (Martina Franca, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ceglie Messapica), Ostuni, Brindisi, Mesagne, Lecca, Porto Cesareo, Santa Maria di Leuca, Gallipoli, Galatina, Salento.
connecting ferries to Albania, Croatia
a more intimate airport experience (i.e. I think it's got plenty more charm than Bari airport).
Overview of Brindisi airport
Brindisi Papola Casale Airport, also known as Salento Airport, is another major airport in Puglia. Situated about 6 kilometers north of Brindisi, this airport serves the southern part of the region, including popular destinations like Lecce and the Salento peninsula.
Facilities and services
Brindisi airport is smaller than Bari airport but still offers a range of amenities for travelers. The terminal includes several dining options, shops, and duty-free stores. Free Wi-Fi is available, and there are car rental agencies, ATMs, and currency exchange services on site. The airport is designed to handle a significant number of passengers efficiently, ensuring a smooth travel experience.
Transportation
Travelers can easily reach Brindisi Airport by various means. Buses connect the airport to Brindisi city center and other nearby towns, while taxis and car rental services provide additional flexibility. The airport is also well-connected to the regional road network, making it a convenient starting point for exploring the beautiful Salento area.
Airports in Puglia: Taranto-Grottaglie Airport (TAR)
If you're visiting Puglia, chances are you won't be flying into this airport. But as this blog post is all about airports in Puglia, it had to be included!
Overview
Taranto-Grottaglie Airport, also known as Marcello Arlotta Airport, is located about 15 kilometres from the city of Taranto. While it primarily serves as a cargo and industrial airport, there are plans to expand its passenger services in the future, which means that it could become more significant for travellers to Puglia.
Facilities and services
Currently, Taranto-Grottaglie Airport has limited passenger facilities compared to Bari and Brindisi airports. However, it does offer basic amenities such as parking, car rental services, and a small terminal building. As the airport develops, more services and facilities are expected to be introduced.
Transportation
Given its current focus on cargo and industrial flights, transportation options to and from Taranto-Grottaglie Airport are more limited. However, travellers can get to the airport by car or taxi, with the nearby road network providing good connectivity to Taranto and surrounding areas.
Airports in Puglia: Foggia Gino Lisa Airport (FOG)
Overview of Foggia airport
Foggia Gino Lisa Airport is a smaller airport located roughly 3km from the city of Foggia in northern Puglia. It primarily handles domestic flights and you might see it as an option if you're flying internally from somewhere else in Italy. It's seen as playing an important role in connecting the northern part of the region to other parts of Italy.
Facilities and services
Foggia Airport offers basic amenities for travelers, including a small terminal with a café, car rental services, and parking facilities. While it does not have the extensive range of services found at larger airports, it provides a convenient option for those traveling to and from northern Puglia.
Transportation
Transportation options to and from Foggia Airport include taxis and car rentals. The airport is easily accessible by road, with the nearby A14 motorway providing good connections to other parts of the region.
Advantages of airports in Puglia
They're well connected
One of the key advantages of Puglia’s airports is their ability to connect the region with the rest of Italy and Europe. Chances are that you'll only ever visit Puglia via either Bari or Brindisi airports: they offer numerous internal flights to major Italian cities like Rome, Milan, and Venice, as well as international destinations such as London, Berlin, and Paris. This connectivity makes it easy to visit Puglia from various parts of the world.
Quick note: recently at dinner in Carovigno I met a family from Melbourne who had just arrived in Puglia. They said that their journey by air had gone like this: Melbourne > Perth > Rome. With that in mind, you might find that if you're coming from quite far away (Australia or North America for instance), you might not be able to fly directly into airports in Puglia from your home country. This family had already done two flights by the time they got to Rome, so understandably they took a train from Rome to Bari, instead of getting a third connecting domestic flight.
That train is actually quite a nice one (top tip: pay a bit extra for first class), and you'll see some nice scenery en route to Puglia - it takes around 4-5 hours.
They're accessible
Airports in Puglia are strategically located to provide easy access to the region’s main attractions. Bari Airport serves as a gateway to the northern and central parts of Puglia, including the historic city of Bari, the UNESCO World Heritage site of Alberobello, and the stunning coastline of the Adriatic Sea. Brindisi Airport, on the other hand, is ideal for exploring the southern part of the region, including the baroque city of Lecce and the beautiful beaches of the Salento peninsula.
They're efficient
Despite being smaller than some of Italy’s major airports, Puglia’s airports are known for their efficiency and ease of navigation. If you're travelling to Puglia, expect shorter wait times at security and baggage claim, so you can get going on your Italian adventure sooner. The relatively compact size of these airports also means that walking distances within the terminals are shorter, so you won't be slogging your way for kilometres around the airport just to try and get out of it!
They actually do pretty good food and drink
Usually getting food and drink at any airport around the world is expensive and disappointing. Not so in the airports in Puglia! Fly into Puglia’s airports and you can get a taste of the region’s local flavours even before stepping outside the terminal. In both Bari and Brindisi airports, there are nice little cafes which do great cakes, pastries, focaccia, sandwiches, gelato and other local snacks. Plus the coffee they do is as good as anywhere else.
Ready to fly into the airports of Puglia?
Puglia’s airports play a vital role in connecting this charming region of Italy to the rest of the world. With Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport and Brindisi Papola Casale Airport leading the way, you'll have easy access to Puglia’s diverse attractions, from historic cities and picturesque towns to stunning coastlines and delicious cuisine.
While smaller airports like Taranto-Grottaglie and Foggia Gino Lisa may have limited passenger services, they still contribute to the region’s connectivity and accessibility.
Whether you’re planning a leisurely vacation or a business trip, Puglia’s airports ensure a smooth and enjoyable start to your Italian adventure.
What next?
Read some of the other Puglia-related blogs on this site, below, or check out the 7-day Puglia holiday itinerary for visitors flying in and out of Bari.
Puglia Travel Guides
Or, check out my free traveller guides to some of Puglia's best places to visit:
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