How to get to Gallipoli: train, plane, car and bus

How to get to Gallipoli

Gallipoli, the pearl of the Ionian Sea, is a city of irresistible charm: an ancient borough on an island connected to the mainland by a seventeenth-century bridge, golden beaches and some of the most beautiful sea in Salento. Reaching it requires a few extra steps compared to major cities, but it is worth every minute.

By train

Gallipoli has a railway station served by Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE), with connections from Lecce. The FSE line is narrow gauge, slower than Trenitalia trains but scenic and full of character.

Lecce - Gallipoli: about 1 hour 15 minutes by FSE, ticket about 5 euros
Frequency: 5-8 services per day, more frequent in summer

From Rome, Milan or other cities: take a high-speed train to Lecce (about 5 hours 30 minutes from Rome, 7 hours from Milan), then change for the FSE to Gallipoli.

Gallipoli station is in the new town, about 10 minutes' walk from the historic centre.

By plane

The nearest airports to Gallipoli are:

Brindisi-Casale Airport (Papola): about 80 km (1 hour 10 minutes by car). Direct flights from Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Venice and European cities with Ryanair, EasyJet and ITA Airways
Bari-Palese Airport (Karol Wojtyla): about 190 km (2 hours by car), larger but further away

From Brindisi airport to Gallipoli:

SalentoBus: summer shuttle service direct to Gallipoli, about 1 hour 30 minutes
Train to Lecce + FSE: about 2 hours total
Private transfer: about 90-100 euros
Car rental: the most practical solution, all companies at the airport

By car

Gallipoli is reachable via the dual carriageway crossing Salento.

From Lecce: about 40 minutes via SS101 (40 km), a fast and comfortable four-lane road
From Brindisi: about 1 hour 10 minutes via SS613 + SS101 (80 km)
From Bari: about 2 hours 30 minutes via E55 + SS101 (180 km)
From Taranto: about 1 hour 30 minutes via SS174 (100 km)
From Rome: about 6 hours via A1 + A14 + SS101 (600 km)
From Naples: about 4 hours 30 minutes via A16 + A14 + SS101 (410 km)

Parking in the old town is impossible (the island is entirely pedestrianised). Park in the new town car parks: near the covered market or along the seafront. In summer spaces fill up quickly, so arrive early.

By bus

FSE and STP buses connect Gallipoli to Salento:

Gallipoli - Lecce: about 1 hour, frequent services
Gallipoli - Otranto: about 1 hour 30 minutes (with change at Maglie)
Gallipoli - Santa Maria di Leuca: about 1 hour

In summer, services are increased with shuttles to the most famous beaches in the area: Baia Verde, Punta della Suina, Lido Pizzo.

FlixBus operates seasonal direct connections from Rome, Milan and Bologna.

Getting around Gallipoli and surroundings

Gallipoli's historic centre is explored exclusively on foot. The island is small and every corner reveals beautiful views: Baroque churches, noble palaces, the Angevin-Aragonese castle and the bastions overlooking the sea.

For the beaches:

Baia Verde: the most famous, about 3 km from the centre, reachable by bus or car
Punta della Suina: natural beach, about 5 km south
Lido Pizzo: among the most beautiful, about 4 km from the centre
Spiaggia della Purita: the only beach in the old town, at the foot of the bastions

Practical tips

A car is almost essential for exploring Salento from Gallipoli
In summer, traffic on the SS101 and the entrance to Gallipoli gets congested: avoid the 10 AM-12 PM and 4-6 PM time slots
In the evening the old town comes alive with bars, restaurants and the seafront promenade
For day trips: Otranto, Santa Maria di Leuca and the Maldives of Salento are within easy reach