Car Rental in Brindisi

Why rent a car in Brindisi?

Brindisi is a great place to explore by car. Cozy, historic, and located near a number of world-class beaches, the city is a worthy destination in its own right, but it can also serve as a great base for exploring the rest of beautiful and untamed Southern Italy.

Top ways to enter Brindisi

• Brindisi Airport. Like many other Italian airports, Brindisi is especially active during the summer months when the number of airlines that it is served by rises to 15. Brindisi sees many domestic flights and also has air routes to the United Kingdom, Germany, Poland, and other European countries. Also known as Salento Airport, it is located just north of the city center.
• Bari Airport. Also known as Palese Airport and Karol Wojtyla Airport (after Pope John Paul II), Bari Airport is the largest in the region of Apulia. Brindisi is just 90 minutes drive south along the Adriatic Coast.
• Lamezia Terme Airport. Serving the resort town of Lamezia Terme in the nearby Calabria region, this small airport is served by a number of airlines, including some low-cost carriers. It is about a three-and-a-half hour drive southwest of Brindisi.
• Naples Airport. One of the fastest-growing airports in Italy, Naples-Capodichino sees almost 10 million travelers every year. With flights by a large number of airlines and located just three-and-a-half hours northwest of Brindisi, it can serve as a good entry point to Southern Italy.

City facts

Like much of the rest of Southern Italy, Brindisi enjoys a hot and pleasant Mediterranean climate. In July and August, the average temperature is 26 °C  (78 °F) and often much higher. Even in January and February, the temperature rarely drops below 10 °C  (50 °F). Summers are generally dry, although a bit more humid than in many other cities in the region.

Even in a country like Italy, Brindisi stands out for its delicious cuisine. Ricotta and other cheeses, bluefish, and other sea products, and snails are some of the products used in the foods cooked by skilled Brindisi chefs.

Brindisi is an important commercial port and transportation hub for the region, with ferries connecting the city to destinations throughout the Mediterranean, including Greece and Albania.

The city's historic center is home to several important landmarks, including the 15th-century Aragonese Castle, the Roman Column, and the Church of Santa Maria del Casale, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Brindisi has a long and fascinating history, having been settled by various cultures throughout the centuries, including the Greeks, Romans, and Normans. As a result, the city has a rich cultural heritage, with numerous museums and cultural events celebrating its past.ds cooked by the skilled Brindisi chefs.

Brindisi's cuisine is one of the city's most notable features, with skilled local chefs using a range of delicious ingredients. The region is particularly renowned for its cheeses, including ricotta, as well as its seafood, including a variety of bluefish. In addition, local snails are a popular delicacy. Be sure to try some of these traditional dishes during your visit to Brindisi.

Top sights and activities

• Roman Columns. Like many cities in Italy, Brindisi is rich in ancient Roman heritage. One of the best examples of this is the city’s Roman columns. One of them collapsed almost 500 years ago and its ruins were donated to a neighboring city, but the other is still standing, making it one of the most famous landmarks of Brindisi.
• Santa Maria del Casale. About to celebrate its 700th birthday in 2022, this one is the most famous of Brindisi’s many churches. It can be easily recognized by its facade made of gray and yellow stones, and the gothic church is just as beautiful from the inside as it is from the outside thanks to its many impressive frescoes.
• The Beaches. Let’s face it - even though Brindisi is rich in ancient and medieval history, its number one attraction is its long and beautiful coastline. There’s plenty to choose from, to. The fun Lido Morelli Beach, the tranquil Lido Specchiolla, the rugged Torre Pozzelle and many other beaches dot the area. Although many of these beaches are not located in Brindisi, but in the nearby villages, all of them can be easily and quickly reached by a rental car.
• Castles. Over centuries, Brindisi has been ruled by a number of foreign rulers, all of whom wanted to leave their mark on the city and often did so via impressive castles. The two most notable of them are the late-15th century Aragonese Castle, also known as the Sea Fort, built by Ferdinand I of Naples, and Svevo Castle (or simply the Large Castle), built in the 13th century by Emperor Frederick II. Both are among the most visited landmarks of Brindisi.
• San Giovanni al Sepolcro. This is one of the oldest churches in Brindisi, believed to have been built in the 11th century. The church was once part of a hospital for pilgrims traveling to the Holy Land and is known for its unique mix of Romanesque and Byzantine architecture. Visitors can admire the intricate carvings on the facade and the beautiful frescoes inside.
• Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve. Located about 20km (12 miles) north of Brindisi, this protected area is a must-visit for nature lovers. The reserve features a stunning stretch of coastline with crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and dunes. Visitors can hike, bike, or horse ride through the reserve and even go birdwatching or snorkeling.
• Wine Tasting. Brindisi is located in the heart of the Puglia region, which is famous for its wine production. Visitors can take a tour of local wineries and vineyards, and taste some of the best wines produced in the area. The region's most famous wines include the full-bodied Primitivo and the crisp and refreshing Verdeca, among others.

Traffic and parking

• The speed limit in cities is 50 km/h, although in certain areas the speed limit may be reduced to 30 km/h. 
• Main highways have speed limits of 130 km/h, non-major highways of 110 km/h, and local roads of 90 km/h. During the rain, the limits are lowered to 110 km/h, 100 km/h, and 80 km/h, respectively. The general speed limit is lowered to 50 km/h during heavy fog or other cases of bad visibility.
• The insurance and car documentation needs to be in the car whenever you’re driving.
• If you’re the driver, you need to have your passport or ID card with you at all times.
• The legal alcohol limit is 0.05% for experienced drivers and 0.00% for novice drivers. Being over the allowed limit can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment. 
• The emergency number, like elsewhere in the EU, is 112.

Toll roads

There are numerous toll roads and tunnels in Italy. The exact fee depends on the route of your choice and the type of a vehicle. 

There are different payment methods for tolls, including cash and credit card. Some rental cars in Italy might also be equipped with an electronic prepaid card called Viacard or with an electronic toll road transponder. Car rental providers might charge an additional fee for this service. Ask the car rental provider about it before renting the car. If you miss a toll payment, you can still pay for it online. If you take longer than 15 days, however, additional charges will be added to the fee. Read more about missed toll payments in Italy and how to pay for them later here.  

See the official Italian toll road website for more information. Use the website’s toll road calculator to find out exactly how much you’ll have to pay for using the toll roads on your planned route.  

Ideas for day trips

• Bari. The capital of Apulia is famous for its basilicas, beaches, and food that’s considered outstanding even by Italian standards. Its narrow streets create a historic atmosphere, but with a metropolitan population of 1 million, it is also one of the largest cities in Southern Italy. From Brindisi, it can be reached in just 1 hour and 20 minutes by car.
• Lecce. Sometimes called “the Florence of the south” thanks to its beautiful baroque architecture, Lecce is also home to an impressive Roman amphitheater and an archeological park. After taking in all the mighty history, try Pasticciotto Leccese, the city’s trademark cake (although make sure it’s still in the morning as that’s when locals eat it!). Lecce is just half an hour’s drive from Brindisi.
• Terra Delle Gravine Nature Park. Just an hour-and-a-half drive west of Brindisi, this mountainous natural area is a great place to spend a day outdoors. Walking through its wooded ravines is a very relaxing experience. The nature reserve is home to many birds of prey, badgers, wild boar, and other types of animals.
• Taranto. Although just an hour’s drive west, the city of Taranto is technically situated on the coast of a different sea than Brindisi — the Ionian instead of the Adriatic. A very old city, it is known for its Ancient Greek heritage which is exemplified by landmarks such as the Temple of Poseidon, Spartan Museum, and National Archaeological Museum. The beaches that surround Taranto are also definitely worth your attention.
• Ostuni. Known as the White City, Ostuni is perched atop a hill and boasts stunning views of the surrounding olive groves and the Adriatic Sea. Its whitewashed buildings and maze-like streets make it a photographer’s paradise, and it is also home to a beautiful 15th-century Gothic cathedral. From Brindisi, Ostuni can be reached in just 30 minutes by car.
• Alberobello. This UNESCO World Heritage site is famous for its unique trulli houses, which are made of limestone and have cone-shaped roofs. The town’s historic center is filled with these distinctive buildings, and there are plenty of shops selling local crafts and souvenirs. Alberobello is located about 50 minutes east of Brindisi by car.
• Polignano a Mare. This charming coastal town is known for its stunning cliffside views, crystal-clear waters, and beaches. Visitors can walk along the narrow streets of the historic center, visit the old town’s cathedral, and take a dip in the sea at the famous Cala Porto beach. From Brindisi, Polignano a Mare can be reached in just 35 minutes by car.

Most popular cars

The most popular rental car types in Brindisi are economy, compact, and mini. If you plan to travel to the nearby mountains or natural areas, getting an intermediate or full-size vehicle might be a good idea. The most popular rental cars are the Peugeot 108, the Fiat Panda, and the Opel Corsa.

Further destinations

• Matera. Matera is the capital of neighboring Basilicata, one of the least visited of the 20 Italian provinces. More notably, it is famous for its limestone-cut houses that have been in place since prehistoric times, many of which were inhabited as recently as the mid-20th century and have now been turned into tourist attractions. Recognizing Matera’s unique heritage, the city was the European Capital of Culture in 2019. The trip from Brindisi takes less than two hours by car.
• Naples. The city living in the shadow of Pompeii, the home of the largest historic center in Europe, and the world capital of pizza, Naples is simply a  stunning destination. History, attractions, and things to do abound here, and, should you ever grow overwhelmed, you can easily escape to one of the nearby islands in the Mediterranean. Naples is about a four hour drive northwest of Brindisi.
• Rome. The Eternal City has plenty of classical, Roman, and even pre-Roman landmarks and museums making it one of the most impressive historic destinations in the world (that’s even without mentioning Vatican City). What is less known is that Rome is also a modern metropolis where even those oblivious to ancient history can find plenty to entertain themselves, from modern arts scene to beaches, shopping opportunities, and any cuisine imaginable. Regardless of which type you are, you’ll most likely enjoy your time here. Rome is about six hours northwest of Brindisi.
• Sicily. As proud as it is hospitable, Italy’s largest island is one of the most unique places in Europe. It’s cities date back millennia, having seen Greek, Arab, Norman, and other rulers, and its rugged landscape will leave even experienced travelers breathless. Although getting there from Brindisi means a five hour drive and a ferry ride, the long trip is most definitely worth it.
• Lazio Terme. If you’re looking to relax and rejuvenate, head to Lazio Terme, a small town known for its hot springs and thermal baths. The town has a rich history dating back to ancient Roman times and has been a popular destination for those seeking wellness and healing for centuries. From Brindisi, Lazio Terme is just over 2 hours away by car.
• Scilla. A picturesque fishing village located on the southern tip of the Calabria region, Scilla is a hidden gem that’s worth the drive from Brindisi. With its colorful houses, crystal-clear waters, and charming streets, Scilla offers a glimpse into authentic Italian coastal life. The town is just under 3 hours away by car.
• Pescara. Located on the Adriatic coast, Pescara is a lively city that boasts a beautiful sandy beach, an impressive historic center, and a thriving food scene. It’s a great destination for those looking to experience authentic Italian culture without the crowds. From Brindisi, Pescara is about a 4-hour drive.

Car rental prices in Brindisi

• Small cars - from $33 per day
• Medium cars - from $35 per day
• SUVs - from $34 per day
• Large cars - from $42 per day
• Station wagons - from $52 per day
• Vans - from $65 per day
• Premium cars - from $142 per day
• Convertibles - from $187 per day

Money-saving and other tips

Here are some tricks you can try to land yourself a great rental car in Brindisi:

• Compare the rates of different rental car providers
• Book your rental car well in advance
• Plan your route before you go
• Know your fuel and mileage requirements
• Visit during the month when the rental prices are the cheapest. According to our data, visiting Brindisi is the cheapest in December when renting a car is about 70% cheaper than the yearly average and a mind-blowing 80% cheaper than renting a car in August. Come visit Brindisi in winter when the weather is still pleasantly mild, the crowds are low, and the prices are great!