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

How to get to Ostuni

Ostuni, Puglia's White City, rises like a whitewashed vision on the Murge ridge, just a few kilometres from the Adriatic Sea. Reaching it is easy thanks to the railway station on the Adriatic line and the proximity of Brindisi airport.

By train

Ostuni railway station is on the Adriatic line between Bari and Lecce, served by Trenitalia regional trains and some InterCity services. Note: the station is about 3 km from the historic centre, in the lower part of the town.

Brindisi - Ostuni: about 20-25 minutes by regional train, ticket about 3 euros
Bari - Ostuni: about 1 hour by regional train
Lecce - Ostuni: about 40-50 minutes
Rome - Ostuni: about 5 hours with Frecciarossa to Brindisi + regional
Milan - Ostuni: about 7 hours 30 minutes with Frecciarossa to Bari + regional

From the station to the old town, you can take a local shuttle bus (about 10 minutes, 1 euro) or a taxi (about 8-10 euros). Alternatively, the uphill walk is feasible but strenuous, especially with luggage and in summer.

By plane

The two nearest airports to Ostuni are:

Brindisi-Casale Airport (Papola): about 30 km, the most convenient. Direct flights from Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, Venice and several European cities with Ryanair, EasyJet and ITA Airways
Bari-Palese Airport (Karol Wojtyla): about 85 km, larger and with more connections

From Brindisi airport to Ostuni:

Train: shuttle to Brindisi station + regional to Ostuni, about 45 minutes total
Private transfer: about 40-50 euros, most convenient
Car rental: recommended for exploring the area

By car

Ostuni is well connected by Puglia's road network.

From Brindisi: about 30 minutes via SS379 (30 km)
From Bari: about 1 hour via SS16 or E55 (80 km)
From Lecce: about 50 minutes via SS613 + SS379 (75 km)
From Taranto: about 50 minutes via SS7 + SS379 (55 km)
From Rome: about 5 hours 30 minutes via A1 + A14 + SS379 (530 km)
From Naples: about 4 hours via A16 + A14 + SS379 (365 km)

Ostuni's historic centre is largely pedestrianised and perched on a hill. Park in the car parks at the foot of the old town: the Via dei Colli car park is free and from there the centre is reachable in 10 minutes on foot or by shuttle bus.

By bus

FSE and STP buses connect Ostuni to nearby towns:

Ostuni - Brindisi: about 40 minutes
Ostuni - Martina Franca: about 30 minutes
Ostuni - Ceglie Messapica: about 20 minutes

In summer, shuttle buses connect Ostuni to the marina beaches: Rosa Marina, Villanova, Torre Guaceto. The service is increased from June to September.

FlixBus offers seasonal direct connections from Rome and Milan arriving in Brindisi or directly in Ostuni.

Getting around Ostuni and surroundings

Ostuni's historic centre is a labyrinth of white alleys, stairways and arches to be explored exclusively on foot. Wear comfortable shoes: the old town is uphill and the streets are cobblestoned.

To reach the beaches (7-8 km from the centre) and the surroundings, a car is the most practical option. Ostuni's coastal beaches are among the most beautiful in Puglia:

Torre Guaceto: nature reserve with crystal-clear sea, about 15 km
Rosa Marina: equipped beach, about 10 km
Pilone: large sandy beach, about 8 km

Practical tips

A rental car is the best way to explore Ostuni and the Itria Valley
If arriving by train, the shuttle bus from the station to the centre is essential
Book accommodation well in advance in summer: Ostuni is very popular
Early morning is the best time to photograph the white town without crowds