Rent a Car in Brindisi, Italy and Explore Puglia for Less
Compare competitive rates for Brindisi Airport (BDS) and downtown pickup, then use this guide to choose the right location, understand insurance and fees, and hit the road with confidence.
What do you need to rent a car in Brindisi?
Renting a car in Brindisi is quite convenient, but there can be some specific requirements, especially for foreign renters.
- Form of ID: A valid physical Italy national photo ID is required.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical Italian driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must generally be held for at least 1 year; some offers require 2–5 years. If your licence is not in clear Latin characters or numerals, a certified translation and/or IDP may be requested at the counter in addition to the original licence.
Notes: Most rentals require a minimum licence holding period of 1 year, but certain vehicle groups or offers require 2–5 years. Always bring the original physical licence; photocopies or scans are not accepted.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required in most cases. Accepted credit cards, depending on the offer, include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Discover and sometimes UnionPay. Some offers also accept debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and in a few cases UnionPay) for deposit, but a credit card may still be necessary for certain car groups or suppliers. E‑voucher or printed voucher may be required for some offers.
- Age requirements: Typical eligible age ranges from 18–80 (some offers 19–75, 19–79, 21–99, or 25–99). Young driver surcharges commonly apply: e.g., 18–24 or 19–24 or 21–24/25, with fees such as about $13.96, $18.61, $21.28, $22.10, $27.91, or $29.84 per day; some are capped for the rental (e.g., about $234–$449). In several policies, senior drivers (often 75+ or 76+) may pay around $6.98–$13.96 per day, with maximum ages typically 80–99 depending on the supplier.
- Driving licence: The main and any additional drivers must present a full physical driving licence with no major endorsements. The licence must generally be held for at least 1 year; some offers require 2–3 years or more. Accepted driving licence include:
• Original driving licence + International Driving Permit (IDP)
• EU/EEA Driving License. The IDP is only a translation and must be shown together with the original licence. If the licence is not in clear Latin characters, an IDP and/or certified translation is required in addition to the original licence.Notes: Photocopies or scanned copies of licences or IDPs are not accepted; originals are mandatory. Some car groups or suppliers may apply stricter minimum holding periods (up to 3 years or more). Ensure your licence and IDP (where applicable) are valid for Italy and cover the rental period.
- Form of ID: A valid physical passport is required.
- Accepted cards: Physical credit cards in the full name of the main driver are required in most cases. Accepted credit cards, depending on the offer, include Visa, MasterCard, American Express, JCB, Diners Club, Discover and sometimes UnionPay. Some offers also accept international debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, JCB, AMEX, and in a few cases UnionPay) for deposit, but a credit card may still be required at pick‑up. An E‑voucher or printed voucher may be needed for certain bookings.
- Age requirements: Typical eligible age ranges from 18–80 (some offers 19–75, 19–79, 21–99, or 25–99). Young driver surcharges commonly apply: e.g., 18–24 or 19–24 or 21–24/25, with fees such as about $13.96, $18.61, $21.28, $22.10, $27.91, or $29.84 per day; some are capped for the rental (e.g., about $234–$449). In several policies, senior drivers (often 75+ or 76+) may pay around $6.98–$13.96 per day, with maximum ages typically 80–99 depending on the supplier.
Best Cars to Rent in Brindisi for Your Puglia Road Trip
Explore our top picks for rentals and browse other popular car choices travelers love in Brindisi.
Coastal
Small
5
2
AutoBrindisi's old town features narrow lanes and tight ZTL zones where a small car is a lifesaver. It slips easily into crowded beach parking along the Salento coast and sips fuel on longer drives to Ostuni or Lecce. Automatic transmission options are widely available for American travelers. Affordable rentals keep your Puglia road trip budget-friendly.
Countryside
Medium
52AutoA medium sedan offers the perfect balance for cruising through the rolling Itria Valley and whitewashed hill towns like Locorotondo and Cisternino. Comfortable seating handles bumpy secondary roads while trunk space fits luggage for multi-day Puglia getaways. Air conditioning is essential for hot southern Italian summers.
Family
SUV
53AutoAn SUV is ideal for families or groups exploring farther destinations like Alberobello's trulli or Polignano a Mare's dramatic cliffs. Higher ground clearance handles rougher country lanes and provides extra cargo room for beach gear and souvenirs. Automatic SUVs are popular with U.S. visitors seeking comfort on longer drives.
Choose Your Ride
Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.
Choose Brindisi Airport (BDS) for Maximum Convenience and Selection
Airport pickup is ideal if you want to start driving right after landing. BDS typically offers the broadest inventory (including larger cars and automatics when available), longer operating hours, and simpler one-way options. It can be slightly more expensive due to airport-related fees, but it often saves time and reduces the risk of limited availability—especially for peak-season travel and late arrivals.
Renault Twingo
41
2
Manual
Fiat Panda
514Manual
Fiat Panda
514Manual
Volkswagen Taigo
514Manual
Volkswagen Taigo
514Manual
Jeep Renegade
524ManualFiat Panda
514Manual
Fiat Panda
514ManualFiat Panda
514ManualDiscover Top-Rated Car Rentals at Brindisi Airport (BDS)
See what real customers say about their Brindisi car rental experience. Authentic reviews help you choose with confidence for your Italian journey.
| Rental company | Rating | Avg. Daily Rate | Pickup Method/Distance | Security deposit | Accepts Debit Cards | Key Advantages |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Best Overall | 4.7 193,000+ reviews | $80 | 1.7 mi | Low deposit |
| |
| Best Overall | 4.4 8800+ reviews | $34 | Free shuttle bus | $815 |
| |
| Best Overall | 4.4 200+ reviews | $150 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $1,009 - $1,429 |
| |
| Best Overall | 4.4 45,000+ reviews | $51 | 1.7 mi | $233 - $1,163 |
| |
 | 4.0 27000+ reviews | $54 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $582 - $815 |
| |
| 3.6 4 reviews | $43 | Shuttle bus | $588 - $6,121 |
| |
 Budget Friendly | 3.5 19800+ reviews | $87 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $698 - $2,326 |
| |
 | 3.3 33 reviews | $45 | Shuttle bus | $291 - $873 |
| |
 | 3.1 15000+ reviews | $74 | 1.7 mi | $466 - $1,163 |
| |
| 2.9 57 reviews | $205 | In terminal, Walk to counter | $582 |
|
*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.
Platform Insights
Car Rental Expert Advice
By QEEQ Platform Expert Team
Expertise Metrics
Platform Recognition
Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024
Booking Volume
Review Quality
10,000+ verified 5-star reviews
Market Experience
Data Authority
Expertise Verification
QEEQ data verified against local official data sources
Key Expert Insights
Platform Analysis
"Airport locations account for 65% of car rental pickups in Italy, with Brindisi Airport serving as the primary gateway to the Salento region."
Booking Patterns
"Peak season (June-August) represents 45% of annual rentals in southern Italy, with SUV bookings increasing 28% year-over-year in 2023."
Customer Pain Points
"38% of customers report confusion over insurance coverage options, while 27% complain about hidden fees at pickup."
Data Sources
- QEEQ internal booking databse
- ENIT - Italian National Tourist Board
- ITA - Italian Airports Association
- Assomotor - Italian Car Rental Association
- Federalberghi - Italian Hoteliers Confederation
- Italian Consumer Protection Authority (AGCM)
- European Consumer Centre Italy
Road Trips
One-way rental routes starting from Brindisi
Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Brindisi
Popular Driving Routes & Road Trips From Brindisi
Scenic Routes You Can Drive From Brindisi:
Brindisi → Ostuni → Cisternino → Locorotondo → Alberobello
A classic Puglia drive through whitewashed towns and olive groves. Start in seaside Brindisi, then climb into the Valle d’Itria for postcard viewpoints, compact historic centers, and (in Alberobello) the region’s famous trulli architecture.
Brindisi → Lecce → Otranto (Adriatic Coast Drive)
Combine baroque Lecce with the Adriatic’s cliffy coastline. After Lecce’s ornate churches and piazzas, continue to Otranto for sea views, ramparts, and a walkable old town that’s great around sunset.
Brindisi → Torre Guaceto → Polignano a Mare → Monopoli
A flexible beach-and-towns route: start with the protected dunes and clear water around Torre Guaceto, then continue north to the cliffside viewpoints of Polignano a Mare and the charming harbor lanes of Monopoli.
Popular Day Trips & Short Getaways:
Lecce Day Trip (Baroque City Highlights)
Drive to Lecce for baroque facades, lively squares, and easy café-hopping. It’s one of the best culture-focused day trips from Brindisi.
Ostuni & Olive Country Afternoon
A low-effort getaway to the ‘White City’ for panoramic viewpoints, a compact old town, and scenic backroads through ancient olive groves.
Torre Guaceto Nature Reserve Beach Escape
A quick drive for protected coastline, walking trails, and clear water. Great for a half-day swim or a relaxed picnic with minimal driving.
Alberobello & Valle d’Itria Trulli Experience
Spend the day among trulli houses and charming hill towns. Pair Alberobello with a stop in Locorotondo or Martina Franca for a fuller Valle d’Itria feel.
Car Rental Planning Tips For Driving From Brindisi
Bring the right documents: Carry your driver’s license, passport/ID, and a credit card in the main driver’s name. If you’re visiting from outside the EU, consider an International Driving Permit (IDP) as a backup depending on your license format.
Choose a smaller car for historic centers: Many towns (Lecce, Ostuni, Monopoli) have tight streets and limited parking. A compact car is easier to maneuver and usually cheaper to park.
Watch for ZTL limited-traffic zones: Historic centers often have ZTL restrictions with camera enforcement. Park outside the old town and walk in unless your hotel explicitly confirms permitted access.
Plan fuel stops and after-hours fueling: In smaller areas, stations may close midday or early evening. Look for self-service pumps (often marked ‘self’ or ‘24h’) and keep a card or cash handy.
Use official lots and pay-and-display street parking: Coastal towns can fill up fast in summer. Target municipal lots and pay attention to curb colors/signage; take a quick photo of your payment ticket and stall number.
Build in extra time during summer peak hours: Beach traffic and town-center congestion can add 20–40 minutes, especially on weekends. Start early for popular spots like Polignano a Mare and Otranto.
Understand insurance and deposits before you sign: Confirm the deductible/excess, what’s covered (tires, glass, underbody), and the deposit amount. If you rely on third-party coverage, keep all paperwork and damage reports.
Document the car at pickup and return: Take timestamped photos/video of the exterior, wheels, windshield, and interior. Ask the agent to note any scuffs on the agreement to avoid disputes.
Brindisi Car Hire: Drive Through Italy's Heel
Discover the charm of Brindisi and southern Italy with affordable car rentals, scenic coastal routes, and authentic Italian experiences
LANGUAGES
Italian
CURRENCY
EUR
DRIVE ON
Right-hand side
COUNTRY CODE
+39
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE
$45 per day
AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH
5 days
SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN
50 km/h
SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN
130 km/h
ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC
0.05%
AVERAGE GAS PRICE
$1.97/L
LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE
$1.58/L - $2.54/L
Brindisi Car Rental Guide
Essential driving tips for exploring southern Italy's Puglia region from Brindisi
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