Puglia by train

The backbone of Puglia’s public transport network is the railway line linking Bari, Monopoli, Polignano a Mare, Ostuni, Brindisi, and Lecce. Trains are frequent, affordable, and arrive close to the historic centres of many towns.

Further inland, the Ferrovie Sud Est railway winds through the Valle d'Itria, connecting places such as Locorotondo, Alberobello, and Martina Franca. This is a landscape of olive groves, dry-stone walls, and whitewashed villages best experienced without rushing.

The secret to a successful car-free holiday in Puglia is simple: choose the right base.

Bari

Most visitors pass through Bari on their way elsewhere. In Bari Vecchia, daily life spills into the narrow streets, where residents chat from doorways and fresh pasta is still made by hand. Along the seafront, locals gather for their evening passeggiata, enjoying the sea breeze as the day fades.

Because nearly every train journey in Puglia passes through Bari Centrale, the city is an excellent starting point. Spend a night or two here before heading further south, and you'll discover a side of Puglia many travellers overlook.

Polignano a Mare

Perched on limestone cliffs above crystalline water, Polignano a Mare is one of the most photographed towns in southern Italy.

The beauty of staying here without a car is its simplicity. The train station is within walking distance of the historic centre, making arrival effortless. Once settled, everything is close: hidden terraces, sea-view restaurants, and quiet corners overlooking the Adriatic.

Early mornings and evenings are particularly special when day visitors have departed, and the town settles back into its own rhythm.

Monopoli

Just a few minutes south of Polignano lies Monopoli, often chosen by travellers looking for a more relaxed atmosphere.

Its historic harbour remains active, fishing boats still arriving with the day's catch, while the old town reveals itself through small piazzas, churches, and sea-facing lanes. There is a lived-in quality here that feels authentic and welcoming.

For many travellers, Monopoli is the ideal base for exploring Puglia without a car. The station is close to the centre, and destinations such as Bari, Polignano, Ostuni, and Lecce are all easily reached by train.

If you're wondering where to stay in Puglia without a car, Monopoli is often the most practical and versatile answer.

Valle d'Itria

The Valle d'Itria shows a quieter side of Puglia. Inland, the landscape softens into rolling countryside dotted with vineyards, olive groves, and the iconic trulli houses that have become symbols of the region.

Locorotondo is perhaps the most appealing base for a car-free stay. Its circular historic centre, whitewashed facades and panoramic views create an atmosphere that feels timeless. From here, trains connect easily to Alberobello and Martina Franca, making day trips straightforward.

Travelling through this part of Puglia requires a little patience, but that is part of its charm. The slower pace invites you to spend afternoons lingering on a shaded piazza rather than ticking off sights.

Ostuni

Few towns create such an immediate impression as Ostuni. Rising above the surrounding countryside, its whitewashed houses seem to glow in the southern Italian sun. Narrow staircases, hidden courtyards, and panoramic viewpoints reward those willing to wander.

The only practical consideration is the location of the train station, which sits below the historic centre. Local buses connect the two, but travellers with heavy luggage may prefer to arrange a taxi on arrival.

Once settled within the old town, however, Ostuni becomes a memorable base for exploring both the coast and the countryside.

Lecce

At the southern end of the railway line lies Lecce, often described as the cultural capital of Salento.

Golden limestone buildings, ornate Baroque churches, and lively piazzas give the city a distinctive character. Unlike some of the smaller coastal towns, Lecce has enough depth to fill an entire week. There are galleries, restaurants, hidden courtyards, and neighbourhood cafés where daily life moves at an unhurried pace.

For travellers exploring southern Puglia without a car, Lecce is particularly convenient. Trains and buses connect the city to destinations such as Otranto, Gallipoli, and the beaches of the Salento peninsula.

Choosing the best base in Puglia

For a first visit, combining two destinations works beautifully. Start with Monopoli or Polignano a Mare to experience the Adriatic coast, then continue south to Lecce for Baroque architecture, local culture, and access to the Salento region.

Those seeking countryside views and a slower pace may prefer Locorotondo in the Valle d'Itria, while Bari offers an excellent city break at the beginning or end of a trip.

The beauty of travelling through Puglia by train is that it encourages a different rhythm. Days feel slower. There is time for a second espresso, a spontaneous lunch on a quiet piazza, or an evening stroll through streets best explored without a destination in mind.

And perhaps that is the greatest luxury of all.