Gateway to Salento

Travelling to Italy’s southern gem, Salento, has never been easier for UK visitors — thanks to direct flights into Brindisi Airport (BDS). Located just a stone’s throw from beautiful towns like Lecce, Ostuni and Gallipoli, Brindisi offers the fastest and most convenient access to the best of Puglia. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about flying direct, saving money, and starting your holiday stress-free.

Why fly direct to Brindisi from the UK?

Brindisi is the closest major airport to the Salento peninsula — the southern tip of Puglia. Flying directly avoids time-consuming layovers in Rome or Milan and cuts out long train transfers from northern airports like Naples or Bari.

Key benefits:

• Quick access to coastal destinations like Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca, and Gallipoli
• Short transfers: Lecce is only 30 minutes away by car
• Less hassle: no baggage re-checking or airport changes

Brindisi is compact, efficient, and often less crowded than larger Italian airports — making arrivals and departures smoother.

Airlines offering direct flights to Brindisi (Summer 2025)

Here are the main UK airports with direct seasonal connections to Brindisi:

• London Stansted (STN): Daily flights with Ryanair
• London Gatwick (LGW): Weekly flights via easyJet
• London Luton (LTN): Multiple flights per week via easyJet
• Manchester (MAN): Ryanair flights 2–3 times weekly
• Bristol (BRS): Ryanair seasonal service
• Birmingham (BHX): Jet2 flights in peak summer
• Edinburgh (EDI) & Leeds (LBA): Limited Jet2 seasonal flights

Flight frequency increases in late spring and peaks in July–August. Some routes operate only May–October.

Best times of year to fly from the UK

While Brindisi flights operate year-round in some cases, most routes are seasonal, catering to holidaymakers.

• April–June: Ideal weather (20–28°C), wildflowers, fewer crowds
• July–August: Peak season, more flights, but also more tourists and higher prices
• September–October: Warm sea, harvest festivals, excellent for wine and food lovers

Avoid travelling in mid-August if possible — prices surge and locals are also on holiday.

How to find the cheapest direct flights

• Book early: 6–8 weeks ahead often gets the best prices
• Use comparison tools: Google Flights, Skyscanner, Hopper
• Fly mid-week: Tuesdays and Wednesdays usually cost less
• Avoid checked baggage: Travel light to save on budget airline fees
• Use alerts: Set price alerts to catch sales or route updates

Many travellers find flights from London to Brindisi for under £60 one-way in low season.

Travel from Brindisi airport to your destination

Once you land at BDS, you have several convenient transfer options:

• Car hire: Ideal for flexibility — agencies like Europcar, Avis and Sicily by Car have desks in the arrivals hall
• Pugliairbus shuttle: Runs between Brindisi Airport and Lecce several times daily
• Taxi/private transfer: Available outside the terminal, fixed-rate services to Lecce

For longer stays or if you plan to explore rural or beach destinations, renting a car is strongly recommended.

Brindisi vs Bari: which airport should you choose?

When planning a holiday in Puglia, many UK travellers wonder whether to fly into Brindisi or Bari. Both are international airports serving the region, but the best choice depends on your travel plans — particularly which part of Puglia you intend to explore.

Brindisi Airport (BDS) is located in the southern half of the region, making it the most convenient option for reaching the Salento area. If you’re heading to Lecce, Otranto, Gallipoli, or the southern Adriatic and Ionian coasts, Brindisi is by far the better choice. The drive from the airport to Lecce takes just about 30 minutes, meaning you’ll be sipping an espresso in a historic piazza or relaxing on a beach in no time. The airport itself is small and efficient, ensuring quicker arrivals and departures with minimal stress.

Bari Airport (BRI) lies further north and is a larger hub with more year-round flight options. It’s a great alternative if you’re travelling during off-peak months or if you’re unable to find direct flights into Brindisi. Bari is ideal if your itinerary includes destinations like Trani, Polignano a Mare, Matera, or central/northern Puglia, such as the Valle d’Itria or the Gargano Peninsula.

That said, reaching Salento from Bari takes around two hours by car, which can be tiring after a long flight. It’s still a valid option if you’re planning to explore a broader area or start your journey from the north.

In summary: Choose Brindisi if your focus is on the southern coast, countryside or beaches of Salento. Opt for Bari if you’re planning to explore other parts of Puglia or require greater flexibility in flight times.

Recommended tools for booking flights and travel

• Flight search: Google Flights, Skyscanner, Kayak
• Accommodation: Booking.com, Agriturismo.it for local stays
• Car rental: AutoEurope, DiscoverCars
• SIM & data: Vodafone Italy eSIMs or UK roaming (check with provider)
• Travel insurance: CompareTheMarket or Post Office UK

FAQs for UK travellers

• Do I need a visa? No — UK citizens can visit Italy for up to 90 days visa-free
• Can I drive with my UK license? Yes, no international permit needed for short stays
• What’s the currency? Euro (€)
• Are masks or travel documents required? As of 2025, standard EU entry applies — always check GOV.UK for updates before departure

Start your Puglia holiday the right way

Flying directly to Brindisi from the UK is a smart and stress-free way to begin your southern Italian adventure. With scenic coastlines, historic towns and world-class cuisine just minutes from the airport, you’ll be immersed in the Puglian lifestyle from the moment you land.

Whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, a family beach break or a cultural tour through Salento, Brindisi offers a warm welcome — and the shortest path to your Italian dream.