Looking for an itinerary of Puglia without a car? Yes, it is possible, and you are in the right place. We had the best time travelling through Puglia by train. If you are looking for a sustainable way to visit Puglia, this itinerary is definitely for you.
While many visitors choose to drive themselves around the region, car rental and parking can quickly add up the total budget. The good news is that Puglia has a reliable regional rail system connecting many cities and remarkable places to visit. The public transport make it easy to craft an exciting 10-day Puglia itinerary without a car.
Join us as we discover charming Baroque towns, whitewashed fishing villages, ancient olive groves, and the azure waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas. With a little planning, Puglia reveals itself as the perfect destination for conscious, car-free travellers looking to indulge in la dolce vita.
How to get around Puglia Without a Car? Quick guide!
- Use Ferrovie del Sud Est for Regional Travel: The Ferrovie del Sud Est network offers affordable, efficient rail connections between many Puglian towns and cities. This should be your primary means of regional transportation.
- Purchase Tickets in Advance: When Possible If your itinerary is fixed, purchase FSE tickets ahead of time online to secure seats at the lowest prices. Tickets bought at the station come with an extra fee.
- Validate Tickets Before Boarding: Remember to validate paper tickets in the machines at the platform entrance gates or risk steep fines. This applies to prepaid tickets as well.
- Consider purchasing a Europe Rail Card: If you are taking at least 6 regional train trips in Puglia, invest in a Europe Rail Card for discounts from 15-40% off.
- Check Bus Routes to Connect the Dots While FSE covers many key routes, use buses like SITA to fill in gaps between train stations and attractions just outside town.
- Book Early Morning Trains for Popular Destinations: Expect crowding on busy corridors like Bari-Lecce in the mid-late mornings, especially in summer.
- Travel Light Within Cities: Puglia’s ancient hill towns often have long staircases or steep paths. Even the roads are narrow for vehicles. Pack light day bags to manoeuvre easily; better to have a backpack.
A quick guide to taking trains in Italy
Getting around Italy by train is a great way to travel. Taking the train is always good for the environment, and it’s our preferred way to get around, either in Italy or around the world. Actually, trains in Italy are quite comfortable, but there are some rules you might not know yet.
Book your tickets in advance.
Planning your trip ahead can give you peace of mind and deal with the trip easily. We always recommend booking your train tickets in advance. Trainline and Omio are great platforms to get your digital tickets.
Alternatively, we suggest getting an Italy Rail Card to get on and off trains without hassles. This Rail Europe Card is one of the best options.
Both Omio and Trainline offer online apps where you can store your digital tickets. So, no need to carry around paper tickets, exchange vouchers, or need a printer. Check the tickets on the digital stores.
Always validate tickets
Of course, the above option to get digital tickets is the best way to go paperless; however, if you are fond of regular tickets, you must remember to validate them.
Purchasing the tickets directly at the station has the advantage of booking it at the last minute and maybe saving about 20% on the total cost. Even though, at the entrance of the train station, you must pass the ticket through the validator.
This machine will stamp the date and time and make the ticket valid for your journey. If you don’t comply with that, the fines go from €50 up to €500. If you get a digital ticket with one of the above, you don’t have to validate it.
Can you travel by train to Puglia?
Yes, Puglia has a good railway network connecting cities like Bari, Brindisi, Lecce, and Taranto. The Ferrovie del Sud Est network covers most of the Puglia region. So trains are a great way to get around.
Are the trains reliable in Puglia?
Yes, the trains are punctual and reliable. Delays are rare, except maybe in the height of summer. The rail network isn’t as extensive as up north but covers all major routes. So you can confidently use trains to hop between destinations without issues.
Can you travel around Puglia by public transport?
Yes, apart from trains, the transport system in Puglia has great bus options. At some point on our road trip to Puglia, we had to change trains with a bus. This option is perfect for the mainland, where the rail doesn’t get far.
If this happens, remember that your train ticket is valid on the bus and you don’t have to pay extras.
Is it hard to travel to Puglia by public transport?
Not at all, it was the easiest way to see the Puglia countryside. Actually travelling through Puglia by train was fantastic. Once you get into little villages, you will discover the true essence of this region in southern Italy.
Long story short, when we arrived in Cisternino, on the hilltop of Valle d’Itria, near Martina Franca and Locorotondo, the local bus stopped in the middle of nowhere. We found the way to the centre of the village and discovered one of the most stunning places we have been.
Then, a local approached us and showed us the village and where to eat for about 45 minutes before taking us to the train station on the other side.
Which towns in Puglia have a train station?
Many popular towns and cities in Puglia have direct train station access, making it easy to design an itinerary using the rail system. We suggest planning a 10-day trip tailoring the itinerary around the cities and towns with bigger stations.
If you fly into Bari or Brindisi, it’s easy to get to the city centre with the shuttle bus. The bus station is in front of the train station of both cities.
Here are some of the main Puglian destinations with their own train stations:
Train stations in Puglia
Adriatic Coast
- Bari (Perfect for connections with Rome and Naples)
- Polignano a Mare
- Monopoli
- Ostuni
- Fasano
- Brindisi
- Francavilla Fontana
- Lecce
Ionian Coast
- Taranto
- Manduria
- Gallipoli
- Casarano
- Ugento
- Tricase
- Otranto
Inland Towns
- Martina Franca
- Locorotondo
- Alberobello
- Foggia
- Barletta
There are also smaller towns along the rail lines that allow access to destinations not directly served by trains. For example, you can take trains to villages near Monopoli to reach spots on the coast like Savelletri, Capitolo, and Cala Fetente.
How much does 10 days in Puglia by train cost?
Budget around €60 per day per person, excluding flights and accommodation. If travelling as a couple, that covers trains or buses between destinations, simple food, attractions and experiences.
You can do it cheaper by staying in hostels, but I’d suggest a few nice hotels to balance.
Detailed expenses breakdown
Travelling through Puglia by train can be an affordable way to explore the region. Here is a breakdown of what you can expect for a daily budget:
Transportation: €5-15 per day
| Type of Transportation | Average Cost |
|---|---|
| City buses | €1-3 per ride |
| Ferries & boats | €10-30+ per excursion |
| Regional trains | €1.50-12 per ride |
Lodging: €60-100 per night
- Budget hotel/B&B
- Airbnb apartment rental
Food: €30-50 per day
| Dining Option | Average Prices |
|---|---|
| Pastries & coffee for breakfast | €3-5 |
| Sandwich or pizza slice for lunch | €4-8 |
| Dinner at a casual trattoria | €15-25 |
| A glass of wine or beer: | €3-6 |
Sightseeing & Activities: €10-30 per day
- Major museums: €5-15 (buy combo tickets when possible)
- Beaches: Usually free access
- Guided day trips: €15-40
Extras/Shopping: €10+ per day
- Gelato: €2-3 per cup
- Souvenirs
Total Daily Cost: €115-205+
As you can see, if you primarily use the very affordable FSE regional trains to get around, stay in budget-friendly lodgings, and watch your food spending, you could potentially visit Puglia for around €100 a day.
But you may also wish to have some bigger days exploring beaches, sights, restaurants and shops. Building a buffer room in your budget allows for this flexibility!
Our Puglia itinerary by public transport
- Day 1 – Bari
- Day 2 – Polignano a Mare
- Day 3 – Alberobello and Locorotondo
- Day 4 – Ostuni
- Day 5 – Lecce
- Day 6 – Otranto
- Day 7 – Santa Maria di Leuca
- Day 8 – Gallipoli
- Day 9 – Monopoli
- Day 10 – Return to Bari
Day 1: Bari
Touch down in Bari, Puglia’s largest city and transportation hub. Spend your first afternoon stretching your legs along the picturesque streets of Bari Vecchia, the maze-like old town perched on a peninsula jutting into the sea.
Marvel at the 11th-century Basilica di San Nicola, with its elaborate stonework façade, grab a cone of creamy gelato and watch local life unfold in Piazza del Ferrarese.
As the sun sets, join the evening passeggiata (promenade) along the lungomare sea walk. The locals will point you towards the best-fried street food for dinner before you turn in for the night. We had the best time in Bari and actually spent over four days in the city. The food is tasty, and you should try their traditional orecchiette, panzerotti and more. Read our guide on what to eat in Puglia for more details.
Day 2: Polignano a Mare
After breakfast in Bari, hop aboard a short train ride down the coast to Polignano a Mare. Often ranked as one of Italy’s most beautiful villages, this spectacular seaside town sits high on limestone cliffs perforated with caves.
Spend the morning wandering the ancient alleyways and relaxing on Lama Monachile Beach if you visit Puglia in the summer. However, temperatures in southern Italy are great until the end of October, and you can still relax on a beach.
Stop for a light seafood lunch with unbeatable views at Grotta Palazzese, an elegant restaurant built inside a cliffside grotto. If you are staying overnight in Polignano a Mare, we definitely suggest reserving a table at Grotta Palazzese, one of the most romantic places in Italy.
In the afternoon, set out on the panoramic hike from Polignano to Cala Paura, a secluded beach in a dramatic cove below. Spend the golden hour at a rustic beach bar, toasting the sunset with chilled local wine before returning to Polignano for dinner and overnight.
Where to stay on day two
If you want to relax in Polignano, stay overnight. The cliffside town gets very quiet in the evening compared to during the day. Most of the people get back to Bari, which is only 30 minutes away by train.
Giovi Relais Polignano
Located close to Lama Monachile beach and with an incredible view, this hotel will be the right choice for your next trip to Polignano a Mare!
Covo Dei Saraceni
With its great location and gorgeous view, Covo Dei Saraceni can be your on a budget choice in your Polignano a Mare itinerary.
Day 3: Alberobello & Locorotondo
On your third morning, make your way inland to Alberobello, famed for its unique trulli homes. These circular stone structures with peaked grey roofs scatter across the hilly countryside, creating a fairy-tale village aesthetic. Wander past the souvenir shops into the residential districts to see the trulli in their most authentic state, many still occupied by local families.
In the early afternoon, take a quick connecting train to Locorotondo for a taste of Puglian wine country.
Locorotondo is an idyllic hilltop hamlet immersed in vineyards and olive groves, with a labyrinth of whitewashed lanes that are a joy to get lost in. Stroll through the quiet streets, stopping at an enoteca (wine bar) to sample fresh vintages with a light meal.
Spend the night in peaceful Alberobello or lively Locorotondo, according to your preference.
Stay in a trullo house in Alberobello
Trulli Antichi Mestieri | Have you ever wandered what looks like staying in a trullo? Stay here, right in the Rione Monti, the centre of the trulli houses. Have all the comfort of a normal home, with wi-fi, hot shower and more. CHECK AVAILABILITY, IT GETS SOLD OUT.
MARTINA FRANCA | Cheaper alternative!
Day 4: Ostuni
On day four, make your way south to Ostuni, the “White City” perched high above the Adriatic Sea. Before exploring Ostuni’s sites, indulge in the seaside atmosphere at one of the Blue Flag beaches nearby. Torre Pozzella is popular for its natural scenery, while Costa Merlata offers more amenities for a day of swimming and sunbathing.
In the late afternoon, take the bus up to Ostuni old town for a proper stroll through the gleaming white lanes and staircases. Ostuni is a picture-perfect village in Puglia, unique and picturesque.
Climb your way to the top for panoramic views over hundreds of olive groves blanketing the hills and coastline. Cap off the evening with an al fresco dinner on the piazza before turning in for the night.
Where to stay in Ostuni
Day 5: Lecce
We are halfway through your Puglia by train itinerary. On the fifth day, it’s time to visit the crowning jewel of Puglia: Lecce. Dubbed “The Florence of the South,” the provincial capital beckons with a harmonious ensemble of extravagant Baroque architecture grafted seamlessly onto the ancient Roman city plan.
The ornate Basilica di Santa Croce (Yes, you are right, there is another one in Florence) and whimsical Piazza Sant’Oronzo are visual feasts not to be missed.
Wind through the atmospheric streets, stopping for leisurely lunches, afternoon gelato, and glasses of Primitivo wine along the way. Wine flows in Puglia. Don’t forget to peek inside the smaller churches to admire their vividly painted and gilded interiors. The best exploration we have done was down to things we didn’t plan. Little churches, narrow alleys, and cute spots were some of the main highlights of our Puglia vacation.
Stay overnight in Lecce to further enjoy its vibrant nightlife and restaurants.
Where to stay in Lecce
Budget ($): B&B Corte Dei Romiti is a loft apartment of 380 feet, at walking distance from Lecce’s Piazza del Duomo, and Sant’Oronzo Square. The position is perfect if you want to stay near the station. The apartment for a night cost only €50. It includes a kitchenette, so you can use Lecce as a base. CHECK AVAILABILITY AND PRICES.
Mid-Range ($$): If you are looking for home feeling while travelling through Puglia, stop in Lecce at Glass House. A smart environment, close to the centre, within walking distance from the train station. BOOK GLASS HOUSE HOME IN LECCE.
Luxury ($$$): Hotel Delle Palme is in a centred position, at walking distance from the old town. You will get the best of Lecce at an affordable price, but with the privilege of luxury hotel. The Reviews are high, boosting a 8.8 rate, for just €90 per night. CHECK AVAILABILITY.
Day 6: Otranto
After two days of urban splendour, slip back into vacation mode with a quick train ride down to Otranto near Puglia’s southern tip. Otranto is just 1 hour and 15 minutes away by train from Lecce. Grab a takeaway croissant and a cappuccino; you will eat it while admiring the Puglia countryside. Proper Italian breakfast on a train unlocked.
Otranto is my favourite among the historic harbour towns of Puglia. This hamlet combines a laid-back vibe with impressive sights like the imposing Castle and 11th-century Romanesque Cathedral.
The turquoise waters beckon from myriad rocky coves, caves, and inlets just a short bus ride away. Spiaggia dell’Arte is a favourite for its wild landscape and shimmering lagoon. Pack a picnic lunch or grab a bite at one of the seasonal bars nestled into the cliffs above secluded bays, only accessible on foot or by boat.
Spend the night among the pastel-coloured houses in sleepy Otranto with fresh seafood along the waterfront promenade. In the morning on the bank, there is the fish market, unique and traditional, perfect to meet locals and snap some cute photos of Puglia’s daily life.
Book your tour of Otranto
Day 7: Santa Maria di Leuca
There is no way to get down Santa Maria di Leuca by train, so it’s time to switch to a bus transport. Continuing down Puglia’s Adriatic coast to Santa Maria di Leuca, the very tip of the peninsula where the Adriatic merges with the Ionian Sea. Often called the place “where the two seas meet,” the town and its iconic lighthouse occupy a sacred position for many travellers.
Spend the morning on Santa Maria di Leuca’s pristine white beaches or exploring historic churches and aristocratic villas. Don’t miss the opportunity to take a boat ride to Grotta Zinzulusa, a spectacular sea cave filled with ethereal blue light.
Later in the day, indulge in Santa Maria’s lively passeggiata culture with back-to-back aperitivos and people-watching. Savour the sunset over the waves before turning in for the night.
Where to stay in Santa Maria di Leuca
Budget option ($$): Hotel Terminal – Caroli Hotels is the closest to the bus station of Santa Maria di Leuca. The Hotel is the busiest in town and often not available. BOOK AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Day 8: Gallipoli
Across the Salento peninsula on Puglia’s western shore lies historic Gallipoli, our next stop. Also located on an island connected by a bridge to the mainland, Gallipoli charms with its faded seaside elegance, pastel-coloured fishing boats bobbing in the harbour, and XIV-century fortress.
Spend the morning exploring the island’s winding cobblestone lanes and churches before catching some rays on the sandy Spiaggia della Purità or rocky Spiaggia della Baia Verde. Stop for a seafood lunch with sparkling Ionian views before taking a boat trip to the picture-perfect Isola di Sant’Andrea.
Wander through Gallipoli’s evening fish market and lively Corso Roma as you work up an appetite, then choose from the many restaurants spilling out onto the sidewalks. Settle in for a relaxing last night on the western coast before heading back east.
Day 9: Monopoli
As your trip winds down, head back across the peninsula to Monopoli, an ancient port town with plenty of character. Check out the historic churches, mediaeval castle ruins, and underground aqueduct system before losing yourself in the tangled old town alleys lined with traditional homes.
It’s not a secret that Monopoli has the best beaches near Bari for us. Soak up some sunshine at the popular Spiaggia Cala Porta Vecchia, with its clear water and dramatic limestone cliffs.
Enjoy a farewell aperitivo and watch the fishing boats return to the harbour as the sun sets over the sea one last time. Spend your final night celebrating the journey in lively Monopoli before returning to Bari.
Where to stay in Monopoli
GREAT VALUE ACCOMMODATION
MASSERIA SANTA TERESA
Masseria Santa Teresa is a unique paradise located outside Monopoli. With its country-style atmosphere and olive groves gardens, this is the right place for you to relax and enjoy a peaceful stay in Monopoli.
Day 10: Back to Bari
For your last few hours before flying home from Bari, explore the capital of the region. Seek out souvenirs in the maze of stalls crammed with local products at Mercato di Via Venezia. We loved the promenade of Bari; it is a fantastic spot to chase the sun.
Stop at a bakery for one more heaping tray of Puglia’s beloved pasticciotto custard tarts and other treats. Stroll through the fascinating archaeological exhibits at the Antiquarium and Romanesque Basilica San Nicola one last time if you wish.
Toast the end of an unforgettable cultural immersion over regional specialities before your flight home.
The end of your trip to Puglia by train
We have tried our best to help you plan a trip to Puglia. This itinerary is perfect if you are visiting the region in summer, winter or the shoulder seasons. We found out that trains are quite reliable, but also offer the best budget option to visit Italy.
Among the destinations we have included in this Puglia Itinerary, you can personalise it a bit. We also suggest Martina Franca, a hidden gem in Valle d’Itria. Read our guide here.
Of course, you might be looking for Matera in this guide; however, the Unesco World Heritage site isn’t in Puglia but in Basilicata. It’s easy to reach Matera from Bari, and you should include it, even travelling by bus or train. If you wish to visit Matera, we suggest booking this tour from Bari, which will make the journey easy.
Visiting Puglia in winter – Alternative itinerary
If you are visiting the southern region in winter, you are doing it right. The best way to skip the summer crowds is to explore Puglia through shoulder season or even winter.
Actually, Christmas in Puglia has something extraordinary, putting the traditions at the centre of the scene. Read our guide.
The alternative itinerary, while on a shoulder season trip, is to substitute Martina Franca with the southern tip of Puglia. At the same time, you can’t take advantage of the beaches of Santa Maria di Leuca or Gallipoli; better to diverge your plan on food and wine.
Martina Franca is often forgotten in Puglia itineraries, but this town is more than the centre of Valle d’Itria. We used this place as a home base to explore the area. It is about 30 minutes from Alberobello and 15 minutes away from Locorotondo by train.
Also, Martina Franca offers budget accommodations that can lower the costs of your trip. The station of Martina Franca is quite big, and you can reach back to Bari or travel to Monopoli and Matera with ease. Read our full guide about Martina Franca.
Where is Apulia in Italy
Puglia is the region forming the “heel” of the Italian peninsula, located in southern Italy along the crystal blue waters of the Adriatic and Ionian Seas.
Specifically, Puglia borders the Adriatic Sea to the north and east, the Ionian Sea to the south, the region of Molise to the northwest, and Campania and Basilicata to the west. It extends from the Fortore River in the northwest down to Santa Maria di Leuca at the very tip of Italy’s “boot heel.”
Some of Puglia’s most notable cities include:
- Bari – The capital and largest city, a port and transportation hub on the Adriatic Coast
- Lecce – Known as the “Florence of the South” for its ornate Baroque architecture
- Brindisi – A key Adriatic ferry port with access to Greece and Albania
- Taranto – A naval and commercial harbour and home to Italy’s largest steelworks
- Foggia – A key agricultural centre surrounded by fertile plains
In addition to these urban centres, Puglia has over 800 kilometres of stunning coastline dotted with fishing villages, ancient fortified towns perched on hills, secluded beaches, and crystal-clear lagoons.
The interiors of the region also hold many charms, including cone-shaped trulli dwellings, ancient olive groves, mediaeval castles, wine country, and troves of Roman, Greek, and even Mesopotamian relics.
Getting To/From Puglia
Fly into Bari or Brindisi: Bari Karol Wojtyla Airport and Brindisi Airport offer the most regional Italian and European connections. Both link to rail stations. Read our guide to the airports in Puglia.
Use High-Speed Trains for Long Distance: Access Italy’s excellent Frecciarossa and Italo trains connect Bari and Lecce with major hubs like Rome, Florence, Milan, Venice and Naples.
Best Time to Visit Puglia
Puglia enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate all year long, but certain seasons offer distinct advantages:
Spring (April-May): Mild temperatures about 15 to 20°C (60-70 °F), plus blooming wildflowers, make spring an ideal season. Easter celebrations also liven up towns.
Summer (June-August): Beach weather arrives with temps in the 70s-80sF. The sea is warm for swimming, and coastal towns come alive. Downside: peak crowds and prices.
Fall (September-October): Warm sunny weather in the 70s with fewer tourists. Local harvest means great wine and food festivals.
Winter (November-March): December and January bring the least reliable weather, with rain a possibility. But lower hotel rates make it budget-friendly.
Top Highlights of Puglia
Charming Towns: Wander past whitewashed buildings and Baroque facades in places like Ostuni, Alberobello, and Lecce.
Beaches: Relax on rugged coves like Torre dell’Orso or popular sandy strands like Pescoluse Beach with their crystal clear waters.
UNESCO Sites: Explore the well-preserved conical trulli houses of Alberobello and the ancient caves of Castellana Grotte.
Cuisine: Indulge in Puglia’s fresh seafood, silky olive oils, earthy wines, and pasticciotti custard tarts.
Day Trips: Take excursions to secluded beaches only reachable by boat, picture-perfect Italian fishing villages, mediaeval castles, and more.
Nightlife: Enjoy summer evening passeggiata strolls for people-watching before hitting buzzing nightlife districts in Lecce and Bari.
Where to stay in Puglia without a car | Pick a base
While travelling around Puglia for 10 days, you should pick a couple of home bases and discover the surroundings. Below it’s a list of our favourite places to stay as a base while exploring Puglia:
Bari: From Bari, you can explore Polignano a Mare and Monopoli by train
Martina Franca: It’s cheaper than Alberobello, and it just takes 15 minutes by train to reach Trulli village. From Martina Franca, you can do a day trip to Locorotondo too.
Ostuni: You can’t miss the white village, the door to Salento
Lecce: Explore the south of Puglia starting from Lecce. Easy to get around by bus and train.
Wrap-up | Puglia without a car
With minimal planning, Puglia’s user-friendly rail connections make a captivating 10-day itinerary possible without the hassle of a rental car. Follow this route through some of the region’s scenic highlights at your own pace, then customise it further to match your exact interests.
Whether basking on sunny beaches, exploring ancient sites, or discovering local food and wine, Puglia delivers an authentic slice of Italian culture and atmosphere. Hopefully this car-free guide inspires you to plan your own adventure through Italy’s up and coming southern gem!
