How to Get Around Salento: Your 2026 Mobility Guide
Planning your **Puglia holiday for 2026**? Whether you arrive by flight at Brindisi Airport, by train at Lecce Station, or by car, knowing how to move between the coast and the inland villages is key to a stress-free vacation.
Getting Around Salento: An Overview
In Salento, you can travel by car, bus, or train. While the public transport network is extensive, it follows a “slow” philosophy. If your destination is a villa or a masseria in the countryside, a car or a private transfer is highly recommended.
1. Traveling by Car
The car remains the most flexible way to explore. Main arteries like the SS 101 (Lecce-Gallipoli) and SS 16 (Lecce-Maglie) allow you to reach both the Ionian and Adriatic coasts quickly.
- South Salento: Take the SS 275 to cross the heart of the peninsula towards Santa Maria di Leuca.
- Coastal Routes: For breathtaking views, drive the Otranto-Leuca coastal road (Adriatic) or the Gallipoli-Leuca road (Ionian).
Pro Tip: Always use a GPS (Google Maps) as inland villages often blend into one another. Also, keep an eye on speed cameras (Autovelox) by checking the official provincial updates.
2. Traveling by Train: Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE)
Once you reach Lecce via Trenitalia, the local network is managed by Ferrovie del Sud Est (FSE). It is the second-largest railway network in Italy, connecting over 130 towns.
Traveling by train in Salento is a “slow” experience through olive groves and historic rural stations. It’s perfect for those not in a hurry who want to soak in the landscape.
Don’t miss: The Railway Museum of Puglia in Lecce, one of the few in Italy dedicated to historic trains.
3. Traveling by Bus: STP & Salento in Bus
Local bus services are provided by STP Lecce, covering over 200 locations. Tickets can be bought at stations, authorized dealers, or on board with a small surcharge (€1.00).
Summer Special: Salento in Bus 2026
From June 1st to September 30th, the “Salento in Bus” project is active. It is designed specifically for tourists, connecting the Lecce City Terminal with major resorts like Otranto, Gallipoli, Santa Maria di Leuca, Porto Cesareo, and Castro.
- Call Center: +39 344 2274620 (Active 07:00 – 22:30)
- Pets: Small pets in carriers usually travel for free!
Need Real-Time Help?
For live schedules and ticket booking for both trains and buses, we recommend using Trainline, a great platform to compare all travel options in Salento.
