Ostuni, often referred to as the “White City” due to its distinctive whitewashed buildings, is a picturesque town located in the Puglia region of southern Italy. Whether you’re planning a leisurely getaway or an adventurous exploration of the Itria Valley, understanding the best way to reach Ostuni is essential.
While Ostuni doesn’t have its own airport, it is conveniently accessible from two major airports in the region: Brindisi and Bari. Each offers its own advantages, depending on your travel preferences and flight options.
In this guide, we’ll explore the closest airports to Ostuni, how to reach the town from these airports, and provide tips to ensure a smooth journey.
Key Takeaways
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Brindisi Airport (BDS): Located approximately 31.5 km from Ostuni, Brindisi Salento Airport is the closest airport to the town. It offers direct bus services to Ostuni, making it a convenient option for travelers. The journey takes about 35 minutes and costs around €1.
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Bari Airport (BRI): Situated about 81.8 km from Ostuni, Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport is another viable option. While it’s farther than Brindisi, Bari offers a wider range of international flights. From Bari, you can reach Ostuni by train or bus, with travel times ranging from 1 hour to 1.5 hours.
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Transportation Options: Both airports provide various transportation methods to Ostuni, including rental cars, taxis, and public transportation. Renting a car offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
What is the closest airport to Ostuni?
When you travel to Ostuni you get to choose from two airports that are similarly close to the town. The closest airport to Ostuni is Brindisi airport. However, Brindisi sees limited traffic and flights. This means that your city might not be connected to Brindisi at all.
In this case, the second closest airport to Ostuni comes into play. It’s the Bari International Airport that is well connected to many European cities. This means that finding a cheap flight to Ostuni will be absolutely no problem.
Bari International Airport
Ostuni is an amazing town to visit. If you are visiting from smaller European cities, then the first airport you need to check is Bari Karol Wojtyła Airport. Bari’s very own international airport is served by many European cities small or big thanks to budget airlines like Ryanair and Wizz Air.
You will have absolutely no problems finding a ticket to Bari during summer from almost any European airport. It’s a popular town and many people land here when they are coming to Puglia.
How do you get from Bari to Ostuni?
There are two options here. The easier and more convenient option is renting a car. This is also a very handy thing to do if you are considering exploring the whole of Puglia. Although driving in Puglia can get a bit hectic at times the car will be your best friend to visit hidden gems and awesome towns.

The budget option here is a train. You can catch a train from Bari for less than 10 Euro. You have to remember that the actual train station in Ostuni is pretty far from town. We don’t recommend walking all the way from the station to the town center. Rather, you will have to take another public transport in the form of a local bus. It’s a little less convenient than renting a car but considerably cheaper.
Brindisi Salento Airport
Brindisi Airport is smaller than Bari and sees fewer flights bringing tourists each year. Regardless it’s a great hub for visiting Puglia and major European cities should be well connected. It is the closest airport to Ostuni after all.
You will find Brindisi to be a very modern airport. Despite the small size, it packs everything you might need on your travels and you can safely use this airport.
Getting from Brindisi to Ostuni
Once again, we recommend that you rent a car. It will make life very easy and you’ll get to explore the Puglia region in comfort. This is not to say you can’t get around via public transport, but it does get easier if you drive around.
In case you are looking for the budget option, or simply prefer not to experience the hectic driving style of Italians, then you can take a train. Train tickets are available at Brindisi train station. From there you will arrive at the outskirts of Ostuni where the train station is and have to take a bus into the city.
To Sum it Up…
There are two airports that you can choose for your Ostuni visit. The closest airport to Ostuni is Brindisi. However, you might find no actual flights to Brindisi from your location as it’s a smaller airport.
Not much further away you will find Bari International Airport which is accessible from almost everywhere in Europe. This is the best bet for most people. Both airports are within 100 KM of Ostuni, so you shouldn’t expect horrible transfer times.
Getting to Ostuni is best done via train and local bus if you want to opt for public transport. On the other hand, we highly recommend renting a car and enjoying the freedom it gives.
Conclusion
Choosing the right airport when traveling to Ostuni depends on your flight options, budget, and travel preferences. Brindisi Airport is the closest and most direct route, offering convenience for those arriving from within Europe. Bari Airport, while slightly farther, provides more international connections and may be preferable for travelers coming from outside Europe.
Regardless of your choice, both airports are well-connected to Ostuni, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey to this charming Italian destination.
About the Author
William Chase is the creator of gotyourpassport.com, a travel blog dedicated to helping new cooks build confidence in the kitchen. With a passion for exploring new destinations and cuisines, William shares his experiences and insights to inspire others to embark on their culinary adventures. His travels have taken him to various coastal towns, where he has enjoyed the local flavors and cultures, enriching his understanding of global cuisines.
FAQs
Q: What is the closest airport to Ostuni?
The closest airport to Ostuni is Brindisi Salento Airport (BDS), located approximately 31.5 km away.
Q: How can I get from Bari Airport to Ostuni?
From Bari Airport, you can take a train or bus to Ostuni. The journey takes about 1 to 1.5 hours.
Q: Is there public transportation from Brindisi Airport to Ostuni?
Yes, there are direct bus services from Brindisi Airport to Ostuni, with a travel time of about 35 minutes.
Q: Should I rent a car to reach Ostuni?
Renting a car offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore the surrounding areas at your own pace.
Q: Are there taxis available at both airports?
Yes, both Brindisi and Bari airports have taxi services available for travelers heading to Ostuni.