Puglia Car Hire

Reasons to book a car hire in Puglia

Renting a car in Puglia offers the freedom and flexibility to explore this beautiful region at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily manage your luggage and create flexible travel plans that suit your needs. This is particularly appealing for those seeking outdoor adventures and scenic experiences. You can visit key attractions such as the Zoosafari, an amusement park ideal for family outings, or the historic Trulli of Alberobello, perfect for culture enthusiasts. Enjoy the stunning shores at Pescoluse Beach, where beach experiences await.

A car hire also allows you to conveniently explore popular destinations like Bari, where you can visit Piazza Aldo Moro and Bari Cathedral, or Monopoli, known for Cala Porto Rosso Beach. Don't miss Polignano a Mare, with its remarkable Statue of Domenico Modugno and Pino Pascali Museum. With a rental car, you can effortlessly navigate between these captivating sites, making your trip to Puglia an enjoyable and memorable adventure.

Most popular car hires in Puglia

• Midsize SUV: This car option is perfect for families, couples, or small groups, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 3 large suitcases. The midsize SUV provides ample comfort and room, making it an excellent choice for those looking to explore Puglia's attractions while travelling with extra luggage. Its size allows for a smooth drive through both urban and rural areas, ensuring a flexible travel experience.
• Compact: The compact car is an ideal choice for solo travellers, couples, or families, comfortably seating up to 5 people with capacity for 3 medium suitcases. Its smaller size makes it particularly suitable for navigating Puglia's charming towns and villages, where parking can be challenging. This option strikes a balance between comfort and economy, making it a popular pick for those wanting to explore at their own pace.
• Economy: For those travelling light, the economy car option is an excellent fit, accommodating up to 5 travellers with space for 2 medium suitcases. This car type is well-suited for solo adventurers or couples seeking to make the most of their trip in Puglia. Its smaller footprint allows for easy manoeuvrability through narrow streets and tight parking situations, ensuring a hassle-free driving experience while keeping costs low.

Where to stay in Puglia

• Bari: A vibrant city offering a blend of outdoor activities and rich culture, Bari is ideal for those seeking a beach experience. Notable attractions include the historic Bari Cathedral and the picturesque Piazza Aldo Moro, both contributing to the cultural ambience. The nearby Lido San Francesco beach is perfect for relaxation. With a variety of restaurants and wineries available, Bari provides a delightful culinary experience. It’s best to visit during the warmer months for optimal beach enjoyment.
• Monopoli: This charming coastal town is renowned for its stunning beaches and cultural heritage. Monopoli is home to beautiful beaches like Cala Porto Rosso and Lido Santo Stefano, offering perfect spots for sunbathing and swimming. Visitors can explore local history and enjoy the lively atmosphere around the historic centre. The presence of various restaurants and wineries adds to the culinary scene. The summer months are particularly enjoyable for beachgoers seeking a vibrant seaside experience.
• Lecce: Known as the “Florence of the South,” Lecce is a cultural hub filled with baroque architecture and historic sites. Key attractions include the Lecce Obelisk and the bustling Piazza del Duomo, both showcasing the city’s rich history. Lecce also offers family-friendly beaches, making it suitable for all travellers. The local dining scene features numerous restaurants and wineries, enhancing the overall experience. The best time to visit is during the spring and early autumn when the weather is pleasantly warm.

10 tips to save on your car hire in Puglia

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search by selecting the vehicle type and specific features you desire. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer enjoyment, or an economy car for budget-friendly travel, utilise the filters on Expedia to help you discover the ideal option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary significantly depending on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you're more likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy greater availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles typically come with lower rental costs and are easier to manoeuvre and park in busy locations. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between affordability, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may encounter higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain types of vehicles—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be available. This could also apply to renters over 70 years old. Always confirm the age requirements prior to making a reservation.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rental agreements require a full-to-full fuel policy, meaning you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This is generally the most economical choice. Other options may include full-to-empty or prepaid refuelling, which can also be suitable; just ensure you return the car with an empty tank in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at the airport often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may make it worthwhile.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies only accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unexpected expenses and provides peace of mind should anything unforeseen occur during your trip. Adding car hire insurance is straightforward when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you plan on undertaking long road trips, seek rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra charges.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's licence is mandatory for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in Puglia

The best value period to rent a car in Puglia is February, when both prices and demand are low. This month offers the best deals, making it ideal for budget-conscious travellers. January also sees low demand, while mid-range months like November and December can provide moderately low prices. However, July tends to be the most expensive month, with high demand as summer tourists flock to the region. August also experiences high demand, making it another peak period for car hires.