🚗 The Puglia Guys Guide to Car Hire in Puglia – What to Expect
Renting a car in Puglia is straightforward and highly recommended if you want to explore the region’s scenic countryside, historic towns, and off the beaten track beaches that you can’t get to by public transport. The roads are in good condition, but expect narrow lanes and tight parking in historic centres — this makes a smaller car the better option.
Our Puglia car hire guide will help to ensure a smooth experience and get the best value for your money.
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📍 Where to Rent
The best places to rent a car are:
- Bari Airport – wider selection and slightly lower prices
- Brindisi Airport – convenient for the southern Salento region
💶 Prices (Summer 2025, in EUR)
Rental costs vary by car size, rental duration, and how early you book. Here’s a typical price range:
| Car Type | Daily Price | Weekly Price | 3-Week Price (with insurance) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small (e.g. Fiat Panda) | €17–€25 | €120–€175 | ~€500 (incl. insurance) |
| Medium (e.g. Opel Astra) | €25–€35 | €180–€250 | €600–€700 |
| Premium/Automatic | €40+ | €280+ | €800+ |
You can find promo deals from €1/day, especially in low seasons like February. But in summer, early booking is key to getting the best deals.
✅ Trusted Car Rental Companies
Most Reliable:
- Avis
- Hertz
- Europcar
- Sixt
Best for Budget:
- Goldcar
- Sicily by Car
- Locauto
- Maggiore
Goldcar and Sicily by Car often offer the cheapest base prices, especially for compact cars.
🛡️ Insurance Advice
- Always take out full insurance, even if you’re a confident driver.
- The issue isn’t poor road quality — it’s the tight, urban streets and parking in small towns.
- Buy insurance at the time of booking (cheaper) or at the airport (convenient but pricier).
- If booking via third-party sites (e.g., carrentals.com, DiscoverCars, Rentalcars), ensure your insurance is:
- Fully comprehensive
- No excess contribution (zero deductible)
- Immediate claim settlement
➡️ Example: 3 weeks in mid-September for an economy car with full insurance costs €500 total (€125 per person for 4 people).
💡 Tips for Renting in Puglia
- Book early – Prices rise sharply in July and August.
- Opt for smaller cars – they’re easier to manoeuvre in towns like Ostuni or Locorotondo.
- Check terms carefully on aggregator sites.
- Bring a credit card in the driver’s name – it’s usually required for deposits.
Shop Around for the Best Deals
Aggregator sites like Skyscanner, Carrentals.co.uk, or Kayak compare prices from multiple rental companies, making it easier to spot a good deal.
- Look for free cancellation policies, allowing you to rebook if prices drop closer to your trip.
- Booking early often saves money, but keep checking for last-minute discounts.
Start by checking aggregator sites like Skyscanner, Carrentals.co.uk, or Kayak. These platforms compare prices from multiple rental companies, making it easier to spot a good deal.
Third-party brokers, such as Zestcarrental.com and Rentalcars, often have better rates than booking directly with companies like Hertz or Europcar. Brokers also offer reviews and ratings for different suppliers, which can help you avoid low-rated firms.
Choose the Right Options
Mileage and Fuel Policies
- Opt for unlimited mileage, especially for exploring regions like Puglia, where driving between towns is common.
- Choose a full-to-full fuel policy, which is straightforward and avoids surprise fees.
Pickup Locations
- On-airport rentals are more convenient than off-airport ones, saving you time and hassle, though they may cost slightly more.
Vehicle Type
- Avoid the cheapest two-door models; a small upgrade to a four-door car usually offers better value.
- If travelling with family, consider whether a people carrier is worth it or if two smaller cars could be cheaper.
- Many of Puglia’s towns and cities have narrow roads, and locals will park wherever they can making smaller cars a much better option for getting around in towns and finding a parking space!
Be Smart About Insurance
Buy Independent Excess Insurance
Instead of paying steep daily rates for the car hire company’s “super collision damage waiver,” buy a standalone policy from providers like:
- Reducemyexcess.co.uk: Annual cover starts below £50, while daily cover costs from just under £2.50 a day.
- Insurance4carhire.com: Popular among UK travellers.
Independent policies typically provide better coverage, including for wheels, tyres, and windows. Make sure you purchase the policy before picking up the car.
Avoid the Hard Sell
At the rental desk, expect a push for additional insurance and upgrades. Stay firm:
- Politely decline any extra cover (unless you haven’t arranged your own) stating you’re satisfied with the terms of your original booking.
- If offered a free upgrade, ensure it’s genuinely free by getting it in writing.
Rental companies may block a substantial sum on your credit card as a deposit, so ensure you have sufficient credit available before travelling.
Inspect the Car Thoroughly
Before driving off:
- Document all damage: Scrutinise every panel, wheel hub, and mirror. Note even minor scratches on the vehicle condition report.
- Photograph or video the car from all angles, including the interior, and ensure the report is signed by a staff member.
If it’s too dark to inspect the car properly, note this on the form and recheck it the next day.
Manage Drop-Off Carefully
- Return on time with a full tank of fuel (filled at a station a few km from the airport to avoid marked-up prices).
- Clean the car’s interior to avoid cleaning fees, especially if you’ve been to sandy beaches.
- Request a signed confirmation that no new damage has occurred. If returning the car after hours, take clear photos and videos as evidence.
Avoid Common Pitfalls
- Extra Drivers and Age Restrictions: Check the cost of additional drivers or age-related surcharges (under 25 or over 70). Factor these into your budget.
- Optional Extras: Bring your own child seats or use your phone for navigation to save on expensive add-ons.
Monitor Your Credit Card
Even after your trip, keep an eye on your credit card for unexpected charges. If disputes arise, contact the car hire company or escalate through your credit card provider or the European Car Rental Conciliation Service (ECRCS).
Conclusion
Hiring a car in Puglia—or anywhere in Italy—can elevate your holiday experience, giving you the freedom to explore at your own pace. By shopping smart, avoiding unnecessary fees, and following these tips, you can secure the best deal and enjoy a hassle-free journey. Buon viaggio!
Driving in Puglia
Take a look at the Puglia Guys perfect Puglia itinerary planning guide for planning those essential Puglia day trips and Puglia’s best road trips, to make the most economical use of time and distance.
Puglia is not the Amalfi coast, Naples or Rome. Driving in Puglia is not the ‘taking your life in your hands’ experience that comes to mind when you think of driving in Italy. The region is served by several major highways and a network of regional and provincial roads. The traffic usually flows smoothly and the roads are not as congested as the image many have of driving in Italy.
Italian drivers might be known for their aggressive driving style and speed on the road. But they are generally competent drivers. Don’t be intimidated. Stay confident and you’ll blend in seamlessly with the local traffic flow.
For more information read our Puglia Guys Practical guide to driving in Puglia.
Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.
hey Puglia guys, I am a travel advisor in Melbourne Aus. your profile caught my eye.. how is a family (all adults) of 8 best to get around puglia? is there a car big enough for them ?
Ciao Jane. You can hire a 7 or 9 seat family minivan from the airports. For taxis and transfers use a local company such as https://www.autonoleggiosaponaro.it/
Ciao. LuigiM.
I’m wondering how you fit 4 adults and luggage into the small 4 door euro cars. Is that possible? Or should we use a taxi to get from airport to or accommodations and then just hire a car once we are settled into our home base?
Ciao Jessica – a small car is more convenient and more practical, and certainly easier to park on the streets, but jeeps and vans and trucks negotiate our streets on a daily basis! The solution could be to hire a car like a Fiat 500L or X (both are 5 doors and seat 5 people, but we would still classify them as “small” cars), or going up a size, Audi A3 or the larger Peugeot 2008 or Fiat Tipo (or in all cases the equivalent model from other manufacturers). Most car hire sites will have the information about doors, passengers and luggage. Many “small” cars are listed suitable for up to 5 passengers plus 3 luggage items, so a common sense approach to passenger numbers vs luggage helps – if you are 4 instead of 5 then there will be extra space.
Our guide gives advice on hiring from airport vs other locations. We think it would be unusual to do as you suggest, but our guides are just that to give you information to work out what suits your personal circumstances.
Have a great and happy holiday in Puglia. Buone vacanze, safe travels.
Luigi m