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How to get to Lecce

If you are planning a trip to Salento and have chosen Lecce as your “base” for your trip, you have several options for reaching this destination. Whether you arrive by train, bus, plane or car, in this article we will explore the various ways to get to Lecce, with practical details for each means of transport.

Lecce local bus
Lecce local bus

1. How to get to Lecce by plane

The fastest way to get to Lecce from abroad or from other Italian cities is by plane. Lecce does not have its own airport, but the city is well connected to the main airports in Puglia:

  • Brindisi Airport (Salento Airport): This is the closest airport to Lecce, located about 39 km from the city. From Brindisi Airport, you can take a shuttle bus to the city center and from there you can reach Lecce by regional train (about 40 minutes) or by direct bus. Taxi and car rental services are also available directly from the airport.
  • Bari Airport (Karol Wojtyła): If you are flying to or from international destinations, Bari Airport can be a good option. It is about 150 km from Lecce, reachable by train (about 2 hours), by bus or by renting a car. Bari Airport has a tram line that connects it to Bari central station: from here you can then take a train or bus to Lecce.

2. How to get to Lecce by train

Lecce is well served by the Italian railway network (Trenitalia), with frequent and comfortable connections both from the main towns in Puglia, and from large cities such as Rome, Naples and Milan. The Frecciarossa, Frecciargento, Frecciabianca and Intercity lines are quite frequent and the connections offer “direct” solutions without having to make changes.

3. How to get to Lecce by car

If you prefer to drive and enjoy the landscape, Lecce is easily accessible by car thanks to its strategic position in the southern part of Puglia. The main highways and roads leading to Lecce are:

  • A14 (Autostrada Adriatica): Connected to the A1, the A14 highway allows you to reach Lecce via Bari. From Bari, follow the SS16 south to Lecce.
  • SS613: A state road that connects Brindisi to Lecce directly and quickly. If you are coming from Brindisi, the SS613 will take you to the city in about 30-40 minutes.
  • From other Italian cities: From Rome or Naples, the A1 highway and the SS16 will easily take you to Lecce.

4. How to get to Lecce by bus

Bus lines are another travel option, the “slowest” but also the cheapest. The city is well connected, through multiple lines, with the entire national territory. Here are some examples:

  • Bus from Bari/Brindisi: Several bus companies, such as Flixbus, MarinoBus, Miccolisbus, Marozzi, offer direct connections between Bari/Brindisi and Lecce. The journey lasts approximately 1/1:45 h.
  • Bus from other Italian cities: Flixbus, Marinobus, Itabus and other transport companies offer connections from Rome, Milan, Naples and other Italian cities to Lecce. The journey can last from 5 to 10 hours depending on your destination.

How to get around Lecce city

Once you arrive in the city, getting around will be very simple. The city is easily walkable thanks to its compact size. The historic center, in particular, is a labyrinth of narrow streets that will allow you to discover the main monuments, squares and churches. For longer journeys, you basically have 4 solutions:

  1. Local buses: Lecce is served by a network of urban buses that cover different areas of the city. STP (Società Trasporti Pubblici) manages most of the lines, which allow you to easily move around both the historic center and the peripheral areas. Tickets can be purchased at authorized retailers, or on board the bus, but it is advisable to consult the timetables and lines available based on your destination.
  2. Taxi: Lecce also offers a taxi service, easily booked by phone or at one of the main stopping points, such as the train station. Taxis are comfortable and fast, ideal for quick trips or for those who want a more private transport. There are also some fixed rates for the main destinations, such as Brindisi airport.
  3. Private driver: For those looking for a more exclusive service, a private driver is the perfect choice. This option is particularly advantageous for those who want a personalized service, which can also include guided tours in the surroundings of Lecce, such as the beautiful seaside resorts of Salento or the villages around Lecce. This way you can enjoy a driver at your disposal, without having to comply with public transport timetables.

Overall, Lecce is well connected and while the historic center is easily walkable, these transportation options make traveling further afield convenient.