Many people arrive in Rome and then make their way south to Puglia, and one of the most common questions we hear is whether driving to Puglia is a good idea. With Puglia becoming an increasingly popular destination, this topic often comes up in our Italy travel planning sessions — and we love talking logistics! They can really make or break a vacation.
There are three main ways to get to Puglia:
- Take a train from Roma Termini to Bari Centrale. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours and you can book tickets through Trenitalia or Italo. We recommend booking first-class train tickets for extra space and added comfort. Once you’ve arrived in Bari, you can pick up a car at the station and continue exploring Puglia.
- Fly from Roma Fiumicino to Bari Airport. The trip is only one hour, so this is the quickest way to arrive, but considering airport times and the risk of flight delays, we usually suggest taking the train instead. Airlines that fly this route include ITA Airways, Ryanair and Wizzair.
- Drive from Rome to Puglia. This is the most flexible option and the one we’ll explore in detail. The journey takes around 5 hours, depending on traffic and your final destination. First, you’ll need to rent a car in Rome — we recommend booking through Sixt, although many major agencies are available. Remember to request an automatic vehicle, add full insurance coverage, and apply for an International Driver’s Permit before your trip (available at any AAA office for $25 and valid for one year).
Driving To Puglia: The Best Routes
The fastest and most direct route from Rome to Puglia takes you south on the A1 Autostrada del Sole toward Naples, then connects to the A30, and eventually merges with the A16, which cuts across the Apennine Mountains and leads into the heart of Puglia. This is the preferred route for travelers heading to central or southern destinations like Bari, Ostuni or Lecce. The route takes 5-6 hours depending on traffic and your final destination.
You can also add a 1-2 night stop in Matera before arriving in Puglia. We always recommend pairing these two destinations because they’re so close and Matera is very unique! One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Matera is known for its ancient cave dwellings and unique architecture carved into the rock.
Ready to dive in? Here’s what to see along the way.
1. Montecassino Abbey
90 minutes south of Rome, Montecassino Abbey is a historic landmark with beautiful views and a fascinating history. Founded by Saint Benedict in the 6th century, the abbey is considered the birthplace of monasticism in the Western world — where monks began living together in organized communities, shaping Christian life across Europe.
It was destroyed by Allied forces during WWII and painstakingly rebuilt over the following decades. Today you can visit the main basilica, cloisters and panoramic terrace in about an hour, but set aside more time if you want to explore the museum as well.
2. Reggia di Caserta
Two hours south of Rome and close to Naples, the Reggia di Caserta is one of Italy’s most impressive — and often overlooked — royal residences. Nicknamed the “Versailles of Italy,” this 18th-century palace was once home to the Bourbon Kings of Naples and reflects the full grandeur of their rule. Inside, you’ll find opulent Baroque interiors, a sweeping grand staircase and richly decorated halls featured in Star Wars and Mission: Impossible. Outside, the expansive formal gardens are lined with fountains, sculptures and manicured paths. It’s an easy detour off the A1 and well worth the visit.
There’s another reason to linger in Caserta: the area is home to some of Italy’s most celebrated pizzerias, including I Masanielli and Pepe in Grani in nearby Caiazzo. Both are extremely popular so be sure to book well in advance.
Where To Stay
- Castello di Limatola: a 10th-century castle offering historic stone rooms, period details and sweeping views of the surrounding hills.
- Grand Hotel Vanvitelli: right near La Reggia di Caserta, this grand 4-star stay features classical interiors, marble floors and a palm-lined pool.
- Aquapetra Resort & Spa: 30 minutes from Caserta, this peaceful retreat is set in a restored 19th-century hamlet surrounded by woodlands and olive groves, with a full-service spa and excellent restaurant.
- Casa Aulivo: a charming B&B in Caizzo with cozy stone-walled rooms and a peaceful garden.
3. Irpinia
One of southern Italy’s best-kept secrets is its incredible wine region. While everyone flocks to Tuscany, Irpinia (in inland Campania) offers volcanic soils, dramatic slopes and exceptional wines. This rugged, mountainous area produces Taurasi, a bold red, along with Fiano di Avellino and Greco di Tufo, two of Italy’s most distinctive whites.
Two of the most renowned wineries in the region are Feudi di San Gregorio and Mastroberardino. Feudi is known for its modern approach and striking architecture, while Mastroberardino is one of Campania’s oldest wineries, with a long history of preserving native grape varieties.
Where To Stay
- Radici Resort: a countryside haven with vineyards, a pool and a golf course.
- Borgo di San Gregorio: a refined agriturismo with gourmet wine and food experiences.
Where To Eat
- Trattoria di Pietro Crescenzo: a beloved local spot known for its handmade pasta and warm, rustic atmosphere.
- La Pignata: a family-run trattoria serving excellent seasonal dishes.
4. Sant’Agata di Puglia
As you cross into the northern reaches of Puglia, you’ll come across Sant’Agata di Puglia, a rugged hilltop town that feels remote and unfiltered. Sitting nearly 800 meters above sea level, it has sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, narrow stone lanes and a raw, understated beauty. Stop here for a glimpse of a slower way of life.
Where To Eat
- La Cantina della Canonica: located in the historic center, this restaurant is known for its traditional local cuisine and warm atmosphere.
5. Andria
There are many famous foods from Puglia, but one of our favorites is burrata — and Andria is its birthplace. Surrounded by olive groves and dairy farms, this small city is known for producing some of the region’s best mozzarella and burrata which is still made by hand in historic caseifici (cheese dairies).
Two spots to visit are Caseificio Olanda and Caseificio Montrone. Olanda is a family-run operation beloved for its high-quality burrata: you can stop in to pick up fresh cheeses or arrange a brief tasting with a little notice. Montrone is another wonderful local dairy, known for crafting traditional Pugliese cheeses using local milk. Andria is a worthwhile stop if you’re interested in local food traditions — or just want to try burrata straight from the source.
An Alternate Route Into Puglia (via Basilicata)
If you have a few extra days, this route takes you through Basilicata — one of Italy’s least visited regions known for its rugged mountains, quiet villages and longstanding traditions. These stops offer history, scenery and a deeper look at southern Italy beyond the usual tourist trail. They’re easy to reach by car and give you a chance to experience smaller towns and dramatic landscapes you might otherwise miss.
6. Castelmezzano
Tucked deep in the Lucanian Dolomites, the villages of Castelmezzano and Pietrapertosa are two of the most striking towns in the region. Both are listed among Italy’s “Borghi più belli d’Italia” and perch dramatically on opposite cliffs, surrounded by rocky spires and sweeping views.
With fewer than 1,000 residents each, they’re known for their narrow medieval lanes, quiet charm and one of the most unusual experiences in Italy: “Il Volo dell’Angelo” (the “Flight of the Angel”) — a zip-line that lets you fly between the peaks. Even if you skip the ride, the scenery alone makes this detour worth it.
7. Matera
One of Italy’s most unforgettable cities, Matera is just over an hour from Bari but feels like another world. Its ancient cave dwellings — known as the Sassi — have been inhabited for thousands of years, making Matera one of the oldest continuously lived-in places on Earth.
Once abandoned and considered a national shame, the city has been beautifully restored and was named a European Capital of Culture in 2019. It’s especially atmospheric at night, when the stone facades are softly lit and the whole town feels suspended in time.
Where To Stay
- Sextantio Le Grotte della Civita offers a unique stay in Matera’s oldest district, with cave rooms spread across separate historic dwellings that preserve the raw character of the Sassi.
- Sant’Angelo Luxury Resort stands out for its central location and full-service amenities, combining cave architecture with the comfort and convenience of a traditional luxury hotel.
- Palazzo Viceconte is a refined noble residence with frescoed halls and ravine views, offering a more classical alternative just steps from the Sassi.
8. Altamura & Gravina in Puglia (Alta Murgia)
After leaving Matera and crossing into Puglia, you’ll come across two towns in the Alta Murgia that are worth a stop: Altamura and Gravina in Puglia. This inland stretch is known for its limestone plateaus, wide-open wheat fields and strong farming traditions — a very different side of Puglia from the coast.
Altamura is best known for its traditional bread which is still baked in wood-fired ovens using local semolina. Just outside town, Caseificio DiDecca is a modern farm and dairy that produces fresh cheeses, yogurt and their own version of burrata. It’s a great place to stop for a tasting, pick up picnic supplies and meet our friend Vito, the owner. He and his wife also run a small cheese-and-wine bar called Baby DiCecca, tucked inside a nearby forest (Stanley Tucci stopped here in his show Searching for Italy.)
Just a short drive away, Gravina in Puglia is perched on the edge of a dramatic gorge with cave churches, rock-cut wine cellars and a Roman bridge you can walk across. It’s less visited than Matera but has a similarly carved-stone feel and centuries of layered history.
