Love Puglia | A Guide to Car, Vespa and Scooter Rental

The Puglia Guys Guide to Car Hire in Puglia – What to Expect

Renting a car in Puglia is the single best decision you can make when planning your trip. The region’s highlights – the trulli valleys of the Valle d’Itria, the masserie, the back-road beaches, the small towns that don’t appear on any tour bus itinerary – are simply not accessible any other way. Public transport connects the main cities, but it will leave you stranded every time you want to go somewhere worth going.

The roads are good. Puglia is not the Amalfi Coast. There are no hairpin mountain passes, no terrifying cliff-edge driving. The SS16 coastal highway and the SS100, SS7 and SS613 inland routes are well-maintained dual carriageways. The driving culture is assertive rather than reckless – Italian drivers are skilled, and once you relax into the rhythm you’ll find it far less intimidating than you expected.

What you do need to navigate is the narrowness of historic town centres, tight parking, and the ZTL – the Zona a Traffico Limitato (see below). Both of these favour a smaller car.

Our Puglia car hire guide will help to ensure a smooth experience and get the best value for your money.

Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

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Where to rent

Car rental at Bari airport

Bari is the larger, busier of the two airports with a wider range of operators. The review picture is more mixed than Brindisi, with some operators generating consistent complaints.

Sixt is the standout recommendation based on review evidence. It holds an 8.6 rating on DiscoverCars from verified bookers , the highest of the major operators at Bari. Reviews consistently praise the professionalism and helpfulness of named staff members, smooth pickup and return processes, and well-maintained vehicles. Staff have been noted going above and beyond for delayed flights, including waiting after closing hours. Not the cheapest, but the most consistently reliable experience at this airport. Counter is in the arrivals hall.

Hertz is a solid second option. It scores 8.5 with 50 verified reviews — closely behind Sixt. Reviews highlight friendly staff, a relatively modest deposit of around €200 compared to some competitors who charge up to €800, and prompt deposit returns. The main recurring caveat is an occasional tendency to substitute booked vehicles for a different category without prior notice.

Locauto is worth flagging as an Italian-owned alternative to the global brands. Trustpilot reviews for the Bari airport branch are consistently positive, praising professional and friendly staff, brand new cars, and a stress-free handover process. Often competitively priced compared to Sixt and Hertz.

Sicily by Car has a poor reputation at Bari specifically – it scores just 5.0 on Cheapflights at Bari Airport, and individual reviews describe disputed damage charges and aggressive staff. Worth avoiding regardless of price.

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Car rental at Brindisi airport

Brindisi is the better airport for travellers heading to Salento and southern Puglia, and its car rental operation is notably more manageable than Bari – smaller, better signposted and with a more contained car park.

Locauto is the clear top pick at Brindisi, and arguably the best-reviewed airport car rental operator across all of Puglia. EasyTerra rates it highest at Brindisi Airport with an average of 9.5 from 1,815 customer reviews. Trustpilot reviews for the Brindisi branch specifically describe brand new cars, friendly and efficient staff, occasional free upgrades, and staff who have accommodated severely delayed late-night arrivals without complaint. One minor flag: some reviews mention an out-of-hours surcharge that isn’t clearly flagged at booking – worth confirming if arriving on an evening flight.

Sixt is the second recommendation. Reviewers specifically note it is the only company at Brindisi with its office in the arrivals hall and the car park just metres away, a practical advantage when arriving with luggage. Reviews cite quick, friendly service and easy returns.

Hertz rounds out the top three. General reviews at Brindisi praise seamless pickup and drop-off, with staff described as helpful and thorough. A dependable, predictable choice.

Practical note for both airports: Whichever company you use, photograph the car thoroughly before driving away — including wheels, bumpers and the underside of doors in poor light. This applies particularly at Bari, where the car park can be poorly lit and some operators have been criticised for disputed damage on return.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Away from the airport, these options are available. Note that we have not used these services. But we are often asked for suggestions, and this section is based on our researches, interviews and feedback.

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Car Rental at Bari Centrale (Train Station)

Bari Centrale is worth knowing about as a rental location for a specific type of traveller: those arriving by train from other Italian cities, or those who want to spend a day or two in Bari before picking up a car to head south into Puglia. The station is centrally located in Piazza Aldo Moro, about 30 minutes by metro from Bari airport – so it’s also worth considering if you want to avoid the airport premium and are happy to take the train in first.

The operator landscape at the station is thinner than the airport — the chains present include Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Thrifty — but one operator stands out clearly from the review evidence.

Locauto Bari Centrale — Top recommendation

Locauto is the same Italian-owned operator that tops the Brindisi airport rankings, and its Bari Centrale branch carries the same strengths. The Trustpilot profile for the Bari Centrale location has accumulated over 1,300 verified reviews, making it one of the most substantially evidenced rental operators anywhere in Puglia. The themes across the reviews are strikingly consistent regardless of reviewer nationality: fast and professional check-in and check-out, friendly and helpful staff, clean and recent-model vehicles, no hidden fees, and a notably low or zero deposit policy.

A fully digital rental process is available, with a zero deposit option on certain bookings — reviewers describe completing the entire procedure in minutes. Several reviewers specifically mention the staff by name — Teo, Davide and others appear repeatedly — and the branch manager Davide is singled out across multiple reviews for efficiency and friendliness.

A few honest caveats from the reviews worth flagging. One reviewer noted having to walk several blocks from the office to collect the car, which wasn’t communicated in advance — the office is at Piazza Aldo Moro but the car park is not directly adjacent, so clarify this at booking. One reviewer reported difficulties returning the car on a Sunday due to the office being closed with no prior warning, and receiving no response on the phone numbers provided. Sunday hours should be confirmed when booking if you plan a Sunday return. One reviewer also noted an engine oil warning light coming on when they first started the car — the usual advice applies: check the car thoroughly, including dashboard warnings, before driving away.

Overall Locauto Bari Centrale is a strongly evidenced, well-reviewed operation that performs consistently above the national chain average. For anyone arriving into Bari by train or choosing to base themselves in the city before heading into Puglia, it’s the clearest recommendation at this location. Piazza Aldo Moro, Bari Centrale | locautorent.com

The other operators — Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar and Thrifty — are all present at Bari Centrale but generate thin and mixed review evidence at this specific location. One Hertz reviewer noted the branch closed between 13:00 and 15:30 for a siesta, which cost them several hours of their trip when their train arrived during that window. An Avis reviewer described being given a different and lower-specification vehicle than booked, with a rude counter experience. These are individual experiences rather than patterns, but the Locauto review depth makes it the safer starting point by some margin.

A practical note on Bari airport vs Bari Centrale: The airport and train station are connected by the Ferrotramviaria metro line — a 25–30 minute journey, running regularly and inexpensively. If you’re flying into Bari and your accommodation is near the station, or if you want to explore Bari city before picking up a car, collecting from Bari Centrale rather than the airport is a perfectly viable option and often cheaper. The reverse logic also applies on departure — dropping the car at Bari Centrale and taking the metro to the airport is straightforward, and avoids airport return queues.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Car rental in Lecce

Lecce’s car rental market is dominated by national chains operating from the train station, rather than local independents.

Autonoleggio Lecce Rent is the best local independent, situated right next to the train station – ideal for arrivals by rail. Staff are consistently praised in reviews, with several reviewers naming individuals by name as highlights of the experience. Pricing is fair. Minor caveats: occasional complaints about communication around ID requirements and vehicle cleanliness at pickup, so worth confirming both before you arrive. See Autonoleggio Lecce Rent website.

Drivalia is the pick of the national chains for Lecce specifically. Voted best overall car rental in Lecce by Italian aggregator iNoleggio, with the local branch staff singled out in Italian-language reviews for professionalism and friendliness. As with most chains, insurance upselling at the desk is a known pattern nationally, so arrive with coverage already arranged if possible. See Drivalia website.

Europcar is the most consistent of the international operators at Lecce station – broad fleet, standardised terms, and reliable service. Less personal than a local operator but a safe, predictable choice. Always photograph the car thoroughly at pickup and ensure any existing damage is formally noted before driving away. See Europcar website.

Target Rent has a presence at Lecce station but has accumulated serious complaints nationally, including reservations cancelled without notice and aggressive upselling.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

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Car rental in Monopoli

Monopoli punches above its weight for local car rental options, with two standout independent operators backed by substantive review evidence across multiple platforms.

Rent Here is the clear top recommendation. Google reviews are consistently 5-star, with reviewers across multiple nationalities singling out Sergio and Cosimo by name for their professionalism, friendliness and fluent English. Insurance is included in the rental price with no hidden costs – a significant differentiator from the major chains. The location in the heart of Monopoli’s centre is a practical advantage, just minutes on foot from the train station and close to the historic walled quarter. Reviewers specifically highlight the absence of the stressful scratch-checking games common at larger operators when returning the car. Debit cards accepted; no credit card required. The obvious choice for anyone based in or passing through Monopoli.

Central Monopoli | renthere.it

Rental Cars Monopoli is a solid second option, particularly useful for those arriving by air. They offer delivery directly to Bari and Brindisi airports as well as Monopoli train station and home delivery, with transparent seasonal pricing published clearly on their website. Reviewers praise the owner Elena for helpfulness and flexibility, including accommodating last-minute bookings. Minimum rental is three days, so less suitable for short stays. No credit card required.

Monopoli | rentalcarsmonopoli.com

Mancini Rent (based in nearby Polignano a Mare) is worth mentioning as a third option, since they operate collection and drop-off points in Monopoli as well as their own offices, giving access to the region’s highest-rated local operator with the added flexibility of picking up in one town and returning in another.

Polignano a Mare | mancinirent.com

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Car rental in Ostuni

Blu Rent Autonoleggio holds a 5.0 rating on TripAdvisor, ranked 12th of 43 activities in Ostuni. A recurring name across reviews is Alessandro, singled out for professionalism and reliability, with reviewers consistently praising new, clean vehicles delivered at competitive prices. The service extends to delivery at Ostuni train station, hotel delivery, and airport transfers from Brindisi. The only caveat: their Trustpilot listing notes the company website has closed, so verify current contact details before booking, nor could we locate their website, though this might be a seasonal suspension at the time of writing. Via Peppino Orlando, 16, Ostuni.

White City Rental Cars is a small local operator with a practical USP worth noting: they accept bookings without a credit card and require no security deposit – unusual in the Italian car rental market and potentially useful for travellers who don’t carry a credit card. They offer hotel and airport delivery and unlimited mileage. Review volume is low, but what exists is positive. Best suited to travellers who specifically need a no-credit-card option. See White City Rental Cars website.

RH Rent is the most professionally structured of the local operators, with a town-centre office in Ostuni and pickup options at both Bari and Brindisi airports. Google reviews highlight transparent pricing and well-organised pickup and drop-off, and the fleet covers economy through to luxury and vans. A note of caution: Trustpilot flagged that the company may be soliciting reviews in ways that don’t meet their guidelines, so the review picture should be treated with a degree of scepticism. See RH Rent website.

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Car rental in Polignano a Mare

There are three reliable local operators worth considering, all of which offer hotel/accommodation delivery and airport transfers.

Mancini Rent is the top pick, backed by over 260 verified reviews and a 4.9-star rating. Reviewers across multiple nationalities consistently highlight fair transparent pricing, new clean cars, flexible pick-up and drop-off (including at Polignano and Monopoli train stations, and both Bari and Brindisi airports), and responsive communication via WhatsApp. A genuinely family-feel operation that outperforms the big airport chains on service. See Mancini Rent website.

Bellipario Autonoleggio is the region’s most established operator, trading since 1983. A solid, experienced choice for travellers who prioritise longevity and local knowledge over online review volume. Good range of vehicles from compacts to minivans, with an English-language website. See Bellipario Autonoleggio website.

Eurorent Polignano is a smaller local group with transparent online booking and no hidden fees. Positive reviews mention attentive staff. Worth noting: airport collection requires a transfer to their Polignano premises first, not direct terminal pickup. See Eurorent Polignano website.

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Prices – what to expect in 2026

Rental prices vary significantly based on when you book, the time of year, and the company. The figures below are approximate guides for booking a week in advance during the relevant season from Bari or Brindisi airport, with basic CDW insurance included:

Car type	Low season (Nov–Mar)	Shoulder (Apr–Jun, Sep–Oct)	Peak (Jul–Aug)
Small (e.g. Fiat Panda, Fiat 500)	€25–40/day	€40–60/day	€60–100/day
Medium (e.g. Peugeot 308, Opel Astra)	€35–55/day	€55–80/day	€80–130/day
SUV / Automatic	€50–80/day	€80–120/day	€120–180/day

Peak season prices at Bari and Brindisi airports are substantially higher than many travellers expect. If you’re visiting in July or August, book as early as possible – available cars at short notice in high season can be both limited and expensive. Local town operators (Mancini Rent, Rent Here, Blu Rent) often offer significantly better rates than the airports, particularly outside peak season.

Full insurance (zero excess) adds approximately €15–30/day on top of the base rate through the major companies. Independent excess insurance, purchased before travel, is usually cheaper – see above.

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A note on “budget” operators

The lowest headline prices in Puglia typically come from operators such as Goldcar, Sicily by Car, and various broker-only labels. These are also the companies that generate the most complaints: disputed damage charges, aggressive upselling at the desk, poor vehicle condition, and deposits that take weeks to return. Prioritise quality and transparency over the lowest headline price.

Reviews indicate that at the airports, Sixt, Hertz and Locauto are the most trusted. In the towns, local operators – Mancini Rent in Polignano, Rent Here in Monopoli, Blu Rent in Ostuni – consistently outperform the chains on service, flexibility and value, and several of them will deliver the car to your accommodation and collect it on return. For many visitors, a local operator will be both the better and the cheaper choice.

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Insurance thoughts

• 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).

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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.

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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.

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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

• Airport rental counters are the most obvious starting point, and for many travellers they’re the right choice – convenient, standardised, and available late when flights arrive. But for travellers based in Polignano, Monopoli, Ostuni or the Valle d’Itria, local operators can be a genuinely better option – lower prices, more personal service, and will often deliver the car directly to your accommodation. Several local operators also offer collection from Bari or Brindisi airports, giving you the convenience of airport pickup without the airport premium. See our town-by-town recommendations above.

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!

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ZTL – the mistake that costs you money long after you’ve gone home

Every historic town centre in Puglia operates a ZTL, a restricted traffic zone where access is limited to residents and authorised vehicles. The boundaries are marked with a red circle and the letters ZTL, and are monitored by cameras. Drive through one without a permit and a fine of €80–€150 will be automatically issued to the rental company, who will then charge it to your credit card weeks after you’ve returned home, often with an additional administration fee on top.

The ZTL catches tourists constantly. The signs are not always obvious, especially in the dark or when you’re navigating unfamiliar one-way systems. The standard advice is: once you’re in a historic centre, stop the car and walk. Book accommodation that either provides a parking permit or is outside the ZTL boundary. If in doubt, use a car park on the periphery of the historic centre, and go on foot.

Some rental companies offer an e-Toll or administrative service to handle fines. This doesn’t protect you from the fine – it just manages the paperwork. It is not a free pass to drive through ZTLs.

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Be smart about insurance

Independent excess insurance

Rather than paying the rental company’s daily rate for their top-tier collision damage waiver, consider purchasing independent excess insurance – a standalone policy that reimburses you for any excess charged by the rental company in the event of damage or theft. This is almost always cheaper than the rental company’s own product, and typically provides broader coverage including wheels, tyres and glass.

For UK travellers, the most established providers are Reducemyexcess.co.uk and Insurance4carhire.com, both of which offer annual or single-trip policies. For travellers from other countries, search for “car hire excess insurance” combined with your country of residence. Equivalent products exist for most markets, including Australia (try CoverMore or 1Cover) and the US (where credit card benefits often provide equivalent coverage; check your card’s terms before travelling).

Whichever route you take, buy the policy before you arrive at the rental desk. Once you’re standing in front of an agent who is telling you that their product is the only way to be fully covered, you’ve lost negotiating leverage.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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).

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Driving in Puglia

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Follow us on Instagram for frequent video stories, reels, photos, ideas and other information to inspire your stay in Puglia.

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Scooter and Vespa Hire in Puglia

There’s a particular pleasure to exploring Puglia on two wheels that a car simply can’t replicate – the olive groves, the white-stone towns, the coastal roads between Polignano and Monopoli, the valley roads descending into Alberobello. A Vespa 125 will take you almost everywhere a car will, fits into spaces a car cannot, and turns a functional journey into something worth doing for its own sake.

A few practical points before booking. You need a full type B driving licence (car licence) to ride a 125cc scooter in Italy. A provisional or motorcycle-only licence is not sufficient. Minimum age is 18. Helmets are legally required and should always be provided with the rental. The standard rental insurance covers third-party liability but not damage to the scooter itself. The excess on damage can be substantial, so clarify this in advance and photograph the vehicle thoroughly before riding away, applying exactly the same discipline as with a car rental.

Scooters navigate ZTL zones more easily than cars in most towns, but the restriction applies to all motorised vehicles. Check locally before assuming you can ride into a historic centre.

In peak season (July and August) book well ahead. Good operators sell out.

Vespa and scooter hire – by location

Monopoli: Way To Move — The standout recommendation

Way To Move holds a perfect 5-star Google rating, with reviewers consistently praising the quality of new Vespa Primavera models, fair pricing, and the flexibility of owner Giovanni, who is regularly available via WhatsApp and will accommodate out-of-hours returns. The fleet includes Vespas and Piaggio scooters, and the service extends to delivery and collection at Bari airport and hotels across the region. Reviewers describe day trips covering Alberobello, Locorotondo, Cisternino, Ostuni, Polignano and the coast, a genuinely impressive range for a single day on a 125cc.

One honest caveat worth flagging: a small number of older TripAdvisor reviews describe disputes over damage costs and inflexible refund policies when plans changed at short notice. These appear to predate a change in management and are not reflected in more recent Google reviews, but it is worth clarifying the insurance terms and cancellation policy at the time of booking.

Via Tenente Giovanni Vacca, 6, Monopoli | waytomove.it

Polignano a Mare: Pugliamare

Pugliamare operates Vespa 125 Primavera rentals from their base in Polignano a Mare, with suggested routes taking in Alberobello, Locorotondo, Monopoli and the Itria Valley. Helmets, third-party insurance and technical assistance are included, and a route map is provided on request. The operation sits within a broader DMC offering boat tours and guided experiences, which means they can combine a Vespa day with a coastal boat tour, a combination that works particularly well from Polignano. Daily rate is €80, with a €250 security deposit by card.

Piazza Caduti di Via Fani, 26, Polignano a Mare | pugliamare.it

Ostuni: Road Runner Scooter Rent

Road Runner has been operating for over ten years from Ostuni, offering 125cc, 200cc and 400cc scooters as well as 600cc and 650cc motorcycles for more experienced riders — a broader range than most local operators. They also run guided group tours and bespoke routes. However the review picture is mixed: recent reviews describe worn vehicles, insufficient insurance coverage, and a difficult deposit return process. Worth considering for riders who want access to larger-capacity bikes, but go in with clear expectations and photograph everything thoroughly.

Via Luigi Miccoli, 57, Ostuni | rrscooterrent.com

Ostuni area: Forplay (Minicar elettriche)

Worth a mention for a different kind of two-wheeled experience. Forplay operates a fleet of electric Renault Twizy, Citroën Ami and Fiat Topolino minicar rentals from Ostuni, with reviewers praising the staff including Paola and Davide for helpfulness and local knowledge. These are quadricycles rather than motorcycles – no motorcycle licence required, lower speed, and ideal for exploring the immediate Ostuni countryside and coast rather than longer regional routes. A good option for travellers who want the freedom of two wheels without the commitment of a full scooter.

Via delle Comunicazioni, Zona Industriale, Ostuni | forplaysrl.com