How to get to Ostuni: train, plane, car and bus
Complete guide to reaching Ostuni by train, plane, car and bus. Puglia's White City with all connections from Bari, Brindisi and other cities.
Foto: ParisTaras (CC BY 4.0) — Wikimedia Commons
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
Discover Ostuni
Now that you know how to get there, plan your stay with our guides:
Practical info
When should you go to Ostuni?
The best months are April, May, June, September and October, when there are fewer people.
Are there a lot of people in Ostuni?
Ostuni is not very crowded compared to the more touristic destinations.
Where exactly is Ostuni located?
Ostuni sits in Puglia, Italia.
How to get there
- 🚆 Nearest station: Ostuni ~3 km as the crow flies
- ✈️ Nearest airport: Aeroporto di Taranto-Grottaglie TAR ~28 km as the crow flies
Nearest points as the crow flies (source OpenStreetMap): actual times depend on the roads, often mountain ones.
