Traveling to southern Italy is easier than ever thanks to the international airports serving Puglia, also known as Apulia. Whether you’re planning a trip to the beaches of Salento, the trulli villages of Alberobello, or the dramatic coastline of Gargano, choosing the right airport can save you a lot of travel time.
Puglia currently has three commercial airports:
The first two handle the majority of international flights, while the airport in Foggia mainly serves domestic routes.
This guide explains which airport to choose, where they are located, and which airlines fly to them.
Airports in Puglia at a Glance
| Airport | City | Airport Code | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport | Bari | BRI | Central Puglia, Valle d’Itria |
| Brindisi Airport | Brindisi | BDS | Salento and southern beaches |
| Gino Lisa Airport | Foggia | FOG | Gargano area |
Bari Airport (Karol Wojtyła)
Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is the largest and busiest airport in Puglia. Located about 8 km northwest of the city center of Bari, it serves millions of passengers every year and offers connections to major European cities.
Because of its central position, Bari Airport is the best entry point for many popular destinations in Puglia, including the Valle d’Itria, famous for its white villages and trulli houses.
Distances from Bari Airport
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Polignano a Mare | 48 km | 40 min |
| Alberobello | 70 km | 1h |
| Matera | 65 km | 1h |
| Monopoli | 60 km | 45 min |
Transport from Bari Airport
Travelers can easily reach the city center via:
- Airport train connection to Bari Centrale
- Airport shuttle buses
- Taxi services
- Car rental companies
Bari Airport also has excellent road connections to the rest of the region.
Brindisi Airport (Salento Airport)
Brindisi Airport is the second busiest airport in Puglia and the main gateway to the Salento peninsula, the southernmost part of the region.
Located about 6 km from the center of Brindisi, the airport is particularly convenient for visitors heading to the beaches of the Ionian and Adriatic coasts.
Distances from Brindisi Airport
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Lecce | 45 km | 35 min |
| Ostuni | 38 km | 30 min |
| Gallipoli | 85 km | 1h20 |
| Santa Maria di Leuca | 120 km | 2h |
Transport from Brindisi Airport
From the airport you can reach nearby cities by:
- Airport shuttle buses
- Direct bus connections to Lecce
- Taxi services
- Rental cars
Many travelers choose Brindisi when visiting the southern beaches of Puglia, especially during the summer season.
Foggia Airport (Gino Lisa Airport)
Gino Lisa Airport is the smallest commercial airport in Puglia and is located just 3 km from the center of Foggia.
The airport has recently resumed passenger flights after modernization works and now offers regional connections within Italy.
While the number of routes is still limited, it can be a useful option for travelers visiting the Gargano peninsula.
Distances from Foggia Airport
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Vieste | 95 km | 1h45 |
| Peschici | 110 km | 2h |
| Monte Sant’Angelo | 50 km | 1h |
| San Giovanni Rotondo | 40 km | 45 min |
Due to its proximity, Foggia Airport can significantly shorten travel time for visitors heading to Gargano National Park.
Airlines Flying to Puglia Airports
Many European airlines operate flights to Puglia, especially during the summer tourist season. Below is a summary of airlines flying to the region’s airports.
Airlines Flying to Puglia Airports
| Airline | Bari Airport | Brindisi Airport | Foggia Airport |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aegean Airlines | ✔ | – | – |
| Aer Lingus | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Aeroitalia | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Air Cairo | ✔ | – | – |
| Air Dolomiti | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Air France | ✔ | – | – |
| AlbaStar | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Austrian Airlines | ✔ | – | – |
| British Airways | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Brussels Airlines | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| easyJet | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Eurowings | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| ITA Airways | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Luxair | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Neos | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Nesma Airlines | – | ✔ | – |
| Ryanair | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Sky Alps | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Swiss International Air Lines | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Transavia | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Volotea | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Vueling | ✔ | – | – |
| Wizz Air | ✔ | ✔ | – |
| Lumiwings | – | – | ✔ |
Most flights to Puglia airports are operated by European low-cost airlines such as Ryanair, easyJet, Wizz Air and Volotea, which connect the region with dozens of cities across Europe.
Which Airport Should You Choose?
Choosing the right airport depends mainly on where you plan to stay in Puglia.
- Bari Airport is best for the central part of the region, including Polignano a Mare, Alberobello, Monopoli, and Matera.
- Brindisi Airport is ideal if your destination is Salento, including Lecce, Gallipoli, or the beaches of Punta Prosciutto.
- Foggia Airport can be convenient for travelers visiting Gargano, including Vieste and Peschici.
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FAQs related to Puglia airport
There are two main airports in Puglia: the Karol Wojtyla Airport in Bari and the Airport of Salento in Brindisi.
International Airport of Bari “Karol Wojtyła”: Located 30min from Bari city centre, it is the main airport of the region. There are many airlines flying to Bari for both international and national traffic.
289km separate Rome from entering Puglia if you drive along the Autostrada A16
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By Train
The national Railway service covers pretty well all the region therefore trains might be an easy way to get and move around Puglia. The Adriatic railway connects Bologna to Lecce and Taranto and also stops to Foggia and Bari. The railway between Rome and Taranto also stops in Bari and Naples… How to get to Puglia by train
By Bus
Travelling by bus can be a good and cheaper alternative to trains and a fantastic opportunity to see numerous places in once. Buses normally stop also to smaller cities and the local companies provide regular services within and from Puglia. If you want to get more information on routes, prices and timetables… How to get to Puglia by bus
By Boat
Puglia has several ports along its coast but only those in Bari and Brindisi are used for tourism connections. The port in Bari has daily connections to Durazzo in Albania, Antivari in Montenegro and to Corfù, Igoumenitsa and Patrasso in Greece. The port in Brindisi has daily connections to Valona in Albania… How to get to Puglia by boat
By Car
Travelling around the region could be a very exciting experience. The countryside and the coastline are lovely unspoiled areas that can probably be discovered only if travelling by car. Puglia has a good road network and clear international signs system. We recommend travelling on the Autostrada… How to get to Puglia by car