🚗 Brindisi Airport Car Hire – Compare Deals & Save Today
Welcome to Brindisi Airport (BDS) — the perfect gateway to explore Puglia’s sun-soaked coastlines, baroque cities, and olive-covered countryside 🌿.
If you’re landing here, the best way to move freely and see everything is by renting a car right at the airport.

In this detailed guide, you’ll learn:
- ✅ Where to find car rental companies at Brindisi Airport
- 💰 Average rental prices and deposit policies
- 🧾 Required documents
- 🚦 Local driving rules
- 🗺️ Best routes and day trips around Puglia
✈️ About Brindisi Airport
Brindisi – Salento Airport (Aeroporto del Salento, BDS) is located just 6 km from the city of Brindisi and serves as the main hub for travelers heading to Lecce, Ostuni, and Alberobello.
It’s a modern, easy-to-navigate airport with both domestic and international flights from Ryanair, ITA Airways, Lufthansa, and Wizz Air.
Address: Contrada Baroncino, 72100 Brindisi BR, Italy
IATA Code: BDS
Distance to Lecce: 45 km (40 minutes drive)
Distance to Ostuni: 37 km (35 minutes drive)
🚙 Why Rent a Car at Brindisi Airport?
Public transport in Puglia is limited — trains and buses are infrequent, especially to beaches and countryside towns. Renting a car means you can explore at your own pace 🌞.
| Advantages of Renting at BDS Airport | Details |
|---|---|
| 🕐 Save time | Pick up your car directly after landing — no need for city transfers |
| 💸 Better rates | Airport agencies often offer early booking discounts |
| 🌍 Explore freely | Visit hidden beaches and rural villages unreachable by public transport |
| 🧳 Convenience | Easy drop-off before departure |
| 🛞 Wide choice | Economy, SUVs, electric, and convertible options available |
🏢 Car Rental Companies at Brindisi Airport
You’ll find the rental desks inside the Arrivals Hall on the ground floor. Some budget providers are located just outside the terminal with free shuttle transfer.
✨ Major Companies:
- Europcar
- Hertz
- Avis / Budget
- Sicily by Car
- Locauto
- Leasys
- Drivalia
- Enterprise
💰 Low-Cost Providers:
- Goldcar
- Firefly
- Noleggiare
- Surprice
- Autovia
⏰ Opening Hours:
Typically from 07:00 to 23:00, but it’s best to check your voucher — after-hours pick-up is often possible for a small fee.
💶 Average Prices & Car Types
Prices vary depending on the season, car type, and booking channel.
Here’s a general overview (updated for 2025):
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| Car Type | Example Model | Average Daily Price (Low Season) | Average Daily Price (High Season) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🚗 Economy | Fiat Panda, VW Polo | €20–€35 | €40–€60 |
| 🚙 Compact SUV | Nissan Juke, Jeep Renegade | €35–€55 | €65–€90 |
| 🕶️ Convertible | Fiat 500 Cabrio | €50–€80 | €90–€120 |
| 👨👩👧 Family / Estate | Ford Focus SW | €45–€70 | €80–€110 |
| ⚡ Electric | Fiat 500e | €40–€60 | €70–€95 |
💡 Tip: Booking early via a comparison platform like DiscoverCars or Rentalcars can reduce your total cost by 25–40%.
🧾 Required Documents for Car Rental
To rent a car in Brindisi (and anywhere in Italy), you’ll need:
- Valid driving license (held for at least 1 year)
- Passport or ID card
- Credit card in the driver’s name (for deposit)
- Booking confirmation (paper or digital)
- International Driving Permit (IDP) – mandatory for non-EU citizens
⚠️ Debit cards are accepted by some companies (like Sicily by Car or Locauto) but usually only for small car groups and with full insurance.
🔑 Security Deposit & Insurance
Every company requires a deposit (pre-authorization) on your credit card.
| Company | Deposit (€) | Insurance Option |
|---|---|---|
| Avis / Budget | 250–500 | Full Coverage available |
| Europcar | 300–600 | Super Relax Cover |
| Sicily by Car | 400 | Zero Excess option |
| Goldcar | 1000 | Requires extra insurance |
| Locauto | 300 | Includes Kasko protection |
✅ Tip: Always inspect the car carefully, take photos of any scratches, and keep a copy of the rental report.
🛣️ Driving in Puglia – What to Know
Driving in southern Italy can be adventurous, but it’s the best way to see the real Puglia ❤️
🚦 Rules & Tips:
- Drive on the right-hand side
- Always wear a seatbelt
- No phone use without hands-free
- Speed limits:
- City: 50 km/h
- Main roads: 90 km/h
- Motorways (A-roads): 130 km/h
- Parking in blue zones requires a ticket from nearby machines
- Watch for ZTL zones (limited traffic areas) in Lecce & Brindisi city centers
🌅 Top Places to Visit by Car from Brindisi Airport
| Destination | Distance | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🏖️ Ostuni | 37 km | 35 min | Whitewashed old town, sea views |
| 🌇 Lecce | 45 km | 40 min | Baroque churches, Piazza del Duomo |
| 🏝️ Porto Cesareo | 65 km | 55 min | Crystal-clear beaches |
| 🏰 Alberobello | 70 km | 1 h | Famous Trulli houses |
| 🌿 Polignano a Mare | 75 km | 1 h 10 min | Clifftop views, caves |
🚗 Recommended route:
Brindisi → Ostuni → Alberobello → Polignano → Bari (a perfect 3-day round trip).
⛽ Fuel Policies & Tips
Most rental companies operate with a Full-to-Full policy — meaning you return the car with the same fuel level.
Always refuel near the airport; there’s an ENI gas station just before the entrance.
| Policy | Meaning |
|---|---|
| ⛽ Full-to-Full | Best option, pay only for what you use |
| 🛢️ Full-to-Empty | Usually includes refueling fee |
| 🔁 Prepaid Fuel | Convenient but often more expensive |
🧭 Step-by-Step: How to Rent a Car at Brindisi Airport
1️⃣ Book online in advance for the best price
2️⃣ Arrive at Brindisi Airport (BDS) and go to the arrivals hall
3️⃣ Show your documents and credit card
4️⃣ Inspect the car and take photos before leaving
5️⃣ Enjoy your trip across Puglia!
6️⃣ Return the car with a full tank and collect your deposit refund
💡 Extra Tips for a Smooth Trip
- 📱 Navigation: Use Google Maps or Waze — works great in Italy.
- 🚘 Toll roads: Most routes in Puglia are free!
- 🌤️ Best season: April–June and September–October — fewer tourists, cheaper rentals.
- 📞 Emergency numbers:
- Police: 113
- Ambulance: 118
- Road Assistance: 116
🌍 Summary Table: Brindisi Airport Car Rental Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏢 Location | Inside Brindisi Airport Arrivals |
| ⏰ Hours | 07:00–23:00 |
| 💳 Payment | Credit card (debit in some cases) |
| 💶 Price range | €20–€100/day |
| 🚘 Car types | Economy, SUV, Convertible, Electric |
| 🌅 Best for | Exploring Puglia, Lecce, Ostuni, Alberobello |
| 🔁 Return policy | Full-to-Full |
| 🌐 Booking tip | Compare via DiscoverCars or Rentalcars |
🌴 Final Thoughts
Renting a car at Brindisi Airport is your ticket to discovering Puglia’s most authentic charm — from whitewashed villages and olive groves to crystal beaches and historic cities.
Skip the bus schedule, enjoy freedom, and travel the Italian way — slow, scenic, and unforgettable 🇮🇹✨




