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How to get to Gallipoli

Gallipoli, from the classical Greek “beautiful city” is known as the “Pearl of the Ionian” due to its strategic position along the Ionian coast of Salento, close to the most beautiful beaches of this region. Gallipoli has become a destination for many tourists in recent years, mostly young people, thanks to the presence of numerous nightclubs and discos.

In this article we will see all the options we have to reach Gallipoli to help you orient yourself in the best choice according to your needs.

Gallipoli Castle
Gallipoli Castle ©milla1974 via Canva

1. By Plane

Brindisi airport, also known as Salento Airport (BDS), is the main point of arrival for those coming from Italian cities far from Puglia or from abroad. The distance between Brindisi airport and the town of Gallipoli is about 85km. Once you arrive at the airport you will have several solutions at your disposal (train, bus or rental car).

2. By Train

Gallipoli is easily reachable by train. Gallipoli station, located a few meters from the seafront and the historic center, is the preferred solution for those coming from “nearby” Italian cities such as Naples and Rome (but also from Milan, Turin or other cities in northern Italy).

The only flaw is that you will have to change in Lecce (the terminus of long-distance routes) and change to a regional train Lecce – Gallipoli (1:30 h of travel).

For example, from Rome it is possible to reach Gallipoli by train in 7 hours and 30 minutes (train change included). From Milan, just under 10 hours.

3. By Bus

If you choose to reach Gallipoli by bus, you usually arrive at the Piazzale Cimitero stop, located in a strategic position, which allows you to reach both the new village and the old city in about 15-20 minutes of walking along Corso Roma.

Among the companies that offer connections between the main Italian cities we have companies such as:

  • MarinoBus which offers connections from Milan, Genoa, Naples and Turin;
  • Itabus which offers connections from the main Italian cities;
  • MiccolisBus which offers connections from Calabria and Basilicata.

To reach Gallipoli from other locations in Salento (for example from Porto Cesareo or Lecce), there are also connections from the Salentoinbus company (active only in summer).

4. By Car

The car is the most popular choice for those arriving in Puglia, both because it allows you to move freely along the Salento peninsula and reach less “tourist” places, and because means of transport are often crowded and late due to heavy traffic. Below are the best routes:

  • from the north/central Italy: take the A14 or A16 motorway to Bari Nord, here take the exit for the Brindisi-Lecce highway and drive along it all the way. Before arriving in Lecce, you will find a Tangenziale Ovest – Gallipoli junction, take it and after a few KM take the Gallipoli exit after about 30 Km you will find the various Gallipoli exits: Rivabella / Lidoconchiglie, Porto, Sannicola, Alezio / Ospedale, Lido San Giovanni, Baia Verde.
  •  from the south (Calabria and Sicily): take the SS 16 to Taranto, once you arrive in the city continue towards Brindisi taking the SS 7 to Brindisi and from there to Lecce. After that proceed to Gallipoli as indicated above.

5. With Private Driver or NCC Transfer (Car Rental with Driver)

If you want a more comfortable and stress-free solution, you can opt for a private driver or an NCC transfer service (car rental with driver). Upon your arrival at the airport / station, a private driver will be there waiting for you to take you to Gallipoli and to any location you wish. This service offers the advantage of personalized transportation, avoiding the hassle of navigating traffic or looking for parking. You can book a NCC transfer in advance, either online or through local travel agencies.