How to Rent a Car in Puglia | Grab your discount and promos
We have explored Puglia in every corner, driving through dirt roads and enchanting landscapes. Definitely, there’s no better way to immerse yourself through a fantastic road trip. Renting a car in Puglia gives you the freedom and flexibility to uncover hidden gems, picturesque towns, and breathtaking coastal stretches at your own pace.
We have exhausting guides about travelling through Puglia, but this one might help you more, making it easy to rent a car and explore the region in Southern Italy.
If you haven’t driven abroad yet, or at least never in Italy, don’t worry. We will also help you consider what to look for when renting a car. From which car is best to hire to explore Puglia to a proper checklist that will let you avoid problems.
Puglia has many ports of entry, and you might have to choose which is the most convenient before your trip. This guide to Puglia car hire will show you some of the best options, from an easy trip starting in Bari and returning to the Capital city to the chance of renting a car in one place and returning somewhere else.
Let’s show you how to rent a car in Puglia, Italy, easily and for a fraction of the price, with our promos and discount codes.
Best rentals for a Puglia car hire
We recommend booking your rental car through Discover Cars and Auto Europe for convenience and cost-effectiveness. They comprehensively compare prices between local and international rental companies in Puglia, including renowned names such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Enterprise. Discover Cars also offer additional features to enhance your booking experience and simplify the process of renting a car.
However, this is not your last resource for car rental companies in Puglia. When planning an itinerary like this one, we also keep an eye on Rental Cars and Europe Cars, which might use different partners.
Based on our experience, Avis and Europcar, booked through either Discover Cars or Rental Cars, consistently offer the best rates without compromising service quality. When booking directly through this website, you have many options and also the chance to include insurance coverage in advance, saving you time and potential stress at the pickup counter. However, Discover Cars often provide the best overall rates, making it a cost-effective choice for your car rental in Puglia, Italy.
Compare car hire companies
Where to rent a car in Puglia?
When it comes to renting a car in Puglia, choosing the most convenient location is crucial for a smooth start to your journey. For most travellers, the Bari or Brindisi Airport serves as the ideal pickup location. The most convenient rates for car pickup are at the airports, but if you want to explore Bari or Brindisi for a few days, you might only need the car for a short time.
In fact, on one end, renting a car at the airport might save some bucks, but renting a car in the city centre a few days after might balance the costs. Both Bari and Brindisi are pleasant to walk through, and it’s not easy to find parking spaces everywhere. You don’t need the car if you plan to explore cities before or after your road trip.
Renting a car in Puglia is the best way to explore the region
We have a few posts that will help you plan your Puglia road trip itinerary and even stay about 7 days in Puglia without a car, using just public transport to move around.
But well, we always say that the adventure of taking just the trains misses the breeze of turning at the next exit just because your instinct tells you that a hidden gem is awaiting. On the other hand, renting a car for a road trip in Puglia gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace, stop by unique spots, and return to your place at night, even in remote areas.
The convenience of Puglia car hire
Renting a car in Puglia is incredibly convenient; there are countless car hire everywhere you get in Puglia. Whether you arrive at one of the major airports or plan to pick up your rental car in the charming cities of Bari or Brindisi, you’ll find various car hire options available to suit your preferences and budget.
With the freedom to choose your vehicle and set your own itinerary, you can embark on a truly personalised journey through the wonders of Puglia. You can also rent a car if you land in Rome and explore the Capital for a few days. The expenses to get from Rome to Puglia are less than €100, counting gasoline and tolls.
Explore Puglia’s hidden gems
With a rental car at your disposal, you can venture off the beaten path and discover Puglia’s hidden gems. From the enchanting trulli houses in Alberobello to the captivating white-washed streets of Ostuni, each town in Puglia has its own unique charm waiting to be explored.
Here are a few little villages that might be worth looking into. Check out Cisternino on the hilltop of Valle d’Itria and San Vito dei Normanni at the entrance doors of Ostuni. Take the scenic coastal roads and uncover the pristine beaches along the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. Explore the rugged landscapes of the Gargano National Park or immerse yourself in the rich history of Lecce, the “Florence of the South.” With Puglia car hire, the possibilities are endless.
Renting a car is your gateway to a memorable road trip in Puglia
Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group of friends or family, you’ll find the perfect car to accommodate your adventure. Check here for the best car comparison. For sure you will find what you need. From compact and economical cars for city explorations to spacious SUVs for countryside escapades, Puglia car hire agencies have a diverse fleet to choose from.
10 Things to consider before renting a Car in Puglia
Type of Car | Car rental in Puglia Italy
When renting a car in Puglia, consider your space requirements for the journey. Trip planning is crucial. Most of the time, we travel just by ourselves, but Alessia suffer from motion sickness, so we need to account for that by choosing the car. This is just one of the factors that we consider before booking.
In fact, while a small car saves money, it may not be comfortable if you are more than two people or more with kids. Sometimes, upgrading your vehicle makes little difference in money but big in comfort and having an unforgettable trip.
While planning, we also consider the car’s power. A more powerful car performs better on highways. In Portugal, while going from Lisbon to Porto, we had a Fiat 500, and even though we loved that car because easy to park and cute, it wasn’t the best idea on high-speed roads.
Manual vs Automatic
If you want to save some money, go for the manual. This type of car is the most common in Italy and Europe. However, you might not feel comfortable and so safe. It is easy to drive with a manual, but when talking to our American friends, we get the feeling that it might not be a good idea for them.
If it might help you to make the right decision, you should know that most of the roads in Puglia are flat, with a few turns, and mostly around remote areas or the hills of Valle d’Itria. It might be fun and an experience itself driving a manual car.
Driving Requirements in Italy
If you hold a driving licence from outside of Europe, you must have an international driving permit. Rentals might refuse your booking, even if you have done it in advance online and paid for it.
In case of an accident or police block, you must present your International Driving Permit along with your regular driver’s licence from your home country.
Obtaining an International Driving Permit is a simple process that should be completed in your home country. For example, in the UK, you can just go to the nearby post office, pay the fee and get it immediately.
Also, consider that even though it is permitted to drive in Italy from 18 years old, most car rental companies set an age requirement. You must have between 25 and 65 years. An additional fee may apply if you fall before or after this range. Alessia was always pissed at that because different countries have different rules, as up to 5 years ago, it was from 22 years old and a minimum of 3 years of driving experience.
Lastly, you can’t rent a car with a debit card in Italy. You must have a credit card to rent. Also, ensure that the credit card used for booking is under the driver’s name.
Get your International Driving Permit before your trip
One way or return
When renting a car in Puglia, you have two options: one-way or return. A one-way rental involves dropping off the car at a different location. Whether to choose one way depends on your travel plans.
We suggest checking the overall costs of your trip, as a return different than the entry port might cost you an additional fee that goes from €100 to €300. However, sometimes there are benefits of returning to different locations, such as flight costs or even cheaper accommodations and overall movements.
While on a road trip through Emilia Romagna, a central region in Italy, we rented the car in Milan, our port of entry for the flight from Prague. We did a 12 days road trip with a Jeep, fantastic and spacious. At the end of the journey, we arrived in Bologna for our flight back to London.
That was convenient, as the flight to London cost just 20£, and the additional fee was €100. If we had accounted for taking back a flight from Milan and the costs for two to get there, we would have leveraged our expenses for more than €200.
Returning the car to the exact location is usually more cost-effective. It offers a broader choice of rental companies. But you should consider your overall costs, budget and itinerary. However, keep in mind that not all allow one-way drop-offs.
Cost to rent a car in Puglia, Italy
During our 7-day exploration of Puglia in September, we chose Avis through Discover Cars for our rental. They offered the best price for the specific car type we wanted, and we opted for comprehensive insurance coverage (CDW, WDW, TPL, & PAI).
Our rental cost amounted to €55.75/day (do the maths for other currencies)
If you have the flexibility to travel outside the high season, you can expect significantly lower rental prices. According to Discover Cars, renting a car from Bari in the shoulder season lowers the costs by up to 50%. Remember that prices will vary based on the car type and insurance coverage you select.
Furthermore, renting a car for an extended period in Puglia can considerably reduce the overall cost. Consider booking your car rental for one or two weeks at a time. This approach is an excellent way to save money when planning your trip since it lowers the daily rental cost.
It’s noteworthy that gas prices in Italy are slightly higher than in neighbouring countries. As of May 2023, the average price of gasoline is €1.81/litre or €6.86/gallon ($1.95/litre or $7.38/gallon).
More itineraries about Puglia
Pick up and Drop off | Checklist
Upon arrival at Bari International Airport, pick up your rental car about 60 minutes after your flight lands. Then, follow the clear signage to the rental agency counters.
If you still need to purchase insurance, do so now, but be aware of potential higher fees by doing it at the counter. We also have insurance which covers parts of car rental fees. Check HeyMondo for your next travel insurance covering road trips.
Before finalising the paperwork, inspect the car with a representative. Note any damage on the checkout form, along with mileage and fuel level. Again, be picky, not like me, that I want the car quick, be more like Alessia, checking every single detail.
Taking time-stamped pictures of the car’s exterior and interior is wise. This provides evidence of pre-existing damage if needed. We also take videos, just in case. We have also perfectioned renting scooters in Bali and the rest of South East Asia.
Be always on time to avoid further charges. For drop-off, arrive at the airport at least 3.5 hours before departure. Look for signs at the rental agency return booth.
Inspect the vehicle again with a representative, documenting any visible damage, fuel level, and mileage. Retrieve personal items before the representative signs off. Remember to take photos if the drop-off consists just in dropping the keys into a box; they might come up with damages that you didn’t cause.
Car rental insurance and travel insurance
We always choose full coverage insurance for comprehensive protection when renting a car.
With Discover Cars, your booking includes the following:
- Unlimited mileage
- Collision Damage Waiver (up to $3300)
- Theft Protection
- Roadside Assistance
- Basic coverage for Third Party Liability
However, damages to your rental car are not covered. Add extra coverage online for convenience, covering lost keys, towing expenses, refundable theft deductible, and damage to the body, undercarriage, wheels, and windshield.
The average insurance cost to cover all the aspects starts from €5 per day. Book online in advance for better rates. It might be a cost to account for in your overall budget for a road trip in Puglia, but you will have a journey with peace of mind.
Sometimes the insurance might request you cover the costs and procedures for reimbursement. Instead, if you are getting the insurance policy at the car rental counter, you might pay more but don’t have to pay in advance if something happens, and the drop-off is quicker.
Road Conditions and Traffic Rules
It’s essential to be aware of Italy’s road conditions and traffic rules to ensure a safe and pleasant journey.
Road Conditions in Puglia
Italy offers diverse road conditions, from modern highways to winding rural routes. The highways, known as “autostrada,” are generally well-maintained and provide efficient connections between major cities. These roads often have tolls, so it’s advisable to carry some cash or a credit card for payment. Most of the roads you will be going on a fantastic road trip in Puglia are mainly SS, “Super Strada”. These are often fast roads with one lane.
The roads can be narrower and winding in rural areas, especially in the hilly part of Puglia, Valle d’Itria. It’s essential to drive cautiously, as these roads may lack guardrails and have sharp bends. Be mindful of local drivers who are familiar with the roads and may drive at a faster pace. Stick on the right side to give way to faster cars and don’t make trouble for you.
Italy Traffic Rules | What to know before driving in Puglia
Familiarising yourself with Italian traffic rules is crucial for a smooth, stress-free driving experience. Here are some key rules to keep in mind:
Speed Limits | Speed limits in Italy vary depending on the type of road and the location. In general, the speed limits are as follows: 130 km/h (80 mph) on highways, 110 km/h (68 mph) on non-major roads (SS), and between 50 km/h and 30 Km/h (31 mph / 18 mph) in urban areas.
Seat Belts | It is mandatory for both drivers and passengers (back, too) to wear seat belts at all times.
ZTL Zones | In most of the historic city centres, you may come across Limited Traffic Zones (Zona a Traffico Limitato or ZTL). These areas are restricted to authorised vehicles only, and entering without permission can result in fines.
Pay attention to the signs indicating ZTL zones and only drive into them if you have the necessary permit. Sometimes the ZTL is not active and is signalled by a led display at the area’s entrance. But overall, remember to avoid parking in ZTL areas.
Mobile Phones | Using a mobile phone while driving in Italy is illegal. Use a hands-free device or headphones if you need to make or receive calls.
Drinking and Driving | Italy has strict laws regarding drinking and driving. The blood alcohol content (BAC) limit is 0.05%, lower than in many other countries. It’s best to avoid consuming alcohol if you plan to drive.
Parking | Parking regulations vary across cities in Italy. Pay attention to signs indicating parking restrictions and use designated parking lots or garages whenever possible to avoid fines or towing. Overall, blue and white signs are good to park, paying a fee (white are free). Avoid yellow stalls.
Roundabouts | Roundabouts are common in Italy, and it’s important to know how to navigate them correctly. Vehicles already in the roundabout have the right of way, and you should yield to traffic coming from the left before entering.
By adhering to these traffic rules and being mindful of the road conditions, you can enjoy a safe and pleasant driving experience in Italy.
GPS and Offline maps
A reliable GPS system and offline maps are essential to navigating meandering roads and uncovering the region’s best-kept secrets. We always download our maps offline and carry with us a power bank, just in case. You need to add the GPS to your car to lower your Puglia car hire fee.
Whether you’re exploring the charming towns of Alberobello or enjoying the stunning coastal views in Polignano a Mare, a GPS will guide you every step of the way. While a GPS relies on an internet connection, offline maps come to the rescue when you find yourself in areas with limited or no network coverage. By downloading offline maps before your trip, you can access them even when you’re off the grid.
Offline maps provide detailed information about roads, landmarks, and points of interest, allowing you to navigate easily. Check out this tutorial if you don’t know how to download maps offline.
FAQ about Renting a Car in Puglia
Our final thoughts about Hire a car in Puglia | It’s your time to hit the road and uncover Puglia
Renting a car in Puglia opens up a world of exploration, adventure, and discovery possibilities. With the convenience of Puglia car hire, you can create your own itinerary, explore charming towns, soak up the sun on pristine beaches, and marvel at the picturesque landscapes that make Puglia a hidden gem in Italy’s south.
Take advantage of the opportunity to embark on a road trip in Puglia and create memories that will last a lifetime. Rent a car in Puglia and let the enchantment of this remarkable region unfold before your eyes.
So, what are you waiting for? Rent a car in Puglia and let the road trip of a lifetime begin! Car hire options in Puglia offer you the keys to unlocking the beauty and charm of southern Italy. So start planning your adventure today!