Car Rental Brindisi

Where to drive

• Drive to Lecce, the 'Florence of the South,' to admire its Baroque architecture (approx. 40 km, 30-40 minutes).
• Explore the 'trulli' of Alberobello, a UNESCO World Heritage site, with their unique conical roofs (approx. 70 km, 1 hour).
• Visit the coastal town of Ostuni, the 'White City,' perched on a hill overlooking the Adriatic Sea (approx. 35 km, 30 minutes).
• Discover the stunning beaches and natural reserves of Torre Guaceto, perfect for a day of sun and sea (approx. 20 km, 20 minutes).
• Take a scenic route along the Adriatic coast to Otranto, known for its cathedral and Aragonese castle (approx. 95 km, 1 hour 15 minutes).
• Journey to Matera in Basilicata, a city famous for its ancient cave dwellings, the 'Sassi' (approx. 150 km, 1 hour 45 minutes).

What documents you need

To rent a car in Italy, you will generally need a valid driving license from your home country, a passport or national ID card, and a major credit card in the main driver's name. If your driving license is not issued in the Latin alphabet (e.g., Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, Russian), an International Driving Permit (IDP) is legally required. Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 21 years old, with some charging a young driver surcharge for those under 25. A minimum of one year's driving experience is also commonly required.

How much rental costs

Car rental prices in Brindisi vary significantly by car class and season. You can expect economy cars to start from around 10-20 EUR per day during the off-peak season, while SUVs and premium vehicles can range from 40-80 EUR or more. Prices typically peak during the summer months (June-August) when demand is highest.

Demand by month

Traffic rules and fines

In Italy, driving is on the right-hand side. Speed limits are typically 50 km/h in urban areas, 90 km/h on main roads outside urban areas, 110 km/h on main dual carriageways, and 130 km/h on motorways. The legal blood alcohol limit is 0.05%. Headlights are mandatory at all times outside urban areas and in tunnels. Seatbelts are compulsory for all occupants, and children under 1.50m tall must use appropriate child seats or booster seats.

Parking

In Brindisi, parking is generally paid in designated blue zones, indicated by blue lines on the road. You'll need to purchase a ticket from a nearby machine (parcometro) and display it on your dashboard. White lines typically indicate free parking, though these can be scarce in central areas. Yellow lines mean no parking or reserved parking for residents or specific services. Be aware of ZTL (Zona a Traffico Limitato) areas in historical centers, which restrict vehicle access during certain hours to non-residents; fines are hefty.

Fuel stations

Fuel stations are widely available throughout Brindisi and the surrounding region. Most stations offer both petrol (benzina) and diesel (gasolio). LPG (GPL) and CNG (metano) are also available at some stations. Fuel prices are approximate and can fluctuate, but in early 2026, expect to pay around 1.70-1.90 EUR per liter for petrol and diesel. Many stations are self-service (fai da te), especially outside regular business hours. Payment can usually be made by credit card or cash.

Which car to choose

For exploring Brindisi and the Salento peninsula, an economy or compact car is often ideal. Their smaller size makes navigating narrow city streets and finding parking much easier. If you plan to venture into more rural areas or carry extra luggage, a mid-size sedan or a small SUV would provide more comfort. Manual transmission is very common in Italy, so if you prefer automatic, ensure you book well in advance. The roads are generally well-maintained, so a 4x4 is rarely necessary unless you plan extensive off-road adventures, which are not typical here.

Frequently asked questions