How to get to Locorotondo: complete transport guide
How to reach Locorotondo in the Itria Valley: Bari and Brindisi airports, FSE train, car and bus. Practical directions and connections from nearby centres.
How to get to Locorotondo
Locorotondo, listed among the Most Beautiful Villages in Italy, lies in the heart of the Itria Valley between the provinces of Bari and Brindisi. This Apulian gem with its distinctive circular historic centre can be reached by several means, though its location requires a little planning.
By air: reference airports
The two most convenient airports are **Bari Karol Wojtyla (BRI)**, about 70 km away, and **Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS)**, about 65 km away. Both offer domestic and international flights with scheduled and low-cost carriers.
Neither airport has direct connections to Locorotondo. The simplest solution is to rent a car or reach the main railway station and continue by train.
By train: the FSE line
Locorotondo has a station on the **Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE)** Bari-Taranto line, the same one serving Alberobello and Martina Franca.
- **From Bari Centrale**: FSE train towards Taranto, about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Approximate frequency of one train per hour during daytime
- **From Taranto**: about 1 hour on the FSE line
- **From Lecce or Brindisi**: no direct trains. You need to go via Taranto or Bari with a change
Locorotondo station is in the lower part of town, about a 15-minute uphill walk from the historic centre. The route is scenic and pleasant, but those with heavy luggage may prefer a taxi.
By car: routes and parking
The car is the ideal way to reach Locorotondo and to get around the Itria Valley, where villages are just a few kilometres apart.
From Bari (about 70 km)
Take the **SS100** towards Taranto, exit at Gioia del Colle and continue on the provincial road via Noci to Locorotondo. Alternatively, take the **A14** to the Gioia del Colle exit. Travel time: about one hour.
From Brindisi (about 65 km)
Drive along the **SS379** northward, exit at Fasano and follow the **SP58** to Locorotondo through the trulli countryside. About one hour of driving.
From Taranto (about 40 km)
Follow the **SS172** via Martina Franca. This is the shortest route, about 35 minutes.
Parking
Locorotondo's historic centre is entirely pedestrianised. Car parks are found along the **ring road** surrounding the village and near **Piazza Marconi**. The main free car park is near the municipal stadium, a few minutes from the centre. Parking is generally easier than in the more touristy villages of the area.
By bus
Bus services are limited but available.
- **FSE**: connections from Bari and Taranto, with stops along the Itria Valley line
- **Miccolis**: some services from Bari
- **Local connections**: minibuses and summer services linking Itria Valley villages together
Stops are along the provincial road, near the railway station.
From Bari: the main starting point
From Bari the best options are:
- **Car rental from the airport**: the most convenient solution for exploring the entire Itria Valley
- **FSE train** from Bari Centrale: affordable and with a beautiful route through the Apulian countryside
- **Private transfer**: about 80-100 euros from the airport, one hour of travel
From Bari airport, first reach Bari Centrale with the airport rail service (15 minutes), then continue on the FSE train.
Practical tips
- **Car rental recommended**: Locorotondo is an ideal base for visiting Alberobello (8 km), Cisternino (10 km), Ostuni (20 km) and Martina Franca (8 km)
- **FSE trains**: always check timetables, especially at weekends when frequency decreases
- **Parking**: much easier than Alberobello, but in summer it is still best to arrive early
- **Walking in the village**: the centre is small and compact, easily visited in a couple of hours. Streets are stone-paved and the village sits on a hill: comfortable shoes recommended
- **Cycling**: the Apulian aqueduct cycle path passes nearby and allows you to reach neighbouring villages by bike
